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Tag: Wamakko

  • Wamakko – A formidable political force

    Wamakko – A formidable political force

    The recently concluded general elections have thrown up salient issues and personalities in our political landscape, especially in the northwest geopolitical zone. Before now there were numerous insinuations as to who controls the political nerve of the zone. The contention was more pronounced in Sokoto where political vampires denigrate Governor Aliyu Wamakko as either a neophyte or lightweight. Because Wamakko remained modest and taciturn in the face of unnecessary provocation, it was assumed as weakness on his part.

     Wamakko was a quiet and loyal Deputy Governor for seven years under a dictatorial boss. The way he tolerated and managed the frustration of that epoch became strength of political zeal, and building of cult-like followership by the masses of Sokoto State. It was the beginning.

    He started his governorship election bid in 2007 under ANPP against DPP candidate, of course PDP. He was very popular among the masses that victory was imminent for him and his party (ANPP). However, PDP, the party at the federal level, desperate to capture the seat of the Caliphate, sensing another humiliating defeat, approached the popular candidate, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, for a working arrangement for him (Wamakko) to contest under PDP. The arrangement was accepted in good faith. Wamakko won the election under PDP, based on his personal popularity and wide acceptance by the masses, and not because of PDP sponsorship. In fact, it was PDP that gained in relevance in Sokoto State, after eight years of limbo. However, the litigations that trailed Alu’s victory were as a result of that PDP fusion. The governorship election was nullified and still Governor Wamakko overwhelmingly won the Kaduna Appeal Court’s ordered re-run.

    But since then, the PDP quislings in Sokoto State turned irritants and hegemonic. They resorted to blackmails and mudslinging in their operations at PDP headquarters in Abuja. It climaxed during the chairmanship of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur when some PDP members from Sokoto State orchestrated the suspension of Governor Wamakko from the party. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur became a tool in the hands of these game spoilers who are virtually irrelevant in the political definition of Sokoto State. They belonged to the fold of selfish and avarice individuals entrenched in chase of contracts in Abuja at the expense of home base political and economic sensitizations. Those that alienate their political root are huge liabilities to a political party. Governors, as chief executives of their states, feel the political pulse of the masses. They alone can easily manage perceived local dissents or open a new political ground in the interest of a ruling party.

     Wamakko with other colleagues tried much to make Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, albeit President Jonathan, see reason in the interest and survival of PDP, but it became imperative to abandon the sinking ship in the interest of the country and citizens; more so, in the face of prevalent selfishness by the party machinery that encouraged monumental corruption in the general administration of the country.  Ubiquitous Poverty and shrinking opportunities precipitated restlessness, suspicion, violent character and despondency among Nigerians. Statesmen like Wamakko, desirous to rescue the nation from structural collapse against citizens of Nigeria, worked assiduously to bring back hope and trust in the system. It can always be very painful to juxtapose personal successes at state level with little resources to central government with enormous resources in palpable under performance and deceits.

    In Sokoto State, the performance of Governor Wamakko remains a template of success many progressive administrations shall emulate. Wamakko introduced a concept of bottom up strategy of development that opened up the rural areas through interconnectivity of roads. He adequately provided potable and clean water as well as electricity to the rural areas. Farmers have been empowered through needed input, equipment and cash. The effort resulted in increased food production for local consumption and sale of surplus produce. Farming is the strength of the northern part of Nigeria. Wamakko exploited this opportunity maximally. The youth population was empowered through resuscitated educational infrastructure, construction of new ones with provision of teaching and learning material, and institution of motivational dynamics which stimulated tremendous increase in school enrolment of boys and girls. The administration constructed a new university that is now functional in academic activities. Wamakko’s administration through the successful skills acquisition programme made the adolescents self reliant and major contributors to the growth of the economy. It has roundly been applauded that target of the youth in employment generation has turned around economic and social stability of Sokoto. It is a government that has been expansive in the scope of provision of opportunities in the state. This method of development is a radical departure from filial culture of recycling wealth and opportunities espoused by PDP apologists.

    Remarkably Governor Wamakko through the completion of the Independent Power Project (IPP) of 30 mega watts has strategized for industrial growth of the state from beneficiaries of the N10 billion the administration loaned to traders, farmers, groups, associations and individuals to increase commercial and socioeconomic activities in the state. The profile of development strategies of Governor Wamakko bestrides every sector. Therefore, the incoming administration of Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has his job well cut out in solid foundation of active development framework.

     Wamakko, as the campaign coordinator of the northwest zone of APC, has effectively delivered overwhelming number of elective offices to the party. He did it for PDP in 2011. It is attestation of his leadership capacity and capability unappreciated by PDP and the disgruntled old brigade PDP politicians in Sokoto. The emerging political hurricane of Wamakko, who is now a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, has swept the cynics and sceptics to inevitable retirement. The recent general elections have finally settled the unfounded polemic of the generalissimo of Sokoto State politics. That is Sarkin Yamman Sokoto.

