Emmanuel Bello

An Election Year makes many a politician jittery. The panic button is on as opposition threatens brimstones and fire. Not Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba state who recently declared that his re-election bid is premised on the good work he has accomplished. The architect turned politician has maintained consistenly that the Taraba people would vote for him enmasse based on his track record. Hear him: " I believe our people appreciate good governance. The History of their choices have shown that they are politically sound enough to make informed decisions. I therefore don't have sleepless nights over our victory. It is anchored on our people and achievements." Those achievements are well spelt out in various sectors. In the information area for instance, the digitisation effort of the governor , especially his adroit choice of industry giant, Pinnacle Communications ltd, to give Taraba state the best television and radio, stands out. But whether it is in road building, hospitals, industrialization, job creation, poverty alleviation, and agriculture, Gov Ishaku is now a text book definition of a focused leader. Making the business environment to thrive through ensuring air transport becomes a daily reality in Jalingo, is an area even his opponents, easily concede to him. Before he came in, air transport was scratchy and reserved. Today, the skies have opened up, engrafting Taraba state to the rest of the civilised world. 

On the campaigns  itself, the governor  believes that those preparing to latch into a campaign of calumny will not have an audience. He noted  that the tone of the 2019 election must be civil and urbane to gain any attention from voters. Hear him again: " our politics in Taraba state have gone past the stage of insults and tantrums. Our people are getting more enlightened and would not listen to abusive rants and violent appeals."

What about sentiments? Governor Ishaku said that the era of politics of religion is over, stressing that the electorate would only go for candidates with integrity and proven ability to deliver on promises. The governor declared, "the 2019 elections would be solely based on integrity issues. The only religion or tribal sentiments would be integrity and competence. The religion would be integrity. The tribe would be honesty and probity. So no need to even start going to the voters on the basis of the colour of your faith or ethnic groups. They won't listen. People want problem solvers. Not ancient tribal and religious sentiments."

Speaking further on his campaign method, the governor told this writer that he intends to reach the grassroots with his message of peace, noting that campaign rhetoric is not really different from the message he has espoused through out the administration.

The governor's excitement about his bid is also anchored on the floundering fortunes of the opposition in the state. Main rivals are at loggerheads, dividing what would have been block votes to certain quarters. A major contender is currently enmeshed in an anti graft legal battle for his life. Another one has lost traction of ardent supporters. Ishaku is the only one on sure footings whose base has widen.

He also has rallied his structures closely, reducing the level of animosity that has bedevilled other parties, especially after the rancorous primaries.

Gov. Ishaku broad based appeal too has earned him the support of critical sectors like the youth and women demography. In all, his campaign is shaping up to be a thank you visit to many communities for their tremendous support so far.

Bello is SSA to Governor Ishaku on Public Affairs