By Rayyanu Bala

In a time when unity is the most valuable currency in political and socio-economic advancement, Lafia City continues to suffer from a deeply entrenched culture of division. My elder brother Yusuf Shehu Usman’s recent heartfelt lament captures the pain and frustration of many concerned Lafia citizens who see the untapped potential of our city being squandered by internal rivalry, political selfishness, and lack of strategic leadership. His words are not only a lament but a clarion call to the elites and stakeholders of Lafia: we must change course now, or risk permanent marginalization.

The ongoing attempt by certain elements within Lafia town to frustrate the APC Chairman in Nasarawa State, Dr. Aliyu Bello, out of office for no justifiable reason is deeply disheartening and entirely unnecessary.

If, for instance, Dr. Aliyu Bello is removed from his position today, the chairmanship will likely not remain in Lafia, it will be moved elsewhere. So, what would we have gained? Absolutely nothing.

Not long ago, similar actions by some individuals within Lafia led to the removal of the former Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Aliyu Mohammad Ubandoma. Following his exit, that office was filled by someone from outside Lafia.

Let us ask ourselves honestly—did Lafia gain or lose from these developments?

Lafia is the capital of Nasarawa State. By virtue of geography, population, and history, one would expect our city to stand tall in both state and federal representation and access to opportunities. Sadly, this is not the case. We are consistently underrepresented at both the state and federal level, and this is not due to a lack of qualified people. Our problem is simple: we are divided, disorganised, and politically immature as a collective.

It is deeply troubling that while neighbouring towns close ranks and pursue common goals with impressive coordination, Lafia elites often pull in opposite directions. Political appointments that should empower our people and bring development to our communities end up becoming sources of personal conflicts. We allow petty differences, party affiliations to cloud the bigger picture.

We cannot continue like this.

The absence of a consultative political and developmental forum for Lafia City is a glaring omission in our structure. How can a city as important as ours not have a united front, a coalition of community leaders, politicians, traditional heads, youth leaders, and technocrats who can meet periodically, build consensus, and pursue collective interests? This vacuum is what outsiders exploit to our detriment. We are powerful as individuals, but collectively powerless because of our inability to come together.

Other communities across Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large have learnt to put political differences aside when it matters most. They consult. They strategize. They present one voice when opportunities arise. That is why they get the lion’s share of appointments, projects, and attention from the powers that be. Lafia, on the other hand, remains factionalised. Even within the same party, our leaders are often at war, undermining each other in ways that leave our people short-changed and frustrated.

It is time to set aside egos, party loyalties, and personal ambitions. What Lafia needs is not another election cycle filled with backstabbing and bitter politicking. What we need is an organized, well-structured forum for dialogue and strategy, a leadership council that will cut across political, religious, and ethnic divides with a singular aim: the advancement of Lafia.

To the elders, this is your responsibility. To the youth, this is your future. To our traditional leaders, this is your legacy. And to the political actors from Lafia, this is your chance to rise above mediocrity and selfishness.

We must remember: no one will build Lafia for us if we do not build it ourselves. The marginalisation we cry about is a product of our own disunity. Let us heed the call of Yusuf Shehu Usman and make this a turning point. A divided Lafia is a defeated Lafia. But a united Lafia can and will take its rightful place in the affairs of this state and nation.

Certainly this is the time for us to rise, consult, organize, and lead with one voice.