TALBA, KURE and our hope

“Most people fail simply because they can not join the beginning with the end” JOHN MASON

      Niger State popularly known as “the power state” has in the recent times becomes a regular feature in both print and electronic media, neither because of the presence of two erstwhile Nigerian Leaders; Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdul Salami Abubakar nor the three hydro-power stations in Niger State that are still functional. Yet, Niger State boils in controversies. The reason is the political crisis between the loyalists of immediate past Governor-Engr A.A. Kure and the incumbent Governor, The Chief Servant, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu.

      The crisis was said to be exacerbated by the resolve of Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu to prioritize masses oriented policies, contrary to the usual business of driving into the Government House to pick some fortunes. The Chief Servant also opted for a set of politicians with the wherewithal to move Niger State forward, so that Niger State will be among five most industrialized states.

      Whatever might be the cause of this feud between members of Niger State PDP. The crisis with a sincere approach it can be resolved. I earlier resolve to adopt “siddon look” approach simply because it’s a clash of political class. However, my instincts pushed me to scribble this piece on the strength of a prophetic hadith which implore us to correct aberration with either our hand, mouth or despise such conduct in our minds. I choose to lend my voice, because for now that is the extent I could go. 

      That be as it may, I see both Talban Minna (Dr. M.B. Aliyu) and Ranin Lapai (Engr. A.A. Kure) as illustrious sons of Niger State, whose role in Niger States politics will surely go down in our History books. Similarly, they are both members of PDP, who joined the party after a brief stint with FCDA. Their Emergence in the political arena of Niger State also has some common features. All these are coincidence.

      While Kure served as “Mr. Governor” of Niger State for eight years; Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu as “Chief Servant” is barely nine months in office. Agreed, government is a continuous process; just like the saying in the military parlance “soja go, soja come barrack no empty”. The last eight years of Democracy in Niger State according to Nigerlites was marred by abuse of civil service rules, non-execution of contract, institutionalization of god-fatherism, neglect of state owned media firms. Niger state civil servants were paid stipends as salary, student’s scholarship were rarely paid. The State General Hospital in Bida, Suleja and Minna were reduced to consultancy centres etc.

      This year, the Government of Talban Minna is poised to reposition Niger State; civil servants have being urged to be proactive, physical projects are revisited, our health centers are being resuscitated, there’s strict compliance with rule of law and order. Local government chairman now focus on grassroots’ development, political thuggery is now substituted with diligent work etc.

      Presently, the judicial commission of inquiry constituted to ascertain the state’s indebtedness to contractors is making a huge progress. Already, revelations at the commission shows that some companies that got juicy contract through a “Bid” by the Tenders board never visit the site of the purported projects. Yet, they were paid agreed contract sum for work not executed. The whole exercise turned out to be free for all exercise.

      Today, Ex-Governor Kure is challenging the composition, inauguration and operation of the commission before Minna High Court. He’s praying the Honorable court to grant him an injunction to restrain the sitting of the commission. The obvious consequence of this prayer is that those who unabashedly looted the state treasury thereby jeopardizing the future of younger generation in the aspect of Education, good health care and good roads will go away with it. While the “power state” lay lame, yearning for laudable infrastructural development.

      If I were Engr. A.A. Kure, my response on this “cleasing exercise” shall be “No comment”.Bearing in mind that you were at certain time reported to have showed your dismay on the level non-performance. He should also thank Allah that he’s alive to seek for forgiveness and defend himself when the need arises, particularly on payment and non-execution of work. 

      He should rather see the commission as avenue to know what really transpired in his gov’t than seeing it as effort targeted at him.

      Afterall, Nigerlites are only interested in seeing infrastructural development, manpower development, good health care delivery, accessible road network, motivational welfare package for civil servants, and improvement of Educational institutions across the state. We (Nigerlites) hope to see a state where milk and honey flows for all indigenes. And, eschew a state where bickering, blackmail and betrayal become the order of the day. Our state will not develop when a few individuals see the opportunity to serve as an avenue for self-enrichment.

      The Talba Administration is giving the state a deserved redemption in all ramifications. And, worthy of mention is the Education stakeholders meeting to fashion a new way to improve our wards academic performance. However, without mincing words, I request the entire masses, political class and public servant to sheath their sword. This feud is reconcilable because the only way to pursue peace is to pursue those who threaten peace as such we should imbibe patience not pressure; encouragement and not discouragement so that Niger State will excel… that’s our hope.

Barr. Danlami Alhaji Wushishi

No. 6 Dutsen Kura, Minna

danwushishi@yahoo.com