As Tinubu visits Lafia: Time to show gratitude, unity

By Ali Abare

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visits Nasarawa State on a one-day official working visit, it’s the right time for the people of the state to show their gratitude and appreciation to a selfless, workaholic Governor Abdullahi Sule, for devoting his time, energy and resources to embark on such landmark projects that the President is coming to commission as legacy projects of the administration.

As it is to be expected, the only way the people of Nasarawa State, irrespective of political differences, should turn out enmasse and to line up along the streets of Lafia to receive the President.

This is not so much a tall order but as token of appreciation for both Governor Sule and President Tinubu for their sterling leadership that is bringing about such tangible development initiatives such as the Lafia interchange comprising of the flyover and underpass, dualized Shendam Road and the monumental edifice making up the new state secretariat complex.

During a meeting he convened at the Government House, Governor Sule told critical stakeholders drawn from across the state and across political party divides, that the only way they can show appreciation to him and his administration, is to call on their supporters to not only turn our in their numbers but to also conduct themselves with decorum in order to make the presidential visit remarkable and peaceful.

“That was the reason why irrespective of political party, irrespective of who we are, it is good for us to jointly come and receive Mr President to show him that we are a people in our own state who are united and are after the progress of our state and nation,” he said.

Even as the Air Force One touches down in Lafia tomorrow, carrying President Tinubu on his historic working visit, a powerful current of appreciation should be demonstrated through a mass turn out of people to receive the President.

Indeed, this visit transcends mere protocol. It is a resounding endorsement of the tangible progress reshaping the landscape of the state capital under the steadfast leadership of Governor Sule.

The landmark projects President Tinubu will commission, the Lafia interchange made up of the flyover and underpass, the dualized Shendam Road, and the monumental new State Secretariat Complex, stand not just as concrete and steel, but as evidence of Governor Sule’s unwavering vision and relentless drive.

Governor Sule while recognizing the significant roles that aspirants for various political offices could play in mobilizing support across the state, however urged for caution and tact, especially during the visit by President Tinubu.

“I want to plead with all our aspirants to please call on our supporters that we should restrict them from needless arguments and rivalry during this period. For the places that I have visited, we didn’t have anything like that and please, I don’t want us to have that in Nasarawa State.

“I tell everybody who cares to listen, that it’s not about A. A. Sule because A. A. Sule has only some months to go. As we said, the President was kind enough to accept our invitation and he is coming. I invited you to come and help join us in receiving Mr. President,” he said.

Just like Senator Abdullahi Adamu, first civilian governor of the state pointed out, if there is any time the people of the state should stand for Governor Sule, it is now when the President is visiting.

“I want to believe that Mr. President has visited here a number of times. But this particular visit is at the instance of the state government. If there is a time for us to stand for the governor of this state, in cause of his administration, that time is now.

“The visit of the President, we have seen, we have read what states did when the President visited them. We must not be an exception. We must stand out, particularly with what the President has been able to do for our state. We want to disabuse the minds of the pessimists in regards to what support we have for the administration of the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Tinubu. Everybody should be tasked, local government by local government, ward by ward, APC by APC, accompanied by other parties because the state belongs to all of us but APC first,” he said.

Senator Adamu added that the visit by President Tinubu tomorrow provides a golden opportunity to disabuse the minds of detractors.

“All other parties in the state should show solidarity with us, so that Mr. President receives a reception that will surprise him and surprise those who may have negative thoughts about us in the state. Whatever you can do, in your own little way, as a citizen of the state, as a recognised stakeholder in the state, that recognised you to be invited at this stakeholders’ meeting, don’t answer that name in vacuum,” he said.

On his part, immediate past governor of the state, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, called on the stakeholders to support Governor Sule by mobilising their supporters turn out in their numbers to welcome the President.

“I would like to suggest that as much as come out in our thousands to welcome Mr President with all the pomp and pageantry, we should be mindful of one thing that I consider very critical and fundamental in such visits. This is a special visit that does not come always. I believe we should conduct ourselves in the best of order and peace. It’s not all about the pomp and pageantry, but the peace with which this visit is associated with.

“I am calling on all of us to talk to our supporters, associates that while they are jubilating about the visit of the President, they should also be mindful of doing it in line with law, order and peaceful congregation,” he said.

Senator Al-makura used the opportunity of the stakeholders meeting to commend his successor on his efficient utilisation of resources accruing to Nasarawa State which he has deployed to deliver his legacy projects.

He expressed satisfaction that the dream to have a befitting state capital is now a reality and is a credit to Governor Sule’s exceptional stewardship, as well as his prudent management of resources.

“Your Excellency, let me also commend you on your efforts to ensure the utilisation of the resources that come into the state by providing these very legacy projects. I must say, you have prudently managed the resources of the state and with benefits that are much more than the value of the state. The same kind of design, some governments are doing it at the cost of more than double.

“I believe one of the things that are making you to add value to governance is the fact that you are an engineer. The projects that you are doing are mostly engineering projects. I have no doubt in my mind that you deserve, just like I was called the Architect of Modern Nasarawa State, you deserve the appellation of the Engineer of Modern Nasarawa State. Please keep up the good work and I believe in the next two years many more legacy projects will come on stream that will be to the admiration of not only of the stakeholders but the entire state,” he added.

This is why tomorrow is more than just welcoming the President. It is Nasarawa State’s moment to stand tall and show collective gratitude. The call from Government House is clear and unifying: irrespective of political affiliation, hometown, or creed, come out. Line the streets of Lafia. Let the warmth and appreciation of the people be the most visible landmark President Tinubu encounters.

For the State Deputy Governor and Chaiman, Planning Committee for the Presidential visit, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, everything boils down to effective mobilisation for a groundswell reception.

“We are working with all the local government chairmen and they have agreed to mobilize from all the wards, right up to the local government headquarters. We are also in touch with all the support groups within the state, to ensure that we all come out in our numbers,” he said.

Dr. Akabe emphasized however that it is not just about the numbers but dignified appreciation for both Governor Sule and President Tinubu.

Therefore, people of Nasarawa State, this is our moment. Let us answer the call not out of obligation, but out of genuine appreciation. Leave your homes, your farms, your businesses. Bring your families. Line the routes from the Usman Danfodio Cargo Airport into the heart of Lafia. Be present on the street leading to the new Secretariat. Let collective presence of the citizens be the most eloquent expression of thanks to Governor Sule for his tireless work, his visionary leadership, and his unwavering dedication to lifting Nasarawa State to new heights.

Come out, Nasarawa! Show the world your gratitude. Show the world your unity. Show the world the progress you are building, together, under Governor Sule. Let Lafia resonate tomorrow not just with the sounds of ceremony, but with the powerful, heartfelt voice of a people saying, clearly and collectively: Thank You, Your Excellency!

Abare is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Abdullahi Sule.