In the complex and often self-serving world of Nigerian politics, Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emerges as a rare example of integrity and selflessness. He has consistently put the nation’s welfare above personal or partisan interests, embodying the true essence of patriotic leadership, ADEKUNLE YUSUF, ASSOCIATE EDITOR, reports.
It is a sad reality that, in the chaotic world of Nigerian politics, self-serving politicians who prioritise their own interests not only dominate but often emerge victorious. Yet, amid this tumultuous political landscape, there exists a rare and honourable cadre of leaders who, when the moment demands, prioritise the interest and well-being of their nation above personal gain. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, clearly stands out as a shining example of this noble breed — a selfless leader whose unwavering commitment to his fatherland reflects a rare form of true statesmanship.
Dogara has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape for many years. Renowned for his passionate leadership and steadfast dedication to the nation’s growth and development, his career has been marked by a continual evolution of his political views, guided by a profound sense of patriotism. From being a staunch critic of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections to becoming a vocal supporter of several policies under the Tinubu administration, Dogara’s journey embodies the essence of a true patriot—one who places national progress above partisan interests.
Dogara’s political evolution has been anything but conventional. In the run-up to the 2023 elections, he emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of President Tinubu’s policies. Dogara went ballistic during the political campaigns, strongly condemning the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the ruling APC, which he deemed dangerous for Nigeria’s unity and future. His critique was rooted in his belief that Nigeria required stronger governance and deeper reforms, particularly in security, economic stability, and transparency. Dogara did not shy away from addressing what he saw as weaknesses in Tinubu’s platform, reflecting his steadfast dedication to ensuring that Nigeria would not falter under ineffective leadership.
However, as the administration began its tenure and initiated key reforms, Dogara chose to reassess his stance. Recognising that Nigeria’s challenges could not be resolved through divisive rhetoric, he shifted his approach, offering support where it is justified. This change is not merely political; it stemmed from a genuine desire to see the country succeed. Dogara’s willingness to align with the government on certain policies highlights his patriotism—his conviction that national interest must always take precedence over personal or partisan agendas.
At a time when the political landscape is becoming unnecessarily polarised over some federal government reform policies, Dogara has chosen to rise above the divisive rhetoric. He has aligned himself with issues that truly matter, ones that can bring tangible benefits to the Nigerian people as a whole. He insists that playing the ethnic or sectional card in matters of national development is a significant factor contributing to Nigeria’s current challenges. Unlike many, Dogara views issues through a pan-Nigerian lens, advocating for solutions that benefit the entire country rather than dividing it along the North-South axis, which seldom yields lasting benefits.
Since he left the House in 2023, the former Speaker has been speaking candidly about the challenges facing Northern Nigeria and the vast economic opportunities available to it. As he addresses various issues with careful thought and analysis, he consistently demonstrates respect for opposing viewpoints. In doing so, Dogara sets a new standard for public debate in Nigeria. He encourages those who are sceptical to roll up their sleeves and put on their thinking caps, challenging them to engage in meaningful discourse rather than relying on shallow criticism.
A courageous patriot, Dogara has urged his fellow Nigerians in the Northern region to stop attacking Federal Government policies based on hearsay. Instead, he calls on them to take the time to thoroughly study the reforms and, where necessary, propose better alternatives. The former Speaker explained that he supports President Tinubu’s tax reform bills not because they are flawless, but because they represent the right course of action. Since the President submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration in October, there has been fierce opposition from some governors, the Northern Elders Forum, civil society organisations (CSOs), certain federal lawmakers and other Nigerians. While Dogara acknowledges that those opposed to the reforms have a right to express their views, he rejects the narrow and short-sighted stance that because they disagree with some aspects of the bills, the entire reform package should be scrapped or abandoned.
Dogara said: “I want to talk to my brothers in the North. I don’t think this is the time for us to begin to condemn the President. And to begin to say that on account of these bills, he’s anti-North. Because I want to remind us that the president has done something that is significant. In my lifetime, if we can pursue this to the end, it will be that there’s no Northern leader of my lifetime that has done what the President has done for the North. And I will tell you, it is the creation of the Livestock Ministry. The global market size of dairies, of beef, in the next three years, will rise to about 2.5 trillion US dollars.
