28 Feb 2009 |
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ON SAMBO, MAKARFI AND KADUNA 2011 Ahmed Rasheed Makarfi
In the past one week or so, I have read several write-ups, interviews and comments on the above subject matter. I believe the message that was intended in all the comments is that of a signal that 2011 elections is on the gear. Though one may think 2011 is too far, but to politicians, the permutation and intrigues start now. The first comment I read was from the southern Kaduna peoples union (SOKAPU) Published in our national dailies. They are claiming marginalization and apportioning blame on the state Governor, Arc. Muhammad Namadi Sambo and his administration. The second was the interview with Governor’s special adviser on media and publicity, where he confirmed the rift between Governor Sambo and his immediate predecessor,Senator Ahmed Makarfi. This issue has dominated the political scene of the state. First and fore most, I have often followed grievances of the Southern Kaduna people particularly through their union popularly known as SOKAPU. This democratic era they have every right to make audible all their demands and grievances which suit their urge for progress. Despite this, our brothers may hopefully understand that our state today has an action governor who is all out to address everyone’s demand. Governor Sambo is for all and Kaduna too is for all of us. We need to understand ourselves mutually regardless of all other considerations. I expect the elders to lobby for developmental project in their area, to utilize the opportunity given to some of them to uplift the living standard of their people, to exhibit more compassion for their kith and kin by seeking to ameliorate the suffering of the masses, as well as to impact positively on the development of their people and area. I appeal to the Southern Kaduna brethren to unite and pray for state creation of their own. But what is important at this stage is to support the state government, avoid unnecessary grudges on their northern brethren and they should not allow fifth columnist to distract the attention of the Sambo’s administration in providing the dividend of democracy. Then came the issue of the rift between Governor Sambo and senator Makarfi. I noticed of recent that this is the trend in most of the states of the federation. In some states like Zamfara and Taraba, the misunderstanding between the Governors and their predecessors has reared its ugly head. But here I learnt that there are indications that senator Makarfi is seeking reconciliation with his estranged successor. It was part of the mediation efforts that saw the duo attending an opening dinner of the just concluded national sports festival at Kaduna . It is a welcome development for the peace and progress of the state. It is obvious that some mischievous people can deliberately create enmity between our leaders. How could one explain that Makarfi is trying to destroy a house that he helped to build from the foundation? I believe Gov. Sambo deserves encouragement and support not only from his predecessor but the entire good people of Kaduna state. Even since his election in May 29th 2007, Gov. Sambo has proved that he did not seek public office for the sake of power. Instead, he perceives public office as a call for service to the people. Little wonder, that just half-time into the life of his administration, the end result is that many parts of the state including the most remote realize that true democracy is in action. The good people of Kaduna state are daily feeling the good impact of Sambo’s 11 point agenda right at their door step. Indeed, his impressive record has replaced cynicism and pessimism with renewal hope in democratic governance. He has endeared himself to the voters for giving priority to issues affecting the people in the area of security, health, water project, housing, education,poverty alleviation, youth empowerment among others. It is worthy mentioning, none occupies special place within the heart of the peoples’ governor like security. This is the first point of 11 point agenda that is security for peace and development. Kaduna is now peaceful, courtesy of good understanding of its citizens and of course Sambo’s initiatives and commitment through the highly praised operation Yaki. It is no secret that no meaningful development can ever take place without peace in any society. Youth and sports development is deeply in the mind of the action governor. Part of Sambo’s policy on youth development is the promotion of sports through various means including sports and its development. Over 15,000 sports men and women from all over the country are in Kaduna for the on-going 16th Annual National Sports Festival tagged “KADA GAMES 2009”. The government must be commended for making Kaduna a pride once again in the nation. Another area in which the Sambo administration has made significant impact is education and his achievements in this regard speak for themselves. One can see that this year’s budget tagged “Budget of consolidation and stabilization” which was recently presented to the house of assembly made special provision on this important sector. That the administration is committed to commence implementing the 27% new salary scale for teachers. And even last year, a whopping 27% of the entire budget was dedicated to this sector. This is with a view to pursuing its programme on free and compulsory primary education. Also despite the ever-increasing number of students in tertiary institutions, the Sambo administration believes that no expenditure is ever too much for the development of education. As a result, student scholarship allowance was recently paid to 8700 deserving students amounting to over one hundred million naira. Unarguably, the Sambo administration is pursuing health issues with tremendous zeal and sincere commitment. For example his policy of free medical services for pregnant women and children under five is now a reality in some selected hospitals. Also, contract for the construction of a 200 bed specialist and Kaduna Millennium city has been award. On the transport sector, the government plans fast rail from the Kaduna Millennium City to Abuja . Already railway transport services is fully operating in the state, which is highly lauded by the masses. Governor Sambo’s exemplary good character of honesty, responsibility, accountability, purposeful leadership and scholarship are part of the deliberate Socio-economic policies based on human development indices to revolutionalise not only the psyche of individual but to provide conducive atmosphere for growth and development. No doubt the promising Governor is leaving behind a legacy of commitment, achievement and enviable records of integrity, due process and honesty as a public servant as a politician for the younger ones to emulate. Surely, the governor has disarmed the hardened critics by his incredible record of achievements and visions in less than two years. It is certainly obvious that some politicians would envoy his record for the fear that he would leave an enduring legacies. Therefore his policies significant as they are, to succeed as expected, the administration deserves from the general public, good understanding, cooperation, support, encouragement and prayer, rather than sabotage, intimidation or threat. My candid advice to the good people of Kaduna State is to give their maximum support to Sambo’s administration and not to allow fifth columnist to distract his attention. Ahmed Rasheed Makarfi C 3 Tudun Wada , Makarfi, Kaduna State
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