•Says lawmakers should beware of baits from fifth columnists
The First Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, foresees a prolonged crisis arising from the plot by some members of the State Assembly to impeach Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.
He has therefore cautioned them to have a rethink and avoid being conned by fifth columnists who do not wish the state well.
Adamu, in a letter to the Assembly asked its members to remember that the state, which was created on October 1, 1996, is not immune from the political upheavals being witnessed in some parts of the country.
He drew their attention to a saying of former US President, John F. Kennedy that “It is not all the time that you do what you can do.” He added : “ those of us who made so much sacrifices to get our young state created did not bargain for this unfortunate path you are about to take our people through.
“You are all aware that after our struggle to get Nasarawa State created, I was privileged to lead our dear state as its first executive governor from 1999 to 2007. I have worked with some of you and for the period we worked together, we had very fruitful working relationship, given that our ultimate goal has been the betterment of the millions of citizens of the state. I am of the view, therefore, that putting our young state through this tortuous road will do more harm than good for our people.”
He said that given the heterogeneous nature of the state and the recent sectarian upheavals there, nothing should be done to further rubbish the image of the state.
“Permit me to remind you that we in this young state cannot afford the luxury that people in states that were created 30, 40 or more years ago would afford. I therefore wish to appeal to our sense of reason, to reflect and ponder deeply over the ultimate implications of taking our young state through an unpredictable path,” he said.
“As the popular saying goes, ‘Discretion is the better part of valour’. While you ponder on these few words of mine, I also urge all of you to listen to the voices of those who elected you. All of us in high and low positions of leadership in the state owe it to our people to do all we can to save our dear state from an ill wind that blows no one any good. You are advised!”
The former governor said although the 1999 Constitution gives powers to the lawmakers to serve as checks to the Executive, such must be wielded with restraint.
He added: “While the Constitution empowers you in the Legislative arm of government to serve as a check on the excesses of the Executive arm, such powers must be exercised with restraint and caution particularly where exercising those powers may be detrimental to the overall well being of the state and its people.
“My dear compatriots, the political atmosphere is indeed heated and tense as we approach the 2015 general elections. You must realise that a lot of the things happening have a bearing on the coming elections both at state and at the federal level. Your action must therefore be measured at all times and guided by only what is of interest to our dear state and its people.”
He appealed to all to work across party divides “and put our state first, we can overcome the differences that may exist and work to turn the fortunes of Nasarawa state for the better. Having known and worked closely with Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, I can attest to his imperfections as we all are as human beings. I, however, believe these shortcomings can be addressed if the executive and legislature close ranks and dialogue with open minds, with a view to understanding each other and ironing out the perceived differences.”
Adamu said he wrote the letter out of genuine concern for the development of the state and not based on partisanship. He clarified that the letter was written in the overriding interest of the state rather than opportunism.
“Fellow compatriots, I am compelled to write this letter to you as a last resort. Those who know me well or have followed my political history will agree that I have never been an opportunist.
