Ahmed Katuka is the Chairman, Forum of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to the governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello. In this interview, he tells AWAAL GATA, among other issues, the reasons behind the resuscitation of the forum and its ongoing activities
How was SSAs Forum you are chairing conceived?
The Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) forum was first conceived and established during the administration of late Gov Abdulkadir A Kure. It did not start with us; we are just out to revamp and give it more mileage. Its aims and objectives include, creation of a united front among the SSAs to make governance easier; informing and sensitising the populace on policies, programs and activities of the government. The forum also takes succour to those in need, just as we mobilise, campaign and ensure that government succeeds before, during and after elections. We are perpetually working to bridge the gap between the people and the government; gathering feedback on how the government is viewed and talked about and advising the Governor, through relevant political office holders, to work on the feedback. We are also not leaving any stone unturned in making sure that the privileges of the SSAs are justly given to them.
The baton has fallen on you; how does it feel to be chairman?
It feels good to know that people want you to lead them; it feels good to know that people believe and trust you. Above all, it is a privilege and a challenge for me to make a difference during my leadership of the forum. Your question on why I was elected without opposition should go to my colleagues who did it.
What do you want to achieve before your tenure ends?
I already told you the aims and objectives of the forum. Achieving them to the hilt is the sum total of my leadership. I also intend to ensure that the forum becomes more vibrant, efficient and a partner in progress for the government to alleviate poverty, ensure self-reliance for youths and women; inform, sensitise and educate the populace about government’s programs and policies.
We want to reposition the forum to serve as a tool through which the people can reach the governor and other government officials easily. By the grace of God, under my leadership, the forum will always make sure that everyone benefits from the policies of the government.
With the paucity of funds as claimed by the state government, how would the forum be funded?
Indeed, there is a serious paucity of funds but as appointees, specifically, committed to helping the governor in effectively discharging his responsibilities to the people, we make monthly contributions to finance our activities. We also intend to seek the assistance of our senior colleagues like members of the National Assembly (Niger Caucus), the State Assembly members, commissioners and those in the private sector. We are sure we will be supported, because the primary aim of every politician is serving the people.
You have started carrying out interventions; what are your achievements so far?
Within two weeks of our coming on board, we commenced working on the principal mandate of the forum by visiting an Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camp in Maitumbi to commiserate with them and distribute cooked food, hand sanitisers, clothes, mosquito nets, etc. We also visited IBB Specialist Hospital to see those who were injured when bandits attacked a community close to Maitumbi area within Minna metropolis. We also paid courtesy visits to critical stakeholders; we are still on such visits. We have also been sensitising ourselves on dedication. I can assure you that we now have over 150 active members. We are also working towards organising a workshop for all the SSAs to re-train them on the roles of their offices and those of the forum. At the moment, plans of going round to consult with critical stakeholders of our dear party, APC, in the areas of membership registration have advanced. We intend to give it much publicity.
How would you assess the government of your principal? Would you say it has been meeting the expectations of the people?
In assessing the government of my principal, I must remind you that Niger is a very big state because it has 10 percent of the total landmass of Nigeria. You should also note that there are no companies that the government can derive Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) from despite the fact that it houses the country’s three hydro-dams with the fourth under construction in Zungeru, the state deserves a special fund from the central government.
Having said this, I make bold to score the government of Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello 85 percent out of 100. This is because even with the low allocations accruing to the state, his government has done a lot in terms of rural roads in collaboration with RAMP; it has turned around all the waterworks in Kontagora, Minna, Bida, Agaei, Suleja, and Gurara. Reticulation of pipes has reached 80 percent to give citizens access to potable water from the comfort of their houses. The state government has continued to rehabilitate the federal roads in the state without receiving a dime from the federal government. Also, salaries of the civil servants are promptly being paid, over five thousand transformers and other electrical equipment were purchased and distributed to areas that need them. If I am to keep listing other projects executed by my principal, it will take us days.
For 2023 elections, do you have any political ambition?
As you know, every human being is a politician. In my case, I don’t usually show interest in contesting for political positions but politics has been part of me from a tender age. I have been receiving mentorship directly and indirectly from very influential politicians. At a time, I was awarded the Most Influential Student-Politician in North Central. That was in the mid 2000s. So 2023 is the hands of Allah. What is important to me now is discharging my duties to the best of me capability.