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Nasarawa State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Emmanuel Ombugadu, has urged the people of the state to reject the politics of handouts and unite behind leaders capable of transforming the state’s abundant solid mineral resources into opportunities for its people.
Ombugadu made the call yesterday during his visit to Sabon Rai, Lafia, where he featured on a New Live programme.
The governorship candidate said political party membership, distribution of cash or food items and other temporary incentives should not determine who governs the state.
According to him, the people must look beyond immediate material benefits and consider leaders with a genuine understanding of their challenges and the capacity to address them.
“Belonging to a political party does not make you governor. Trying to jam people’s heads together does not make one governor. Sharing ₦50,000 or bags of food items does not make one governor. You cannot mortgage your destiny for a porridge.
“It is your prayers and God’s will that give power and make someone governor.”
Ombugadu also called for unity among Nasarawa residents, saying the state was at a critical point where its people must make decisions capable of moving it “out of darkness into light.”
“Nasarawa, we must be united and take over our state. This is the time to make that decision that will take us out of darkness into light,” he said.
The PDP candidate further argued that indigenes and residents who understand the challenges confronting their communities should be given the opportunity to lead.
“The natives know their concerns and they know what they want. That is why someone who understands the yearnings of their people should be your governor.
“That is why I have been consistent in the race of becoming your governor to salvage our people.”
On the state’s mineral resources, Ombugadu said Nasarawa must move beyond being described as the “Home of Solid Minerals” and ensure that the benefits of the resources translate into improved living standards for its citizens.
He questioned whether the state’s schools, hospitals, roads and the general welfare of its people reflected the enormous mineral wealth attributed to Nasarawa.
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“We call Nasarawa State the ‘Home of Solid Minerals.’ But I want to ask you: Are your lives solid? Are your schools solid? Are your hospitals solid? Are your roads solid?
“We need to be solid in every sphere of life if we are truly the Home of Solid Minerals.”
Ombugadu said his vision was to ensure that Nasarawa youths become owners and major beneficiaries of the state’s solid mineral resources rather than remain labourers and drivers for people who control the resources.
He said the state had a responsibility to develop local content around its mineral resources and create opportunities for young people to build wealth.
“When you go to China, you will see a boy of 20 years already a billionaire because he has ownership in the resources of China,” he said.
“But when you come to Nasarawa State, you see our youths, graduates and even Master’s degree holders, working as labourers and drivers. That is not the way we should be seen.”
He added: “I know the way I will show our youths how to take ownership of our solid minerals and use them to better their lives. Nasarawa youths are not second-class citizens.”
Ombugadu, who recalled his political experience in the 2023 governorship election, said the large turnout and enthusiasm he witnessed at Sabon Rai renewed his confidence in the political future of the community.
“I recognised your energy in 2023 when we won our election. Looking at the kind of population I saw here today, I believe that one day, a President, Ministers and Directors will emerge from Sabon Rai,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as “Nasarawa projects,” insisting that his political aspiration remained centred on the development and welfare of the people.
“I am for Nasarawa projects, and I will remain for Nasarawa projects,” Ombugadu declared.
