Democracy & Governance
Power Outage: The Dark Reality of Governance In Kaduna State -By Abdullahi Yusuf
Unfortunately, the funds were not given based on any criteria. In fact, the website provided for the application was just to delude the masses and give them false hope. The funds were used to compensate specific people who are loyal and busy singing praises to the administration on media. It can be concluded that funds meant for the masses have been used for political payback.
The power outage in some parts of Kaduna is very disturbing. In the community where I live, Rigasa, it has been over a month since we experienced an hour of uninterrupted power supply. In fact, for three days, I haven’t seen even a flash of light in my community. This issue is not new, as people in Rigasa have long been crying out regarding the status quo of electricity in the community. The distribution company responsible for providing light in Kaduna, known as Kaduna Electric, has turned a blind eye and blocked their listening ears to the series of complaints being sent to them on a daily basis.
Recently, a pressure group in the Rigasa Community—Rigasa Action and Awareness Forum (RAAF)—led a protest and engaged the media against the inaction of the DisCo. “No Light, No Pay” is the slogan usually used by the protesters to display their stand regarding the blackout. Unfortunately, Kaduna Electric has the audacity to keep updating the public regarding the Band A feeders’ compliance record for the month, where all the locations specified are either government-owned or occupied by the elite. This signifies their zero commitment towards addressing the power outage in communities like Rigasa.
The state government, on the other hand, is making zero effort towards addressing the issue, similar to other state governments. Considering the nature of the weather and the sacred period of Ramadan where Muslims abstain from eating throughout the day under the scorching sun, light should be available more than before to lessen the difficulties being experienced during this time. The state governor has the executive power to make a decision that will bring serenity to the masses. Sadly, as much as I hate to admit it, this current administration has a low regard for the life and welfare of the common man.
Recently, there was a disbursement of grants received by the state government to support small and medium enterprises within the state. Justifiably, those funds were meant for everybody who met the criteria to receive them irrespective of their political affiliation—as the governor is for everybody. Unfortunately, the funds were not given based on any criteria. In fact, the website provided for the application was just to delude the masses and give them false hope. The funds were used to compensate specific people who are loyal and busy singing praises to the administration on media. It can be concluded that funds meant for the masses have been used for political payback.
Comparatively, placing Kaduna State on the same scale in terms of governance with other states that were performing below par will result in total disappointment. The only social amenity that we used to partially enjoy was electricity, but the case is not as it used to be anymore. What was supposed to be for the masses is now for a portion of the population. If the state keeps moving on this track, we will definitely go back to square zero. The definition of democracy in my state is now a government of some people, by some people, for some people.
The governor recently made a clarification regarding the state’s debts during a Town Hall meeting. He highlighted the financial difficulties the state is facing, which according to him affects even salary payments in the state, and how the dollar to Naira rate affects debt reimbursement. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with the governor’s statement as he is trying to be transparent and accountable in his leadership. However, placing direct blame on the previous administration is something I would never condone for obvious reasons, which some of his appointees and supporters are currently doing. Instead of all these baseless banters, why not channeling the energy towards critical thinking and problem-solving to address the current challenges.
Consequently, the actions of some of the governor’s supporters have led to an attack on the integrity of the former governor, who, under his shade and support, ushered in the current administration. In response to what appears to be an assault on the reputation of their father, a faction of the former governor’s progeny retaliated—a natural defense for any child who cherishes their father. However, as the situation began to backfire, the perpetrators swiftly shifted their narrative to preach about confidentiality.
My concern regarding this administration is that a significant number of its supporters are either benefiting directly from its policies or are naive cheerleaders lost in a sea of empty promises. To those who find themselves among the praise singers, I urge you to consider your future and confront the harsh realities. Cease to jeopardize your potential relationships for the sake of someone who may not even acknowledge you in person.
It is imperative for this administration to elevate its performance across all fronts.
