INTRODUCTION
I feel highly honored and particularly dignified to be invited to deliver the lecture
to mark the first one hundred days of the administration of Governor Murtala Nyako in Adamawa state. I consider it a humble but exciting task to be selected for such a unique responsibility to stand before a distinguished audience like this one comprising of some of the eminent sons, daughters and well wishers of the state.
Therefore, permit me to express my utmost gratitude to the organizers, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Adamawa state chapter under the leadership of Mallam Ahmad Ibrahim Sajo. For whatever reason that might have informed their decision to choose me out of several other distinguished and indeed better qualified indigenes of the state for this task, I thank the members and officials of the Institute for the honor.
I have no doubt whatsoever that the NIPR will have significant contributions to offer in the enthronement and sustenance of quality and participatory governance that is people centered and development oriented in the state. Evidence from elsewhere suggests that positive linkages and relationship exist between the structures of governance and sound public and community relations practice which tend to strengthen the positive image of government, enhances public understanding and promote greater involvement of people in the process of democratic governance. Arguably, these are some of the critical elements required in the effective movement of the wheel of the state from where we are now to where we desire to be in the foreseeable future.
At this point, let me congratulate the Governor, his team members in the executive council and the members of the House of Assembly on their journey so far in piloting the affairs of the state. One hundred days in the life of a government may appear insignificant to warrant any serious and critical evaluation or assessment, particularly for an elected regime that has a mandate for four years. It may also appear as if we are in a haste to conclude on a regime that is just settling to address the complex challenges of a state like Adamawa.
On the other hand, it may also be argued that based on the immediate past experiences in the state, it is incumbent on the people to maintain eternal vigilance on their leaders at all levels through constant reviews, monitoring and evaluation on a fairly more regular basis. I believe that such vigilance will help to remind the leadership that much is expected from it, thus helping it to remain focused and people centered. Similarly, I believe that the mistakes of the past of pretending that all things are well will not be repeated because of the renewed public mood in issues of governance in the state.
Equally, the government itself will be better understood and appreciated if it is assessed on a more regular basis to know the speed at which it is cruising and the quantum of resources being expended. I am convinced that for the sake of fairness and objectivity, in judging the performance of the regime, one should begin by understanding the depth of the valley from which it is climbing up; the extent of the decay it inherited and the level of cynicism and pessimism that pervaded the polity. In such a circumstance, any step or activity by the regime will attract huge attention from the public. Therefore, this period is an historic opportunity for Governor Nyako and his fellow politicians to make the difference in the life of the people and the landscape of the state.
PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF GOVERNMENT IN
In 1976, the then Adamawa and Sardauna provinces plus some parts of the then Benue Plateau state were merged to form Gongola state with headquarters in Yola. Later Gongola state was to be divided into Taraba and Adamawa states with headquarters in Jalingo and Yola. This was done to foster development and promote national unity in a diverse polity like
Based on this premise and counting on the experiences of the people in the state over the years, we can rightly or wrongly summarize their perceptions of government in the state.
First, government is seen in a very simplistic term as a distant institution domiciled in the Government House at Dougirei with little linkage with the generality of the people. The impression is that top officials are inaccessible; appearing too busy, and always on their way to
Secondly, government is often and wrongly associated with the ‘chop-1-chop’ syndrome. It is perceived that government resources are expended based on the discretion of the Governor irrespective of procedure and budgetary controls. He has absolute control over the treasury and spends the money with little regard to the aspirations of the majority of the people in the state. Whatever he considers as the priority of the people, so shall it be.
Thirdly, the actions of the government are perceived to differ in most cases from its words as presented in speeches and papers by the Governor. Time after time, the people have been told lies by those in governance, that many have “developed thick cloud of pessimism about anything government”.
Fourthly, government is often seen as a fearful institution whose views, opinions and direction are always correct that no ordinary citizen dare to differ from or think of challenging. Woe be unto whoever that dared to differ from government; such a fellow is berated, called names and branded an enemy. Thus, the picture of an all knowing, ever correct and intolerant institution is what represents government in the minds of many people today.
While the above observations may be considered debatable, it is however important that every effort is made to correct the impressions for easy governance.
PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS ON THE PDP GOVERNMENT UNDER ADMIRAL NYAKO
The arrival of the present government in the state was greeted with high expectations and tremendous amount of goodwill from the general public. Indeed, if the number of the people that witnessed the swearing-in ceremony of the Governor and his Deputy at the
At this point, it is important to remind our elected political leaders and their lieutenants to consider themselves very lucky to be honored and trusted by the majority of the people of the state. Their individual and collective elections signify the trust, confidence and hope of the people in them. This is a great opportunity for each of them to work towards enlisting himself/herself into the Adamawa State Book of Fame.
