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From, Abel Leonard, Lafia
In this interview with, Aliyu Bello, the newly appointed Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, shared his thoughts on various key aspects of his role and the state’s political landscape.
What is the significance of your appointment as the Third Chairman of the APC in Nasarawa State?
My appointment as the Third Chairman of the APC in Nasarawa State is a great honour, and it follows the recent appointment of my predecessor, Dr. John D.W Mamman, as a Commissioner and Member of Nasarawa State Executive Committee.
Can you tell us more about the changes in party positions resulting from your appointment?
Certainly, my appointment required me to vacate the position of State Party Secretary, which I held for several years. This role has now been taken over by Mr. Yairus G. Dagusa, mni, a retired civil servant and a respected politician.
How do you plan to approach your new role as the APC Chairman in Nasarawa State?
I am fully aware of the challenges that come with this position. I intend to utilize my many years of experience in party politics to sustain and enhance the popularity of the APC in Nasarawa State and the country. I am committed to teamwork and synergy among party officials at all levels.
What message do you have for the party members in Nasarawa State?
To our party members, I want to express my gratitude for your support over the years. I urge you to redouble your loyalty and commitment to the party, as well as to our purposeful Governor, Abdullahi A. Sule.
Can you elaborate on the governor’s achievements in terms of rural development, education, and healthcare in Nasarawa State?
Undoubtedly, Governor Sule’s administration has made significant strides in Nasarawa State. We’ve seen improvements in rural infrastructure, including motorable roads, access to clean water, and electricity. The education sector has also thrived, with a focus on science and technical education to enhance employability. Likewise, healthcare facilities have been enhanced with improved drug supply and equipment.
What can you tell us about the investment climate in Nasarawa State under Governor Sule’s leadership?
Nasarawa State has become one of the top investment destinations in the country due to sound economic policies under Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s APC-led administration. His efforts have attracted investments, contributing to the state’s economic growth.
You mentioned opposition and critics. How do you intend to address criticism and dissenting voices?
As the head of the party’s administration, I am committed to constructive dialogue and engagement. We welcome criticism but insist that it remains constructive. The APC, under my leadership, will not tolerate political mischief and misrepresentation of issues. We aim for transparent and accountable governance.
Could you clarify the situation regarding the distribution of palliatives in Nasarawa State?
The State Government initiated the distribution of palliatives two weeks ago, and a comprehensive programme is being developed for this distribution. We are committed to ensuring that these palliatives reach those who need them most in a fair and organized manner.
Can you provide details about the distribution plan for the palliative items in Nasarawa State?
The distribution of palliative items will take place in all the polling units across the electoral wards in the state, ensuring that each person receives something substantial. We urge everyone to be patient and orderly during this process.
How does the state government view the economic hardships faced by citizens, and what actions are planned to alleviate these hardships?
The state government is genuinely concerned about the economic hardships faced by citizens and is committed to addressing them. Unfortunately, there have been critics who have used this situation for negative propaganda. However, we will focus on constructive politics and highlight the achievements of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration.
What are the APC’s plans for the upcoming local government elections in Nasarawa State?
We are preparing to strengthen the APC at the local government, ward, and polling unit levels in preparation for the upcoming local government elections. Additionally, we aim to woo back members who left the party for various reasons to make the APC more formidable in Nasarawa State.
How does the APC plan to ensure that political appointees in the government align with the party’s policies and programmes?
As the ruling party in the state, we will closely monitor the performance of all government appointees to ensure they adhere to the party’s ideals, policies, and programmes. This will help maintain the party’s control of the government.
You mentioned your commitment to wooing back party members who left the APC during the last party primaries. Can you elaborate on your strategy for this effort?
Indeed, I am determined to bring back those who were aggrieved and left the APC during the last primaries. We are currently making efforts in this direction, and we’ve already received support from party members who moved to other parties like APGA. Our strategy involves engagement, dialogue, and addressing the concerns that led to their departure.
Can you tell us more about the party members who came to congratulate you from various local government areas of the state? What does this signify?
It’s a positive sign of unity within the party. Party members from various local government areas coming to congratulate me indicates a desire for cohesion and a renewed commitment to the APC’s principles and objectives. It strengthens our resolve to work together for the betterment of Nasarawa State.
You mentioned that the issue during the last primaries was not caused by the state executives. Can you provide more contexts on what led to these grievances?
The grievances during the last primaries were not due to actions by the state executives. Rather, they stemmed from internal party dynamics and disagreements. We acknowledge these concerns and are committed to resolving them, working closely with the state government to ensure that the APC returns to its grassroots, where it belongs.
In conclusion, what message do you have for your party members?
I call upon our party members to offer unwavering support to me and my team to sustain the APC’s dominance in Nasarawa State.
