You’re Real Not Fake Jagaban Somewhere – Makinde Hails Gov Bala

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – In what seems a veiled mockery of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has described his Bauchi State counterpart, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir as the real ‘Jagaban’ in Nigerian politics.

Speaking in Bauchi while flagging off the construction of 24.5 kilometres Itas – Gadau road, Makinde said Governor Bala is “not a fake Jagaban that we know somewhere. He is the authentic Jagaban, any other Jagaban is a fake”

Lavishly saluting Governor Bala with the traditional title of ‘Jagaban Katagum’, the Oyo State Chief Executive said; “I always refer to him as Kauran Bauchi but today I discovered that he is also a Jagaban (Katagum). He is not a fake Jagaban like some Jagaban that we know somewhere. This is a real authentic Jagaban”.

He praised Governor Bala for initiating the road project that would obviously enhance the socio-economic development of the area and admitted that politicians are more interested in easier and simpler projects that people can see for an appraisal.

“Low hanging fruits, that is what we try to plug as politicians”, he said

On national unity, the Oyo State Governor challenged Nigerians from all the geo-political regions to see themselves as one, stressing that; “we are one people, we share many things in common, we must therefore learn to appreciate each other.”

While commending the Governor Bala’s intervention the Sasa clash in Ibadan when Hausa and Yoruba youths bitterly engaged, Makinde said; “My Dear brother called me to sympathize with me and to offer useful advice on how to amicably resolve the crisis. I am glad to say that today, we have absolute peace in that area”.

The worsening insecurity also caught the governor’s attention as he cautioned that; “this is the time that we have non-state actors all over the place fanning tension and some leaders are looking away as if they do not know what is going on.

“This is my first time of coming to this area. My eyes are opened; I have learnt more about Nigeria; I have seen economic potentials here; I am promising you that I will be back here again very soon”.

The N8.5b 26 kilometres road will link Itas and Gadau, permanent campus of the State University as well as open up the entire area of Itas /Gadau LGA that had suffer neglect in the past.

He said the best projects that any government should embark on for the people’s overall good is to construct rural roads as part of efforts to engender development and growth at the grassroots level.

For him, governance is all about the people and leaders would succeed in moving Nigeria forward if they sacrifice for the people’s welfare and economic empowerment by providing the required infrastructures.

Governor Makinde noted that Nigerians are resilience who need the right environment to flourish, adding; “I have seen the specifications of this road and am happy that it is not the kind of road that will fall apart in a few months. The finishing with a 40mm Asphalt wearing cost is worth mentioning for its durability.

“As leaders, we must never forget that what we do with the opportunity we are given, will eventually speak for us. We must remain focused in doing the right things to the best of our abilities. We must work to accelerate development in our areas and road construction is one of those core development projects that must never be overlooked.”

“People always wonder why I always call you my brother. I call you my brother because we are all one. East, West, North or South, we are all one. When something affects one, it affects the other and when I had challenges in Oyo State with clashes at Sasha market between the Yorubas and the Fulani communities out there, you showed me support, you called me and encouraged me. I am glad to say today that we have absolute peace in that area.

“When I listened to the things you say, it shows that you believe in the unity of our people. This is a tough period in the life of our country, this is a period where we have non State actors all over the place forming ethnic tension and some leaders looking away as if they do not know what is going on. You have shown by word and deeds that you are for peace and unity of this country”, Governor Makinde said.

Specifically on the road project, the governor said; “Today is a day to be happy because you are starting something here that will be improve access between Itas Local government area and Gadau, where the Bauchi state university is located. As I have learnt, this shortens the time spread travelling between both communities and open up the agricultural area between them. So, you have indeed taken a bold step and deserves to be commended.”

Earlier, Governor Bala had explained that the road project was awarded using all the procurement templates to ensure government get value for money, adding that the project will last 24 months and will cover some difficult terrains in the state with about three bridges, five (5) culverts and a topography that is quite outstanding.

The governor, who acknowledged the pressure mounted on his government by Emir of Katagum and the people of Itas-Gadau local government due to the project, Governor Bala listed other road projects as covering 12 kilometres in Ningi local government; 12.2 km from Arinja up to Bala; and an additional 2.5 kilometres within Nasaru town in the same local government area, handled by Mothercart Construction Company while the other projects were given to Habib Engineering with 30 per cent down payment.

He however regretted that the central zone has over the years been short-changed by successive administrations, adding that the only good roads traversing the zone are those heading out to other locations.