Arguably, I consider Adamawa state of today as one of the least difficult states to administer with admiration. Why? This is because, over the years, the expectations of the people in democratic governance and the dividends of the process have been disappointed and left in deficit. If only our present leaders can fill in the gaps and wipe away the tears of frustration that have been rolling down the people’s faces, then all will be well for all. Already, there are indications that some of these gaps are being addressed in the state.
Equally, for our leaders to demonstrate their appreciation of the peoples’ mandate, let them commit themselves to offering visionary, transparent and accountable leadership that is human centered, rights based and development oriented, anchored on the respect and promotion of the people’s rights to quality life. After all, it has been widely acknowledged that, “development is the objective programme of government, but it must be anchored on the growth of the human person who is the primary beneficiary. When a state deprives the people of their rights…this kind of development becomes dangerous”(Kukah, 1999).Stated differently, our present leadership is being reminded that the people of the state have the right to demand and receive first class services, excellent infrastructure and above all, total respect for their self worth, integrity and freedom. Those in government are also being reminded that the people require them to internalize the fact that it is their right as the citizens of Nigeria domiciled in Adamawa state to demand ,insist and receive what other citizens are getting or enjoying in their states. In other words, the people deserve to have a state that can stand side-by-side with the most developed states in the country.
For instance, the people have every right to demand for answers to the following questions from their past and even some of the present leaders. Some of these are: Why was the development process in the state arrested despite the in-flow of huge federal grants over the years? Why was the state considered the most insecure in the North-East sub region in terms of armed robberies? (NBS Report, 2006). Why was the state counted among those with the highest cases of road accidents and casualties rates in the country? Why are most of the urban, rural and major highways barely motorable? Why were our taps not pumping water? Why was the state government having the least number of medical doctors in the country? Why were the maternal and infant mortality rates in the state unacceptably high? Why were Adamawa students in institutions of higher learning hardly receiving their scholarship grants? Why is the poverty level among our women endemic? Why were our farmers not getting subsidized fertilizer when they should? Why were our civil servants not getting quality accommodation? Why did our level of decay surpass that of neighbouring states that were created at the same time with our own? Why was there so much hope on May 29, 2007? These are questions and more questions for us to continue pondering over. I believe that our people have the right to be sufficiently and correctly answered by the past and present leaderships in the state and local government levels.
RECREATING ADAMAWA THROUGH GOOD GOVERNANCE
In attempting to answer some of the above questions, we may realize that the government of Admiral Nyako in Adamawa state is faced with enormous challenges coupled with huge public expectations produced by prolonged neglect, misapplication of resources and glaring failure of the state system. It may not be totally wrong to assert that at one point in the state, government only existed in name as an idea without an existential content that demonstrated its discharge of basic responsibilities.
However, today, there is a marked change to that of a government that exists both on paper and in being able to uphold its social contract with the people. The evidences are visible: roads are being rehabilitated, water is flowing into peoples’ homes, doctors are being attracted back to the health care system, government machinery is now alive and the democratic space is being expanded for all stakeholders to belong. In summary, hope is gradually being restored in the process of governance in Adamawa state.
However, these observed positive steps notwithstanding, it is our opinion that to effectively consolidate and satisfactorily continue to address the above questions within the context of sustainable development, our leaders in government should believe, act and manifest good governance in the state. There may be no alternative to good governance in the present era. Adamawa requires a new dawn in governance built on democracy, rule of law, accountability, and respect for human rights and the delivery of goods and services in all nooks and crannies of the state.
Good governance would entail “the ability of the government to effectively manage resources of the state in such a manner that it is capable of providing for the basic needs of the people and the people are allowed to develop their full potentials under a democratic political framework based on the rule of law (Farmhouse Dialogue, 2000). However, good governance will not be possible if the leadership is deficit in its understanding and manifestation of the following qualities:
.Truthfulness
.Integrity
.Harmony
.Accountability
.Openness
.Public spiritedness
.Vision
.Courage
Thus, we expect our leaders at the level of the LGA, Development Area and the State (comprising the executive, legislature and the judiciary) to manifest the above qualities for good governance to prevail. In the end, the Governor as the captain of ship in the state eventually takes the responsibility for the action and inactions of his team players. Consequently, he is expected, in the words of Shehu Uthman Danfodio, to be “watchful and hunt down corrupt officials; just as a cat cannot be allowed custody of mice, so corrupt officials cannot be given custody of the… subjects” (Shagari & Boyd, 1978).
