In politics in Nigeria, they say no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. How interesting, isn’t it? This aptly describes the situation of the PDP in Sokoto. That despite the tyranny, the oppression and brutality Bafarawa visited on PDP members as Governor of Sokoto State from 1999- 2007, they are welcoming him into their fold and even celebrating him with the presence of PDP “s “Ogas at the top” at his formal unveiling in Sokoto. President Jonathan relegated state matters to attend along with Bafarawa”s old time friend, the new PDP helmsman.
Whatever they want to achieve by doing so would be seen in no distant future. The thing that surprises Sokoto people, who for those years that Bafarawa ruled sympathised with the PDP folks for the ill and dehumanising treatment Bafarawa meted out to them, is how they have forgotten so easily a man who abused, incarcerated and maimed their members in Sokoto. Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Tambuwal, then PDP chairman and his secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji Gusau, were all thrown into Sokoto prison by Bafarawa for daring to oppose his government.
These are just few examples of his impunity as governor. Not only that, they know they are only deluding themselves by pretending the PDP has made “a big catch”. Bafarawa, they know, is not in PDP to better its “fortunes” or make it win any significant votes, but only to get his own pound of flesh from Magatakarda Wamakko. He is in the party believing he can get help from Abuja to use apparatus of government coercion to humiliate and embarrass the person of Wamakko for taking over power and subjecting him to a seeming prolonged EFCC prosecution.
Let me refresh the memories of those interested in the politics of Sokoto State as to how the problems started. Former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, at the twilight of his administration, invited the EFCC to showcase his ‘transparent’ management of Sokoto resources, which he had severally boasted of. It was at a time he gleefully told the world that he left N13 billion in the state coffers.
The citizens of Sokoto State were made to understand then that the money was in raw cash. Tongues wagged why so much money was kept in the state coffers while scarcity of water was hitting hard in the state; teachers were buying teaching materials; rate of poverty was in an upward surge while a few cabal was in opulence. If the former governor said he left N13 billion and Governor Wamakko refuted the claim, something must be wrong somewhere that needed to be investigated.
Indeed, Governor Wamakko’s administration froze that account that, up to date, has not been operated to allow the EFCC to finish its investigation. This is at the detriment of Sokoto State, while the law takes its course. We are yet to see the hand of Governor Wamakko in the EFCC palaver. In fact, eminent citizens of Sokoto State had been writing the EFCC against Bafarawa’s administration prior to his invitation by the commission. Bafarawa tried to play smart by conjuring up a figure which included the value of Sokoto State shares in UBA and bonds, May, 2007 state and local governments statutory allocation from the federation account and other sundry balances to make up his imaginary cash he claimed to have left behind in the UBA account of Sokoto State. Despite being architect of his own fate, he still blames it on Governor Wammako. Bafarawa. Don’t bother any longer since you have pitched your tent with those that not only encourage and shield corrupt people, but reward them. Your case will soon be a thing of the past.
Another thing the PDP in Sokoto cannot forget is Bafarawa”s treachery and diabolical nature. These are his most portent credentials which would soon manifest in the confusion that would engulf the PDP in Sokoto. Can any of them forget his vow never to join the PDP and how he worked against it to the extent of destroying the federal government’s FM Radio Station sited in Sokoto Rima Basin, a federal government premises, and rejecting a cheque of hundreds of millions from Muktari Shagari as Water Resources minister to improve water supply, which had dwindled in the state?
The party has already said goodbye to peace since Dogo Mai rodu has joined their ranks. For those who don’t know, Bafarawa does not want to be led. He must lead and his wishes are everyone’s command. Apart from being dictatorial and cynical, he sees himself as an emperor. It is not as if any one hates Bafarawa, it is just his nature that makes people to despise him.
The 2007 revolution that took place in Sokoto which swept Bafarawa aside is still fresh in the minds of Sakwatawa. Nothing has changed but rather the zeal, the will and determination are gathering momentum daily and come 2015 the people of Sokoto will speak, and loudly too. The movement has been enlarged with the defection to the APC. The Wamakko’s rank has swollen up.
Sokoto people are waiting to make a wonderful showing in 2015 where they intend to make a statement that will change the politics of Nigeria. We are a people that have never wavered in our commitment and resolve. Hardly does any true Basakkwace double speak. We are known to be direct and open. No wonder we turn “molasses into honey”. The vanguard for the change that is waiting to happen is the masses and able young men who have vowed to show that all the victories Alu has achieved are no flukes.
Bafarawa is never an issue in Sokoto because contrary to what his negligible numbers of admirals are saying, he does not wield any power or influence. The bad thing about him is that he is all alone because all his strongest loyalists such as Umarun Kwabo AA, Maigari Dingyadi, Chiso Dattijo, Usman Danmadami, Lawali Labbo Margai, Yushau Mohammed Ahmed, Eng Abubakar Aliyu Yabo and a host of other prominent personalities have all deserted him due to his politics of vengeance and retrogression. Once again, nothing to celebrate about him. While he waits for Jonathan to empower him and avail him of the use of security apparatus to unleash violence on Sokoto people to ensure his new benefactor’s ambition, all sectors of the Sokoto people have warmed up to exercise their franchise so as to let the world know that their view point must be respected.
• Mullela wrote from Sokoto
