Investors Haven – Why World Bank Rated Jigawa The Best 
Published on July 12, 2010 by TheNEWS · No Comments
I believe so much in the World Bank and its rating. And for the group to declare Jigawa State as the best for investors to do business, it means that Governor Sule Lamido’s administrative acumen is paying off (‘Investors Haven – Why World Bank Rated Jigawa The Best,’ TheNEWS, 5 July 2010 edition). Jigawa ranks among the poorest states in the country and two years ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the World Bank could not have expected the rapid transformation that has taken place in that state in so such a short time. Governor Lamido should be given kudos and encouraged to maintain the peace, just as I implore other governors to emulate his good work.
Mustapha Tafida Ibrahim,
Azare.
That the World Bank has rated Jigawa State as leader of the pack in terms of investment destination is commendable. But Governor Sule Lamido should not allow this to get into his head because there is always room for improvement. It is interesting to read that in the area of construction, the World Bank report ranked Jigawa in the front row seat, occupying the sixth position out of 183 economies globally. For the governor, this is a big feat.
Monday Aidelebe,
Benin-City.
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has proved beyond doubt that he is a silent achiever. He has also proved that good governance is not about playing to the gallery but meeting the needs and aspiration of the masses. His fellow governors have a lot to learn from him.
Emeka Okafor,
Enugu.
Truly, Sule Lamido of Jigawa State is an action governor. He has really proved that he is an experienced one who knows that he can only gain worthwhile political mileage out of selfless service to the masses. I see in him a worthy executor of ideals enunciated by the late Aminu Kano. Other governors should emulate and draw from his wealth of experience.
Pius Olomu,
Ibadan.
I did my NYSC in Jigawa two years ago. Jigawa has a long way to go when it comes to infrastructural and economic development. But if your magazine is indicating that Jigawa is now a haven for investors, then I think it’s good news. That should improve the economy of the growing state.
Bimbo Akerele,
Akure.
Your cover story, “Why World Bank Rated Jigawa The Best” really uncovered the advantages and benefits of starting a business in a state like Jigawa. I’m glad to learn the state is ranked sixth out of 183 economies globally alongside developing countries like Singapore and Hong Kong. In short, the World Bank report has revealed the conducive factors – access to land as well as natural and economic resources needed to be tapped. I just wish the state governor keeps this up. It is hoped that he will come up with more policies that will attract, encourage and sustain investment.
Donald Wilson,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Bankole’s House Of Shame
Indeed, the Dimeji Bankole-led House of Representatives is a House of Shame. I think the lawmakers loyal to the Speaker decided to engage in fisticuffs with the 11 suspended members in order to forestall their colleagues revealing the damaging information on the speaker’s numerous misdeeds in the past couple of years. But the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, should not allow itself to be fooled. For me, this is an acid test for the anti-corruption agency.
Promise Iweala,
Ogwashi-Uku.
For Dimeji Bankole to use his position as Speaker of the House to suspend Dino Melaye and 10 others is illegal and uncalled for. Rather than do that, the Speaker ought to voluntarily present himself to the EFCC for investigation.
Udoette Ibanga,
Uyo.
The so-called honourable members of the House of Representatives have shown themselves to be just a bunch of thugs and touts. I don’t see any reason why they should throw decorum to the winds and fight in the hallowed chambers. Their action shows that Nigerian politicians still have a long way to go.
Efe Omonode,
Benin-City.
All the members of the House of Representatives who were involved in that show of shame should be prosecuted. They have brought shame not only to the House but to the nation as a whole. They should be taught a lesson to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to diminish the country’s law making establishment in future.
Niran Adeyemi,
Lokoja.
I don’t know what the members of the House of Representatives have turned themselves into. As long as they could stoop so low to engage in a free-for-all fight, they are not honourable members but dishonourable people not worthy of the office they rigged themselves into. They should all bow their heads in shame.
Kunle Onasanya,
Abeokuta.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole is a drowning man who wants to pull others down with him. Otherwise, why would people who call themselves honourable members try to sweep those corruption charges against him under the carpet? With these people at the helm of lawmaking in Nigeria, is it any wonder that we are a country in decline?
Mutiu Funke,
Ibadan.
