I Have Achieved In Less Than 2 Years What My Predecessor Could Not Achieve In 8 Years – Wike
Abuja City gate“The difference is clear. FCT residents are amazed at the accelerated development that is going on all over the territory. You can see what is happening; people are talking, saying, ‘You mean this is possible within a short time of less than two years?’ We were here for eight years, and comparatively, little happened. “We have not even reached two years, and look at what has already been achieved. Imagine what will happen in four years’ time.”
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike, made the comparison today, April 19, when fielded questions on the performance of his ministry, from selected journalists in Abuja.
Wike narrated: “When I go out, I see that people are happy. I recently visited Kwali, on the road to Lokoja – A2 to Pai. The enthusiastic reception I received was remarkable. “Similarly, the progress from Pai to Gomani is evident for all to see. In Bwari, the Gaba/Tokulo road is another testament to our commitment to reaching rural areas.
“People are genuinely amazed that the government is focusing on these communities; it has never happened before. So, yes, people are happy.”
Minister Wike said that the
the ongoing International Conference Centre (ICC) renovation reflects the enhanced quality of work being delivered.
“The cost is a direct result of the improved quality we are insisting upon.”
He made it clear that Julius Berger Plc that is handling the project is not cheap, stressing that its standards are exceptional.
“By this May, I invite you to visit the International Conference Centre and witness the transformation firsthand. As Nigerians, you will be proud of what has been accomplished.”
On the on-going hospital projects, including those in Utako, Gwagwalada, and Kubwa, the Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by existing litigation.
He also highlighted the complexities of hospital construction, emphasizing the need for integrated planning and execution, stating that the FCT administration was committed to ensuring the facilities are completed and operational to enhance healthcare delivery in the FCT.
On the recent land reforms, including the regularization of Area Council land titles, the Minister reiterated the Supreme Court’s ruling that all land within the FCT falls under the FCT Administration.
He emphasized government’s commitment to regularizing existing allocations to provide landowners with Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
“The Supreme Court has come to say every land belongs to the FCT, therefore, there is nothing like Area Council land and we don’t want to go back in saying that we have cancelled all the allocations. We said let’s regularize so that you can have your C of O.”
Wike called for prompt payment of fees and development of allocated lands to prevent land speculation and ensure efficient land utilization.
He said that the Administration will proceed with the development of the Maitama II District, and called on all land allotees in the FCT who are yet to pay the required fees to do so, reiterating that Abuja land is not free.
On the issue of reviewing the Abuja masterplan, the Minister called for patience, saying: “The Abuja masterplan is to keep Abuja the way it was designed.”
He stressed his commitment to adhering to the masterplan and addressing illegal developments.
The Minister said that he will bring down any illegal structure that is against the Abuja masterplan.
On city sanitation, the Minister called for greater public responsibility and tax compliance.
He highlighted the high cost of waste management and urged residents to pay their sanitation fees.
He also called on the media to help educate the public on the need to pay their taxes.
On public transportation in the FCT, and the menace of illegal motor parks, the Minister disclosed that the three bus terminal projects embarked upon by the administration would soon be completed. Once operational, the Minister said, the administration will enforce regulations to reduce illegal parking and improve traffic flow.
“By the grace of God, we are almost done with the three bus terminals. We will be able to say this is where you will load, and this is the dropping point. Then we will now be able to reduce these illegal car parks.”
2027: Between Technocratic And Political Jobber, Which Way Yobe? By Usman Abba
As Yobe State continues its journey of recovery, reconstruction, and development, the question of leadership becomes paramount, especially looking towards the 2027 electoral cycle.
While political participation is the bedrock of democracy, the complexities facing the state demand more than just political maneuvering. They require deep technical competence, strategic planning, and a results-oriented approach, which is the hallmarks of technocratic leadership.
This is why the prospect of a seasoned technocrat at the helm of offers is a compelling alternative to the traditional “political jobber.”
Technocracy vs. Political Jobbery: Defining the Difference
A technocrat is fundamentally a problem-solver, leveraging specialized knowledge and experience – whether in economics, law, engineering, administration, or other fields – to design and implement effective policies. Their approach is often data, knowledge and people driven, focused on long-term sustainability, efficiency, and measurable outcomes. They understand complex systems and prioritize competence in execution.
Conversely, the term “political jobber,” often used critically, describes individuals whose primary focus might be acquiring and maintaining political power through patronage networks and short-term political calculus. While political skills are necessary to navigate governance, an over-reliance on jobbery can lead to prioritizing loyalty over competence, sacrificing long-term strategic goals for immediate political expediency, and potentially mismanaging state resources.
*Yobe’s Unique Challenges Demand Expert Solutions*
Yobe State stands at a critical juncture. Having weathered the storms of insurgency, the state faces the monumental task of:
Consolidating Security Gains: Transitioning from stabilization to sustainable peace requires development that addresses root causes.
Rebuilding Infrastructure: Roads, power, water systems, schools, and hospitals need significant upgrades and expansion after years of conflict and neglect.
