Governor Abdullahi Sule has criticised political office holders who present routine responsibilities such as salary payments and road construction as major achievements, insisting that true leadership must deliver impactful and innovative solutions.
Speaking at the 59th inaugural lecture of Nasarawa State University, Sule said governance should go beyond basic obligations and focus on initiatives that directly improve the lives of citizens.
According to him, “Any governor that says paying salaries or building roads is an achievement does not understand leadership. That is what you were elected to do.”
His remarks come amid increasing public demand for accountability and tangible development outcomes across states in Nigeria.
Sule highlighted how his administration shifted from repeatedly compensating traders affected by market fires to building a modern market infrastructure, which has since eliminated recurring fire incidents. He explained that previous governments often provided financial relief ranging from ₦2 million to ₦10 million, only for the disasters to recur.
“We decided to think differently by constructing a market that would not burn. Since then, there has been no report of fire outbreaks,” he said.
The governor also pointed to interventions in Auta near Keffi, where improved internally generated revenue enabled the construction of a bridge, significantly reducing flooding in the area.
Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ike Neliaku, commended Sule’s development efforts, particularly infrastructure projects across key parts of the state.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Dandaura warned that a disconnect between government communication and actual performance could erode public trust, stressing the need for accountability and responsiveness in leadership.
