Katsina 2015: Heed the call, Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya

The task before the people of Katsina State in choosing the next governor has never been as delicate as now. This has to do with the political scenario prevailing in the country vis-à-vis the emerging challenges confronting the socio-political life of northern Nigeria and its people.It is common knowledge that the immediate challenge facing governance […]

The task before the people of Katsina State in choosing the next governor has never been as delicate as now. This has to do with the political scenario prevailing in the country vis-à-vis the emerging challenges confronting the socio-political life of northern Nigeria and its people.
It is common knowledge that the immediate challenge facing governance today has to do with dwindling economy brought about by sharp decline in government’s income. This has resulted in sudden drop in statutory allocations to states. As we approach 2015, a combination of 2 factors may worsen the economic situation of the tiers of governments. Most of the international oil corporations (IOCs) operating in the oil and gas sector of the economy have reached advanced stages of preparations for the divestment of their investments here. This coupled with the fact that the United States of America will by 2015 stop buying crude oil from Nigeria owing to the discovery of the shale gas technology of fuel production. In addition to these, the imminent re-structuring of the polity as clamoured by some sections of the country has received the blessings of the recently concluded national conference. We might as well expect some fundamental changes which may include devolution of power from the centre to the states.
Having the above scenario very likely happening in as early as next year, it is therefore incumbent on all of us to put all our hands on deck to ensure that the next governor of our beloved state must not only be competent but knowledgeable in the 21st century governance techniques that encompasses big ideas on how to create wealth by building the capacities of the people and creating avenues for production stimulation and general empowerment of the populace. Any state whose government is not knowledge driven will by the end of the decade be in a big hole of a mess. The business of governance and party politics participation in today’s Nigeria is a serious issue that individuals with impeccable character and proper orientation in the act of good governance must be encouraged and drafted to partake.
Engineer Kabir Abdul-lahi Barkiya, a civil engineer by education and a seasoned career civil servant is undoubtedly one of the best personalities produced by Katsina state. One good thing about him is that he needs no introduction. Just the mention of his name ignites a memory of a person of tremendous goodwill and performance. His major spell in public glare was when he held sway as the director general of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). He repositioned the agency and made it very visible with the performance and credibility of the defunct PTF. In the short time he headed the agency; he earned it credibility and above all his goodwill transcended to all and sundry. His policy of empowerment of local contractors and professionals in the construction industry has touched many people within and outside Katsina State. He is certainly a tested and trusted personality to face the impending challenges of taking our state to greater heights.
Katsina happens to be one of the luckiest states in today’s Nigeria in terms of governance since the commencement of the fourth republic. The two successive benevolent administrations of late Umar Yar’Adua and Ibrahim Shema have built solid foundations in areas of human development such as education, Housing, Agriculture, Health and critical infrastructure among many others. As at 1999 there was not even a university satellite campus in the state. As at today Katsina State houses Three (3) full-fledged universities. All the primary schools in the state were remodelled and new ones built. New secondary schools built and equipped. Housing estates built in every local government with more than 4 estates developed in the state capital. A modern network of roads built across the state capital and headquarters of many local government areas. In the area of energy, two gigantic power plants are under construction for the production of green energy using wind and solar energies. All these and many more developmental projects were achieved with zero (0) debt burden on the state and its citizenry. We are aware of some states with huge debt burdens but with dismal performance which cannot stand anywhere close to Katsina State’s.
We as responsible citizens cannot afford to fold our arms and allow our state with the above potentials to fall in wrong hands. We must strive to see to it that the right calibre of personality that combines all the qualities required of a good leader is encouraged to aspire. We are calling on Engineer Barkiya to come forward for this assignment.  

Sani Dutsin-ma, of Barkiya Support Group, wrote from Katsina