It is amazing that our so-called representatives have so disappointed us. They have substituted their legislative responsibilities for fraudulent practices. I remember vividly that the same Hon. Dino Melaye who is now the arrowhead of the attack on the Speaker of the House, was fighting Festus Keyamo when the lawyer first blew the whistle on the Peugeot purchase scam. Now that the ball has left his court, he is crying foul, to the extent of causing chaos in the House. I think their suspension is justifiable.
Yakubu Zakari,
Kebbi.
While I do not want to be seen as sympathetic to Honourable Dimeji Bankole’s cause, I’d like to point out that the antecedents of those who call themselves progressives in the House are anything but progressive. If I am not mistaken, Hon. Doris Uboh was convicted in the United States of America many years back. To now see her ‘‘fighting’’ against corruption is suspect.
Helen Uranta,
Owerri.
From your story, it is clear that we have waited too long to ask our representatives to give account of their stewardship. It is also high time our various anti-corruption agencies scrutinised their activities. It is now crystal clear why they struggled hard to legislate that they should enjoy immunity during their tenure. Thank God they did not succeed. Let them all be probed.
Emman Nzeokwu.
Onitsha.
Standing Firm Against Jonathan
Not to adhere strictly to the zoning formula of the Peoples Democratic Party, to me, is a big act of betrayal (TheNEWS, 5 July 2010 edition). If the agreement was actually made, I think it should be followed to the letter. President Goodluck Jonathan should just ignore all those urging him to run and concentrate on ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election. Period!
Sani Zango,
Zaria.
The coming together of Northern bigwigs to thwart the perceived ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan to run in the 2011 presidential polls cannot achieve any meaningful result. Already, the Northerners are divided as even the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has thrown its weight behind President Jonathan. And while the 19 Northern governors are in a state of confusion, none of them has openly condemned the President’s ambition.
The likes of Adamu Ciroma, Atiku Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida can only cry foul to high heavens but their views would not be reckoned with.
Mojeed Ayinla,
Iwo.
Our Hausa brothers are too vindictive. You can imagine the extent they could go to gain power. But their selfish interests are currently, so to say, haunting them. So much so that Ibrahim Babangida can hope to form an alliance with Atiku Abubakar. It is, however, quite exciting that the Northerners are being put on their toes for the first time since Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
Kayode Ilesanmi,
Ijero-Ekiti.
Whether the northern leaders like it or not, power has shifted to the South. The question to be asked is, if President Jonathan was a northerner, and the matter was the other way round, would the northerners agree to an unwritten zoning arrangement? They had better be prepared to contest in 2015, that is, if there is a vacancy.
Samuel Enafo,
Warri.
2010 Race – The Odds Against Jonathan
Whether we like it or not, President Goodluck Jonathan will contest the 2011 presidential election and even win. He will then go for a second term. You’d be surprised to see northern elements like Tanko Yakassai working to ensure that Jonathan succeeds, especially when they find that he is unstoppable.
Francis Boki,
Port Harcourt.
Who are they to say President Goodluck Jonathan cannot run in 2011? It is high time we admitted that the North has lost out in the power calculations in Nigeria, and Jonathan is not to blame. Rather, the northerners should hold former President Obasanjo responsible for dismantling their hold on power. For Jonathan, it will be a smooth ride to the presidency.
Abu Esemade,
Auchi.
If Jonathan’s bid to contest in 2011 scales through, I feel it might distort the existing zoning formula and endanger national unity, which may spell doom for our democracy. So, in the interest of peace and patriotism, Jonathan should tread the honourable path by quitting the stage come 2011.
Tope Alake,
Sagamu.
The odds and the threat against Jonathan becoming President in 2011 as painted by your magazine are quite real. The alliances coming from the northerners and the retired generals constitute potential damage to this ambition. Knowing full well his run of luck has placed him in a position meant for a northerner according to the zoning arrangement, Jonathan should stick to the completion of his former boss’ tenure.
James Ike,
Abia.
One fundamental truth Jonathan must know is that it is expedient and heroic for a leader to leave the stage when the ovation is loud. Jonathan should concentrate on his three-point crusade to make life better for Nigerians. If he leaves in 2011, his name will always be hallowed in Nigeria’s hall of fame.
Gbenga Agbabiaka,
Akure.
If Jonathan’s Goodluck talisman could catapult him into the president’s seat, I’m afraid the same talisman could also immunise him against these odds and offer him the presidential seat in 2011.
Busayo Oloyede,
Ado-Ekiti.