Leadership legacy of Kebbi State
It has been quiet on the Kebbi State front for some time and we must thank Almighty Allah for that because Nigeria today seems to be on the boil with so much wailing and shouting over crime and corruption. Fortunately in Kebbi State the agricultural exploits of our rice farmers hits the news headlines in […]
It has been quiet on the Kebbi State front for some time and we must thank Almighty Allah for that because Nigeria today seems to be on the boil with so much wailing and shouting over crime and corruption. Fortunately in Kebbi State the agricultural exploits of our rice farmers hits the news headlines in recent times more than any other issue.
Even on the political scene it has been a united front as our people acted in unison by embracing the ruling APC, so the emergence of any rancor is unwarranted. Unfortunately, it seems the frustrated politicians and other disgruntled elements are bent on fouling the air of tranquility as a negative aspect of their preparations for 2019 elections. Colluding with certain other individuals with grudges over decline of stature and relevance their agenda is contrary to that of the united and peace-loving people of the state.
Evidence of their evil plan came to light when all of a sudden they targeted one of the most illustrious leaders of Kebbi State, Senator Adamu Aliero, for political blackmail and image smearing in the misguided belief that his emergence as first citizen of Kebbi State was responsible for their travails. This was the vogue more than a decade ago when he was Governor of the state but it ended in woeful futility soon after. Now its sponsors are recycling their trashed vendetta by launching a discredited media campaign purportedly urging the EFCC and the ICPC to respond to an eleven-year old petition of spurious allegations they concocted against Senator Aliero as governor.
It is worth recalling that out of frustration that their petition failed the credibility test of the agencies several years ago these same disgruntled detractors pursued their delusions to the obsessive extent of seeking court order to force the agencies to do their bidding by “prosecuting” Aliero! The Supreme Court expectedly dismissed their vain clamour saying the agencies know best and cannot be stampeded. Since then it has been a humiliating acceptance of the futility of their frivolity which, contrary to their wishes, actually enhanced Aliero’s reputation for incorrigibility and stickler for due process in official transactions.
Even under the mudslinging attack of his detractors, Aliero fired a missile of self-confidence in his anti-corruption principles when he took the unprecedented step of officially inviting EFCC to investigate a huge financial scam he uncovered involving some of his commissioners. The ensuing investigation ended in prosecution of the cabinet members involved and their collaborators in the state civil service. This episode demonstrated the courage and conviction of Aliero as an uncompromisingly upright person who maintained such sterling qualities of God fearing honesty and integrity in public service where many got carried away to pilfer and plunder recklessly.
He could not have the audacity to invite EFCC to investigate members of his cabinet and their ministries if indeed the petitioners had substantiated evidence of the malicious allegations they compiled against him. The commissioners being investigated too could easily have exposed his excesses in retaliation if there were any. Putting all these together, it is no wonder that Aliero is often described as one of the most investigated public officers but the most marvelous fall-out must be the seamless progression in his life and political career from governor to senator to minister and now re-elected back to the Senate in the ranks of the most distinguished and experienced.
Meanwhile, the people of Kebbi State witnessed remarkable performance record in Aliero’s two terms which notably included transformation of over 700 towns and villages with power and water supply, over 1,000 kilometres of inter-city and inter-town roads, Kebbi Airport, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, ultra modern Bala Usman Library, School of Nursing and Midwifery, among several other functional health and educational institutions. When we now reflect on the Labana Rice Mills established by Senator Aliero as a retirement benefit that is arguably the largest most viable industrial complex offering employment and empowerment to thousands of Kebbi citizens we must appreciate the genuineness of Senator Aliero’s love and the uniqueness of his personal commitment to the progress of Kebbi State and the welfare of its citizens.
Yet all some failed Kebbi politicians and their frustrated patrons can think about is an eleven year old frivolous petition of fabricated vendetta which only they can remember. They forget the divine wisdom about remaining mute if they cannot speak good. History will however never forget that Aliero truly paid his dues unlike others who only exploit without any notable contribution to the progress of the state. No amount of trumped up allegations and malicious propaganda can erase the reality of Senator Aliero being a foremost political leader and national statesman in Kebbi State. That’s the bottom line !
Abubakar Gwandu & Ibrahim Birnin Kebbi 32 Kalgo Road, Gesse, Birnin Kebbi