Equally, the success of the leadership will not be feasible except if it respects and upholds the rule of law and guarantees justice, avoids the abuse of the legal process and all other acts of injustice. As we have experienced in this country in the past, abuse of the legal process and acts of injustice are the easiest means to breed societal discontent and conflict. In the words of the country’s Attorney General, Chief Micheal Aondoakaa (SAN), “nothing is more dangerous to national development than the abandonment of the rule of law. The rule of law must remain the controlling and regulating force in governance. This is indeed the basis for building a civilized nation that is fair to all…A nation in which all individuals feel and know that they are valued members of the society. That they have a government that respects human dignity, promote human development, foster human equality and advance human freedom” (The Guardian, Sept 4, 2007).
Another element that can easily undermine good governance in a state like Adamawa is the tendency to personalize power at the local government or state levels. Personalization arises when state affairs are treated by the leadership in a strictly personal way, “with all institutions and processes of governance observed in the leadership and with its impromptu decisions and actions subvert all regularized government procedures and process”. What is more, state money and other property are treated as if they were his personal property with little or no restrictions…(and) scant regard to laid down financial regulations and budgetary control, breeding in the process utter indiscipline…and unbridled corruption”(Williams, 2003).
In this context, the judiciary and the law enforcement agencies should be accorded their due respect and priority attention for them to perform optimally. Thus, the police and the judiciary deserve every support for them to function well and uphold their credibility.
Good governance also entails uplifting the status of women in the state. It has been proved that no society develops if its women are neglected to wallow in poverty, illiteracy and backwardness. Therefore, for this regime to fully succeed, it has to recognize and harness the enormous potentials of our large women population to effectively participate in the development process in line with the Millennium Development Goal, No 3.
Having a functionally literate society is a goal that this government will be expected to actively promote. As we know, good governance can hardly thrive in a society where ignorance and poverty of ideas predominate .Thus, apart from promoting the UBE as demanded by MDG No 2; efforts must be instituted to pursue functional literacy among the general population. The cumulative advantages of this strategy are limitless and timeless. In fact, the efforts must be extended to effectively the fulfillment the rest of the MDGs within the specified target.
What is more? Can we have good governance and vibrant democracy without having healthy people in a healthy environment? In other words, this regime has a big challenge in reviving and improving on the provision of affordable, accessible and excellent health care services in the state. Reports by credible international partners that include the UN System on health care delivery in Adamawa state in the last few years have been very disturbing. I hope and pray that there will be a serious clinical intervention to revive the system.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, good governance will not be feasible without a vibrant media system that promotes the free flow of ideas and the horizontal and vertical exchange of information in the polity. A vibrant media system expands the public space and fosters public understanding of the issues of governance by all segments of the population.
Currently, a good reader of the Nigerian press will observe that there is a careful and systematic effort to poison the psychology of Nigerian towards the Nyako administration in the state. Stories against the government and its well wishers are planted in the pages of various newspapers to portray the regime as a government of ethnic chauvinists and religious fanatics. But this should not be unexpected in a place like Adamawa state. The ongoing media attacks should be seen as part of the natural reactions of the aggrieved. Here, let us remember the immortal words of late Prof Claude Ake who reminded us that: Development changes the way people live and work. By sheer ubiquity and intensity of the changes which development brings about, it tends to cause disorientation, upheavals, widespread anomie and insecurity especially among those who see themselves as losers, by its discontinuity. That leads to aggressive behaviour and reactive tendencies.
I think Ake had summarized the situation in the state. The government should not be distracted by the negative publications. Let the debate go on and let the administration strengthen its information dissemination mechanisms through the upgrading of its existing channels and do even more to ensure that public opinion is not hoodwinked against the state.
Finally, good governance must fight corruption and ensure the delivery of excellent services and maintenance of public infrastructures and facilities. Indeed, these are the normal duties of the government upon which the generality of the population will judge the officials in the next four years.
CONCLUSION
In this presentation, we have been able to remind the present set of our elected leaders that includes the governor, senators, members of the House of Representatives, state Legislators and other appointed officials on the enormous expectations of the people in each one of them. Let us recall from where the state was emerging from on the development scale. Let us also recall the excitement and the renewal of hope that greeted the arrival of this regime. The present leadership cannot afford to fail the people of
To this end, let me plead with our leaders to keep in mind that, “success and suffering are vitally and organically linked. If you succeed without suffering it is because someone else have suffered for you, if you suffer without succeeding, it is because someone else may succeed after you”(Lee quoted in Kukah). Therefore, use the God given opportunity to make the desired difference in the lives of the people of Adamawa state.
Finally, permit me, to once again, thank the organizers for inviting me to share some of my thoughts with my compatriots in the state. Most importantly, I thank you all for being a very wonderful and patient audience.
Thank You.
Being Text of a paper presented on the occasion of a Lecture to mark the First 100 Days of Governor Murtala Nyako in Office in
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