By Emmanuel Angur, Lafia

A former Director of Finance and Accounts at the Nasarawa State Pension Bureau, Mr Emmanuel Umbugadu, has commended Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration for what he described as significant achievements in infrastructure, pension administration, healthcare, education and youth empowerment.

Umbugadu, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Nasarawa Eggon West State Constituency in the 2027 Nasarawa State House of Assembly election, made the remarks during an interview with newsmen on Saturday.

https://voxnews.com.ng/apc-youth-network-lagos-charity-drive-not-about-elections/

He rated the Sule administration highly, particularly for its handling of pension obligations and infrastructure development across the state.

“As stakeholders, we are happy with this administration; it has done creditably well. It has not taken new loans in seven years. It has cleared N56 billion inherited debt,” Umbugadu said.

He also commended the government’s investment in infrastructure, citing the construction and rehabilitation of road networks, flyovers, underpasses and the new state secretariat complex.

According to him, the administration’s efforts in improving security have also helped to create a more favourable environment for investment and economic activities.

“The administration has done so well in infrastructural development; we now have a state-of-the-art secretariat complex, road networks, flyovers and underpasses to reduce travel time.

“There is improved security; you can now sleep with your two eyes closed. This has translated into investments; now multinational companies are springing up in the state,” he said.

Sule’s Pension Reforms Praised

Umbugadu, who recently retired from the Nasarawa State Pension Bureau, described pension administration as a sensitive responsibility because it involves the welfare of elderly citizens who dedicated their working lives to public service.

He recalled that pensioners in the state previously experienced irregular payments and delays in receiving retirement and death benefits.

“Before the administration of Gov. Sule, pensioners were being paid in percentage. In some months, you don’t even get it. No retirement or death benefits.

“But thank God, Gov. Sule has changed the narrative. Since he assumed office, gratuity and death benefits are being paid every quarter. Monthly pension is regular and prompt,” he said.

Umbugadu, now a member of the retiree community, expressed appreciation to Governor Sule and called for the sustenance of what he described as the administration’s achievements beyond 2027.

Why I Am Contesting — Umbugadu

Speaking on his decision to enter politics, Umbugadu said his candidacy was the result of persistent calls from people in his constituency.

He said he initially resisted the idea but eventually accepted the challenge after several months of persuasion.

“My pedigree, my fear of God, and my desire to help my people and contribute to the development of my constituency speak for me. I wouldn’t want our people to continue in the dark,” he said.

The APC candidate also advocated alignment with the government at the centre, arguing that political cooperation could help communities attract more development projects and opportunities.

He subsequently urged voters in Nasarawa State to support the APC and its candidates in the 2027 elections.

Umbugadu Backs Wadada for 2027

Umbugadu also threw his weight behind Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, the APC governorship candidate, describing him as capable of succeeding Governor Sule and sustaining the state’s development trajectory.

He cited Wadada’s experience in the public and private sectors, international contacts and what he described as his nationalistic outlook as reasons for supporting his candidacy.

Umbugadu also attributed several development initiatives to Wadada, including efforts relating to the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa to a university, the transformation of Lafia Specialist Hospital into a teaching hospital and the location of the North Central Development Commission headquarters in Lafia.

https://guardian.ng/news/x-sets-september-deadline-to-end-creator-revenue-sharing/

He called on the electorate to carefully consider the candidates they support in the 2027 elections.

“Vote for Wadada, vote for APC because APC is a continuum. That is where our expectation and hope lie come 2027,” he emphasised.

The endorsement adds to the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship and House of Assembly elections, with political parties and aspirants already mobilising supporters across the state.