By Ali Abare
The founding fathers of Nasarawa State had a dream to make the state not only great but also be in position to attain its full potentials. It’s a known fact that Nasarawa State is endowed with tremendous potentials in the areas of agriculture, solid minerals and recently large swaths of oil and gas deposits.
The future of Nasarawa State is great and it is expected that every citizen of the state shares in the noble vision to make Nasarawa State better and greater.
But we are presently in trying times, especially after the removal of oil subsidy which has brought about economic challenges, with the people experiencing hardship caused by inflation and high cost of living.
Research has shown however that moments of crisis such as being witnessed in Nigeria, presents a turning point and that nothing makes a great leader better than the hour of crisis as true visionaries look beyond uncertainty and act as an anchor for others. Be it business, politics or philanthropy, hardship has always been a catalyst for remarkable men and women to rise up to challenges.
It’s little wonder then that both President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule have shown their committed and determination to address the prevailing hardships by evolving policies and programmes geared towards alleviating the plight of the people.
Indeed, it will not be out of place to say that Nasarawa State is lucky to have Governor Sule at the helm of affairs of the state at this particular time in the political history of the state. This is someone that has made his mark locally and internationally in the organized private sector who has come to change the narrative of sustainable development in the state.
Since coming into office in 2019, Governor Sule has brought his hard earned reputation and experience to bear in the administration of the state, applying his vast knowledge to situations he met on ground, as well as those arising, to bring about the most desirable outcome.
So far, the Governor has demonstrated remarkable wisdom in his discernment, discretion, intelligence, penetration of ideas, correctness of opinion, quickness of understanding, and clarity of mind which is leading to correct actions and decisions being taken by the administration.
While Governor Sule is giving his best to crystallize the vision of Nasarawa State as being amongst the three topmost competitive states in the country, it remains for the followers to reciprocate by supporting him achieve this collective vision.
Thus, it’s not only inimical but needlessly distracting for a section of the citizens to deliberately refused to recognize and acknowledge the obvious and manifest determination of the Governor to turn around the fortunes of the state for the better.
Especially the relentless recourse to unconstructive criticism on the social media, particularly by those who ordinarily should be celebrating their son for his exceptional leadership.
Just like Governor Sule has repeatedly stressed, the time of politics is over. It’s now time for governance. Time for the people to join hands together with his administration to build the Nasarawa State of our dream.
In the words of Jesse Owens, an American Olympian, “We all have dreams, but to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”
Even the holy books are clear on what is expected of the folowership in regards to their leader.
In Christianity, it is said that through Jesus, creation, and biblical guidance, God has given the faithful every tool for them to become good followers. In biblical teachings, good followers are not blind followers. Good followers engage, learn, grow, and thirst for personal growth and development. Good followers do right always and never compromise.
But most importantly, good followers know how to lead others and know the importance of supporting those above you.
In fact, in Proverbs 14:28, it is clearly stated that the mark of a good leader is loyal followers; leadership is nothing without a following.
In the holy Quran, one of the rights of the leader is obedience. At all times, the leader must be obeyed. Ibn Umar reported God’s Messenger (SAW) as saying, ‘Hearing and obeying are the duty of a Muslim, both regarding what he likes and what he dislikes.’ Muslims must obey the ruler as long as he does not order them to do something forbidden in Islam. Allah (I) says: (O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the messenger (PBUH), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority.) [4:59]
The Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: It is obligatory upon a Muslim that he should listen (to the ruler) and obey whether he likes it or not except when he is ordered to do a sinful thing, in such case there is no obligation to listen or to obey.
They must give sincere advice to the ruler, in a good and kind manner. Allah (I) instructed Moses and his brother Aaron upon sending them to Pharaoh to preach the true Religion to him: And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allah).) [20:44]
To support him in times of adversity and crises and not to revolt against him or forsake him, even if one was from a group who does not pledge allegiance to him.
Certainly, Governor Sule has evidently proved himself to be a leader that has the capacity to delve deep and find hidden opportunities in the most trying times.
He has continued to show remarkable leadership by effectively studying areas of concern and fostering a more productive pattern of thought and behaviour which is moving Nasarawa State forward and making the state visible and attractive.
It also a known fact that, only during a crisis such as being experienced now accross the country does the true mettle of a leader show, with Governor Sule able to holds the power to turn adversities into possibilities.
Governor Sule has capacity to inspire the entire state, and to work for everyone’s greater good.
It’s pertinent at this point therefore, to urge the Governor’s detractors mostly from his home local government area of Akwanga, to sheath the sword and support their own to succeed. By supporting their son to translate his noble vision, they will be writing their names in gold especially that Governor Sule will leave office as one of the most progressive governors ever.
In fact, Paul tells Christians in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It is not by accident the Governor Sule comes from Akwanga Local Government Area. It is not an accident that today, he is the Governor of Nasarawa State.
Deliberately turning the blind eye on his sterling leadership or even embarking on a pull him down campaign especially on social media, may amount to a total negation of the command by God for the followers to support their leaders.
Abare is the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Nasarawa State.