From Umar Dankano, Yola
A former Minister of Foreign Affairs and now senatorial flag bearer of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in to Adamawa central Senatorial district, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong has expressed confidence that his administrative and legislative experiences will accord him an edge over other candidates contesting for the seat come February 2015 general elections.
Dr. Hong dropped the hint in an interview with journalists at his Yola residence weekend, advancing reasons for the sudden change of his gubernatorial ambition to senatorial seat, saying he arrived at the decision through wide consultation with his constituency.
“My realistic capacity especially resources mobilization and other logistic requirements has dawn on me that it is wiser to let me aspire for the office of the senator from Adamawa central zone because the whole issue of aspiration centered on service delivery to the people.
” I have no doubt in my mind even if I am not able to become Governor now, there is something I will contribute in building the polity of Adamawa and improving the fortunes of my people in Adamawa central and also in contributing to the development and progress of Nigeria as a nation” he said.
Commenting on the recent attack on his home town, Hong local government area by the Boko Haram insurgents, Dr. Hong called on the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders to come to the aid of his people, saying that Boko Haram insurgents have destroyed about 50 percent infrastructure there.
He noted that his home town was worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgents claiming that half of the structures of the town have been pulverized leaving the people demoralized.
“My community and my home town has been worst hit among all the communities that have witnessed this insurgency.
“Nearly half of the structures in the town have been destroyed by the insurgents. The facilities affected include residential buildings, Government institutions, infrastructure, shops, business centers and worshipping centers,” he said.
Hong decried that many returning families have neither roofs over their heads or businesses as their homes and business have been completely pulverized by the insurgents..
While describing the insurgents attack as the worst human disaster that ever happened to the community, he nevertheless urged the people to take solace and pray fervently for God to prevent a repeat of such ugly experience.
