No nation, no matter how highly endowed can attain any substantial leap without a leader who gives it a strategic plan. For the people of the Federal capital territory, Abuja, they could never ask for more when it comes to its political leadership as it is a blessing all the way for them since the present Minister of Special Duties and inner government affairs, Hon, Zaphaniah Jisalo became its All progressive Congress (APC) leader about two and half years ago when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu became the President of the country.
In fact, it will be excellently correct when we say that he is changing the fortune of the ruling party for good especially with the primary election conducted recently in all the area councils in the territory which affirm the party’s political dominance of the territory.
Many factors can be attributed for the attainment of this feat; a first by any APC leader in the territory. His intrinsic intelligence, coupled with his pedigree and articulate presentation as a politician cum administrator of note who as a two term chairman of the Abuja municipal area council (AMAC) and also a two term member of the house of representative representing the good people of FCT, one can say he knows his people and his people knows him very well.
Politically, even before now, his constructive comment on national and FCT issues and the collosal role he played in the recognition of the dominant and original ethnic group of the territory (the Gbagi people) and above all the colossal role he played in the campaign for the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which was the needed magic wand in markings this feat possible endeared him to all in the territory irrespective of religion, creed and tribe. For many who had at one time or the other listened to him outline his stirring vision and aspiration for the political advancement of FCT, he was indeed undeniable the defacto political leader of his people.
The victory of the President in the 2023 general election which saw any President appoints an indigene of the territory as a Minister speaks volumes of the regard the President have for Hon Zaphaniah Jisalo and the people of FCT even though a combination of factors made it impossible for the President to come first in the territory in the Presidential election of that year. As a Minister of the Federal Republic of the present administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has shown without doubt that he can transform the Ministry into a potent instrument for growth and development.
As a Minister he has not failed the people of the FCT who he is today representing in the Federal executive council because his achievement so far has been enviable and this has never been subjected to a debate by even his critics among the opposition because his performances rather have provided inspiration to our generation and that yet unborn.
The evidence of his positive impact in the Ministry of Special Duties and intergovernmental Affairs are compelling and visible for all to see without prejudice. This achievements of the Minister are enviable and too numerous to list out but for record purposes and history lessons for human memory are short. Therefore, it is important that from time to time his achievements are highlighted and celebrated as we are doing now.
Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo’s philosophies are easy to spot as they are reflected and embedded in his words, thoughts, and actions both in the past and presently. His dedication to our country’s growth and development are unquestionable, and advocate for the rule of law and true federation as our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu made him one of the true apostle of the President and this truly made him easily one of the first among the President disciples who would lay down their life in making sure that his administration succeeds.
As a leader, his deep compassion for the poor and the downtrodden in society stands out and this explains his unending spirit of philanthropy and his pursuit of social equality, justice and equitable resource allocation.
One of the greatest characteristics inherent in great leaders of all times is the ability to see beyond others and coupled with the tenacity and ability to actualize their visions. The Minister has shown severally that he truly has the ability and capacity to see beyond the immediate because he sees through his lens many issues in the past that are just visible to us today.
His wisdom for decision making is immeasurable. As a Minister today he is taking good decisions that is bringing that needed changes in form of reforms which has changed the narrative of the Ministry of Special Duties and inter governmental affairs for the better. The Ministry is today under him serving as a platform for championing Nation building through the enthronement of social harmony in the country and sustainable development and also serving as a strategic tool for grassroots development and the effective implementation and monitoring of Government policies and programmes for national development through the implementation of his plans that are embedded in the launched strategic plans document for the Ministry. The first by any Minister under this administration.
Today, many of our people are proud that he is actualizing his core mandate which is to develop and implement policies, programmes and projects toward the improvement of inter-governmental relations at the state and local government levels.
– Musa Wada
Abuja
