By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Advancement Forum (SAF) has said any government that desires true success, certainly needs the combined Knowledge, resources, wisdom and experiences of it’s most talented citizens.
Making this known during it’s maiden General Assembly held at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, SAF Chairman, Professor Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Wali said the SAF serves as a united roadmap for a progressive Sokoto State.
Prof. Wali who noted that SAF’s establishment about a year ago was a welcome development, added that, the group now have over 500 professionals from across all walks of life ready to complement and support govmenment efforts towards delivery of good governance.
While stressing that Sokoto like others is truly faced with the challanges of education, security, healthcare, agriculture and youth unemployment, Prof. Wali said addressing them must not be left to the government alone but require coordinated and multi sectoral collaborative solutions capable of delivering measurable result.
Professor Wali in his clarification about the existence of SAF said, it is anchored on partnership with government and not opposition, adding, opposition is the constitutional responsibility of political parties, hence opposition therefore should not be seen as animosity, rather seen as a vital structural check that keeps
government responsive.
“The Sokoto Advancement Forum is not an opposition platform.
Opposition is the constitutional duty of political parties, and it serves a vital democratic function. Our role is different: we are
a partnership platform.
While we are non-partisan, we must clarify our view on politics
and democratic participation. Politics is fundamentally about
leadership and the welfare of the people.
“We will work with any adminstration, or any party, today or tomorrow, provided their commitment is to Sokoto States progress and prosperity. We will advise, draw attention to critical issues, provide expertise and help society understand ensuring solutions”. Prof. Wali said.
The respected Professor however affirmed that though, SAF remain a neutral body, their support for any government will not be uncritical, as they will objectively highlight gaps,
propose alternatives, and advocate for policy changes when
evidence demands it.
“But our baseline posture is collaboration,
not confrontation. This is not naïveté. It is strategic pragmatism.
Change happens faster when capable citizens work alongside
government, not against it”.