    –Umar is the President, Sokoto Liberal Democrats Media Foundation (SOLID)   

  • Wamakko pledges quality legislations to boost good governance

    Wamakko pledges quality legislations to boost good governance

    Senator-elect and Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko yesterday promised to ensure that the 8th National Assembly passes quality laws to enhance good governance and living standard of Nigerians.

    Wamakko, who will be representing Sokoto Central Senatorial District in the Senate at the expiration of his tenure as governor on May 29, made the pledge at the celebration of the Workers’ Day in Sokoto.

    ‘’ We will make sure that laws are made to enhance good governance and the living standard of the generality of Nigerians,” he said.

    ‘’ We will take the entire country as our entire constituency and we shall focus on ensuring probity and accountability in all government activities.

    ‘’ We will ensure that issues of welfare of Nigerian workers and all the citizens are effectively addressed.

    ‘’ We will also work to ensure a harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government for the betterment of Nigerians.’’

     

  • Sokoto governor’s elder brother kidnapped

    Sokoto governor’s elder brother kidnapped

    Two days to the governorship elections, unknown gunmen on Wednesday evening kidnapped a traditional title holder, Alhaji Salihu Baraden Wamakko in Sokoto state.

    Baraden Wamakko, is the elder brother to Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto state.

    Reports said that the gunmen stormed the farm of Alhaji Wamakko in the evening from where he was taken away to yet an unknown destination by his kidnappers.

    However, the Sokoto state police command’s spokesman, DSP Al-Mustapha Sani who confirmed the incidence said the police had since despatched its men in search of the kidnappers.

    According to the PPRO” immediately we got the news, we sent signals and mounted road blocks at strategic points in and around the state capital while efforts are being made to gather more information.”

    Also confirming the incident to newsmen, Wamakkoo local government council chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Kalambaina said ” when the news got to us we were shocked and had to contact the police immediately for their action.

    ” To my understanding, the kidnappers took advantage of the election period to seek for money as ransom.

    ” You may recall that a similar thing happened in Zamfara state where the village head in Bukkuyum was kidnapped and a ransom of N10 million had to be paid to the perpetrators to secure his release four days after.

    ” We hope and pray to get him back from the kidnappers with the efforts of the police and the public,” he said.

  • Wamakko cautions

    Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko yesterday cautioned against the politicisation of security agencies.

    He said the agencies should be seen to be neutral and driven by their constitutional roles, adding that they should not be made partisan in ensuring the safety of life and property of the citizens.

    The governor spoke in Sokoto when the new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Salisu Abdullahi, visited him.

    He urged security agencies to uphold their oath of office by being diligent and fair to all.

    Abdullahi, who assured of a level-playing field for parties, hailed Wamakko for his moral and financial support to the police and other sister agencies.

  • Wamakko: polls shifted to save PDP, Jonathan from defeat, humiliation

    Wamakko: polls shifted to save PDP, Jonathan from defeat, humiliation

    FEARS that President Goodluck Jonathan may lose the election originally billed for Saturday informed the postponement of the polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko said yesterday.

     According to him, the decision was uncalled for but it has confirmed the fears of defeat by candidates of the ruling PDP.

    “The move is simply to avert defeat and humiliation. The decision was unnecessary. The PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) is scared of losing the elections to the APC (All Progressives Congress),” the governor said.

    Wamakko suggested that the Federal Government’s concern should be on how to regain the territories lost to insurgents in the Northeast rather than using the military to intimidate the citizens from participating in the democratic process.

    His words: “If the Federal Government wants to show military power, let them go and show force in Borno and Adamawa states by regaining our territories that had been taken away by terrorists.”

    The governor told reporters in Sokoto that the election was postponed because President Jonathan was scared of losing the presidential polls. “He (President) now sees the APC as a real threat to his re-election bid.

    “He noted with passion the wide acceptance of APC by Nigerians, pointing out that it was a source of worry to him (Jonathan), hence postponement.

    “There was no way Nigeria could continue this way with the level of corruption, impunity, disregard for law and order and lack of direction under the Jonathan’s administration.

    “When we discovered that Jonathan has no focus and was not ready to listen, we formed our alliance in the interest of this country. Today our effort has already yielded result and the alliance is working, as we now have two strong major political parties that we need for growth in this country.

    “Jonathan is afraid of losing this election. They have seen the wide acceptance of APC across the country and instead of them to accept the glaring realities; they are trying to play games with Nigerians. I am sure the international community will not allow them to do that and Nigerians are wiser now than 15 years ago.”

    The governor also condemned the massive deployment of soldiers in Sokoto and some cities by the Federal Government shortly after the postponement of the elections, saying such measure was uncalled for.

    He berated siege by security operatives on the residence of APC’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and some APC members, saying Nigerians will not be intimidated by the millitary.

    “You cannot intimidate citizens with soldiers or policemen. Nigerians can never be intimidated by using soldiers or power of incumbency, especially a weak incumbency, that has no direction,” he said.

