Of Kano’s high drama
Workers, pensioners and the so-called traditional rulers suffered from his domineering manner of rule. So, in 2007, the electorates voted him out of office and elected the former classroom teacher, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau of the ANPP. Governor Shekarau led the state for eight years at a stretch, a feat which had never happened in the […]
Workers, pensioners and the so-called traditional rulers suffered from his domineering manner of rule. So, in 2007, the electorates voted him out of office and elected the former classroom teacher, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau of the ANPP. Governor Shekarau led the state for eight years at a stretch, a feat which had never happened in the history of the State. But God willing, Kwankwaso returned to Government House in 2011. The returnee governor made promises during electioneering which includes job creation, provision of portable drinking water, security, qualitative and sound education, etc. But surprisingly, Kwankwaso instead of sticking to his promises, however resorted to revenge mission. He demolished and revoked some lands allocated to individuals by the government. Governor Kwankwaso should remember that his days in office are numbered, four years is just around the corner. He should concentrate on developing the state, but this does not mean allowing the corrupt public office holders during the previous administration to go free. He should investigate and punish those found wanting accordingly. But targeting individuals for their role in the ousted government is not a wise decision.
Ibrahim Musa Gwammaja, 1297, Gwammaja Quarter Kano
Jigawa governor and Ramadan free meal
Last year, Alhaji Sule Lamido, the Jigawa State governor directed all the 27 Local Government Areas in the state to provide free meal for the less-privileged in their respective areas throughout the Ramadan fasting period. The governor said, “The decision is a desire to assist the needy and the poor who cannot afford a full meal in the month of Ramadan.”
The Jigawa State government did not dwell on the amount to be spent and the number of people in the free-meal project. He only urged the local government chairmen to be fair and reasonable in how they spent the money. Yes, it is actually a philanthropic gesture to assist the poor, needy and the less-privileged in the state because during fasting, Muslims are encouraged to be more kind and carry out more acts of charity and be benevolent. My appeal to the Jigawa State government is to sanitize, verify and properly organize this year’s Ramadan feeding. This is because last year, there was no accountability, sincerity and fairness in the way the project was handled.
Last year’s feeding exercise in Jigawa State turned out to be an opportunity to embezzle government funds and even promoted nepotism by awarding cooking contracts only to family members of top government officials handling the programme. Governor Lamido has to strive hard to reorganize and govern the state very well. You may be doing the right thing but others are there to pollute your policies and programmes.
Adamu Muh’d Usman, Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa [email protected]
On phone hacking
The closure of Britain’s biggest-selling newspaper, News of the World over the scandal of hacking of phones by journalists should be an eye opener to Nigerians who indulge in similar practice. The Nigerian version of the News of the World story should be fully exposed and dealt with. Some people in the media as well as politicians in Nigeria are guilty of this practice. Eavesdropping on people under the guise of media practice, security or whatever is condemnable. In its final editorial, the News of the World apologized for the criminal activities that brought the 168-year-old paper down: “Phones were hacked, and for that, this newspaper is truly sorry. There is no justification for this appalling wrongdoing”. That is absolutely right.
David Igbonekwu. vanguardofrevolutionarystru [email protected].
Improve revenue drive
Our government should work harder in its revenue drive efforts so as to be able to meet its commitments to the citizens of the country. A sustainable revenue drive method backed by prudent spending will go a long way in addressing some of the challenges of infrastructure which we face as a nation. It will help equip our schools and hospitals and provide employment.
Yahaya Abdullahi, Abuja