Lafia, Nasarawa State – April 28, 2024 – Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has highlighted people’s resistance to change as a major hurdle in his administration’s efforts to move the state forward.
Governor Sule made this statement during a meeting with a team from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) at the Government House in Lafia.
Challenges of Implementing Change
The Governor explained his perspective, citing social psychologist Douglas McGregor’s Theory X, which suggests that people inherently dislike work and responsibility. He argued that this attitude is prevalent in the state, making it difficult to implement reforms.
Motivation for Public Service
Governor Sule contrasted this with his own background in international and national corporations, where due process and transparency were paramount. He expressed a desire to contribute these positive aspects of corporate culture to public service in Nasarawa State.
Efforts to Improve Transparency
The Governor outlined his administration’s efforts to establish transparency, including the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to consolidate state revenue and the creation of a Bureau for Public Procurement to ensure adherence to due process in contracting.
Resistance to Change: A Frustrating Hurdle
Despite these efforts, Governor Sule expressed frustration with the public’s resistance to change, even when it is demonstrably positive. He acknowledged the challenges of being an outsider to the government system and facing criticism for his new approaches.
Limited Resources: Another Obstacle
Governor Sule also identified limited resources as a significant constraint, stating that Nasarawa consistently ranks near the bottom in terms of federal allocation. This financial constraint restricts the implementation of his administration’s plans.
Overcoming Challenges: Security and Vision
While acknowledging these challenges, Governor Sule highlighted the state’s relative peace and security, which he attributes to an inclusive governance approach. He shared his vision of transforming Nasarawa into one of Nigeria’s top three competitive states.
Advice for Young Politicians
Governor Sule concluded by offering advice to aspiring young politicians. He cautioned against entering politics solely for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of a service-oriented mindset and a focus on positive impact. He acknowledged the inherent difficulties in politics but stressed the importance of maintaining a clear conscience.
