By Ibrahim Habu Suleiman
At just over twenty two years Nasarawa State is one of the youngest states in the country. Nor is the state among the richest. This singles it out among those states still playing catch up in terms of development.
It is not gainsaying the fact that the task of ensuring the establishment of a sustainable, free and prosperous society rests on the shoulders of its leaders and to some extent the followers, for the latter have a choice in a democratic entity to elect responsible leaders or kick out insensitive and unproductive ones.
Thus, out of the three democratically elected governors of the state since 1999, two of them succeeded in getting two terms in office while the third, late Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma lasted for only one term and was ousted at the polls. Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura was able to beat his predecessor, an incumbent governor because the masses of the population were then solidly behind him.
And as expected in spite of the presence of a fierce opposition from the PDP dominated House of Assembly, Governor Almakura was able to acquit himself credibly, particularly in the area of infrastructural development.
At any rate, the first of the two civilian governors that preceded Governor Almakura was Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Turakin Keffi, who is the current senator representing Nasarawa West. He is regarded as the founding father of modern Nasarawa State, not only as the first executive governor, but also for ensuring that peace reigned supreme despite skirmishes in parts of the state. The governor’s handling of the crises brought an enduring peace that tended to symbolise the governor’s leadership style, which was anchored on his belief that all nationalities that found themselves in the state must be treated as equal citizens, and sons and daughters of the land.
As the case was however, the governor’s position did not go down well with many indigenes in the state nevertheless, as a credible leader who knew his onions, he held on firm to his beliefs thereby establishing an enduring legacy and a benchmark for his successors to emulate. Therein lies his contribution as the first executive governor of the state. Of course, in terms of infrastructural projects like roads former governor Abdullahi Adamu was too preoccupied with establishing the rudiments of a democratic entity to be distracted. It goes without saying that as the founding father of modern Nasarawa he did play his part effectively. To this end he is credited for establishing the only state University in Keffi as well as a polytechnic in Lafia, the state capital among others. Today, these tertiary institutions are serving the state appropriately by providing qualified manpower needed to foster the development of the state.
Besides, to further underscore his unwavering contributions to the socio-economic and political development of the state the former governor has remained quite relevant even after successfully completing his tenure, emerging as the Distinguished Senator representing his constituency. This has made him a political icon and many notable political figures within and outside the state troupe in to seek his advice or blessings.
Hence today, the very idea of the coming together of the former state governor Abdullahi Adamu and incumbent governor Almakura has strengthened the state’s prospects. As observed by the National Chairman of the ruling APC, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole recently at the flag-off ceremony of APC campaign activities in the state at the Lafia square, “Governor Almakura is an example in leadership;” adding, “it is only in Nasarawa that I have seen a governor from 1999 and a new governor all working together side by side.” Of course this union of the founding father and the architect of modern Nasarawa State is what has actually brought the most experienced minds from across the state together for APC. And as Comrade Oshiomhole further noted, the next coming governor of the state would have at his disposal experienced “former” governors to fall back on for possible pieces of advice on how best to stir the ship of state. Moreover, as the 2019 governorship polls draw closer such a solid union of these gladiators in the state political arena can only mean one thing, unanimous victory for APC in the state.