Opinion
Wadada: Triumph Of People’s Choice and End of Godfatherism
By Muazu Abare
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the political elite have continued to dominate the political scene of Nasarawa state, lording it over the citizens on who gets what, when and how, according to their whims and caprices. They did not only stop at holding the ace and dictating the tune of Nasarawa politics but kept planting their surrogates in strategic positions of power, arrogating to themselves the status of demi gods who always determined the political future and destiny of the state.
This was the unfortunate situation Nasarawa state found itself, particularly from 1999 to the build up to 2011 elections when the people of Nasarawa state decided to take their destiny in their hands. The people staged the first political revolution in the history of Nasarawa politics against the elite, which swept away the then incumbent Governor Akwe Doma of blessed memory and ushered in a revolutionary CPC led administration of Umaru Tanko Al-Makura through the popular will of the masses.
History repeated itself in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elections, starting from Nasarawa west senatorial district championed by Honourable Ahmed Aliyu Wadada to other senatorial districts in the state where some self-acclaimed political god-fathers and their god-sons who were imposed on the people as APC candidates during the primaries were put to shame and lost election in favour of more popular candidates who were forced to quit the party to the opposition SDP.
In Nasarawa west, Wadada (Sarkin Yakin Keffi) and the leader of the new revolutionary movement on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defeated the imposed APC candidate Arch. Shehu Ahmed Tukur with 96,588 votes against 47,717 votes just as incumbent member, representing Keffi, Karu, Kokona federal constituency Hon. Jonathan Gaza Befwi of SDP, who was denied return ticket, defeated imposed APC candidate Auta Koro, who came last in the election.
In Nasarawa north, incumbent Senator Godiya Akwashiki of the SDP, who lost the APC primaries, defeated his mentor and former godfather, the immediate past executive secretary National Judicial Council, Barrister.Danladi Envuluanza of the APC. In Nasarawa south, incumbent Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru of SDP who also lost APC primaries, defeated Hon. Mohammed Danbala of APC.
The political summersault of those playing god in Nasarawa politics did not come to many, including political analysts, as a surprise, considering the charade that were APC primaries. Authentic delegate lists approved by INEC were either doctored and replaced with surrogates or losers of the primaries but believed to be in the good books of the powers that be and as the party candidates.
This was exacerbated by the complex and highly unpredictable nature of Nasarawa politics. Nasarawa state has always been the hotbed of Nigerian politics; characterised by uncertainties, bumps and obstacles that continue to consume many astute and tested politicians despite their popularity and network.
Suffice that to venture into Nasarawa politics that parades many political juggernauts who have made their marks not only in their various fields of endeavours but also in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political arena is synonymous with one signing his death warrant where only the lion-hearted can dare and remain afloat.
It was amidst this political reality and the need to give the politics of the state a breathe of fresh air by returning power to the people in line with democratic ethos that Hon. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, a revolutionary, progressive and proud son of Nasarawa state, who radiates confidence and epitomises a new dawn in the collective aspiration of the people to have a better life, decided to damn the consequences and ventured into Nasarawa politics in 2003.
Wadada, who has a defined mission, strong political skills, determination to make a difference in the lives of his people, progressive thoughts and ideas, abandoned his lucrative job in the private sector, specifically Vision Technology, to hit the politics of Nasarawa state like a thunderstorm and without the endorsement of any political godfather successful to defeat the then incumbent Hon. Salisu Raj at the PDP primaries and went ahead to win the election to the House of Representatives in 2003.
His election to the House of Representatives marked a watershed not only in his political career but also in the history of representative democracy in Nasarawa state. It launched him into political fame and has never looked back. He keeps soaring high as one of the most competent, intelligent and performing politicians and law maker Nasarawa has ever produced since 1999.
On his election to the House of Representatives in 2003, Wadada did not only demonstrate capacity, commitment, competency and credibility in the discharge of his legislative responsibilities but also succeeded to offer effective and result-oriented representation, anchored on patriotism, voter education, love for the people and passion for humanity.
He has brought respect, honour and dignity to the state and his people with his vibrancy, eloquence, oratory, brilliant contributions to national debates on the floor of the green chamber. He was also at the forefront of championing the cause of his people, making their voice heard and sponsored many bills and motions which added value to their socio-economic and political life.
Some of his bills include: Federal Capital Territory Development Agency bill 2000, Tabbaco Control Bill 2004, Chartered Institute of Capital Market Registration bill 2005, Investment and Securities Tribunal bill 2006, FCT Satellite Towns Development Commission bill, among many others. He was chairman House Committee on Capital Market for over seven years. His stint as chairman House Committee on Information and National Orientation saw the birth of Freedom of Information Act.
The Sarkin Yakin Keffi also succeeded to re-write the development history of his constituency and brought true dividends of democracy to his people with many life saving interventions and projects especially in the areas of welfare, education, health, water supply, roads, employment opportunities, skill acquisition, women and youths empowerment, among others.
The victory of Wadada and other SDP candidates across the three senatorial districts is akin to a second political revolution in Nasarawa politics. It has been described by many political analysts as a triumph of people’s choice and a sad end of godfatherism, which should serve as a lesson to the political elite in Nasarawa state on how not to take the people for granted.
Abari writes from Lafia, Nasarawa state via muazuabari@mail.com
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.