Why collective approach is necessary for Nasarawa’s sustained growth

By Ali Abare

There is no iota of doubt that Nasarawa State, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, is witnessing tremendous progress and unparalleled transformation, placing the state amongst most economically viable and visible states in the country.

However, the recent whispers of discord among supporters of Governor Sule and his predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, strike a dissonant chord in a state steadily marching toward progress.

While the aftermath of Senator Al-makura’s bid for the APC National Chairmanship has sparked regrettable blame-trading, these only amount to distractions that are capable of overshadowing Nasarawa’s tangible socio-economic strides.

Governor Sule’s administration, building on foundations laid by past leaders, is actively transforming the state. The Governor is focusing on transforming the state, and his administration’s strategy includes, for example, transforming the solid minerals sector and enhancing agricultural production. Nasarawa State is slowly becoming more developed, and thus political unity should be prioritized over subdivisions.

Governor Sule has consistently demonstrated respect for his predecessors, recognizing their role in Nasarawa’s journey. His recent condolence visit to Senator Al-makura, following the passing of the latter’s father-in-law, was a public testament to their personal and political bond.

Similarly, Senator Al-makura has continiously championed this solidarity, openly refuting rumors of friction and praising his successor’s competence. It is on record that Senator Al-makura has insisted publicly that the people of Nasarawa State have not made any mistake by entrusting leadership on his successor.

Only recently, during a stakeholders engagement prior to the one-day working visit of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Senator Al-makura commended Governor Sule for his leadership style which priotizes carrying everybody along. According to the former governor, “This is a wonderful governance mechanism. This style is worthy of commendation. As you carry everybody along, it builds confidence and faith in this administration.”

Indeed, the relationship existing between these leaders and the mutual regards they have for each other transcends mere rhetoric, it is an avowed commitment.

Understandably, leadership is a divine trust in cultural and spiritual ethos, a principle Senator Al-makura, a seasoned statesman, deeply embodies. Even gracious withdrawal of a petition challenging his 2023 senatorial election loss, citing peace and unity as paramount, exemplifies this conviction.

It is noteworthy that Senator Al-makura has since accepted the outcome of the election of the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the APC.

In his characteristic leadership disposition, Al-makura, in a twit released on his official X handle, congratulated Yilwatda on his emergence, stressing that the decision reflects the clear wisdom of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the vision of President Tinubu.

“As a committed and loyal party member, I welcome this decision with full optimism and strong commitment to the values that define the APC discipline, fairness, and patriotic leadership,” the former governor said.

Governor Sule, too, has echoed this philosophy, as demonstrated by his recent appearance as a guest on Channels TV.

According to Governor Sule, even though Nasarawa would have preferred the emergence of Al-makura or another candidate from the state, the party ultimately had to accept reality and align with broader political and strategic interests.

Therefore, when leaders prioritize collective good over personal ambition, followers must mirror that magnanimity. It is imperative that followers desist from fuelling embers of discord, especially through innuendos and insinuations, seeking to pitch these leaders against each other.

The current efforts to drive development, like the USD 9.735m school improvement grant for public secondary schools in collaboration with the AGILE Nasarawa project, demand undivided attention. Not to mention the milestones being recorded in the solid minerals sector under the present political dispensation in the state. Obviously, political fractures will only sabotage these gains.

As Nasarawa eyes the 2027 elections, with aspirants already jostling across senatorial zones, the wisdom of experienced leaders becomes indispensable. Senator Al-makura and Governor Sule, alongside other founding fathers, hold the wherewithal and experience to navigate the delicate balance of zoning and ethno-religious politics. Their alliance, not acrimony, will ensure stability. Governor Sule’s public rejection of hate speech and mischief-making must be heeded: loyalty to Nasarawa’s future should eclipse partisan loyalties.

The path forward is clear. Supporters must cease recycling grievances and instead champion their leaders’ shared vision. Nasarawa’s transformation, visible in classrooms receiving UBEC interventions and villages awaiting new roads, hinges on harmony.

Let the solidarity between Governor Sule and Senator Al-makura, tested yet unbroken, inspire a collective rededication to progress. In unity, not upheaval, lies a great promise for Nasarawa State.

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