We must always preach the gospel of truth

Agreed, chapter 4 section 39 (1) of Nigeria’s amended constitution provides for freedom of expression, but it appears that some misguided elements in our midst in taking advantage of this constitutional provision tend to forget that one’s freedom ends where that of others begin. As a bona fide indigene of Nasarawa State, I am compelled […]

Agreed, chapter 4 section 39 (1) of Nigeria’s amended constitution provides for freedom of expression, but it appears that some misguided elements in our midst in taking advantage of this constitutional provision tend to forget that one’s freedom ends where that of others begin.

As a bona fide indigene of Nasarawa State, I am compelled by recent events to wade into this incessant Doma-bashing by agents of darkness who for reasons best known to them and their sponsors have not only refused to appreciate the good work of the former governor, but to spiritedly sweep them under the carpet.

Recently, the former governor as a law-abiding citizen and out of respect for constituted authority and rule of law honoured an invitation from the nation’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but this was twisted out of context by desperadoes who mischievously lied that he was arrested in Lafia. Not done yet, even after Doma was granted bail and released, they said that he was still in EFCC net as at October 21 2011 for failing to meet his bail conditions. Truth is that Doma was never arrested by EFCC operatives contrary to false information dished out to unsuspecting members of the public by the high priests of Nasarawa State government through proxies.

The point must be made and even orchestrated that the two main religions–Islam and Christianity–strongly preach the gospel of truth, which simply means the relating issues objectively regardless of one’s personal sentiments or beliefs. It is concerned with getting the facts without distortions and once properly and honestly applied truth tends towards balance and charitable judgment. This is the cardinal principle of life that some retrogressive elements have decided to play politics with. The question to ask is: is there no limit to which politics can be played?

On the alleged misappropriation of N18bn by the former governor, I am not really competent to comment on it in order not to be accused of being sub judice, but suffice it to say that section 36 (5) of the 1999 constitution as amended states that an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Politically, there is no denying the fact that Doma has paid his dues and has shown remarkable courage in the face of daunting challenges. As a true statesman reputed for his humility and elastic patience, he has restrained himself from joining issues with some agents-provocateur who delight in taunting him with baseless and unfounded allegations. That, indeed, is the stuff great leaders are made of.

One consistent nay baseless allegation against this son of Nasarawa State is that he did not do anything for the state all the four years that he presided over its affairs as executive governor. Nothing can be further from the truth! To lay this allegation to rest once and for all, let us quickly mount the horse and gallop down the memory lane of history.

As at the time he took over the reins of power in 2007, Lafia the state capital was more or less like a glorified local government headquarters devoid of basic infrastructural facilities. It laid crestfallen like an abandoned hut having been gang-raped by some thieving marauders. But through a deft combination of political sagacity, fiscal prudence and visionary leadership, Doma, who enemies today love to castigate, took the state on a revolutionary process culminating in what it is presently—-a clear departure from what it was in 2007, criticisms from spoilsports notwithstanding.

In the four years that he ruled the state, Doma’s political philosophy was unmistakably premised on democratic humanism that is deeply rooted on using one’s position to render selfless service to the people. It is always his contention that leadership is meaningless if it cannot impact positively on the lives of the citizenry.

This may not be the appropriate medium to showcase the numerous achievements of the ex-governor, but it is apposite to highlight a few to permanently shut the trap of those who are usually quick to label him as a failure.

Using Urban Renewal Programme as a handmaiden, Doma was able to positively transform the hitherto pathetic lot of several rural communities in the state. For instance, township roads in Lafia were redesigned, expanded and reconstructed and street lights were installed.

The Doma administration through road projects connected several villages and local council headquarters to the state capital. Among the roads that experienced Doma’s Midas touch are: Gitata-Panda-Karu; Agaza-Agwatashi; Nasarawa Eggon-Mada Station (all completed); Adudu-Ribi-Azara-Wuse; Doma-Agbashi-Benue Border; Gudi Junction-Rinze-Ungwan Zaria (all on-going).

Conscious of the fact that constant power supply holds the key to rapid industrialization and development of any economy, the Doma administration purchased 20 nos 500KVA transformers and donated same to PHCN to boost electricity supply in the state. The transformers that the incumbent administration commissioned recently to commemorate its 100 days in office with fanfare. In the same vein, the 40 mass transit buses that the Doma administration paid for before leaving office were also used to commemorate Al-Makura’s 100 days in office.

The most annoying aspect of it all is the unnecessary vilification of Doma by the officials of the CPC-led government in Nasarawa State who apparently bereft of ideals urgently needed to give the machinery of governance a shot in the arm have taken refuge in the cold passivity of grandstanding and unhelpful pontificating.

From all indications, it is manifestly evident that the arrowhead of the anti-Doma group is only suffocating with envy but unfortunately he cannot be Aliyu Doma in the politics of the state. No doubt, the shoes the former governor left behind are too big for his puny legs, hence the constant resort to harassment, bashing and needless subterfuges. His current distasteful preoccupation or ignoble indulgence in mudslinging can never make him rise above the man that is the personification of Nasarawa State. The pretender in Lafia is yet to come to terms with the incontrovertible truism that “man pass man.”

Ishaku, a political Scientist and an indigene of Nasarawa State contributed this piece from Wuse-Abuja