By Joel Joshua
The public debate following Hon. Hassana Arkila’s resignation as Special Adviser to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Empowerment has largely overlooked her record of service and measurable outcomes in earlier roles.
While public officers must be open to scrutiny, analysts say fair assessment should be anchored on facts and performance, rather than political sentiment.
11 Months in Bogoro:
Arkila served as Caretaker Chairman of Bogoro Local Government Area from July 2014 to April 2015 under former Governor Isa Yuguda. Supporters argue that her 11-month tenure demonstrates that impact is not determined by length of service, but by delivery.
Within that period, Arkila initiated interventions in security, infrastructure, transportation, water supply and community development.
Peace and Security:
Her most cited intervention was in the Kalambu conflict, a dispute that had lasted more than 20 years. Through engagement with stakeholders, her administration helped broker peace and restore normalcy in the affected communities.
On internal security, the council provided uniforms, kits and allowances to more than 450 vigilante personnel. It also distributed 65 motorcycles to security agencies, councillors and directors to improve mobility and response time.
Infrastructure and Services:
The administration remodelled the Local Government Conference Hall and provided chairs. Interlocking works were carried out at the LGA secretariat.
Rural roads in Mwari, Boi, Tadnum, Banram, Lusa and other communities were graded to ease the movement of people and goods. To address power challenges, transformers were provided to several communities.
Access to water was prioritized with the drilling of boreholes across the LGA, including a solar-powered borehole in Lusa. In Dutsen Lawan, a boat was provided to ease transportation during the rainy season pending the construction of a bridge by the member representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
Humanitarian Interventions:
Beyond physical projects, Arkila facilitated the release of six Zaar indigenes who had spent more than five years in prison.
During the recent crisis in Jos, she was also said to have worked with government and other stakeholders to arrange transportation, security and accommodation for students and residents returning home.
Other Public Roles:
Between 2019 and 2021, Arkila served as Chairman of the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency, BASOVCA. She later chaired the Bauchi State Agency for Mass Education, BASAME, from 2021 to 2022.
She also held party positions, including PDP Women Leader for Bauchi South and PDP National Ex-Officio between 2017 and 2018. During the 2023 elections, she served as Coordinator for the Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organisation and Director-General, Women, for Dass, Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs under the Kefas Magaji Campaign.
Resignation in Context:
Arkila’s decision to resign as Special Adviser on Empowerment has drawn mixed reactions. Political observers note that resignation is a matter of personal conviction and political choice, and does not by itself indicate failure.
Citizens have the right to question such decisions, just as public officers have the right to make them. The difference lies in ensuring that the conversation is guided by facts and civility.
Supporters point to her record as evidence of grassroots, results-driven leadership. Critics have questioned her political choices, but her interventions in peace-building, security, infrastructure, water, transport and humanitarian support within a short period provide a factual basis for assessment.
As the debate continues, stakeholders say the focus should be on verifiable records rather than speculation.
Joel Joshua, Chairman, Koda Naka Kaso Nakwarai Campaign Awareness Support Team Bauchi
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