By Abdulhamid Kwarra
Our attention has been drawn to an article credited to one Rtd. Group Capt. Zakka, published on the Daily Trust Newspapers, on Friday, 17th October, 2014, captioned “ Al-Makura second term is immoral”. Ordinary, we should not have any business joining issues with that article, but for the negative impression and its effect on the gullible public, makes our response expedient.
Whereas, we reorganized the freedom of speech, right of expression and opinion of Rtd. Group Capt. Zakka on any issue of public interest within the context of our democratic norms, we are however, constraint not to forgive his ignorance on the political dynamics of the state in particular and the country at large.
First and foremost, there is a world of difference between morality and law. Section 180 sub-section 2 (a) and (b) of the 1999 constitution as amended, is very instructive under the circumstance.
Simply put, to the understanding of the likes of Zakka, it means an elected Governor has the legal right to seek for re-election of another term of office. So where is the place of morality here against the back drop of our ground norm?
For the benefit of history, which appears Rtd. Group Capt. Zakka is out of touch with, lets remind him that the good people of Nasarawa State, voluntarily decided to effect a change of political leadership owing to 12 years disappointment of the previous PDP administration in the state and elected Governor Tanko Al-Makura under the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Being conscious of this social contract and free mandate of the people, Gov. Al-Makura kept faith to this challenge as exemplified in his land mark and verifiable achievements in the state within short span of just 3 years in office. It is this tract record of performance that endeared him to the people of the state.
Consequently, all these unsolicited agitations by various interest groups, stakeholders, well-meaning citizens etc across the state clamoring and urging the Governor to re-contest for another 4 year term of office, in order to consolidate on efforts achieved thus far.
Let’s us not forget, is Rtd. Group Capt. Zakka a factor in the politics of Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone? Where was he when the people of the zone were the first to hold a mammoth rally and even to the extent of purchasing an expression of interest form to add value to their clarion call on Governor Al-Makura to re-contest? Or could it be a case of envy and personal dislike on the person of Governor Al-Makura? Otherwise how can Rtd. Group Capt. Zakka explain his outburst on the Governor, on grounds of morality to re-contest election when the constitution has given him the right of first refusal?
In any case, Gov. Al-Makura has not yet make any official comment with regards to Governorship election 2015. For the avoidance of doubt, he is carefully studying events, widening the scope of his consultation both within and outside the state and shall in due course make a public declaration of his intention to contest or otherwise.
However, the Governor’s task at the moment, is to accomplish the burden of his mandate and opon such credentials, will determine his next line of action.
Furthermore, Rtd. Group Capt. Zakka accused the Governor of not doing enough management of the security problems in the State. If not for mischief purposes Zakka ought to know that the security challenges in the country has become a national phenomenon and not Peculiar to Nasarawa State. And for Zakka’s information, the Gov. inherited the security crisis in the state from his predecessors, be assured that he is on top of the situation and remain unrelenting on sustaining the efforts.
In conclusion, the APC administration in Nasarawa State is open to constructive criticism but opposed to cheap political blackmail and propaganda.
Kwarra is a Senior Special Adviser on public Affairs to the Governor
