By NEWSCOUNT Desk
The All Abuja Residents Association (AARA) has announced plans to honour President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and other public office holders at its Recognition and Award of Excellence and Effective Performance scheduled for December 15, 2026.
The National President of the association, Igwekala Ugomaduefule, disclosed this on Thursday, October 15, during a media briefing in Abuja, where he explained the basis for the proposed awards and called on Nigerians to pay closer attention to the performance of their elected and appointed representatives.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani is also among the political figures identified for the planned recognition, which is expected to feature public office holders from the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Speaking on the selection process, Ugomaduefule said the nominations were based on the achievements of the individuals concerned and were not the result of personal meetings with the prospective recipients.
“I have not met one-on-one with any of the awardees to discuss their nomination. It came through rigorous vetting. Their individual nominations came naturally from what is seen to be achieved by them,” he said.
He cited Wike as an example, praising his performance in the Federal Capital Territory and the influence he continues to wield in the country’s political landscape.
“Take, for instance, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Wike. He is doing marvellously well in the FCT, and I can assure you that his political voice and action carry weight, and we shall support him in whichever direction he goes,” the AARA president stated.
Ugomaduefule explained that the awards were intended to recognise public office holders whose work had made a difference in their states, constituencies and the country. Governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and ministers are among those expected to be considered, alongside outstanding investors and philanthropists based in Abuja.
He said the association, a non-profit organisation that brings together Nigerians from different backgrounds, was committed to promoting accountability, transparency, good governance and sustainable development, as well as protecting the rights of Abuja residents.
The AARA president said the initiative was particularly important as the country approached another general election, urging citizens to look beyond campaign promises and examine the records of those entrusted with public office.
He called on Nigerians to assess the performance of governors and lawmakers over the past three and a half years, particularly their contributions to infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment, agriculture, food security, investment and security.
Ugomaduefule expressed concern that increased revenue accruing to state governments should translate into better living conditions, improved public services and visible development in communities.
He challenged governors to explain how the additional funds available to them had benefited their people, especially in addressing insecurity, supporting farmers, improving food production, attracting investment and providing essential infrastructure.
According to him, public officials must account for the resources entrusted to them and demonstrate how government revenue has improved the welfare of citizens.
He also urged Nigerians to examine the performance of their representatives in the National Assembly, stressing that legislative activities should be judged by their relevance and practical impact rather than the number of bills or motions sponsored.
He said citizens should consider the quality of legislation proposed and passed by lawmakers, the constituency projects attracted, employment opportunities facilitated and other interventions aimed at improving the lives of their constituents.
Ugomaduefule extended the call for accountability to ministers serving in the Federal Executive Council, urging Nigerians to assess their contributions through the performance of their ministries, implementation of government policies and the results of their programmes.
He maintained that public office should be treated as a responsibility to the people and that elected and appointed officials must be prepared to account for their stewardship.
The association also plans to recognise investors and philanthropists whose activities have supported job creation, economic development and community welfare in Abuja.
The December 15 ceremony is expected to bring together public office holders and other distinguished Nigerians for the awards.
AARA said its broader objective was to encourage responsible leadership and promote a culture in which public officials are recognised for their achievements and held accountable for the responsibilities entrusted to them.
