By Rabiu Doma, Nasarawa
With the noxious effect of Nasarawa State’s dire economy looming over the administrative affairs of the state – causing the delay in payment of workers’ salaries, the state Governor, Malam Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, as 247ureports.com gathered has voted the whooping sum of N61million to be spent on a one hour publicity campaign ahead of a one day visit by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to Nasarawa state.
[It is interesting to note that Nasarawa state receives the lowest state allocation from the federated account – out of the 36 states of the federation.]
A competent source close to the activities at the Nasarawa state government house revealed that the said N61m was voted for newspaper advertorials, radio and Television jingles to help popularize the visit of the President. A member of the presidential visit committee confirmed to 247ureports.com that the N61m was primarily voted for the media work against the President’s visit.
Unpleasant questions surrounding the manner the N61million was spent have since begun to catch the attention of informed observers – who believe the amount to be exorbitant – particularly noting the security challenges bedeviling the state. Some amongst the observers point a more sinister reason for the release of such a large sum for a media work – that will encapsulate only one hour of air-time/broadcast time.
An insider revealed that the N61m will be expended on broadcast stations – including – Africa Independent Television (AIT), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Channels TV. Each of the mentioned broadcast stations will receive N5million.
Other broadcasts stations earmarked to partake in the N61million media bazaar – include Nasarawa Broadcasting Corporation (NBS), Voice of America (VOA), and British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
The President is expected to commission “the state of the art” Federal High court complex situation in Lafia, the Al-Makura Model School, Lafia – a project constructed through the counterpart fund of the Universal Basic Education and the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB).
Other projects slated for commissioning include a township road network constructed by the state Governor in the last twenty seven (27) months.
Meanwhile, Lafia is wearing a new face as preparations have reached top gear to welcome the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The entrance to the Shendam Government House which was previously littered with pot holes – are now wearing a new look.
Unconfirmed source indicate that Al Makura’s antics towards the visit by the President appear indicative of an imminent defection from his political party, the Congress for Progressive Change [CPC] to the President’s party, the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP]. Recent moves by the governor show – in actions – his efforts at cozying to the leadership of the PDP in the state and in Abuja. A source indicates that he [Al Makura] had been distancing himself from the flag bearer of the CPC, General Buhari.
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Stay tuned.
