Rabiu Omaku
Though it is not in his character to respond to every baseless accusation, it has become necessary to address the recent comments made by one Dr. Muhammad Al-Nasarawi regarding Governor Abdullahi Sule’s decision and personal educational choices for his children.
While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is, however, necessary to set the record straight with facts and contextual understanding rather than emotional outbursts.
Governor Sule, as a responsible parent and public servant, has every constitutional right and personal capacity to make educational decisions that he believes are in the best interest of his children. This is a fundamental parental privilege that transcends socioeconomic status or public office.
Governor Sule’s background as an internationally exposed professional who studied and worked in the United States has shaped his global perspective on education. His choice of school for his children reflects this worldview and emphasizes the importance of quality learning experiences.
Rather than being criticized for this decision, it should be understood as a demonstration of his commitment to excellence, the same standard of excellence he has brought to governance in Nasarawa State.
The notion that sending one’s children abroad for education indicates a lack of trust in public institutions is a flawed argument; many Nigerian professionals across various fields make similar choices without such criticism, and Governor Sule should not be held to a different standard simply because of his position.
The economic capacity of Governor Sule to provide international education for his children is unquestionable. Before venturing into politics, he had already established himself as a successful industrialist and businessman, serving as the Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc and co-founding Sadiq Petroleum Nigeria Limited.
His financial standing was built through years of legitimate private sector enterprise, long before he assumed public office. This economic independence enables him to make choices that many parents would make for their children if they had similar means, without any reliance on public funds.
Those who criticize the governor’s educational choices for his children seem to overlook the substantial transformations happening across Nasarawa State, particularly in the Akwanga area and the broader Nasarawa North Senatorial District.
Even the blind can attest to the ongoing infrastructure revolution in Akwanga, where the governor has initiated landmark projects, including the Akwanga Modern Market with 52 locked shops, 54 open market stalls, and 26 warehouses.
The administration has also delivered multiple intracity roads, such as the Dankanzo Link, Baba Alago Street, and Central Mosque Road, significantly improving transportation and economic activities in the region.
The most ambitious infrastructure project currently underway is the Akwanga underpass project, which Governor Sule recently inspected while urging contractors to redouble efforts to meet deadlines.
This project, along with the planned dualization of the Akwanga township road approved by the Federal Ministry of Works, as well as the Akwanga Byepass, will permanently address traffic congestion and open up the city for further development.
These development drives demonstrate Governor Sule’s commitment to replicating the development standards he experienced abroad right here in Nasarawa State, contrary to the claims of his critics.
Regarding the political future of Governor Sule, those who express undue concern about his perceived senatorial ambition should understand that power comes from God alone. The Governor has always maintained that he is not distracted by political calculations but remains focused on delivering good governance to the people of Nasarawa State.
His approach to leadership is guided by the principle that public service is a responsibility vested upon him by God to be exercised with dedication and integrity, not for pecuniary gains but for the betterment of society.
This sense of divine purpose has informed his development-focused governance style since assuming office in 2019.
It is particularly ironic that critics who claim ownership of Akwanga and have historically been in the corridors of power are now questioning a leader who has delivered more tangible development to the area than many of his predecessors.
Instead of casting aspersions, these individuals should perhaps reflect on their own contributions during their time while having the opportunity.
The people of Nasarawa North can now see the stark difference between mere political rhetoric and genuine development, between leaders who chase shadows and those who build roads, markets, and youth centers.
Governor Sule’s record of achievement stands in stark contrast to what previous leaders delivered despite their long political presence. The remodelled Akwanga Youth Center named after Elder Suleiman Jakonda, which now boasts a large multi-purpose hall, accommodation rooms, operational offices, restaurant, and alternative power generating set, stands as testimony to this administration’s commitment to legacy projects.
These facilities serve the people directly and enhance the socio-economic landscape of the community in practical ways.
Governor Sule remains focused on delivering his mandate to the people of Nasarawa State rather than engaging in endless debates with critics. His personal decisions regarding his children’s education are lawful, private matters that reflect his parental responsibilities and global outlook.
The ongoing transformation of Akwanga and other parts of Nasarawa North Senatorial District are visible for all to see, and no amount of misinformation can obscure these achievements.
As the saying goes, “the stone that the builders rejected has become the head cornerstone” —a truth that runs deeply with Governor Sule’s journey from being underestimated to becoming a transformative leader for his people.
