Takum poorly represented in Taraba legislature – Jolly Tanko

Weekly Trust: Why do you want to take a seat in the Taraba State House of Assembly?

Abubakar Jolly Tanko Yusuf: The situation we find ourselves in Taraba State is not encouraging and Takum my constituency has not been ably represented and there a lot of things that have not been pointed out to the executives. As a result of that there are so many lapses in the area. It is simply a desire to see improved agriculture given that it is a thriving trade in the area, good school, healthcare and the general wellbeing of my people. I say without fear  that the representation we got is not a true reflection of who we are. I feel that something has to be done about our constituency.In the last 11 years we are not proud of our representation.

WT: don’t you think people would say you want to ride on your late grandfather’s political fortune to achieve your aspiration?.

Jolly:  I am here to build on the legacy that he left behind and am not shy about that. I come from a good home and good background. In fact, late Ambassador Jolly Tanko Yusuf desired the unity of people of Takum. He even wrote a book about it. He desired progess and unity of our people. It is where he stopped that I want to build upon. I am proud of him and he was proud of us. If people feel I am taking advantage of that, it is not a bad thing. He left pretty big shoes that are difficult to fill but we are trying our best to keep the flag flying.

WT: What are your chances of winning the party primaries for this particular position?

Jolly:  You see because of how hard things have become, people are basically waking up to demand their rights. In Taraba,  Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai has been providing a level playing field for all candidates. He has not imposed any candidate so far and we are thanking him for that. So at the end of the day whoever the people want will surely emerge. We believe that in Taraba State the vote of the people will count this time around. The choice of the people will truimph. My chances are very bright.

WT: There was a newspaper report that says you want to become the governor of Taraba State. How true is that?

Jolly: The neswpaper report was not correct. I am constesting for the state House of Assembly. I believe in the work that Governor Suntai is doing. He has done better than the previous administrations.

WT: What will you do differently if given the opportunity to serve?

Jolly: The needs of our people are fundamental needs.I will promote bills that will give attension to education and healthcare. Taraba is an agrarian state. I will take my time to develop bills that will promote the sector. I am a farmer. I am the Secretary of All Farmers Association, Taraba branch. I am also a commodity broker. I am Secretary-General of Commodity Brokers Association of Nigeria. I know the values of our commodities in Taraba. If the commodities in Taraba are given the proper attension, it can generate revenue that is more than the monthly allocation from the Federation Account. In other countries that I have been to, they value their commodities. Agriculture is a vital sector that can transform Taraba. These are parts of the thing that I will do as a law maker.

WT:  Legislators have been described as rubber stamp for the executive arm. What is your take on this?

Jolly: Legislature should not be confrontational but they should not be rubber stamp either. The thing is that most of our legislators have forgotten why they were voted in the first place.Look they are there to ensure good governance. Competent people should come and contest for the House of Assembly. That way things will start changing for the better.