By Rayyanu Bala
Your Excellency,
I write to draw your attention to some recent remarks attributed to your counterpart in Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, which I believe offer an important lesson on the seriousness of governance and the responsibilities of public office.
During a visit to the Emir of Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area, Governor Bago reportedly issued a stern warning to political opponents and individuals he accused of engaging in activities capable of undermining his administration and the APC.
He reportedly declared that his government would not allow anyone to make a mockery of it and get away with it. He also spoke about having records of questionable dealings involving certain political actors and the possibility of reopening their files for appropriate action.
Your Excellency, whether or not one entirely agrees with Bago’s choice of words, the message about the seriousness of public office is worth reflecting upon.
Governance is a serious business. It is not a tea party. As a leader, you cannot satisfy everyone, and you must sometimes make difficult decisions in the overall interest of the people and the state.
This is why I believe you should take a cue from Governor Bago.
As Governor of Nasarawa State, you occupy an office that demands courage, decisiveness, firmness, and an unwavering commitment to the public interest, as well as the promotion and protection of the APC.
Your Excellency, there is a difference between being politically accommodating and allowing impunity to thrive. There is also a difference between maintaining political peace and sacrificing good governance on the altar of political expediency.
A government must be firm enough to protect its institutions, defend public resources, and hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their political affiliations or connections.
In my article published yesterday in Nasarawa Eye Newspaper, titled “2027: The Sin of A. A. Sule,” I explained that your greatest offence, in the eyes of those tormenting your government and the APC, is your refusal to jettison zoning and your unwillingness to allow one individual to dictate the political future of Nasarawa State.
Your position on both issues is in the best interest of Nasarawa State and its citizens. So, why hesitate to spell out the consequences of actions that negatively affect your government and the APC?
If former public officeholders have questionable records, investigate them and hold them accountable. If individuals are using their cronies to undermine your government and the APC, take appropriate action against them through lawful and legitimate means.
Nobody should be above the law, whether in the ruling party or the opposition.
Your Excellency, the point is simple: a government must not appear helpless in the face of wrongdoing by opposition elements. Leadership requires the courage to confront difficult issues, even when those involved are politically influential or have previously occupied important public offices.
Governor Bago’s remarks should therefore provoke serious reflection in Nasarawa State. It is not enough to occupy the Government House, issue statements, and maintain political relationships. The real test of leadership is what a government does when confronted with misconduct, abuse of office and attempts to undermine public institutions. Just like the one they did in distrupting the presidential campaign rally last Tuesday.
Your Excellency, you do not necessarily have to copy Governor Bago’s language, but you should emulate his firmness and demonstrate the willingness to challenge anyone who dares to undermine your authority. Show them that you are not only in government but also in power.
History will not judge you by the number of political allies you protected or the number of political battles you avoided. It will judge you by your decisions, your courage, and how you managed the mandate entrusted to you by the people and the APC.
Governor Sule, this is a moment to demonstrate that governance in Nasarawa State is not business as usual.
Governance is a serious business. Nobody should be allowed to make a mockery of the institutions of government and expect to get away with it.
Please take a cue from Governor Bago.
