Hon Abdulkareem Suleiman Onyekehi is the special adviser to Kogi state governor on social investment programme, multi-lateral/donor agencies and special projects. In this interview with OYIBO SALIHU, he narrates some achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello’s first tenure and the need for continuity.
What is your duty as special adviser to the governor?
As special adviser on multilateral, donor agencies and special projects, I oversee the National Social Investment Programme in Kogi state such as N-power, Government Enterprise and employment Programme (GEEP), Marketmoni, Trademoni, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), Home Grown and STEM-Bursary. I also woo investors and facilitate internal and external donors for socio-economic development of the state.
What does this appointment as special adviser evoke in you?
I feel privileged being part of the Yahaya Bello-led administration because when the history of the state would be written, this government will no doubt be a reference point of excellence in terms of good governance and building bridges of understanding across the state. I also feel privileged to be part of a government that is founded on the principles of equity, fairness and justice. The challenges we face on a daily basis which are equity, transparency and prudent management of resources, have been the source of inspiration to give one’s best.
We are committed to help pursue the dream and vision of the governor in moving the state from where we met it to where it would begin to reflect its true identity as a confluence of opportunity. So, it is a privilege for me being part of the crack-team put together by Governor Yahaya Bello to drive his lofty vision and ideas for the state.
How would you describe the last three years of Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration?
I would say it’s awesome. It’s been three years of moving very far, of business unusual and of new direction. I make bold to say that in the last three years, the governor has recorded a lot of ‘firsts’ in the state. With my background as a political strategist, some of these achievements are intangible. These are fostering the spirit of unity and building bridges of love, peace and respect for one another. As we all know, Bello is a detribalised leader. He is the first governor in this state to appoint someone with a different religion and ethnic background as his chief of staff. It has never happened since the creation of the state.
The governor, in his usual characteristic nature and wisdom, said he must not do things the way others did especially in the past.
Also In his wisdom, he came up with policy framework which gave birth to programmes that have direct impact on the youths. The social investment project in collaboration with National Social Investment Programme, is one typical example of a well thought-out project that is having positive effect on youths across the 21 local government areas of the state. Through this, the youths are being engaged positively and are being paid monthly. Many people are yet to believe that youths represent appreciable percentage of the country’s population and are the most active of which if not carefully managed, can affect the entire nation negatively. The government is also on tax drive. We are looking inward to scale up the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state. Projects are springing up across the state.
Furthermore, on sanitation, anyone who thinks sanitation is not a big achievement, should have a rethink because it is generally believed that cleanliness is next to godliness. So, anyone who thinks keeping Lokoja clean is not an achievement worth celebrating is therefore not humane at all. The effort of Governor Yahaya Bello in the area of security has been yielding positive results with both public and private investors trooping into the state for economic activities. Before him, Kogi used to be a den of criminals, ranging from highway robbery, bank robbery, kidnapping, among other crimes but today, Governor Bello has successfully curbed that menace. Kogi is currently enjoying a conducive and peaceful environment as a result of Governor Yahaya Bello’s concerted effort.
Also, in agriculture, Governor Bello has made landmark achievements especially in the establishment of Omi Dam Rice Mills and rice production which is capable of feeding the state and country. The governor has declared state of emergency in the sector and by the end of his first tenure, all the potentials that the state is known for would be harnessed for good.
Just recently, the World Bank lauded the government’s agricultural initiatives in introducing sustainable agricultural programme capable of taking the state to the next level.
In addition, if the frantic efforts of the governor is complemented by the federal government in having Ajaokuta Steel Plant completed within the lifespan of his administration, the state would throw off the toga of a civil service state to become the industrial hub of Nigeria.
What is your comment on the civil service reform carried out by the governor?
The staff screening is one area that the present administration has won the heart of many people, especially those who understood the rot in the system before the emergence of the present administration. Despite the discomfort it brought, the people still applauded the political will to clean up the payroll that his predecessors failed to do.
The governor always likens the exercise to a surgical operation. There is no doubt, surgery is painful, but in order to save life, it must be done. This is exactly what we are facing in the state at the moment, where government is taking its time to ensure that the right things are done for better tomorrow. It has affected his popularity, no doubt, but he is not deterred in his resolve to liberate the civil service from compromise and fraud. He is feeling the pain as well, but it is a necessary sacrifice that would redeem the civil service. A good leader must not pamper the people at the expense of good governance. The governor has consistently demonstrated his love for the state, he doesn’t care about your religion or ethnic background. What excites him most is the ability of such an individual to deliver. The historic visit of traditional rulers across the state to President Muhammadu Buhari led by the Atta of Igala succinctly explains the great achievements of Governor Bello for another second tenure.
How would you describe Governor Bello as an individual?
Governor Yahaya Bello is meticulous and intelligent. He does things the way a highly intelligent individual does his things. He does not rush and that is why whatever project he embarks on ends up well. Those who don’t know him may misconstrue his action but the truth remains that he is the most amiable, down-to-heart and intelligent man you will ever come across. He does not like being hyped; he loathes being praise-sung. He rather says to those of us in his cabinet to allow his works to speak for him rather than praise him in the media. That is one thing that endears him to most of us. You cannot help but marvel at his humility. On that note, he has been able to come up with programmes that have direct bearings on the lives of the people. He has embraced the idea that thuggery is nothing but phenomenon that would add to the misery and poverty of the future generation of which he has done everything within his power to discourage.
What is your message to the people of the state towards the November 16 governorship election?
There is no alternative to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kogi state and there is no vacancy in Lugard House in 2019/20. Governor Yahaya Bello has done a lot to deserve the commendation of every citizen of the state irrespective of political affiliation and ethnic divides.
