By Chris Nyamtu
A former Accountant General and governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Nasarawa State, Dr. Zakka Yakubu, has called on residents of the state to hold political leaders at both the state and local government levels accountable for the management of funds accruing from the removal of fuel subsidy.
Dr. Yakubu made the call during a mega rally held in Akwanga Local Government Area as part of consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The rally marked the climax of a series of engagements the former Accountant General has held with stakeholders, political groups, and community leaders across the state in preparation for his formal declaration to contest for the governorship seat in 2027.
Addressing a large crowd comprising supporters from different political parties, Dr. Yakubu said his decision to join the race was in response to increasing calls for purposeful and people-oriented leadership capable of lifting citizens out of poverty.
According to him, the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, were designed to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, but many states, including Nasarawa, had failed to translate the increased revenue into meaningful development for the people.
“President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are targeted at improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, especially the removal of fuel subsidy. Nasarawa State receives over N18 billion monthly since the removal of subsidy, yet there is little to show for it. Poverty levels continue to rise, and the people deserve to know how these resources are being utilized,” he stated.
“As someone who understands the system, I know what comes into the state. Citizens have a responsibility to ask questions and demand accountability. We cannot continue to allow a few individuals to hijack resources meant for the collective good of the people,” he added.
Dr. Yakubu lamented that many communities across Nasarawa State were yet to feel the impact of democracy and inclusive governance, despite the state’s vast human and natural resources.
He noted that his nearly three decades of experience in the civil service had equipped him with the knowledge and capacity to drive economic growth, create opportunities, and establish a government anchored on accountability, transparency, and equity.
The governorship aspirant also pledged to ensure that the state’s solid mineral resources are harnessed for the direct benefit of the people if elected into office.
“If given the opportunity to serve, we will ensure that our solid minerals are processed here in Nasarawa State. We cannot continue to allow foreigners to dominate and control our resources in the name of investment while our youths remain unemployed. The state is richly blessed, but these resources must work for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Speaking during the rally, a widow, Mrs. Rakiya Hassan, described Dr. Yakubu as a compassionate leader who has consistently used his personal resources to support vulnerable members of society.
Also speaking, the State Director of the President Tinubu Four Plus Four Grassroots Mobilization Movement, Mr. Wilson Kingsley, described Dr. Yakubu’s governorship ambition as a new chapter for ordinary citizens in the state.
Mr. Kingsley praised the aspirant’s selflessness and humanitarian disposition, pledging to intensify grassroots consultations and mobilization efforts toward securing victory for him during the APC governorship primaries. (Radio Nigeria)