Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto has reiterated its commitment to transforming the state under the 9-Point Smart Agenda of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
During a press conference on Monday, the state party Chairman, Hon. Isah Sadeeq Achida, alongside other party executives, strongly responded to criticisms from opposition elements, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
They accused the opposition of making baseless claims that only served to undermine their credibility.
Hon. Achida outlined the state of Sokoto when the APC took over leadership from the PDP, emphasizing that the state was in a deplorable condition, with essential services like water supply, electricity, and roads in severe disrepair.
Addressing Security and Development Initiatives
“In our 9-Point Agenda, we pledged to ensure the security of lives and property in Sokoto. The APC administration has made significant strides in this area, particularly by establishing a community guard corps in 13 troubled local government areas,” Achida explained.
He went on to detail the resources allocated to these efforts, including 40 Hilux vans, 700 motorcycles, and various security equipment to assist conventional security forces.
The APC government also provided 130 patrol vehicles to the conventional security forces and made substantial contributions to the Sokoto Air Force Base, which facilitated the deployment of fighter jets to the state.
The APC administration has also focused on reshaping Sokoto into a more urbanized city. However, some PDP supporters have criticized the government’s development priorities, particularly regarding the construction of roundabouts and rail demarcation in major streets. They argue that people need necessities like food and employment more urgently.
Addressing Food Security and Employment Concerns
Hon. Achida responded to these claims by highlighting the government’s efforts to ensure food security and employment. “The APC administration under Governor Ahmed Aliyu has spent N14 billion purchasing rice, which is being sold to the people at half the market price. Most beneficiaries of this initiative are from the 23 Local Government Areas in the state,” he said.
Additionally, the government has distributed maize, fertilizer, and millet free of charge to vulnerable individuals.
Achida also dismissed opposition claims that no local government has benefited from projects worth over one million naira in the past year and a half. “This claim is blatantly false and laughable,” he stated.
Infrastructure and Rural Development
The APC administration has provided 520 solar streetlights to each of the 23 local government areas. Rural infrastructure has also received attention, with 30 rural roads completed and 40 others nearing completion. Several schools and public healthcare centers have been renovated and upgraded.
Importantly, the current administration has not borrowed any funds to finance these projects, unlike the previous administration, which mismanaged funds, including the Paris Club refunds. “In the 2021 farming season, N4.6 billion was allocated for fertilizer, but no bags of fertilizer were seen by any farmer in the state,” Achida added.
Reclaiming Public Property and Supporting Local Businesses
Achida also addressed criticisms about the APC administration’s handling of local businesses, noting that the PDP’s policies had negatively impacted businesses in Sokoto. The sale of the Sokoto market to a private firm was a major setback, but the APC administration has successfully reclaimed the market and returned it to its rightful owners, the people of Sokoto.
“The last payment to reclaim the market was made in December 2024, and now it is thriving again,” Achida emphasized.
Commitment to the 9-Point Agenda
The APC party reaffirmed its commitment to Governor Aliyu’s 9-Point Agenda, which focuses on security, education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. Achida highlighted the administration’s achievements, including reducing insecurity, improving education
