Gov. Aliyu: The duty, benevolence and detractors
By Musa Khalid
Governor of Sokoto State, Dr Ahmad Aliyu, has demonstrated a number of leadership qualities that clearly shows that his mission to serve in public office, particularly as chief executive officer of Sokoto State, is purely to serve the people.
This visionary governor has a clear blueprint for the development of Sokoto State, which was demonstrated by his government’s implementation of various initiatives to achieve his goals.
He is known for his compassionate approach to governance, particularly in response to the needs of the poor, vulnerable and the downtrodden.
This highly educated executive both in western and Islamic education, has shown the ability to make tough decisions, even in the face of challenges and opposition.
To ease the procedures in his inclusive governance ideology, he has fostered partnerships with various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and private sector entities.
By instituting monthly allowances to principal officers of central mosques in Sokoto communities, and breaking fast with almajiri children in the last Ramadan, Dr Aliyu has made a bold statement that he is out to solve societal problems in his state.
Dr Aliyu has introduced innovative solutions to address pressing issues in the state such as healthcare and education, as well as promoting unity in diversity and inclusiveness in his administration that ensures equity for the hitherto marginalised class.
One of the high points of Dr Aliyu’s governance that even his critics cannot doubt, is his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance, which ensures efficient management and utilisation of resources.
He has paid a backlog of gratuity to retired civil servants amounting to over four billion naira as part of his one year anniversary.
A man who keeps promises can be trusted any time. His action was in fulfillment of his promise after receiving the payment committee’s report that about 5,000 retired personnel have an accumulated backlog of N14bn gratuities from 2015 to 2023.
Dr Aliyu possesses certain qualities or characteristics that make him unique compared to other public officeholders, this is evident in his inclusive, innovative, or participatory governance.
Dr Aliyu’s unique blend of professional and political experiences brings fresh perspectives to governance in Sokoto State.
A man committed to a strong work ethic, and prioritizing the needs of his constituents cannot act otherwise.
His innovation and reforms bring early recognition of technology, using digital tools to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability.
The young, vibrant state executive, is known for his ability to build coalitions and work across party lines to achieve common goals.
Dr Ahmad Aliyu, holding in view the vital role a state executive plays in the polity, vows to serve the downtrodden and the vulnerable members of the state with a zeal unprecedented in Sokoto state annals of leadership.
Unlike some of his predecessors, this rare state executive promotes social justice and equality, ensuring that the rich have access to the luxuries they can afford without hindrance, and the poor and needy equally have access to basic needs of life like healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
By providing the needs of the downtrodden, the marginalised and forgotten communities, Dr Aliyu has helped them to break the cycle of poverty and improve their socio-economic status. He has become the mouthpiece of the masses who have been in the past left voiceless and uncared for.
The governor’s focus on the people helps create a more compassionate and equitable society where everyone has a sense of belonging, creating more patriotic citizens who are unleashing their potentials on the state on daily basis.
The loyalty he inspired among his subjects increases by the day, creating a class of patriotic citizens joyfully carrying out their civic responsibilities without coercion.
As a strong advocate of self-reliance, he has provided a conducive atmosphere for small businesses to thrive.
Business cannot be run successfully without sound health, so he has put in place a strong healthcare reform as well as providing initiatives to improve access to quality education particularly for rural communities.
As a public officeholder, Aliyu possesses a unique combination of qualities that inspire, motivate, and galvanize his followers to achieve a shared vision that makes a society he leads exemplary, even as he has a clear understanding of his state’s goals and has developed the ability to achieve them.
Gov Aliyu’s ability to understand and relate to the needs and perspectives of his subjects prompted him to put in place communication for effective listening and to articulate ideas and feedback that benefits all.
He does not work alone; he always makes informed, timely, and sometimes tough decisions after a wide consultation with stakeholders. Glorifying the saying that example is better than precept, he leads by example.
Dr Aliyu inspires patriotism in the entire people of Sokoto, irrespective of political party, and this is laying a positive and productive work environment for state’s growth and development.
Indeed, any public officer who identifies with the downtrodden is bound to attract detractors. Fortunately, the self-evident good works of Governor Aliyu always vindicate him.
Musa Khalid writes from Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto State