Umar and Burden of Governorship

Over four (4) months since assuming duties as the Acting Governor of Taraba State on 14thNovember, 2012, Alhaji Garba Umar has continued to impress Tarabans and even other Nigerians with his remarkable administrative flair, prudent, transparent and accountable management of available resources, timely response to security matters, pragmatic handling of developmental projects and passionate creation […]

Over four (4) months since assuming duties as the Acting Governor of Taraba State on 14thNovember, 2012, Alhaji Garba Umar has continued to impress Tarabans and even other Nigerians with his remarkable administrative flair, prudent, transparent and accountable management of available resources, timely response to security matters, pragmatic handling of developmental projects and passionate creation of sense of belonging amongst all the citizens of the state. Not only did Umar keep to his words of ensuring continuity in government by upholding, consolidating and improving on all policies and programmes of his principal, Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai (who is currently recuperating in Germany from the injuries he sustained during the tragic plane crash of 25th Octber, 2012), but he has also been running an open-door administration that places high premium on the needs and aspirations of Tarabans by being accessible and sensitive to them and their interests.
It is very obvious that Umar brought his wealth of experience in the private sector and politics to bear in tackling some fundamental developments of grave security consequences in the state by way of providing succour to the victims of natural disasters and preventing the spread of man-made disasters that rocked the state in the last 4 months. Reports indicate that, donated relief materials were successfully distributed to victims of last year’s (2012) flood disaster across the 5 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Karim-Lamido, Lau, Ibi, Ardo-Kola and Gassol that were ravaged by it in the state under the supervision of the Acting Governor. Also, the Ibi and Wukari sectarian crisis of November, 2012 and February, 2013 respectively were instantly nipped in the bud by Umar’s leadership through the timely and adequate grant of necessary assistance to the relevant security agencies; which enable these agencies to immediately mobilize and deploy combat-ready officers and men to the trouble spots in good time, thereby preventing further loss of lives, destruction of lives and escalation of the crisis to neighbouring villages and towns.
As a visionary-minded leader, Umar equally gave his unconditional blessing or backing to all on-going projects, particularly roads construction covering the inter city/LGA roads projects such as that of Jalingo-Sunkani-Garba Chede, while the Bali-Serti-Gembu one is due to receive attention soon. Of greater interest to the residents of the state capital-Jalingo though, is the reported re-award of contract for the re-designing of the Jalingo-city master plan. Contract was also re-awarded for the hitherto stalled Suntai-Mararraba electrification project and work had since commenced fully and is expected to be completed within a few months.
What easily illustrate Umar’s competence, managerial acumen and excellent planning skills is the state’s 2013 budget that was targeted at achieving accelerated economic advancement through massive infrastructural development in some key sectors such as agriculture, education, tourism, industries, transport/aviation, healthcare and housing. The budget is certainly a sure platform of advancing the fortunes of Taraba and Tarabans if it is faithfully implemented to the latter because the prioritized sectors hold the key to the overall development of the state.
Having spent an impressive 4 months as Acting Governor, Umar is rapidly and deservedly earning the trust and confidence of Tarabans and all signs are pointing to even a greater performance in the times ahead. It is therefore clear, that Umar is currently on top of the situation in Taraba; which meant that he was divinely chosen to serve as Acting Governor at a time when the state is in need of a REAL leader like him to shoulder the burden of governance (due to the unavoidable absence of governor Suntai) with courage and grace as he is presently doing to the admiration and applause of all.
Zongre, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Yerima Bappa Sanda Road, Turaki “A” Ward, Jalingo, 08067771017,[email protected]