By Salisu Waziri, Taraba.
A Governorship Aspirant of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State, Dr. Hilkiah Buba Joda Mafindi has expressed concern over the high cost of expression of interest form from various political parties in the country.
Dr. Mafindi in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo said that the cost of form for the expression of interest especially in the leading political parties is on the high side stressing that the trend may scare away potential politicians, especially the young people who may not have money to purchase these forms.
“The cost of expression of interest form of mostly the leading political parties in Nigeria is very expensive, I wish the political parties will make these forms more affordable because I think the issue goes beyond making the form affordable for the young people, it should be affordable for all the politicians because in this same country we still have young people who can afford a form for 100 million and there are also old people who cannot afford it, the case is vice versa”
He called on the political parties to grant access to politicians who have the capacity to lead the country to greater heights.
“Political parties should not raise the bar unnecessarily and money should not be the basics for aspiring for any leadership position in this country so we don’t scare away potential politicians who have the capacity to lead this country to greater heights but don’t have money for forms”
In his ambition of becoming the Governor of Taraba State Dr. Hilkiah Buba Joda Mafindi stressed that if given the mandate to lead the state he will change the narrative by harnessing the natural resources in the state.
He stated that Taraba State is blessed with abundant natural resources that are yet to be fully harnessed.
“Taraba State is blessed with abundant natural resources and these resources cannot be harnessed by the state government alone, so if I become the governor of Taraba State I will ensure a synergy between the Taraba state and federal government so as to harness the natural resources for the benefit of all the people”.
Also, on the PDP zoning arrangements in the state, Dr. Mafindi noted that it was the turn of the northern zone to produce a Governor in Taraba state and he stands a better chance to become the governor of the state since he is from the northern zone in the state.
Olusola Akintonde
