Frequent trips of Kebbi gov is for progress of the state – Commissioner

From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Cultures, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi has condemned the critics of the state Governor, Dr Nasir Idris over his trips to foreign countries and the outburst of opposition party on the taken over of the Koko-Zuru -Dabai federal road by the State Government.

He noted that, the Governor’s trips were in the interest of the state, stressed that,of recent, Governor Idris have been able to lure investors into the state from Indonesia, Brazil among others which have started yielding good results.

The Commissioner stated this while addressing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, on the efforts of the State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris to develop the state and industrialize it.

According to him, “the main misstep of opposition parties in Kebbi State lies in their hasty and impulsive criticisms of Dr. Nasir Idris’s APC government.

“Criticizing a government that is seen as the best ever in Kebbi state requires well-founded evidence. Underestimating the people of Kebbi and playing with their intelligence on the altar of political exigencies or just to score cheap political points could be a grave error.

“Constructive criticisms are a hallmark of democracy and where opposition parties play their oversights correctly, it strengthens the levers of participatory democracy. The rule, however is that when you take it upon yourself to criticize a performing government, especially one that has come to be loved by the ordinary people, you must arm yourself with water tight proofs.

“A significant error occurred when opposition criticized the official travels of Governor Idris and his team. These trips, both national and international, are on record to have yielded tangible benefits for the state. For instance, after Dr. Idris’s visit to Indonesia, the subsequent visit by the Indonesian Ambassador and technical officials highlighted mutual benefits, silencing many critics”.

“Take the Koko/Zuru road as example. It is a classical case of getting things done if you have the audacity to venture out of your comfort zone into the corridors of power to exploit your connections.

“The delay in advancing the Koko/Zuru road project due to federal bureaucracy and an ineffective contractor exemplifies this. Governor Idris, fulfilling a campaign promise, navigated these challenges by engaging federal authorities persistently to revoke the contract when an incompetent contractor persistently fails to ensure progress. This road has been on the table for decades without any of the past governments getting anywhere near getting it done; not even a look-in. To make matters even worse and more painful, the road project had remained merely on paper.

“The commitment demonstrated by Governor Nasir Idris in, firstly getting it revoked and secondly, in quickening the process of re-awarding it is not only commendable but unprecedented in the annals of this state.

“Re-awarding the construction to three reputable companies ensures quality and timely completion. Successes like these are the product of tireless advocacy and strategic engagement, underscoring the governor’s dedication to Kebbi’s development.

“Had Governor Idris remained stagnant to placate a vocal few, projects like the Koko/Zuru road might never have seen the light of the day or move beyond planning. His strategic travels and networking are crucial for state progress. As he continues to venture out to Abuja and beyond, the support of Kebbi’s populace becomes vital in countering detractors and fostering further development”.