Good governance versus peoples’ priority

When the federal government of Nigeria constructed the Damaturu-Biu federal highway 40 years ago, it provided hope for prosperity for the communities and other Nigerians using the road for trade and other socio-economic activities. Forty years after, the once viable road suffered total neglect and, minor pot holes enlarged into huge pits forming water pond […]

When the federal government of Nigeria constructed the Damaturu-Biu federal highway 40 years ago, it provided hope for prosperity for the communities and other Nigerians using the road for trade and other socio-economic activities. Forty years after, the once viable road suffered total neglect and, minor pot holes enlarged into huge pits forming water pond on the roads in the rainy seasons thereby becoming death traps.
For motorists and commuters, it was always a trying experience with a lot of risks ranging from constant vehicle breakage to loss of lives through accidents and, this affected socio-economic lives of communities lined up on the federal road. The volume of trade between Yobe state and Biu in Borno state, Adamawa and Taraba states grossly declined.
When Yobe state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, recently visited Buni-Yadi the headquarters of Gujba local government, he publicly consoled the people over their experience on that federal road. Speakers upon speakers, pleaded with the state government to pressurize federal government to reconstruct the road.
But in the spirit of good governance and responsiveness, the governor instantly announced to the delight of the people that the state government would take over the reconstruction of the 77 kilometers federal road and with immediate effect. The peoples’ joy was boundless.
The people jubilated with certainty that the road will be reconstructed because, Yobe government under Ibrahim Gaidam made similar declarations on some other federal roads in the state and it came to fruition earning him a Hausa nickname “A fada a cika sai dan kwarai”  meaning, (the trustworthy says and fulfils it).
The taking over of six federal roads for construction and rehabilitation by Yobe state government, evidently reflects the commitment of a responsive and responsible government to the plight of its people. Most federal highways across the country are today dilapidated and beyond repairs due to failure of the central government and, unresponsive attitude of some state governments to important issues that affects the lives of their people such as the roads.
It is gratifying that a total of 318 kilometers of six federal roads have so far been taken over by Yobe State government for new construction and rehabilitation. Already, the 109km Kaliyari-Bayamari-Geidam road, 35km Geidam-Mainesoroa and, 8km with 2 bridges on the Buni-Gulani roads totaling 152km with 2 bridges have been completed.
Although the federal government awarded contract for the construction of 31km Gashua-Yusufari road 10 years ago, no work was done until last year when Yobe government took over the project with work now at 65% completion stage.
Similarly, the 58 km Nguru-Machina road which was awarded by the federal government at about the same time with the Gashua-Yusufari road, was equally abandoned as soon as it was awarded. It is heartwarming that contractors have mobilized to site as soon as the state government took over construction of the project.
With the latest award of the contract for reconstruction of the 77km Damaturu-Buni-Magza road on the Damaturu-Biu federal highway and, mobilization of contractors to site, there is a great deal of hope for a new breath of life for the benefitting communities and indeed other Nigerians using the road.
For every patriotic citizen of the state, it is gladdening that trade and economic activities have grossly improved in Dapchi, Bayamari, Geidam and other smaller communities following the reconstruction of the Kalayari-Bayamari-Geidam road. In spite of the security challenges that faced the state, livestock trade in Bayamari and Geidam has witnessed increased patronage from all parts of the country.
Looking at the resources accruing to the state amidst the security challenges, it is indeed a wise decision with foresight that government is injecting these resources into viable projects such as the roads. The roads undoubtedly have immediate and long term socio-economic benefits to the state and its people.
The construction of 300km Trans Sahara route from Kanama to Machina cutting across four local government areas of Nguru, Karasuwa, Machina and Yunusari would undoubtedly fast track economic growth, boost productivity and, reduce poverty among the over 200 communities benefitting from this road.
Gadaka and Godowoli communities are rich in agricultural production whose potentials are poorly exploited and wasted due to poor road network. Previous governments failed to venture into construction of this road because of its difficult terrain and the huge financial implications. I wish to join the people Godowoli and Gadaka communities in celebrating the on-going construction of the 36km road.
Alhaji Lawan Shettima, commissioner for works, has assured the people of government’s commitment to complete all road projects undertaken by the state government as it has the financial capacity. “Government maintains high sense of financial discipline and commitment to ensure all road projects are completed“.
When governments at all levels give desired attention to issues directly affecting the lives of the people without recourse to who bears the responsibility at the expense of the people, just like Yobe state
government has done on the federal roads without waiting for the federal government because it is a federal responsibility, governance becomes responsible and responsive to the citizenry.
Al-Amin wrote from Damaturu, Yobe State.