Makarfi: When call to service becomes loud

With the successful conduct of PDP convention that usher into new leadership of the party, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi caretaker committee has continued to receive accolades and encomium from Nigerians. For the first time in the history of PDP’s convention, new leaders were unanimously elected or emerged without hue and cries that normally associated or charasterised the process. This indeed is a welcome development. The hitches free convention has indicated that, the party is fully organized and prepared to provide an alternative platform to Nigerians in 2019 general election. Beyond the successful convention, the need to search for a credible candidate that will fly the party presidential ticket has begun in earnest. The party will in no distant time organise primary election to field electives candidates in the country.

There are many presidential aspirants who have shown interest to contest the forthcoming 2019 election under the umbrella of the party. Notably among them are: Alhaji Sule Lamido, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, Governor Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Prior to the emergence of these contenders for the race of the party’s ticket, there was mounting pressure across the country for Senator Ahmed Makarfi to vie for the Presidency. The drum of support enjoyed by Makarfi across the six geo-political zones attested to the fact that he is a bridge builder and loved by many Nigerians. Also, the clarion call could not be unconnected with his sterling leadership qualities spanning for over a period of more than two decades. To the good people of Kaduna state, the name of Senator Makarfi is synonymous with rural and urban transformation. During his eight years as the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Makarfi recorded tremendous success in infrastructure and educational development. Many rural communities were connected with national grid while conducive atmosphere for learning was created through building of schools and provision of learning materials. Worthy to mention are hundreds of feeder roads constructed which opened up many rurals communities. These efforts had assisted greatly towards boosting the socio-economy development of the state.

Senator Makarfi’s eight years in the Senate could be described as a success story. As Chairman Senate Committee on Finance, he sponsored many bills that strengthened our financial sector and accelerated socio-economic development of the country. The youths of his senatorial zone could not forget in hurry how he secured thousands of federal appointments in lucrative ministries and parastatals for them. Senator Makarfi’s vast experience has come to bear while piloting the affairs of PDP as protem chairman. His ability to manage the multi-faceted and multi-tasking problems bedeviling the party is very impressive and has caught the attention of Nigerians. When the party was grappling with the numerous challenges many people thought the end of it has come. Surprisingly, the quintessentially trained accountant and administrator per-excellent rescued the party and organised befitting convention to the satisfaction of all and sundry.

Senator Makarfi has armed himself with educational qualifications and fruitful working experience. He worked with Nigeria Universal Bank between 1983 and1994 and rose to the rank of AGM a position he held in various capacities and eventually appointed as acting Chairman of the bank. He was a part time lecturer at the Institute of Administration, ABU Zaria from 1987 to1994 and the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Planning, Kaduna State from 1994 to 1996.

He is a recipient of many awards which include: West Africa International Gold Award 2001; Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Outstanding Merit Award 2003 and the French Medal of Honor among others.

With this intimidating CV, Senator Makarfi seems eminently qualified for highest office in the land. He has carved a niche for himself. He is an achiever and politician of great repute. No wonder, various political organizations have started rooting for his candidature. They believed he is imbued with leadership qualities capable of leapfrogging the country’s economy to greater heights. Considering the country’s worsening economy situation, insecurity and high rate of unemployment, Senator Makarfi has the magic wand to solve these problems. He should throw his hat in the ring. The time to answer the clarion call to service is now…ANSWER THE CALL OF NIGERIANS…

Bamalli is the National Chairman, Movement for Better Nigeria. He wrote this piece from Kaduna.