Re: that abnormal inclusion of Kano and Plateau in NEDC

Honestly, I find the recent request by one Shettima Umar, for the National Assembly to revisit the issue of the inclusion of Kano and Plateau states in the proposed North East Development Commission (NEDC), which appeared in the Daily Trust Newspaper of Monday, 24th October, 2016, as quite irrelevant. It is not only inconceivable, but […]

Honestly, I find the recent request by one Shettima Umar, for the National Assembly to revisit the issue of the inclusion of Kano and Plateau states in the proposed North East Development Commission (NEDC), which appeared in the Daily Trust Newspaper of Monday, 24th October, 2016, as quite irrelevant. It is not only inconceivable, but also quite preposterous.
In my mistaken belief, I have never anticipated such unsavoury musings from especially Borno State, considering the long existing, mutual bonds, and cultural affinity; geo-political interest and other similar factors, which for long cemented our cordial relationship as a people. This is pretty serious!
It’s so unfortunate getting to know the extent into which beloved Northern region had sunk so tragically. Where is the unity, and the camaraderie; the solidarity, and friendly brotherly feelings, that at one time defined our symbiotic relationship and existence which transcended artificial borders and proved to be our source of strength? In my wildest imagination, I can’t help being surprised seeing how a fellow northerner becoming so emotionally disturbed about development that was designed to solely benefit his fellow compatriots?
If senators from the Niger Delta region which generates most of the nation’s income and Lagos state, which contributes the highest VAT did not see any justification in opposing the inclusion of Kano and Plateau in the proposed NEDC, I see no cogent reason for some latter day agitators, to dissipate so much energy in opposing the idea. Incidentally, and with good reason, all the distinguished Senators from NE, unanimously approved the inclusion of the two BH ravaged states, which the writer so overtaken by sentiment, regarded as being tantamount to conspiracy. But conspiracy against who?
Comrade Shettima Umar displayed his ignorance in the market square in his own words, when he, stated that the rationale behind the establishment of Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) was not in coherence with the principle of the creation of North East Development Commission (NEDC). This exposed his lack of clear understanding of the principle of causes and effects in the affairs of man and nations, because in as much as oil was the main driving force behind the inclusion of Ondo and Imo states in NNDC; Boko Haram insurgency amply justify the inclusion of Kano and Plateau into NEDC, based on equity, justice and fairness.
Indeed, the change of name for the NEDC as demanded by the writer, because North East is North East, while North West and North Central are geo-political zones on their own smacks of nothing but provincial thinking, and after-effect of a closed and arrested mindset. In fact, his reasons are too simplistic and childish, laced with youthful exuberance to say the least.
Since the inclusion of Ondo and Imo in NNDC, did not warrant a change of name from NNDC to ˜Oil Producing States Commission”, it really smacks of cynicism and sentiment to advocate for the renaming of NEDC to ˜Insurgency Ravaged States Commission”, simply because two states outside the NE geo-political zone were incorporated.
Evidently, Shettima Umar needed to be further reeducated that with the exception of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, no state suffered the brunt of insurgency than Kano state. The threesome North Eastern states of Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi combined, are nowhere near Kano in terms of socio-economic degradation and destruction of precious lives and properties. Most economic indicators were almost at ground zero, with many businesses relocating to safer areas, and business men and women no longer coming to Kano to do business out of fear of the unknown, which led to painful job losses and closure of many hitherto vibrant manufacturing companies that are located in various industrial clusters of the state. In fact, in those terrible years, Kano became a shadow of its former vibrant self. A pitiable entity to behold.
Nevertheless, and despite all these catastrophes, the generous people of Kano graciously accommodated large number of migrants from Borno state and elsewhere. And in record memory, nobody from Kano state had any cause to complain against this brotherly gesture which the likes of Shettima Umar are trying to repay with the jaw of ingratitude!
Kabiru Tsakuwa, Kano State.