By Victor Akawu

Ahead of the 2027 general election, there is a growing propensity to politicise issues, particularly in Nasarawa West Senatorial District, where agitation for zoning and possible successor of incumbent governor, Engr. A. A. Sule is expected to emerge.

There is nowhere there is so much name calling than on the issue of the terrible condition of the Keffi-Nasarawa Road, a federal highway that has deteriorated due mostly as a result of years of neglect.

Following outcries from commuters and communities plying the road, efforts were made to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the dilapidated condition of the road, now a death trap.

First, it would be recalled that Engr. A. A Sule took it upon himself to visit the Minister of Works, as well as FEMA, seeking to draw attention to the road. While FEMA accepted to undertake immediate remedial rehabilitation of the road, the Federal Ministry of Works awarded contract for the reconstruction of the entire road.

So, if anybody wakes up to blame the governor for not taking any action regarding the Keffi-Nasarawa Road, then such a person is not being fair to Engr. A. A. Sule.

Then enters Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, the lawmaker representing the zone at the national assembly. Disturbed by the persistent outburst and outcries from the members of his constituency on the condition of the road, further worsened by heavy rainfall, he took up the matter to find out why after the award of contract work on the road is yet to commence.

The revelation was startling. The road contract has been awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works. However, the contractor handling the project has disappeared after collecting mobilisation. The committee that investigated the matter discovered that the contractor handling the project has no physical and variable office. In fact, even the phone number he submitted was no longer functional. To cut the long story short, the issue is now a matter of investigation with the ICPC trying to unravel the mysterious award of a contract worth millions of naira to a non existent contractor.

In furtherance of his role as the legislator representing the zone, Senator Wadada did not rest on his oars. His political detractors may not like it but it can be confirmed authoritatively that Senator Wadada took up the matter relentless with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu not until through chance and providence, with both Senator Wadada and the Minister of Works being at the Presidential Villa, the lawmaker brought up the matter, following which President Tinubu directed the Minister to include the Keffi-Nasarawa Road amongst projects to be considered for rehabilitation.

Political jobbers and detractors may not like it but the visit by the Minister of Works and inspection scheduled for tomorrow, is the outcome of the intervention by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.

We must learn to give honour to whom honour is due. Indeed, for Senator Wadada, resolving the lingering problem associated with the dilapidated condition of the Keffi-Nasarawa Road is not necessarily political but a commitment in his responsibility to provide effective representation to his people.

However, those seeking to paint a different picture in order to prosecute their political vendetta will be disappointed by the facts that would certainly emerge now or in the nearest future on what role Senator Wadada played leading to the desired attention being given by the federal government towards rehabilitating the Keffi-Nasarawa Road.

Certainly, time shall tell and the truth would be revealed.

Akawu is the Special Assistant on Social Media to Distinguished Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu (Sarkin Yakin Keffi).