Introduction to the Crisis
The last is yet to be heard of the crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following moves by the state government to demolish the house of a former governorship aspirant, Salihu Nataro.
Allegations of Political Motivation
Nataro, in a chat with reporters in Abuja, alleged that the plan to demolish his family house in Jega was because he called on Governor Mohammed Idris to concentrate on priority projects that would impact directly the lives of Kebbi people. Stressing that the plan to demolish his family house in Jega Local Government Area was politically motivated, he called on Idris to address the state on the speculations regarding the disagreements with the state’s Accountant General over VAT disbursement.
Background to the Demolition Plan
He said the Kebbi State Governor decided to pull down the historic Nataro compound to punish him for criticising the government for undertaking bogus prestige projects instead of socially impactful programmes that could lift the people out of economic destitution. Nevertheless, he faulted the story making the rounds that he would defect to the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Nataro’s Account of Events
“I know this is political vendetta, because before some people were going about telling the governor that Nataro would run again for the governorship,” he said. “Then I had an interview with journalists where I urged the governor to reassess his governance strategies and focus on projects that will help improve the economy. This house that the government wants to demolish was inherited from my very philanthropic father. It was marked for demolition by the Governor of Kebbi State. The house in question belongs to the people of Jega because it was put up by the first ruler of Jega – Sarkin Marina.
Government’s Response
However, the Kebbi State Government has said that it was embarking on the road expansion as part of its infrastructure rehabilitation programme, pointing out that the Ministry of Works in the state has been reaching out to owners of properties to be affected. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, the government maintained that the road dualisation project conforms with engineering and design specifications. “The expansion will entail drainage, embarkments, including stone-pitching, access culverts,” the statement added, pointing out that the governor, Dr. Nasir Idris is determined to ensure the best for Kebbi and does not pander to base sentiments,” he said.
Conclusion
The crisis between the Kebbi State Government and Salihu Nataro over the planned demolition of his family house has brought the issue of political vendetta to the fore. While Nataro sees the move as punishment for his criticism of the government, the state government claims it is part of a larger infrastructure development project. The situation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in governance, as well as the importance of engaging with critics in a constructive manner.
FAQs
- Q: Why does the Kebbi State Government want to demolish Salihu Nataro’s house?
A: The government claims it is part of a road expansion project under its infrastructure rehabilitation programme. - Q: What is Nataro’s view on the demolition plan?
A: Nataro believes the plan is politically motivated, aimed at punishing him for criticising the government’s project priorities. - Q: Is Nataro planning to defect to another party?
A: Nataro has denied rumors of defecting to the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP). - Q: What historical significance does the house marked for demolition hold?
A: The house was put up by the first ruler of Jega, Sarkin Marina, and is considered part of the community’s heritage.
