GOV. BABANGIDA ALIYU AS ROLE MODEL

Sir,

GOV. BABANGIDA ALIYU AS ROLE MODEL

Even if one had something against the current governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Mu’azu Aliyu, his attitude since he became governor of that State has erased such. Governor Aliyu is also the chairman of northern governors’ forum. He remains straightforward, focused and transparent in his actions and words since he assumed his present office.  

The governor remains the only servant-leader (and not governor) of his state. He matches this with actions. Under his northern governors forum chairmanship, he pioneered the rediscovery of New Nigerian newspaper – one of the legacies of Sarduana Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello of the blessed memory.

When the bad situation with Yar’Adua started, he was the only outspoken northern governor in support of the truth. He gave Jonathan the much needed support to assume the acting as the President so that the nation moves forward. He has again informed his people that office of the President is not a birthright of people of his region; proffering that competent hands should be allowed to aspire.

When he speaks or acts, he does so with authority and sincerity. I remember when he was the FCT Permanent Secretary; he saved one of my friends from the hands of some crooks when he discovered that those prospecting to be in business with that friend and the federal government through the FCT Ministry were fraudsters. Therefore, I am writing from what I know about this role model of servant-leader (governor); he does not go about buying awards and seeking second term endorsements as most of his counterparts do. This man is the type of Vice-President President Jonathan needs. If President Jonathan wants some progress, he better go for Aliyu or Admiral Nyako who may not have any presidential ambition. Many of the other touted prospecting candidates might be an albatross for Jonathan.

STELLA BOLOKOR, 3 RANDLE CLOSE VGC-LAGOS, stellabolokor@yahoo.com.