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There is a popular saying as well as an acknowledged fact that when there is continuity in Governance the mission continues and the light will endure.
Nigerian politicians are noted for vengeance and abandoning projects hitherto initiated by their predecessors and will prefer to start new ones.
A Newspaper was quoted in its editorial to have said, “In the last decade, a State in Nigeria has had successive confused governments that worked hard to erase any trace of previous governments particularly in its educational policies”.
The need for continuity in Governance can therefore not be over-emphasized. It has been established that continuity in governance will sustain democratic values and good governance in Nigeria.
Kogi State will for obvious reason have its Governorship election held in November this year after the general election. The time for sincere and sober reflection according to many is now. Until 2016 January no one doubted the fact that Kogi was a work in progress.
Capt Idris Wada the immediate past Governor has thrown his hat into the ring for a second term. It is however yet to be seen amongst the numerous aspirants who can match his experience, comportment, pedigree and transparency, having held sway as governor in the state between 2012 to 2016.
The decision to ask for a continuity for Capt Wada by well meaning Kogites is based on a thorough assessment strides and achievements in the past four years he governed, amidst available resources as Governor of the State, juxtaposed with what obtains currently.
Many are of the view that another term in office would enable the Governor consolidate on the solid foundation for a greater Kogi State he has laid.
The Wada administration in had its challenges; at inception it had several litigation to contend with. Then the 2012 flood, some measure of insecurity in some parts of the State, decayed infrastructures coupled with a huge monthly wage bill and a drastic reduction in the size of its monthly allocation from the Federation Account.
But amidst all of the challenges, his administration kept faith and has no doubt recorded modest successes, which of course was a product of the painstaking implementation of the blueprint for the development of the State which was put together by a Think Tank Committee, set up by Capt Wada on assumption of office.
The administration of Capt Wada made appreciable progress in many sectors including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Infrastructures, Commerce and Industry and in Human capital development.
Without stating the obvious, the Wada administration placed emphasis on probity and accountability in governance, the elimination of endemic corruption, complete value re-orientation, inclusiveness as well as harmony across ethnic religious, and other interest groups across the State.
Aside the partnership created by the State with major international financial institutions and donor agencies, over fifteen MoU’s were signed by the government with reputable international organization. The State IGR has through the efforts of the Wada administration increased by 250% in 2014 alone.
The Wada administration also undertook the construction of 58 road projects across the State with a view to developing critical infrastructures. These road networks are helping to provide improve access to urban markets and has enable better social interaction.
Education as the cornerstone to human capital development received attention under the present administration. Investment in the education sector saw to the construction of Hostel blocks at the State University, State Polytechnic, and the rehabilitation of iconic secondary schools and Primary schools across the State. The government also trained 630 teachers as well as made possible the establishment of Nigerian Korean friendship vocational institute located on the premises of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja for long and short terms training in skills acquisition.
Under the Wada administration, the State became number one as a cassava producing State. It also made an appreciable gains in rice production. The present administration created 4,500 jobs for youths under the poverty eradication programme in Agriculture and another 3,500 jobs for fishermen and fish farmers in the State. With the federal government collaboration, a staple Crop Processing Zones for rice and cassava in Alape, Kabba-Bunu LGA was established.
The Wada administration also undertook the construction and resuscitation of over 32 water schemes and drilled 22 motorized and solar powered bore holes across the State. This is aside the recruitment and training of Engineers, technicians and hydrologists.
Over N1 billion was spent in the rural development sub-sector by the administration while it provided, and upgraded new and existing healthcare facilities across the State.
Aside infrastructural development, the existing peace the state is enjoying, cannot be quantified. Compare the regular payment of salaries and wages in the state to workers in the state civil service and other state’s in the federation adds to why Capt Wada should be encouraged to return to continue with his magic wand, after all like it is said in football parlance, do you change a winning team.
Lack of continuity in government programmes and policies without stating the obvious has remained a challenge to Nigeria. The best way to fast track development is to therefore encourage continuity in government in Kogi State.
Governor Wada made history and clearly demonstrated that government can curb waste through the completion of projects he inherited from his predecessors is another reason for continuity.
Another term for Capt Wada therefore would no doubt encourage investors in establishing businesses in the State, it will also ensure steady progress and development.
From the foregoing, Why Capt Wada should return in 2019 is not far fetch. A return for Capt Wada to say the obvious will not only curb waste, but it will ensure judicious utilization of tax payers money. The former governor’s selfless and non – corrupt attribute, one who is resolutely committed to placing the State on solid economic footings are therefore reasons why another term in office for him is not only desirable for Wada, will ensure stability and above all continuity in developing critical infrastructures across the State.
Journalist moses Abdulrahman Yusuf writes from kogi state.
