From Suleiman Abubakar
The Nasarawa State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Hon. Aliyu Bello, has rated Governor Abdullahi
Sule's performance as excellent over the past five years.
Sule's performance as excellent over the past five years.
Hon. Bello highlighted several achievements, including the employment of over 4,000 teachers in secondary schools through the Teachers Service Commission and the recruitment of lecturers for all existing tertiary institutions.
Additionally, casual staff have been integrated into the government's payroll. Infrastructure projects such as road constructions, the provision of operational vehicles to security operatives, and significant enhancements in the education and agricultural sectors were also noted.
The introduction of a Central Billing System has reinvigorated the State Internally Generated Revenue.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Bureau for Rural Roads and the Bureau for Public Procurement, along with the uninterrupted payment of pensions and gratuities for senior citizens, were cited as major accomplishments.
The government has also covered NECO registration fees for over 16,000 students across the state.
Bello argued that a visit to the 13 local government areas in Nasarawa State would clearly demonstrate that the APC's 13 years in governance have been far more productive than the 16 years under the PDP, which he described as an administration of "people deceiving people."
Describing the ongoing development efforts as the legacy of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) under Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura, which later merged into the APC, Bello emphasized that these achievements have continued under Governor Sule's leadership.
He made these statements during an interview with journalists in Lafia, the capital city of Nasarawa State.
In response to PDP State Chairman Mr. Francis Orogu's criticism attributing the state's and Nigeria's problems to APC's bad leadership, Bello countered that Orogu's accusations are baseless.
He pointed out that during the PDP's 16-year rule, there were few accomplishments, and now, as his tenure as PDP Chairman nears its end, Orogu is merely trying to deflect blame onto the successful APC administration.
Highlighting the numerous rural road projects initiated in various budgets, Bello asserted that unlike the PDP's tenure, where funds were often allocated but projects remained incomplete, the APC's governance in Nasarawa State has delivered quality representation and leadership.
He praised Governor Sule for not incurring any debt in his five years in office, describing him as a refined personality committed to the state's progress.
Bello confidently predicted that the APC would remain in power for decades due to its popular and effective party manifestos.
He expressed optimism that Governor Sule would hand over to another APC successor, continuing the legacy of development.
In addressing opposition plans to boycott the next local government elections over alleged manipulation by the APC, Bello dismissed these claims as the actions of a "drowning party.
" He recounted the recent state house of assembly re-run in Keana, where the APC emerged victorious, forcing Orogu and his PDP candidate out of the political arena.
Regarding Orogu's criticism of the flyover and underpass project in Lafia as a wasteful venture, Bello defended the project, stating that once completed,
it would benefit not only the citizens of Lafia and Nasarawa State but also travelers from Eastern and Northern regions, ensuring smooth and efficient transportation.
He compared the project to the master planning seen in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and suggested that Orogu's comments reflect a lack of understanding of such significant infrastructural developments.
