Al-Makura as a test-case of CPC regime

In his speech titled “A Fresh Start and a New Deal”, he had spoken extensively on the crucial areas of immediate focus of his government. For instance, while acknowledging the people’s support, trust and sacrifice in the cause of the struggle for a new political order, he had exposed some of the already known problems […]

In his speech titled “A Fresh Start and a New Deal”, he had spoken extensively on the crucial areas of immediate focus of his government. For instance, while acknowledging the people’s support, trust and sacrifice in the cause of the struggle for a new political order, he had exposed some of the already known problems of the state which had been held hostage for over 14 years of its creation “to the folly and excesses of its rulers”. He had added that the state was “caught up in a grave moral and ethical crisis. Our state institutions are poorly managed, our infrastructures dilapidated, while economy is weak – the result of myopia, greed and irresponsibility on the part of some but also of our collective failure to demand from our leaders”. To him, most people he sees around are unemployed; “the healthcare is deficient, our education system is in dire need of reforms and our lack of power and energy threatens our economic progress”.

This shocking analysis showed the man as a good society reader, a student of history who is largely informed by the desire for prompt social change. He is a dogged fighter, an exposed agent of transformation who does not wish to be scored a failure by history. Indeed, all eyes will be on him in Nigeria, for two main reasons: he is the only CPC governor in the country through whom it ideals and reform agenda projected through its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari will be performed.

Secondly, he is a comrade – a socially conscious advocate of change, who had been so opportuned before now to change in the concerns of the masses. He has also been a hardworking youth leader, an inspiring motivator and an inspirer of those with keen interest in propagating credible ideologies and scholarship. Brave, self – assertive, industrious and philanthropic – minded, Al-Makura is a focused, sincere, courageous and futuristic administrator and leader. His speech at the inauguration represented a strong statement of commitment to the greatness of society.

For instance, he pledged a regime of transparency and accountability which would aid development drive: “Our CPC government will be an accountable and corrective one. We will insist that those of us who are entrusted with power and public funds will be required to spend prudently, change bad habits, conduct affairs openly, and be held to account, as only then can we hope to restore integrity, trust and faith in governance in Nasarawa State”. This means he does not regard himself as the only pillar of change but prepared to work with people – of – like minds, patriots and disciples of progressive ideology. His lieutenants shall be tested hands, capable of influencing change.

He has pledged also to transform the civil service which is “critical to the success or failure of any administration”, and it is expected to be disciplined, efficient, courteous, selfless and exemplary”. Healthcare will also be attended to, as well as education which will “help people help themselves, and cast off the chains of poverty”, and the repaired economy will be measured by “the size of our gross domestic product, but our ability to spread prosperity to every person able and willing to work”. While expressing joy at the resumption of work by striking doctors, he pledged that the new government will provide “an opportunity for constructive engagement”. He is delighted with the calibre of the membership of the House of Assembly, who should always be expected “to support what is right”. To him, the new administration has come “to give a decent burial to the politics of arrogance, pettiness, division and false promises that have plagued our body politic”. It has come, he said “on the path of struggle, hard work and risk – taking, as well as openness to new ideas”. The regime is committed to stimulating the economy “for long – term growth, impart our young men and women with skills, and create opportunities for self –employment”. This is because “the mantle of power has now passed to a new generation of our people, a change which we regard as a call to bear the burden of a long titanic struggle, and one for which there can be no adequate reward other than in its fulfillment. So let it be said, when the modern history of our state comes to be written, that when we were tried and tested, we were not found lacking in moral fibre, that we did not falter or even flinch; and that when finally we took our exit, we left Nasarawa State in a far better form and shape than we had found it, or than anyone had ever dared to imagine”.

Malam Aliyu Mu’azu writes from, No. 56, Unguwar-Sarki, Kaduna