Unlocking Economic Potential: Vast agricultural land (sesame, gum arabic, livestock) and untapped mineral resources need strategic development and value-chain integration to create jobs and wealth.
Addressing Human Capital Deficits: Improving education quality, expanding skills development, and strengthening the healthcare system are vital for the future.
Ensuring Good Governance: Efficient resource management, transparency, and accountability are crucial for attracting investment and building public trust.
These are not simple political talking points; they are complex developmental challenges requiring specialized knowledge and meticulous execution. This is where a technocratic approach becomes invaluable.
*Kashim Musa Tumsah: A Profile in Relevant Expertise*
When considering the profile needed to tackle Yobe’s specific challenges, the background of Kashim Musa Tumsah, MFR, presents a compelling case study for technocratic potential and sensibilities in his career demonstrates a blend of high-level expertise directly relevant to the state’s needs
Political Knowledge: A Yobe State indigene, Mr Tumsah has garnered vast experience in political strategy and implementation, he has been involved in the political framework of Yobe state since its creation. His reach and influence has created a very loyal network of astute people across the state.
Legal Acumen & Resources Law: With an LL.B (University of Maiduguri), BL (Nigerian Law School, with prizes), and a Distinction in LL.M (Resources Law and Policy, University of Dundee), Tumsah possesses deep legal understanding, especially in managing natural resources – crucial for Yobe’s agriculture and potential mineral wealth.
Security Awareness: Mr Tumsah has extensive grounding in the security and intelligence community. This is a foremost skill set required in the volatile architecture of the State and will be a requisite in planning a post conflict Yobe State. The volatile and dynamic security challenges being experienced in the region requires that the next Governor of the state possess a good working knowledge of security and intelligence gathering.
International Negotiation & Diplomacy: His extensive experience in international boundary negotiations (Nigeria-Cameroon, Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea, etc.), work at the Nigeria-Sao Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority (JDZ), and involvement with the ICJ case showcase high-level negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and an ability to manage complex cross-jurisdictional issues. This is vital for attracting international partners and investment.
Project Management & Administration: As Executive Director, Finance and Administration at the JDZ, he was involved in managing finances, administration, and complex contracts (like Production Sharing Contracts with major oil companies). This demonstrates capacity for managing large budgets and complex organizational structures inherent in state governance. He was involved in conceptualizing, drafting, and managing treaties, agreements, and regulations for the JDZ – skills transferable to state-level policy and implementation.
Practical Grounding: Tumsah is also identified as a farmer (Chairman, Alegre Integrated Farms Limited), giving him practical insight into Yobe’s primary economic sector.
Demonstrated Commitment: Recent reports highlight his “Operation Light Up Yobe” initiative and provision of solar-powered boreholes, funded through personal networks. This demonstrates a proactive commitment to addressing basic infrastructure needs and an ability to leverage resources for community development, outside formal political office.
*Why This Expertise Matters for Yobe in 2027*
A leader with Tumsah’s profile brings specific advantages over a purely political operative:
Strategic Resource Management: Expertise in resources law and managing joint development zones translates directly to optimizing Yobe’s agricultural and mineral potential, negotiating beneficial PPPs, and ensuring state assets are leveraged effectively.
Infrastructure Development: Experience managing large-scale projects and understanding contractual frameworks is crucial for efficiently delivering the roads, power, water, and other infrastructure Yobe desperately needs.
Investment Attraction: A background involving international negotiations and managing multi-national stakeholder interests (like in the JDZ) lends credibility and skill in attracting foreign and domestic investment.
Efficient Governance: Proven administrative and financial management skills (as ED Finance & Admin) point towards a potential for more efficient, accountable, and data-driven state administration.
Problem-Solving Focus: A technocrat’s training emphasizes analyzing problems and designing workable solutions, moving beyond rhetoric to tangible action plans for education, healthcare, and job creation.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Competence for a Resilient Future
Describing Mr. Tumsah as just another technocrat is doing a great disservice to the years of political experience he has ganered both at the Local and national levels. Kashim Tumsah has been involved in the intricacies of political manouverings in Yobe state since creation of the state.
The path forward for Yobe requires more than just political maneuvering; it demands vision, expertise, and a relentless focus on execution. While political skills are essential for navigating the landscape, they must be anchored in genuine competence and a deep understanding of the developmental challenges at hand.
Looking towards 2027, Yobe has the opportunity to prioritize leadership that brings proven technical skills and administrative capacity to the table. A technocrat like Kashim Musa Tumsah, with his specific blend of legal expertise, international experience, administrative capability, and demonstrated local commitment, represents the kind of leadership profile equipped to tackle Yobe’s complex challenges head-on and guide the state towards a truly secure, prosperous, and resilient future. The choice lies in valuing proven expertise and strategic vision over the potential limitations of conventional political jobbery.
Usman Abba, a public affairs analyst, wrote in from Yobe.