Beyond the darkness: A call to action for Edu and Patigi Political Leaders.

Beyond the darkness: A call to action for Edu and Patigi Political Leaders.

Yesterday, I learned that the whole of Lafiagi, my LGA headquarter, has been plunged into darkness for many days. But it gladden and heartened to hear that the power restoration has evoke glee to the community back? If so. Nice job!

But like Lafiagi, my home town, Tsaragi, has been facing similar electricity downturns for a few years now. I can’t remember the last time I experienced 5-6 hours power supply. I don’t know the situation in Shonga– probably the same.

But instead of addressing these issues and many other basic necessities of our people squarely, sincerely and comprehensively, Some went further and fatter, they clouded Mr Chairman’s effort to restore the light. I wanted to read a sustainable move, initiatives, or strategic efforts made so far or a recommendation backed with working solutions to prevent the situation, I read none.

I wanted to ask Patigi people how far, but I recalled that the Local Government has had no prospect for electricity for the past few years– I saw the meteoric upturn, I was there. In fact, solar energy is the order of day in Patigi town. I wonder how our people there are faring. One wonder if there’s anyone in Abuja truly representing our common interests.

This is the reality of our people in Edu and Patigi communities. We seems to have conformed with what social science scholars described as spiral of silence; an undesirable state where people accept their fate as realities, believing that their voices cannot be heard and their leaders can never be accountable to them.

It also means that we have reduced and silenced representatives to this level– where even our basic needs have to be gotten through constant outcry and agitation. The leaders of these communities want to do everything politically necessary to secure votes, after which they leave you to your yearning.

However, I want to specially commend the recent changes and transformative efforts made by the leadership and administrators of Edu and Patigi Local Governments council’s, led by Hon. Abdullahi Bello Ndamangoro and Hon. Adam Rufui. I think the two chairmen are responsive and responsible. As we have begun to feel their presence compared to the men at the upper Chambers.

I also want to enjoy the two Local Government chairmen to do better by ensuring an inclusive engagements with the youths on sustainable policy initiations, formulations, implementations, orientation and evaluations.

After all, the people of Edu and Patigi are not asking for much–just ensure our basic needs are secured; help promote economic development through investment in agriculture production, empower our farmers and market women, free and ease access to loan and credit facilities, good road networks, effective provision of electricity and water supply, maintain law and order, and help our people with sound basic education.

Shikenannn!🤲😎

Muhammad Tambiry Abdullahi (BALANCE)

Former Chairman, Edu/ Patigi Emirate Students Council (NHQ).