SENATE Committee Chairman on Security, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, has disclosed that despite the weight of challenges bedeviling smooth administration in Nigeria, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led federal government is not relaxing on its oars in proffering solutions to those challenges, most especially those bordering on national security and mass emigration of professionals from the country, commonly referred to as the “japa syndrome”.
Seni Umar made the disclosure in answer to a question during a brief interview with journalists in Bauchi at the Bauchi Eid-praying ground.
The Senator expressed his concern over the ongoing trend of professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities in other countries.
He emphasized the importance of retaining and encouraging skilled professionals within Nigeria and assured the public that the government is dedicated to implementing saving measures to incentive skilled professionals to remain in the country.
“Basically when we talk about the reason professionals exit the country, we mention poor working tools and remuneration. But in the last few months, the government has been expending a lot of money on infrastructural development, working on a blueprint to improve salaries and wages and security”, he said.
Sen. Umar said civil servants salary increment is critical to curbing the menace of japa syndrome and assured that the federal government is on top of the situation for better days.
Recounting his achievements within his few months in the senate representing Bauchi south senatorial district, he said, as a first timer in the senate, “the past few months were very eventful and successful that can be attested by the generality of people across the divide.
I faced several major problems bedeviling the senatorial district not earlier addressed. I had to draw a robust blueprint for holistic implementation to salvage the situation.
I had sleepless nights making desperate efforts to change the narrative. So far, with the support of my team and the Almighty Allah, I have addressed several of those problems related to hunger, idleness, health, agriculture, education, water and social welfare. I am not relaxing until I achieve my target of accomplishment 100 percent before 2027”.
Commenting on his rumored 2027 gubernatorial aspiration, the APC chieftain said: “As a right, I may nurse any ambition to contest any elective office in 2027. I have received several clarion calls from well wishers across party divide to aspire to the highest office in Bauchi State in 2027.
As a focused politician with eyes glued on the future, I have neither accepted nor rejected the calls, but I chose to appoint a three-man committee of professionals not politicians to study the situation and advise accordingly.
Sen. Umar further revealed that he is in politics for the interest of the people with the impoverished as his target of service, and shall continue to attend to the needs of the people irrespective of any imaginary difference.
On what are his chances of flying the flag of APC in the 2027 gubernatorial party primary election despite the presence of other heavy weight aspirants? He said: “In 2007, it was the wish of God that I was appointed as an SSA in the Isa Yuguda led administration.
I was chairman Toro local government council as an act of God. Today, I am a senator from an act of God. Why should I be intimidated or frightened by the presence of other aspirants while I have solid trust in God? Therefore, it is in God I Trust. I have no money, strength or magic to play but I believe everything remains in the hands of God”.
On his style of opposition to the PDP in Bauchi State, Sen. Umar said: “I don’t believe in baseless opposition. I believe in reality of service. We cannot oppose what is good just for the sake of making noise. I have no time to waste on castigating or trying to ridicule others for no reason.
I oppose bad governance but not a government that is trying to serve. We disagree to agree to strength the democracy but not to blackmail or ridicule reputations. I believe doing what is right”.
