A former Accountant-General in Nasarawa state, Dr. Zakka Ledkwi Yakubu, has called on citizens to rise in defence of democracy, justice and collective future of the state.
Yakubu, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the call in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday, in Lafia.
He expressed concern that the principles of fairness, transparency and internal democracy were being undermined in the state’s political process.
According to him, the will of the people is being “hijacked by a few individuals,” a development he said must be corrected to safeguard democratic values.
“The state stands at a crossroads between democracy and imposition, and the people must raise their voices to protect democracy and the future of Nasarawa state,” he said.
Yakubu stressed that no individual, regardless of status, had the sole right to determine the state’s political future, describing it as a collective responsibility of all citizens.
“There are growing concerns across communities regarding the direction of leadership and political decisions in the state. The future of the state must be decided by its people and not by a few individuals,” he said.
He further questioned the process of leadership emergence in the state, saying: “We must ask ourselves, who chooses the leaders of Nasarawa state; the people or a select few?
“Leaders must emerge through free, fair and credible processes, not through imposition, pressure or personal preference,” he said.
Yakubu emphasised that citizens must reject any system that excludes the majority from decision-making.
“We cannot accept a situation where the collective voice of the people is ignored. We cannot accept a system where decisions that affect millions are taken without consultation.
“We cannot accept a future where the majority feels excluded in their own land. Nasarawa State belongs to all of us,” he said.
He added that every community in the state had a stake in governance and called for transparency, accountability, peace, unity and fairness in public decision-making.
Yakubu also urged stakeholders to reflect on recent political developments in the state.
“Questions have been raised about past actions, party loyalty, and the current attempt to influence future leadership outcomes.
“These concerns must not be ignored; they must be addressed openly and honestly,” he said.
The former Accountant-General called on party members, youths and women across the state to stand firm in defence of internal democracy, fairness and equity.
“Our diversity is our strength. Every community, large or small, indigenous or settled, deserves respect, inclusion and a fair opportunity to participate in leadership,” he said.
