How Yobe can break the jinx in 2019
What direction should Yobe state take in 2019? How can the state catch up with other states that are its peers? What is really holding back Yobe state from development? How can the state chart a new path towards growth and progress. Of course the state has been on the side of progressive leaning since 1999, but it is clear that the state needs a new direction in terms of concrete development in education, agriculture and commerce. In fact, the state needs more aggressive approach to rural development.
Twenty-nineteen election presents an opportunity for Yobe state to change direction and take a new path with emphasis on rural development, social welfare, massive youth employment and infrastructural development. But for these to become a reality there are key issues that must be addressed to set the state on the path of equality, social justice and progress.
It is important that power shifts from Zone A; which comprises of the local governments that produced Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim who ruled the state for 10 years and Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam who by 2019 will as well clock ten years as governor of the state. All the major federal appointments of Yobe state come from this zone. They include; the current governor of the state, current minister of state for foreign affairs, ambassador appointed from Yobe state, national secretary of the ruling APC, INEC commissioner representing Yobe state, and even the federal permanent secretary (though his was on his merit of service) The other zones of the state; B and C zones can be described as mere onlookers in the governance of their own state. Apart from creating an atmosphere of inequality, these one-sided appointments are gradually widening what appears to be a systematic exclusion of other parts of the state from governance. Other parts of the state are beginning to feel on the margin, without a stake - both at state and federal levels. The atmosphere is just that of feeling of marginalization.
APC under leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole must sustain this loyalty by ensuring that all upcoming part primaries across the state are conducted through direct primaries that empower the people, as clearly seen from the example of Osun. Divisive outcome of delegate system of primaries as seen in the recent Bauchi South senatorial by-election primaries shows the danger it poses to party harmony and justice. The fact that general elections have been taking place in Yobe peacefully is an indication that direct party primary elections are feasible and can be a testimony of President Muhammadu Buhari’s successful defeat of Boko Haram insurgency. Direct primaries will empower the people and ensure that right from the scratch the choice of leaders is people driven. Oshiomhole has so far shown commitment to ensuring justice in the party by giving the people the power to determine who will lead them - directly; eliminating the political ‘middlemen’ called ‘delegates.’ No state deserves direct party primaries more than Yobe where people yearn of inclusion - in every sense. APC will be making a mistake if it misses the opportunity of rewarding the royalty of the people of Yobe state with direct party primaries that can do away with the selective and easily manipulative nature of delegate’s party primaries. Any argument against direct party primary elections in Yobe state will amount to further exclusion of the people and a litmus test for APC.
Our great party APC must also be wary of any attempt to allow the injustice called “delegates” based party primaries. The people should have a say and final say indeed through open primaries. Every candidate should prove his electoral worth in open, free and fair elections.
Governor Ibrahim Geidam had done a lot in developing our state and he can consolidate his achievements sticking to his words, as he promised; that a level playing field will be provided in choosing who will lead the state in next phase of its democratic journey. Level playing field can provide that equality that will ensure that all parts of state and all the people of the state are given equal opportunity that will ensure justice and fairness.
Both President Muhammadu Buhari and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole should focus on politics in Yobe state and give it all the support to keep moving on the path to development.
Adam Mukhtar Jajimaji, Sabon Pegi, Damaturu,Yobe State