From Beauty John, LAFIA
The saying “change is the only thing that remains constant in life,” captures the proportionate increase of the political conscientiousness and awareness of the electorates at the grassroots level compare to what was obtainable over the years in Nasarawa State.
As battle to elect Council Bosses rages in the state, electorates have begun to outline and set likely perimeters such as good governance and vissible dividend of democracy to determine who gets what in the next local government election. This is an indication that they have outgrown stages of imposition of candidates by the politicians against the will of the people.
All pointers indicate that with their new level of political conscientiousness and the desire to enjoy dividends of democracy, there will no business as usual for elected government officials but rather be on their toes to ensure they deliver as expected or bid their positions farewell.
As local government elections in Nasarawa, slated for February 2021 by the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) approaches, Local Government Area (LGA) bosses, who are seeking to return for another three year tenure are seen, canvassing for support from electorates, while others deep down are preparing their minds for exit.
The NASIEC chairman, Barr Ayuba Wandai Usman, during an oversight visit to his office by the Nasarawa state House of Assembly House Committee on NASIEC and Multilateral Cooperation, in October 2020, assured the lawmakers of a free, fair and credible election.
However, due to the outbreak of the novel corona virus and the government’s concerted efforts to curtail its spread, the electoral body slammed a ban on campaign gatherings.
As unconventional and business unusual as elections without campaign rallies appear, the accomplishments of the incumbent chairmen are left to speak for them.
There is no doubt the success stories of the two young Council chairmen in the state; Mohammed Sani Otto of Nasarawa Local Government and Akala Samuel Gajere of Karu Local Government have inspired people in their respective Local Government in the last two and half years in office.
According to stakehokders in the afformentioned who do want their names mentioned, the duo who represented the youth constituency performed creditably well in the area of good governance and also recorded remarkable and unprecedented achievements at the grass roots level.
With vibrant minds and upto date information and ideas in governance, especially in a century with constant technological advancement, much have been achieved within such a short time.
According to pundits, the chairman of Nasarawa LGA, Mohammed Sani Otto , has performed remarkably in the last two and half years of his administration.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Sani Otto said he has delivered on his electoral promises.
According to him, If elections are won by one’s achievements and popularity, then, he has what it takes to win his re-election without hitches.
“I say this confidently that I am a candidate to beat and whoever is coming to contest with me, will have to get himself or herself prepared because in my campaign promises, I have promised a lot and I have delivered on my promises to the electorates. Therefore, I am confident that my re-election will be a landslide victory,” he said.
This assertion may seem like self-praise, but it should be expected when one is confident of his achievements, especially when there’s proof for the public’s glaring eyes. shouldn’t he whom is worthy of commendation be given the merited accolades?
Keeping in mind the grave importance of good roads to his people, given that over 80% of the population in the LGA are engaged in farming activities, and the need to convey their farm produce from their various farms to desired locations, the chairman successfully constructed roads to ease transportation of both people and goods within the LGA, despite lean resources at his disposal.
Angwan Mairake to Mangoro Goma Road, Nasarawa, Angwan Malam to Angwan Dutse Road, Nasarawa, Grading of Nasarawa – Onda Road and Grading of Angwan Gareji to Abattoir Road, Laminga. have since been completed.
The Angwan Fawa Bridge, Nasarawa – Onda Bridge, Nasarawa – Ara Ring Culvert, Two box Culverts at Gunki , Akum – Agimaza Bridge among others have been constructed by the Council chair in an effort to link communities for social, cultural, religious, economic engagements, harmonious coexistence and to control flood.
One cannot ignore the state of the art abattoir being constructed by Mohammed Sani Otto administration. The idea, which was conceived by his desire to promote good hygiene and general health condition of his people saw to the magnificent and elegant abattoir, sited in Laminga, with an Ultra-Modern Motorized Borehole for easy access to water and named after the incumbent government, Engr Abdullahi A Sule.
Otto led-administration had also
installed 2,000 metres Solar Power Street Lights at Nasarawa, Onda and Loko, it constructed Ultra-Modern Motorized Boreholes at; Keri, Odu Community, Koba, Onda Community, Angwan Rimin Kofa, Loko, Nasarawa Local Government Council Secretariat, Nasarawa, Government Lodge(VIP), Nasarawa, Agbargada, Onda Community.
Women and Youth have been a cardinal point of his administration, this is evident in several empowerment programmes organized by the LGA boss with a view to making them self – reliance.
Otto saw to the remodelling of Nasarawa Local Government Council Legislative Chamber to a befitting standard including Offices of the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Principal Officers, and the general renovation of Nasarawa Local Government Council Secretariat.
As a man who was deeply concerned of the security of lives and property of his people, shortly after assumped office, he felt the need to resolve the lingering crisis between herders and farmers in Agatu Community which left many displaced.
Promptly swinging into action, he sought the assistance of Traditional Council, Religious Bodies, Security Agencies and other relevant stakeholders to bring an end to crisis which consumed lives including those of men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad. He saw to the reconciliation of the duo and the return of Agatu to their various homes.
Twice conferred “ Best Chairman Award” in the state, “Anti Corruption Award” by National Youths Service Corps in Nasarawa Local Government Area, and the group, Relate Youth For Positive Impact, after careful consideration, conferred on him an award of excellence as “Youth Visionary Leader” an award indeed well deserved.
Despite the political hullabaloo and brouhaha, mandate would most likely be given to whom the people see worthy, people who have represented in the best possible ways, with dividends of democracy enjoyed by the masses to show for it.
To some it would be like a camel going through a needle hole, but for Mohammed Sani Otto, it’s a landslide victory awaiting, as the electorates have thrown their weight behind him.
