In democratic societies where constituency project systems are practiced, they are implemented to bring needed infrastructure and development to communities.
Constituency projects were created by the Nigerian National Assembly in response to demands by their constituents around development and the lack of federal presence in communities.
Projects are nominated into the national budget by a legislator and will be executed by the legislator rather than through a government agency or ministry, which ordinarily has the mandate to execute community development projects.
In Nigeria, constituency projects serve as a promise kept by legislators, made during election campaigns to bridge development gaps for their people.
Given what representative democracy entails, Senator Danjuma Goje’s primary constituency is a geo-political entity called Gombe Central Senatorial District. Of course as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former Governor, former Minister and a national figure, his wider constituency can be viewed from this angle as the Nigerian federation. It is therefore follows that Sen. Goje is not only the eyes, ears and mouth of his constituency in the upper chamber of the Nigerian national legislative body, but also the hands through which goodies from Abuja are delivered to the good people of Gombe Central Senatorial Zone.
Within the period of his representation at the Red Chamber, the astute Senator has brought numerous developmental projects to his constituency.
It should be thrilling to all lovers of rural development, as it is a call for emulation to other national legislators, that Sen. Goje has lighten up over 100 communities with smart solar powered street lights across Akko and Yamaltu/Deba local government areas that made up the constituency.
Installed along the major roads, market places, worship centres, Tsangaya schools and other strategic locations, the initiative has brought relief and liberated the benefitting communities from age long darkness, and have gave the towns and villages a sense of security, extend market hours, and reduce criminal activities for the benefit of street users.
The lights, which are designed to auto switch on every evening and go off at dawn when the light of the day begin to shine, also serve as beautification and modernisation in the communities.
The benefitting communities in Akko LGA are: Tumfure, Hammadu Kafi, Kalshingi, Kumo, Kembu, Tulmi, Wuro Bundu, Tukulma, Bula, Kilawa, Bulum mari, Gwaram, Sambori, Dongol, Kaltanga, Kesu, Manaru, Guda, Akko Gari, and Garin Jaji.
Others include Lawanti, Dolli, Garin Gade, Tudunwada, Sabon Gari Tijjani, Jabba, Sambo Daji, Jaurowal Warra, Lafiyawo, Chilo, Lambi, Barambu, Maidugu, Kidda, Kunji, Panda, Gona among others.
In Yamaltu Deba LGA, the lights were installed in communities such as: Deba, Kunuwal, Boltongo, Wuro Birdaka, Gwanin Gabar, Gwanin Hayi, Shinga, Wade, Lubo, Kinafa, Difa, Dasa, Maikaho, Jagali North, Pata, Kuri, Lano, Lambam, Kurjale, Maikaho, Dumbu, Kuri, Tsando, Zambuk, Sabon Gari and Kwali.
It also include Zamfawarwa, Kalshingi, Garin Bakari, Kanawa, Baure, Wajari, Liji Tsohuwa, Liji Sabuwa, Kurba, Jagali South, Gidim Waziri, Gidim Ubandoma, Gidim mai Borehole, Galauwo, and Kwadon among others.
It is very possible for some to argue that Senator Goje is doing the expected and not the unexpected. Even so,having a voice, let alone a voice that springs up development such as Federal infrastructure in communities far away from the centre, in a complex assemblage of 109 legislators from diverse ethnic groups and cultures in Nigeria, is no mean achievement.
Sen. Goje’s constituents believe that his performances stand him out as a dependable representative and an a leader. Having executed so many projects which impact positively on the people, it will be an understatement to say that his scorecard and records are outstanding.
Yayari is a social media aide to Sen. Goje.
