UMAR NASKO’S POLITICAL VOYAGE
The name Umar Mohammed Nasko is familiar to a lot of people, particularly in the political circle in Niger State. Though many had thought that Umar, who was the PDP governorship candidate in Niger State in the April 18, 2015 governorship election, would coast home to victory given the overwhelming support of his people and closeness to the then-incumbent governor, Alhaji Aliyu Babangida , he lost to the opposition APC candidate. Since then, he has reportedly lost his political relevance, while his political structure has almost totally crumbled before his eyes. This situation has further confirmed that he has all along been riding on the crest of the popularity of his former boss, Babangida. Nasko, who was the Managing Partner at New Africa Investment Limited between 2001 and 2007, had served on various boards and committees in the state. He was a member of the Transition Committee in Niger State; Member, Niger State Government Committee on Public Private Partnership 2007; Chairman, Vehicle Verification Committee in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Niger State; Member, Technical Committee on Harmonization of Niger State Action Plan in the State Government and Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the 2009 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). He was also member, Niger State Executive Council in his official capacity as the Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Ministry of Youth Development, Special Adviser on Tourism Matters and Ministry of Environment, Parks, Gardens and Forest Resources. He also served as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Niger State until December, 2014.