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�Opposition, a vital part of democracy�
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Aliero, Mallam Abdullahi Zuru, told STANLEY YAKUBU that the opposition is a vital part of democracy. Excerpts:
Like his colleagues in some states, Aliero has marked the first year of his second term in office. How has it been in the last one year?
It has been of blessing and guidance from God, it has been a year of hope and satisfaction among the people of the state and also a year of challenges and commitment to sustainable development and growth of democracy for His Excellency. So far so good, Kebbi is on the match again.
What were his major achievements?
As you are aware His Excellency won a second term mandate because of the unprecedented development witnessed in all sectors in the state during his first term. It was also made possible by the conviction of the people that given another chance, Aliero will make the state heaven for all. Similarly, there was apparent consensus among the people that cut across all religious, ethnic group and political afflictions, that at this infant stage of democratic governance, when people are yearning for development, there is no alternative to Aliero in Kebbi state. So, in the last one year, a comprehensive development blue print was articulated and is already being implemented. In the same vein, concerted efforts are being made to complete the few projects that could not be completed during the first term either due to the contractors� slow pace of work or violation of contract agreement by the contractors. It is pertinent to point out here that Aliero�s administration had never delayed payment to contractors in accordance with the contract agreements. So, lack of funds had never delayed execution of projects in Kebbi State. The government has never and will never embark on a project without making funds available for financing it.
How has the administration been able to cope with the opposition in the state?�
Well, opposition is part of any democratic set up because it gives a lot of freedom to both the governed, the government and the opposition too. However, in a nascent democracy such as ours, you will find opposition aimed at genuinely correcting the mistakes, supposedly being committed, and giving workable suggestions through constructive criticism. There is also the opposition that is pre-occupied with designing and executing destructive agenda and assassinating the character of those in government and possibly truncate democratic governance. This was the attempt made by the opposition in Kebbi State during Aliero�s first term. The attempts failed because Aliero was popularly elected based on his previous track records of achievements in a free and fair election. Secondly, it failed because, members of the opposition party were paper weight politicians who lack political relevance in view of their failure to make any meaningful contribution to the well-being of the people.
It also failed because the more they criticize destructively, the more popular Governor Aliero becomes because he remained focused and committed to providing basic infrastructure for improved living condition. That was the situation in the first four years. The attempts failed because Governor Aliero was popularly elected based on his previous track records of achievements in a free and fair election. Secondly, it failed because, members of the opposition party were paper weight political relevance in view of their failure to make any meaningful contribution to the well-being of the people. It also failed because the more they criticize destructively; the more popular Governor becomes because he remained focused and committed to providing basic infrastructure for improved living condition. That was the situation in the first four years. Satisfied with the modest achievements recorded during his first term, the people of Kebbi state turn out massively and overwhelming gave Governor Aliero a second term mandate, in a politically correct direction of choosing performance and record of achievement over and above empty promises. This victory is a demonstration of the people unflinching support, unqualified loyalty and stead fastness in the ideals and giving wisdom of the Governor. I am sure, that may be why there seems to be a rethink by the opposition, informed by realization that Governor Aliero has not only done very well in improving the socio-economic well-being of the people, but also disregarded political, religious and ethnic difference in the previous of basic amenities in the state. And above all, God has continued to guide and protect him such that he remained focused, committed and sincere it serving the people. So although one can say there is apparent, unity of purpose between the government and the opposition, there are still a few unrepentant members of the opposition who are still fighting for political relevance without political base and moral justification for their action.
What are Governor Aliero�s plan for 2007, in other words what is he aspiring to be after his second tenure as governor?
I would say lets leave that to God, his political associates and the good people of Kebbi state. As a devoted Muslim, His Excellency believe in destiny, so whatever God destined him to be at any point in time, he will certainly be. At the moment, he is more concern with improving the living condition of the people who sees in him a committed, patriotic and sincere leader that sacrifices his today for their tomorrow. So that Almighty God, who made him the Governor and gave him the wisdom and foresight to provide effective and result oriented governance to the satisfaction of the people, will surely reward him abundantly.
Finally, as a close aide of Governor Aliero, who do you think will succeed him?
That also should be left to God and the people of Kebbi state. Like I said earlier, Governor Aliero believes in destiny. He believes that God gives leadership to whoever he wants and for the period He wants. The political process and eventual emergence of leaders are only accomplishing what God destined. Besides, you may wish to know that, politically, Aliero has become an institution where amateur politicians and members of the opposition with undemocratic tendencies in any democratic set up, need to enroll and learn politics of accommodation, politics of endurance, politics of commitments in service and politics without iota of bitterness.
Developmentally, Aliero has become a household name in Kebbi state because there is no village however remote where Governor Aliero has not provided either electricity, water, school or all. He has touched on the lives of every community in the state.
Today in Kebbi state, the rural communities, the business community, the patriotic elites and the genuine democrat does not know any distinguished and selfless politician committed to sustainable democratic governance and rapid development of the state other than Governor Aliero.
However, for any politician in Kebbi state to be recognized and accepted by the people to be Governor Aliero�s successor, he must be ready to serve selflessly with commitment in the service of mankind and posterity like Governor Aliero. And any body to aspire to serve like Governor Aliero, he must learn from Governor Aliero�s political institution. Therefore, Governor Aliero hold the key to the actualization of the political ambition of any politician in Kebbi state.
The PUNCH, Friday, July 2, 2004
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The President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
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