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Change Process Must Not Confuse Us – APC Chieftain
Jok Alamba was a Former Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state and a key Leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview, he expressed confidence in the Governor Simon Lalong / President Muhammadu Buhari administrations as they clock one year in office. Raymond GUKAS sent excerpts:
What are your assessments as regards to the removal of fuel subsidy by President Muhammadu Buhari?
Knowing the position of the President, I believed he did it with a good intention for this country, I have no doubt that after a wide consultation with the necessary stakeholders, he came out with a vision which I believed is for the best interest of this country, in view of the situation this country has found itself, a situation where only a few are benefitting greatly from the share of subsidy and they are also using the subsidy as a conduit pipe for their personal aggrandisement and benefit, it has not augur well for this nation at all. Every Kobo that is been generated by the Federal Government, every kobo has been generated as a source of revenue for this nation must to be put into proper use, if this country is to survive and to progress. It is as result of missing kobo here and there, that this country has found itself in this very strangulated position. Therefore, I seriously buy the idea of the increase in the fuel price, especially as it is being backup by palliative measures, and also with the belief that the words of Mr. President are very sincere, that over 2000 jobs are likely to be created from the increase in the fuel pump price.
Critics of this increase in fuel price are the same people who are advocating for the establishment of local industries and local refinery, but I asked, how do we effectively come up with local refineries and managed them without the necessary capital? If a money is being misused and stolen as a result of fuel subsidy. We need to truly get ourselves organise as a nation, especially by a way of shying away from the hydra headed monster that has strangulated us, that is corruption.
If today as a nation we get well organised by paying 145 naira per litre, I think we are better off than been completely unorganised and paying 85 or 86 naira per litre. It is only when we are organised as a nation that we are truly been able to uplift the natition to the attraction of the rest of the world.
Nigerians witnessed a change of Government from the PDP to the APC. What is your assessment of this administration as it clocks one year in office?
I have studied, observed and assessed the administration of President Buhari and discovered that he has a very good intention for the development of this country. Looking at his tract records, he has consistently behaved in such a manner at any point in time that he found himself as a leader; as somebody who wishes this country well by doing his best, putting his best without necessary behaving like those who appears to be highly opportunistic any time they found themselves in the highest office. Mr. President has always restrained himself from corruption and I knew him very well from his reaction and remarks and actions that he has a very goodwill for this Nation. For the very first year he spends in office, you found out that, the process of pursuing corruption in this country is serious, he has been able to inject a lot of change in a mind-set of all facets of governance, he has shown the world that he is serious, he is very serious in pursuing the laid down manifesto of APC. If it is true that we believe that corruption has been one of the monster that has held us back for years, then we know by the action of this administration; the results that we are seeing so far and yet to see in this country. This administration has done well in that direction of fighting corruption.
In what area do you think Mr. President should put more efforts?
Mr. President has a programme for youth empowerment and a plan for elaborate construction of roads, I think he should put more efforts in that direction. In the area of peace, we have seen the efforts Mr. President has put and the progress he has achieved most especially in the Northeast, that is a sign that yes! this administration within one year has really put up his best that he came up with good results for ensuring that peace is realised, which is a necessary tool for the development of this nation.
With the rising in price of foodstuff. What is your take on that?
Well even with the increase in fuel price, we believe that it is because of the dwindling economy worldwide; inflation has been a threat not only to Nigerian, but most of the countries in the world. So the best way of pursuing the inflation as of now is to come out with a necessary programme like the palliative measures that has been provided by the Mr. President.I belief sincerely that if more money is injected into the economy by way of caution and systematic planning, honestly speaking we will realise the situation where the common man does not suffer too much because of this inflation.
What is your take on the availability of Fertilizer?
