By Nasiru Kado
(Lamidon Gusau)
Following the return of civil rule in 1999, policy making in Zamfara State was supposed to be based on party manifesto, Government pronouncements and Federal policy initiatives as it affect State Governments which were announced from time to time. These ‘policies’ were mostly ad-hoc, reactive and/or spontaneous in nature. They were not systematically developed to achieve predetermined outcomes. This led to several problems including unrealistic budgets based on inaccurate revenue and expenditure projections.
Zamfara has all it takes to make storm out of a tea cup. What is lacking is committed leadership and political will to mobilize the resources to make a fundamental break away from the failures of the past in order to bequeath a united and prosperous Zamfara State to generations to come.
There is no doubt, the journey ahead for Dr Dauda Lawal is going to be a difficult one particularly as it relates to the political architecture that is inconsistent with ideas and views on development. It is however pleasing to note that the antecedents , experience, pedigree and pronouncements of the incoming Governor, proved his commitment to the struggle come what may.
Zamfara occupied a strategic location in the North-west coupled with its population and fertile land mass arable for agriculture and rich mineral deposits. Yet, the state is engulfed with socio-economic problems which have triggered poverty and social unrest. It is based on the above that I passionately plead with the incoming Governor to hammer on the following areas:
*The need to block leakages in revenue remittance and devise new ways of revenue generation.
*Pay more emphasis on asset creation by investing in viable productive ventures that would yield returns and de-emphasize creating liabilities on the statement of financial income of the state.
*Invest more in education, expand the shoreline beyond payment of WAEC/NECO. Declare state of emergency in education, past leaders did well in providing access to education but the quality is zero. In today’s global dispensation, quantity is hardly rewarded. Quality is what matters.
*Invest more in health: we have over 20 general hospitals with at least 1 in each Local Government in Zamfara State with most of them inherited from Sokoto State. Till date, not a single block of cement was added to the inherited structures.. The 2021 budgetary provision for all of the hospitals shows zero release/performance. Please inject life back to them and make them function effectively.
*Invest more in agriculture but pay more attention to providing Security! Security!! Security!!!
*Committed political leadership and will is highly desired for required stability in governance. The incoming Governor should strive to achieve positive development outcomes. This should translate into transparency and integrity at all level.
*Define what you must achieve immediately and work on them. They will endear you the more to the masses/electorates and with that “YOU CAN RETIRE/DELETE THEM ALL” from the political landscape.
Overall, good governance remains the pathway for the realization of socio-economic development of Zamfara State for the good of all. Clearly, the state needs a messiah to rescue it. There is the need to have a combination of patriotic politicians, bureaucrats and technocrats coupled with flawless legal and regulatory system to chart a sustainable path for development. In achieving this objective, there is need to have a blueprint with clear cut policies and action plans that will serve as a road map towards a journey to a desirable future.
The just concluded election is a testimony of the collective hope and aspirations of the well meaning people of Zamfara State that aligned their dreams with the vision of Dr Dauda Lawal Dare (Gamjin Gusau) to salvage/rescue the state from the leadership crisis that is rocking every aspect of development in our dear state.
May Allah Subhana HU Wa Ta’ala that piloted this journey to success and make it possible for Dr Dauda Lawal to ascend the leadership mantle, give him the wisdom to spearhead the affairs of the state to a desired future.
Long live BAZAMFARA!!!
Long live Zamfara State!!!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
