An American ace and bestselling author wrote in his book, “IMMITATION IS LIMITATION” that stones and sticks are thrown at a tree because it is fruit-bearing. The same scenario applies to individuals who come under attack because of the miles they have been able to cover.
The foregoing scenario explains the barrage of attacks that has been directed at Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, the second executive governor of Kogi State. From the faultiness of their arguments, it is clear why the ex-governor is a subject of incessant attacks. It is simply because; some people are threatened by his unflinching political pedigree.
Though, ex governor Ibrahim Idris is of humble beginning, with steadfastness, sheer hard work, dedication and discipline, he was able to sail to the top in both business and politics. The fact that he went through thorns and thistles; valleys and hills himself, gave his leadership style a distinctive touch.
With absolute trust in the almighty, that only God gives power, and that he gives it to whoever he pleases, Gov Idris was able to breast the odds and frugality in place at the time. Though he was termed an underdog, he never despaired, which qualifies him as a brave warrior, who never steps aside in the face of battles.
He held sway at the Lugard house for eight years plus, which made him the longest serving governor in the history of the state. Though, small-minded characters are trying to demean his place in the political, social and infrastructural development of the state, his lasting and well-intended landmark development in the state still speak volume.
Because he is a man of less fun fare, his distracters have introduced all manner of sentiments to undermine his pedigree, again, he has no apology for being modest and pious. Where do we begin to pinpoint his signature projects?
Before he became governor in 2003, the state university, established by his predecessor, Prince Abubakar Audu in 1999 was widely acknowledged as a ‘glorified secondary school. And very much so, the National Universities Commission (NUC) declined the university accreditation in many vital fields of study.
However, as a man of pure intention, Alhaji Idris reached out for the states’ intellectual giants spread in universities around the country to shore up the university’s rating. Among such intellectual giants is Professor Francis Idachaba, first chairman of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), two-time vice chancellor of University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Also drafted into the Ivory Tower was Professor Sam Egwu, a man of high intellectual sagacity and social science guru.
This singular move earned the university multiple accreditations from the National Universities Commission, thus, dousing the tension that had gripped the students of the institution, following the failure of the NUC to grant accreditation.
Perhaps those whose stock-in-trade is to blowout others’ candle, in order to brighten theirs, are suffering from collective amnesia to have forgotten so soon that before the emergence of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris as the executive governor of the state, parents always had their hearts in their mouth, whenever it’s time for WAEC and NECO registration.
Before this era, some parents were unable to register their wards for the final exams while others had to resort to selling their yet-to-be-harvested farm crops, family lands to foot this bill. Throughout Alhaji Idris’ sojourn at the Lugard House, parents were relieved of having to run from pillar to post each time WAEC and NECO registration beckons.
One distinguishing factor with Alhaji Idris’ developmental strides as the governor of the confluence state is that, he is devoid of superficiality. He took every step with posterity in mind. The magnificent Lokoja water works is a testimony to an enduring legacy. Before this giant water scheme, the situation in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital was that of ‘water everywhere without water to drink.’
In an age and system, where the roles of traditional institutions are relegated to the background, thus eliciting social dislocation, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris brought a life-line back to the traditional institutions in his days with a living wage pay to them. In fact, all grades of traditional rulers in the state had cars to ease their operations, courtesy of the state government.
The state civil service, the engine room of every development initiative, hitherto mistreated, maligned and ridiculed had no occasion to complain throughout Alhaji Idris’ time in saddle in the state. Their salaries and entitlements were paid as at when due. Staff welfare and training got priority attention given that, if a civil servant is paid, its effects trickle-down to all his or her dependents.
The manifestation of this well taught out action was Alhaji Idris’ resounding victory at his 2007 re-election and the subsequent rerun ordered by the Appeal Court.
How much are we going to mention? The Lokoja Specialist Hospital he established has remained a reference point. Unlike some governors, the roads he constructed are not superficial but are still free of pot holes years-on.
Detractors should leave Alhaji Ibrahim Idris alone. He has written his name in gold and has imprinted his mark on the sands of time. For the avoidance of doubt, Alhaji Idris is not like typical Nigerian politicians, who loot their state treasury as part of their strategy to stay safe in rainy days.
Alhaji Idris was an accomplished businessman and philanthropist before he ventured into politics. His survival does not depend on pension and has no need to steal like his accusers, who had no visible means of livelihood coming into politics.
– Idris, a journalist, wrote in from Abuja.