Dr Abubakar Kagu: Why Yobe must allow water to flow through its channels, by Joe Hemba
It’s been a long-standing tradition in Yobe politics that strong representation has been sacrificed at the expense of family members, friends, and oligarchs especially from the legislative arm of the government.
Representatives who have made a lasting impression on the polity risk appearing haughty. Both sides will be judged fairly, they claim. A few skilled hands that may have changed the situation in their time have been smothered under the weight of mediocrity. The few will always follow the crowd.
What would have been the result of experience has instead, resulted in a suffocating and exclusive political family arrangement that does not include the majority of people. On one hand, it amounts to nothing more than an outright theft of the voting rights of the entire population, and on the other, it is a flagrant breach of the law.
Those in power in Yobe are either royalists or oligarchs who have risen through a corrosive process known as consensus to their positions. Because of this, the system has instead choke competence and competitiveness, rather than encouraging excellence in the name of family or friends.
After more than three decades of stagnation, the political sphere is finally waking up to the energy of a brand new era. There are less doubts when the right people emerge to support both the system and the process. Governor Mai Mala Buni became governor of Yobe State in 2019 due to an emergency.
Gov. Buni’s emergence has unquestionably given the system a much needed breath of fresh air. The state’s geriatric politicians have been set against the state’s vibrant young residents because of his deliberate selection of young and capable persons to take critical positions in his government.
There is an emerging political force in the state poised to overthrow any old structures that stand in the way of the new order, like a North-East windstorm. A bold declaration was made in the history books when Dr Abubakar Kagu declared his intention to seek for a House of Representatives seat to serve his constituents in the federal constituency of Nguru, Machina, Karasunwa, and Yusufari.
With pomp and scene, as well as widespread support from those who feel that fresh blood and competence should take over the system and start working immediately as a shift from the old normal, this was a historic ceremony.
Unprecedented numbers of people, from border peasants to residents deep in the heart of municipalities, endorsed the candidate. Nguru, Machina, Karasuwa, and Yusafari all had a sea of supporters shouting and cheering for Mattawalen Machina and his lengthy convoy of cars, most of them young men, when he arrived.
He is a well-educated scholar who is deeply rooted in tradition and culture, which has gained him the respect and adoration of his people, Dr Abubakar Kagu. Master’s and PhD degrees from Sussex University in the UK are held by the traditional prince of the Machina emirates. Chief Magistrate of Yobe State before becoming a law lecturer at State University in the Yobe State University system.
In recognition of his extensive knowledge of Constitutional Law, Dr Ahmed Lawan, the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria appointed him as a Special Adviser on Legislative and Legal Matters.
It wasn’t until I was one of a few journalists invited to his announcement on the day that I fell in love with him even more. Young, good-looking, well-dressed, with a refined sense of style. His gift of oratory is something else for which I have a lot of admiration for.
When it comes to supporting political causes, I believe that young people should do so. I believe that Yobe must now let water to find its channel because I support politicians like Kagu who do exploits in politics.
When Dr Babatude Tikare first met Kagu 30 years ago, he was impressed by the young man’s dedication to his people.
Dr Tikare praised his longtime friend on Facebook after he announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives, stating in part:
“The Federal Constituency of Nguru-Machina-Karasuwa-Yusufari is a place where Dr Kagu Abubakar has decided to rekindle hope and regeneration.”
“Knowing the learned guy for over 30 years has been an emotional trip for me. I’ve seen him grow and mature as a person.
“Our tactic has been to remain armchair commentators behind the protection and anonymity of social media for some of us who are more cautious.”
“However, Dr Kagu is wired a little differently than the others.
“It’s very uncommon for people like him to sit through speeches in order to elicit more thoughtful responses.
“If you’re good at public speaking, why not flaunt it?
“Also, if you can, push the bounds and frontiers of governance and development.”
“It’s an honor to call him “my brother, friend.” I’m really proud of you and happy for you right now. As exciting as it is to be welcomed and accepted by your people, it also serves as a cautionary tale about what lies ahead.
“I hope for your safety as you set off on this journey.
“Keep your feet firmly placed on the sands of justice, fairness, and humility when the tide threatens to engulf you.
“This is the Matawallen Machina. As I used to tell you during our late night phone calls. As the saying goes, ‘To whom much is given, much is required’.
“May the hopes and dreams you have for yourself, never be shattered.”
“A Youths Project for the Missed Political Dividends” was how Mohammed Musa Gasma, a Karasuwa Local Government constituent, characterized Dr. Kagu’s declaration.
In a Facebook post, Gasma wrote that Kagu’s arrival marks the end of a twenty-year period of inadequate leadership by prior lawmakers in the region.
The following is what he wrote on Facebook, unaltered:
“For the past 20 years, there has been a constant clamor in the aforementioned area in the federal house of representatives, and God willing, that time is now over.”
“They have bemoaned and anguished for years, but because of the inept leadership and extraordinary political acumen displayed in the green chamber, their plight is now politically contentious.
“The people of Karasuwa, Nguru, Machina, and Yusufari Federal Constituency have languished because of the incumbent member’s ineptitude and paralyzed leadership.
“I am using this medium to call on my dear youths to strengthen their support beyond political sentiment and give the young chap a chance who has track records of leadership and good governance to salvage the people from their overdue outcry of the poor and total disconnection from electorates after the election”.
If you raise your hand on the House floor, you’ll be ignored even if you’re trying to make a point about an issue. I, on the other hand, believe that Dr Kagu’s zeal, education, and experience, as well as his ability to fight on a wide range of current and historical problems, will have a profound impact on his colleagues and the leadership of the green chambers. His personality will no doubt be infectious on his colleagues
As the APC in Yobe prepares for primary elections, I would like to encourage the delegates to pause and reflect. Lawmaking is about having a powerful voice and enacting laws that will have a long-term influence on the lives of the people, not some carrot and stick interventions from subservient members in the name of a hoax called “constituency project,” they say. Abubakar Kagu is an excellent choice for the green chambers, in my opinion.
This is the right time for Yobe to allow water to flow through her channel!
Joe Hemba is a Yobe State-based freelance journalist and public commentator.
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