Every time you have inflation going up, you asked yourself why? Most of the reasons of price increase have to do with the scarcity of commodity. now if the Federal Government is really out to boost the economy by way of increasing productivity of farm produce and inputs including fertilizer, obviously speaking, you will find out that at the end of the day with the availability of this product, the price of fertilizer is bound to go down and consequently the farmers will be able to improve their productivity by way of easy access to such inputs like fertilizer. we must also understand that to encourage local productivity we must discourage importation of some of these inputs particularly. We have to be systematic, we can just go ahead and just push at once for this change, we must start somewhere. So it is as a result of careful concentration of local productivity of fertilizer and other inputs that this scarcity is now coming to bear.The Federal Government is more been encourage or encouraging itself not to open up to the importation of fertilizer, rather it is saying that let us look for a way to ensure that we produce fertilizer locally and in sufficient quantity to reach our farm.
All the pains we are experiencing right now are the pains we normally experience when we are rebuilding from a completely destroyed foundation. Unless a solid foundation is put in place, the building cannot definitely stand. Therefore, we must pass through some pains before we finally ripe the benefit. So, we must have to bear to some extent, but I believe all this will not be for too long.
What is your assessment of Governor Lalong, on managing of the bailout funds?
Considering the backlog of salaries arrears that was inherited by the Lalong administration, honestly speaking, considering the huge amounts involved, you would want to seriously appreciate the efforts of especially Mr. President for coming out with bail out to assist states that were already strangulated, the states almost heard no idea or way out as to cope with the payment of backlog of salaries first, talk less of coping with subsequent payment of salaries.The bailout was supposed to be in two fold; in two instalments, the first instalments has been released across board, the second instalment has not been given across board. The bailout has really assisted some state to come up-to-date in the payment of salaries, some of the state that has higher backlog of salaries couldn’t really come out up-to-date in the payment of salaries, even with the first bailout. So they are waiting to see if they will get the second bailout so as to help them pay completely off the bailout and come up-to-date with the payment of the salaries.
Gov. Lalong led government in terms of salary payment that is one of the very first areas that we need to say kudus to Governor Lalong
What is your called to the Plateau people?
For my dear state Plateau we must not allow the pains, the hardship been experience as a results of the change process to confuse us and make us lose hope, we must see hope at the end of the tunnel, we must remain resilient and focus and supportive. to our governor and the administration of APC, not minding all form of criticism because of the fact that with time the sweet benefit of change will be experience in Plateau state and Nigeria as whole. Nigerians, we should be very tolerant to the experience we are passing through Mr. President mean well; we should rather encourage him, knowing that even if Angels came down as a leader of Nigeria today he will have to struggle against all the challenges. I wish the Plateau people and the Nigerians to be tolerant and support him so that at end of the day the change benefit will start flowing to the appreciation of every citizen of Nigeria and even our future youths and leaders who will now have a solid foundation for moving a better Nigerian forward.
We Are Building Bridges For Peaceful Coexistence – Jos North Council Sec.
Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state is one metropolitan council that is known for violent notoriety. Enmeshed in so many skirmishes bothering on ethnic or religious confrontations, it still remain the only council area that has defied all arrangements for a local government election in close to a decade now. The present administration however, made a move to bridged the persistent misunderstanding between the Hausa Muslim and the natives by appointing Shehu Usman as Secretary of Jos North local government. In this interview with Raymond GUKAS, the new Secretary, bared his mind on the experienced of insecurity and the return of Peace in the council sixteen years after. Except;
What effort did your administration made towards the restoration of permanent peace in Jos North LGA after several years of political and economic crisis that rock the council?
I take you back a little,this is the total restoration of peace which is the hand work of Governor Simon Bako Lalong to ensure that all the tribes living in Plateau state enjoy what is called love and freedom of worship. The Lalong administration gave recognition to all the major tribes who are residents in
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.
The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.
The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.
“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.
According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.
“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.
AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.
“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.
The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.
The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.
AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.
He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.
“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.
The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.
According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.
“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.
“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.
AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.
In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.
“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”
The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.
She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.
“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.
“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.
“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.
“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”
•••Says Ward stands with APC
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.
Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.
The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.
- Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.
In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.
The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.
“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”
The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.
It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”
According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.
The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.
Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.
It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.
Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.
“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.
It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:
“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members
“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.
“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.
“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.
“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.
“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.
“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”
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