The silent sides of Governor Aliyu
By Sadiq Saleh
As Nigeria’s political norms dictate, instead of seeing things from the right perspective, we always play politics with virtually everything around us, even when it’s time for governance. Sadly, this ugly trend is grossly affecting not only our democracy but also the expected performance of political office holders and at the end of the day, shortchanging the general populace. Opposition parties having lost elections resort to making governance difficult.
Yet, some silent leaders have remained committed and focused on fulfilling their promises and social contracts with the people, in spite of the pressure from the opposition to drag them into the mud and instigate the citizens against them. Sometimes, it’s hard to promote glaring indices of development but negative trends, some even orchestrated by the adversaries of the government get easily and widely spread, especially in the vulnerable social media platforms.
In Sokoto state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got humiliating defeat in 2023 in the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing to address the yearnings of the citizens in their eight years stewardship. But instead of burying their faces in the mud because the incumbent Governor Ahmed Aliyu is doing what they couldn’t do in eight years, the PDP are busy deploying all sorts of laughable propaganda to dent the image of his administration.
Unfortunately for the PDP, the people of the state who rejected them have not forgotten their crimes. They do need a soothsayer to tell them that Dr Aliyu is turning things around for the good of the entire people of Sokoto state.
Today, part of the education of every African household is the vital admonition on the importance of living within one’s means. This is a cardinal rule taught from childhood. Debt is often frowned upon, and individuals are encouraged to avoid a lifestyle that exceeds their resources. Ironically, some of parents who drum these lessons into their children ascend to positions of authority only to discard this principle, plunging their nations or states into crippling debt. The feelings among Africans now is that it is wrong to pursue financial irresponsibility for oneself, but it’s fair game to pile debt for nations or states; quite an irony! Amidst this dilemma, however, one leader who has resisted this trend is Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state.
Governor Aliyu has emerged as a shining example of financial prudence and responsible governance. In a period where governors are falling over themselves to pile up debts for future administrations, Governor Aliyu has chosen a path that prioritises financial stability, running an efficient government through timely payment of remuneration to its workers, while keeping developmental progress going without resorting to borrowing. You would expect his administration’s commitment to these values to have earned him widespread admiration, far from it. As a conservative, the governor has continued to deliver good governance without making a fuss about such exceptional frugality, which has positioned Sokoto state as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other states in Nigeria.
Governor Aliyu’s aversion to debt accumulation is both bold and commendable. From his actions since taking office, it is clear he stayed with the lessons from home about avoiding debt. Where many leaders justify borrowing as a necessary evil for development, damning the consequences of excessive debt which are often dire, leading to economic instability and mortgaging the generations yet unborn, Governor Aliyu has so far avoided debt like a plague. The governor has shown he understands this reality of excessive debts and has charted a different course, proving that it is possible to govern effectively without borrowing a dime.
Through careful planning, resource optimisation, and prudent spending, he has ensured that the wheels of governance in Sokoto state continue to turn efficiently. This steadfast approach to spending within government’s means has debunked the common narrative that progress is impossible without accruing debt, setting a precedent for sustainable governance in Nigeria.
Amidst this aversion for debt accumulation, the Aliyu administration has ensured the prompt payment of salaries. Public servants in Sokoto state can now plan their lives with confidence, knowing that their salaries will be paid on or before the 21st of every month. This consistency is a stark contrast to the situation in many states where workers face months of salary delays, leading to untold hardships, especially with the high cost of living in the land.
This timely payment of the remuneration of workers has boosted the morale of civil servants while also stimulating the local economy. Salaries paid on time means families can meet their needs, businesses can thrive, and the overall well-being of the populace is enhanced.
Also, without borrowing, Governor Aliyu has offset the benefits of pensioners in Sokoto state who for years have endured the agony of unpaid entitlements, a plight common across many states in Nigeria. Governor Aliyu has made it a priority to honour the debts owed to senior citizens. Without borrowing any funds, he has cleared the backlog of pensions and gratuities owed by his predecessors.
This is no small feat, considering the financial strain many states face. After offsetting these accumulated debts, his administration has instituted a system to ensure that retirees receive their disengagement benefits promptly. This humane approach reflects Governor Aliyu’s commitment to the welfare of all citizens, including those who have dedicated their lives to serving the state.
Governor Aliyu’s financial discipline extends to contractors engaged in various developmental projects across the state. Unlike in the past when contractors often faced delays in payments, leading to stalled projects, his administration ensures that payments are made promptly upon completion of work. Again, all without borrowing a penny!
This commitment has revitalised critical sectors such as infrastructure and water supply. For instance, Sokoto state, once plagued by severe water shortages, now enjoys improved access to water, thanks to the timely interventions by the government. It seems now like a nasty nightmare, but residents can recall the days when a jerrican of water sold for as high as N200. Interestingly, this situation has been alleviated under Governor Aliyu’s watch all through a sheer strength of character and prudent financial management.
Despite not borrowing, road construction and other vital projects have also progressed seamlessly, contributing to the state’s transformation and improving the quality of life of its people.
Under previous administrations, many government agencies in Sokoto state were starved of funds, hampering their operations and effectiveness. Governor Aliyu has reversed this trend by ensuring that all agencies receive their monthly allocations as and when due.
This timely funding has enhanced the capacity of these agencies to deliver services, resulting in a more efficient and responsive government. From healthcare to education and agriculture, various sectors have benefited from this financial stability, enabling them to serve the people of Sokoto better. Again, without any form of borrowing.
The Aliyu administration is a testament to the power of frugality in governance. By prioritising needs over wants, cutting unnecessary expenses, and maximising available resources, the governor has achieved remarkable results without resorting to borrowing.
Governor Aliyu has, by his actions, challenged the notion that governance must always contend with and complain about the paucity of funds. His approach promotes the importance of financial discipline and strategic planning in achieving developmental goals.
The ripple effects of Governor Aliyu’s leadership are evident across Sokoto state. Workers are happier and more productive due to timely salary payment. Retirees can enjoy their twilight years without the fear of unpaid pensions. Contractors are motivated to deliver quality work, knowing they will be promptly paid. Government agencies operate more efficiently, and critical infrastructure projects are being completed without any fuss.
Beyond these tangible outcomes, Governor Aliyu’s leadership has restored hope and confidence in governance. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the people has set a high standard for others to attain.
As Governor Aliyu continues to steer Sokoto state on the path of progress, his legacy is already taking shape. He is demonstrating that financial prudence is not a hindrance to development but a catalyst for sustainable growth.
His administration’s success story is a reminder that with visionary leadership, dedication, and a focus on the common good, it is possible to build a prosperous future without burdening the present or mortgaging the future. Leaders, especially of Northern Nigeria, must take his example and run with it considering the overarching impact of borrowing on their lean resource that would accrue to their states in the future.
Governors must learn to wear the apron of Governor Aliyu and become leaders who walk their talk. They must, as a matter of urgency, imbibe frugality while prioritising the welfare of their people.
Leaders must unhook their proboscis from whatever host their accumulating debt from. They must do away with this norm by imbibing the example of Governor Aliyu whose refusal to follow the bandwagon is today a shining and inspiring example of financial responsibility.
Sokoto state is indeed fortunate to have a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people over personal or political gains. The Aliyu administration is a shining example of what is possible when leaders are guided by principles, driven by purpose, and committed to progress.
Saleh writes from Abuja.
