Labaran-Maku

The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2015 governorship election in Nasarawa State, Labaran Maku, has criticized the state government for approving the sum of N6.1 billion for the construction of the Kwandare-Lafia airport when civil servants in the state are being owed backlogs of salaries.

Maku, who serves as the National Secretary of the party, made the condemnation while speaking at the official launch of Freeze FM–99.9, a private radio station in Lafia.

Maku, a former minister of information, said the decision by the Nasarawa State Executive Council, was a misplaced priority, as civil servants, who are paid installmentally, are gradually being impoverished.

He berated the governor Tanko Al-Makura-led administration of being insensitive to the plight of the people, who according to him, lack basic things like water, schools and health facilities needed for the general welfare of the populace.

“There is no water in Kokona for the past five years, the same is applicable to Karu, the gateway to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Is an airport our topmost need now?,” he querried.

He added that even if the government insists on building an airport, it should be cited in areas like Karshi and Karu to serve as an alternative airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.