Myriad of publications in the national dailies on the person and performance of the executive governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Ichalla Wada since he took over the mantle of leadership in Kogi State in January 2012 have been made. I have, so far, kept a dignified silence in the face of the outright lies, spurious allegations, and the “Pull Him Down” (Phd) syndrome being gushed out by the skeptics, the muckraking and pestle-wielding critics in the opposition, and the band of mudslinging commentators across all Kogi online fora.
I did not make any attempt at responding to the myriad of chair critics because it will appear as if I am making attempts at shoring up an image that is not deserving of it. This, however, gave these “know all” censorious commentators and mudslingers the leeway to publish whatever lies they could cook up in their devious minds and serve their concocted falsehoods to the unsuspecting and gullible members of the public whose penchant for negative publicity is unrivaled especially when it comes to the issue of Captain Wada.
This article is not aimed at laundering an image since it does seem the image had been soiled, tainted, and bested by wrong doing in any form. Consequently, it is principally aimed at showing concerned indigenes of Kogi State, stakeholders, and the watching public that Governor Wada has done a great good for the people of Kogi State as captured by this aphorism by Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States of America: “A simple and proper function of government is just to make it easy for us to do good and difficult for us to do wrong.”
I vividly recall that Captain Wada on assumption of office, did set up a Think Tank Committee to chart a pathway for the administration covering all aspects of governance – education, health, economy, etc. The eminent members of this committee made up of proven men drawn from the academia, business, and captains of industries spent valuable time and came out with a blueprint which was submitted to the governor by the late professor F. S. Idachaba. Georges Pompidou (1914 – 1974), French President said, “A statesman is a politician who places himself in the service of the nation while a politician is a statesman who places the nation at his service. Captain Idris Wada placed himself at the service of Kogi State after commending the committee and accepting their recommendations. Subsequently, he hit the ground running by embarking on the implementation of the recommendations by the think tank committee via the execution of gargantuan projects in the State which has brought about both human and structural development, and ensured that all projects embarked upon by his predecessor were completed and put to use.
From the grapevine, I have heard of myriad of adjectives used to qualify the person and governance style of Captain Idris Wada. Some say he is slow to act. Others say he is too hard to convince. Some would even say he is heartless. Ssssh! Slow down, Mr. “Ach’akpabie oné”, the disapprover, the vilifier! You are getting it all wrong! Captain Wada may be slow to act but in governance, it is a virtue. A man that is slow to act is a man that is principled and and given unto, even the minutest details. A man that is slow to take action is a man who gives in to wider consultation which in turn gives room for effective administration.
The Captain Wada they don’t know is not only an embodiment of simplicity and humility, but is quintessential of an affable, empathetic, compassionate, and strong-willed personality with a greater vision. He is a man who has penchant for human and structural development, and with a strong desire to change Kogi State for better. The Wada that I know is an assiduous and ironclad governor who possess all the gravitas for good governance and development.
Let me briefly allude to the scorecard of Captain Wada since he assumed governance of Kogi State: In the eastern senatorial district, a total of 32 road projects were awarded; seventeen (17) have been completed while fifteen (15) are in various stages of completion. In the central and western senatorial district, a total of 37 road projects were awarded; 8 of these have been completed while 29 are in various stages of completion. Six (6) numbers of rural federal roads were awarded across the three senatorial districts. Five (5) of these have been completed while one (1) is at 50% completion stage. In the area of rural water projects, 25 motorized borehole and provision of 20 meter square capacity pressed steel overhead tank contract was awarded across the 3 senatorial districts; 10 have been completed while 15 are in various stages of completion. The Confluence Stadium as well as the new State Secretariat Complex have been completed. In Kogi State under Captain Wada, healthcare delivery system have been made affordable, qualitative, and available to the people via the quarterly Free Medical Scheme. Hospitals are being constructed and reconstructed; ample healthcare centres across the State are being spruced up and remodeled. The Kogi State University Teaching hospital has taken off to lend the necessary support to the state health sector. In the tourism sector, the relics and antiquities of colonialism in the state are being resuscitated. A new Confluence Beach Hotel fitted with an artistic golf course and gorgeous sports centre is emerging. A brand new Kogi Hotel has materialized.
Moreover, the evergreen potential of the colossal solid mineral deposits is being pursued to becoming a dependable revenue for the State. Besides, a new Cement Company known as Cinafidev Cement Company, which is a Joint Venture business of the State is on the verge of becoming a reality as construction of the factory has reached over 70% at Allo Community, near Itobe in Ofu Local Government. In addition, Kogi State under the leadership of the dynamic Captain Wada is being recognized globally in Agriculture for its enviable pace in the sector. Needless to say, cassava, rice, and sugar are being strategically grown to proffer a veritable short term to true wealth. Prestigious conglomerates around the world like Cargil USA, BUA Group, Dangote Group and others are being attracted to invest in the State’s rich and fecund lands for farming. The workability of the synergy and collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the State could easily pass as the best in the country.
Given the monumental strides alluded above, there is no better way to describe this Governor – Captain Wada can simply be distinguished as an achiever who has helped to re-chart the developmental course of Kogi State, re-directing it to success of the current pedestal in which the State finds itself, and raising the standard of governance and public accountability in the State. This indeed, is the Captain Idris Wada they don’t know!
– Hon. Haliru Alih Abdul wrote from Lokoja, Kogi State.