“So if in the North, we’re able to organise ourselves in such a way that we can corner just five per cent, just five per cent of this global market size of dairies and beef. I tell you, that gives us 125 billion US dollars. We don’t need VAT from any state in Nigeria to survive. We are the most endowed part of Nigeria. We have all the resources. We can survive,” he said.
The tax reform proposal, aimed at increasing revenue generation through improved tax compliance and reforms in the tax administration system, is a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges. Dogara highlighted that the country’s economic stagnation and the difficulties local governments face in accessing resources are the consequences of past poor leadership, which failed to tackle the root causes of the nation’s economic issues. By supporting Tinubu’s tax reforms, Dogara showed his understanding that Nigeria’s economic problems can only be solved through bold leadership and decisive action.
“The question of withdrawing these bills does not arise. The National Assembly is the proper forum for debate, for contestation, for disagreement. Nothing stops the National Assembly from holding a joint public hearing on the bill between the Senate and the House of Representatives. If the Northern governors have issues, let them articulate their issues. Proffer solutions, the president has said, this is the best way I intend to achieve this.
“We are free to disagree with the President and say, look, we disagree. We agree with the general principles, but instead of what the President has proposed, this is our own proposal. All of us, if we are invited, should be able to avail ourselves as part of our civic duty to be at the National Assembly in order to look at all the issues that have been raised and to proffer solution,” Dogara added.
He described President Tinubu as a leader willing to lead with courage, even at a personal cost, particularly in light of his tax reform proposals. The former Speaker emphasised that any transformational leader must be brave, noting that a true leader does not merely allow history to unfold but actively shapes it. He further argued that the absence of strong leadership is what has contributed to the country’s current state of disarray. “With what President Bola Tinubu has done, whether it’s the freeing of local government areas from the choke-hold of economic stagnation, the states had hitherto subjected them to or the groundbreaking bold tax reforms proposals he had placed before the National Assembly, I see a glimmer of hope that we may be dealing with a leader who is prepared to lead with unbridled courage even at personal cost.
“It gladdens my heart that we are now dealing with a leader who is not avoiding stubborn tasks and is very much unwilling to put off difficult conversations. With him, courage has become a habit and that habit has the power to transform our leadership as the miracles we are desperately yearning for may well lie in the tasks and difficult conversations we are avoiding. I support the president’s tax reforms not because they are perfect, but because it is the right thing to do.
“However, I must concede the fact that those opposed to it have the right to do so. But I do not share their jaundiced nay tenuous and puerile position that because they disagree with some aspects of the reforms, then the reforms must be withdrawn or killed. Leaders who are dedicated to reforms and progress don’t make such poor judgement calls, at all,” he said.
Dogara’s endorsement of Tinubu’s reforms reflects his broader political philosophy, which has always been focused on finding pragmatic solutions to Nigeria’s complex challenges. Although he was once a vocal critic of the government, his shift in stance stems from a deep sense of responsibility toward the nation’s well-being. The former Speaker recognises that reforms—whether in education, taxation or governance—are vital for Nigeria’s advancement. By supporting these reforms, Dogara demonstrates his commitment to placing the national interest above personal or partisan concerns.
The political evolution of the Bauchi-born statesman is not merely about backing specific policies, but about his overarching vision for national unity and sustainable development. He has long advocated for reforms that emphasise fiscal responsibility, transparency and inclusive governance. Throughout his career, both as Speaker and beyond, Dogara has consistently prioritised Nigeria’s collective good over partisan politics. His support for President Tinubu’s policies highlights his dedication to Nigeria’s growth and his belief in its potential. From education to economic policies, Dogara has shown that true patriotism involves backing the initiatives that will propel the country forward—regardless of their origin. His contributions to Nigeria’s political discourse reflect his unwavering commitment to ensuring that Nigeria becomes a nation where every citizen can thrive.
Dogara’s transition from a critic to a supporter of key policies in President Tinubu’s administration is a powerful reminder of the role patriotism plays in leadership. For Dogara, being a patriot means putting the nation’s interests above personal or political differences. His advocacy for Tinubu’s education and tax reforms, alongside his support for universities as hubs of innovation, underscores his commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria. This evolution illustrates that leadership is dynamic, not static—it must evolve to meet the country’s changing needs. Dogara’s shift in support for the Tinubu administration embodies the essence of true patriotism: someone who is willing to make difficult decisions, engage in constructive dialogue, and support policies that will benefit the nation as a whole.
