The Kano State Government House has been draped in the colours and flags of the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s imminent return to the ruling party.

Reports indicate that the transformation comes ahead of a formal event scheduled to take place at the Government House, where the governor is expected to officially rejoin the APC.

An on-the-ground assessment of the premises revealed that flags of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have been removed and replaced with APC insignia, now visibly displayed across the complex.

The symbolic change has intensified political discussions within the state, as stakeholders and residents await the governor’s formal defection amid ongoing realignments in Kano’s political landscape.

The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has argued that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would be unable to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, even if he runs on a joint ticket with former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.

Musawa made the assertion during a discussion aired on TheMicon Podcast and shared on Instagram on Saturday.

While acknowledging Atiku as a strong political figure, she maintained that he lacks the capacity to unseat the ruling party in the next presidential contest.

According to her, Atiku remains a formidable opponent but does not pose a serious threat to the All Progressives Congress in 2027.

She added that a merger between Atiku and Obi would not significantly improve the opposition’s chances.

Musawa further noted that such a coalition could trigger internal backlash, particularly among Obi’s supporters, many of whom may resist seeing him play a secondary role on a joint ticket.

She explained that a scenario in which Obi emerges as a vice-presidential candidate could alienate a large segment of his base, while reversing the roles, with Obi as presidential candidate, would, in her view, weaken the opposition even further.

There is a growing culture among some critics of government, especially in Enugu State, who seem to take pleasure in spotting shortcomings but offer no solutions and make no effort, however small, to help move the system forward. Criticism, when constructive, is healthy for any society.

But when it becomes an end in itself, stripped of responsibility and contribution, it weakens rather than strengthens the very system we all depend on.

There is a simple story that captures this truth clearly. A kind and thoughtful king once constructed a beautiful road for his people. The road was smooth, well laid, and designed to ease their daily journeys.

Wanting feedback, the king instructed three of his subjects to inspect the road and report back to him. Their assignment was not just to observe but to engage meaningfully with what they saw.

When they set out, they discovered that the road was almost perfect, except for one particular spot where a heap of dirt had been carelessly dumped.

Two of the three inspectors returned to the king and complained about that single flaw. They spoke at length about how beautiful the road was but was spoiled by one ugly patch.

Yet, in all their observations, they made no effort to clear the dirt or even suggest how it could be addressed. Their role ended with complaint.

The third inspector, however, chose a different path. Instead of merely observing the problem and walking away, he rolled up his sleeves and cleared the heap of dirt from the road.

As he worked, he noticed a bag hidden within the pile. Without knowing its contents, he picked it up and took it along with him back to the king. When he presented his report, the king smiled and revealed that the bag was filled with money.

It had been deliberately placed there as a reward for any citizen who would not only identify the problem but take responsibility to fix it.

The lesson from this story is powerful and timeless. There is always a reward in being a good citizen who seeks the progress of society, rather than one who only criticizes the actions and inactions of leadership.

True citizenship is not just about pointing out what is wrong; it is about contributing to what can be made right.

This lesson is especially relevant in Enugu State today. The governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has initiated many remarkable projects across the state, projects that are meant to improve the quality of life of the people.

The 260 smart schools and smart hospitals being built across all political wards of Enugu State are clear examples of visionary leadership and commitment to development.

These facilities, however, would require not just government investment but public maintenance, protection, and a sense of collective ownership.

Unfortunately, instead of gearing up to preserve and protect these projects, some members of the public are already complaining about the possibility of vandalising them with time.

It suffices to state that this tendency of some people treating the government facilities with ignominy, focusing only on complaints, vandalism, or indifference, mirrors the two inspectors who saw the dirt but refused to clear it.

Yet, society progresses not when people complain endlessly but when they contribute, even in small ways, to sustaining what has been built.

The public has a crucial role to play in helping the government serve better. This includes making useful suggestions and channelling them to the appropriate authorities rather than criticizing every action.

Governance is not a one-way street; it thrives on partnership between leaders and citizens. This is particularly important in the area of security.

While the Enugu State government has invested heavily in security infrastructure, optimal results cannot be achieved without the cooperation of the general public.

Useful information, vigilance, and community participation are essential in fishing out criminals and controlling crime in society.

A government can build roads, schools, hospitals, and security systems, but only responsible citizens can preserve them, protect them, and ensure they serve their intended purpose.

Progress is a shared responsibility, not a solo performance by the government alone.

In conclusion, the people must choose to be good citizens and citizens who contribute to the growth and stability of society rather than merely finding fault in every government action.

Just like the wise inspector who cleared the dirt and found his reward, those who act in the interest of the common good will always find that their efforts are not in vain.

Let us encourage government by our actions, support development with responsibility, and help build the society we all desire, not just with words, but with deeds.

Tomorrow is Here.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully conducted ward-level congresses in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas of Rivers State to elect delegates for its upcoming primaries ahead of the February 21 House of Assembly bye-elections.

The congresses were organized to select delegates who will vote for the party’s candidates in Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II.

In Ahoada East, the exercise was supervised by the party’s congress and primary committee, chaired by Shehu Dange with Smart Iheanazor as Secretary, alongside members of the appeal committee.

The team visited all six wards to ensure the elections were conducted in line with party guidelines.

INEC representatives, led by the Assistant Electoral Officer in charge of operations for the area, Okogbule Emilia, were present to observe the proceedings.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were also deployed to maintain order.

The congress was conducted peacefully, with party members participating through orderly voice votes.

At the conclusion of the exercise, five delegates were elected from each ward.

In Khana Local Government Area, the APC held a simultaneous congress under the supervision of Oyoala Peter, head of the delegate congress and primary election committee.

INEC officials and security personnel were also present, and five delegates were chosen from each ward.

The elected delegates from both constituencies will now vote in the APC primaries to determine the party’s candidates for the February 21 bye-elections.

Party officials expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly conduct of the congresses, emphasizing their importance in ensuring APC’s strong participation in the upcoming polls.

The Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of Edison Ehie, appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while the Khana II seat has remained vacant since the passing of its lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.