    Recalling the decision reached at the latest National Council of State meeting in Abuja, the governor said: “In the last National Council of State meeting, there was a suggestion that the millitary should be deployed to each headquarters of a local government area. This is in the event of any riot as a result of postponement of elections in which case they have made up their mind to change the date.”

  • Wamakko: Nigeria ‘ll become stronger

    Wamakko: Nigeria ‘ll become stronger

    Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko has said Nigeria will come out stronger from the present security challenges.

    He said: “We will soon overcome the shock and get stabilised. We will be stronger.”

    The governor urged Nigerians to shun violence and embrace peace, progress and political growth of the country.

    “It is only by so doing that the country would be more united and become stronger now and for future generations,” he said.

    Wamakko addressed reporters in Sokoto on the state of the nation and the need for Nigerians to remain calm and peaceful.

    The governor noted that Nigerians had no other major task ahead of them than to seek divine intervention.

    He said: “We really have to be committed to and be fervent in prayers for God’s intervention in the nation’s quest for socio-economic and political growth.”

    The APC governor stressed that “seeking God’s intervention” would rid the nation of those responsible for the present insecurity.

    Wamakko urged Nigerians to be more security-conscious by reporting the movements of suspicious characters to the nearest security agencies.

    He said: “The time has come for all Nigerians to be watchful and vigilant in confronting the present security challenges facing us as a nation.”

    The governor called for patience and understanding among Nigerians on the postponement of the February general elections to March 28 and April 11.He also sought political tolerance and understanding among politicians for the overall political growth of the nation.

    Wamakko also promised qualitative representation in the National Assembly, if elected.

    The governor said he was not aspiring to make money but to further build the nation through the Senate.

    He said: “I am aspiring to become a senator not to get money or buy new cars for myself and my family but to go there for the country and work for improved lives for Nigerians.”

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Sokoto, Wamakko said he would use his wealth of experience to initiate Bills that would have direct impact on Nigerians.

    The senatorial candidate promised to ensure that such Bills are promptly implemented for the benefit of Nigerians.

    He called for the devolution of more powers and resources to the states and local governments because of their proximity to the grassroots.

    Wamakko noted that entrusting more powers and resources in the hands of the Federal Government would stagnate the implementation of vibrant policies and programmes at the states and local government levels.

    The governor said the concentration of most powers at the centre “will not enable them (state and local governments) carry out laudable programmes for the good and well being of their people.”

    He added: “I will come out with a strong legislation that would enable states and local government areas to have sufficient allocations from the Federation Account to ensure massive rural development.”

    Wamakko regretted that the huge expenditures by the Federal Government on security were not having the desired impact.

    He said: “The state governments are assisting security agencies with vehicles and communication gadgets. What happens to the Federal Government’s budget on security matters?

    “I will ensure strict compliance with budget implementation in this direction to ensure good democratic governance.”

  • Wamakko seeks prompt tax remittance for improved IGR

    Wamakko seeks prompt tax remittance for improved IGR

    Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has directed the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to henceforth remit their internally generated revenue (IGR) to the Board of Internal Revenue.

    The governor also directed that only the receipts given to the MDAs by the board should be issued.

    The directive followed the decrease in allocation from the Federation Account because of the global decline in oil price.

    Addressing reporters after the state bi-weekly Executive Council (Exco) meeting, Information Commissioner Danladi Bako said the governor also banned the use of organisational receipt for revenue or tax accruals.

    The commissioner warned that any of the MDAs found defying the directive would be sanctioned.

  • Vindication of Wamakko

    The Nigerian political landscape is now active with frenzy of campaigns leading up to next month’s elections. Two political parties, All Progressive Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominate the jostling to capture voters’ attention. The voters are citizens of Nigeria whose fate is at stake. Since 1999 when the country returned to democratic dispensation, PDP has remained at the saddle of power. Power appurtenances enabled the party to swallow or destabilize other parties to maintain absolute power. And like Lord Acton observed that absolute tends to corrupt absolutely. This has metamorphosed to that level where dictatorship assumed unprecedented proportion.

    The death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua suddenly opened up the rumps of PDP. There emerged power vacuum that threw opportunists into power game. Completion of Yar’Adua’s tenure was well managed by eminent Nigerians that were determined to sustain the sacrifice of our past heroes for a vibrant, virile and great country; a country of hope for every black man. Though in cognizance of rotational arrangement the power vacuum as a result of the demise of late President Yar’Adua placed a disadvantage against the geographical zone he represented. Compromise was reached to allow constitutional procedure to supersede every other consideration to maintain status quo in order of succession for the vice president to complete PDP presidency as party that won the 2007 general elections.

    However, the confusion once again arose when it came to issues of 2011 general elections. The same eminent Nigerians rallied to douse the tensions on a gentleman agreement of just one term that would give President Jonathan a total of six years in office. It was a firm commitment as chronicled in video clippings from his speeches from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and within Nigeria with commendations at Eagle Square, Abuja by former President Obasanjo.

    Personalities like Governors Aliyu Wamakko, Sokoto State, Sule Lamido of Jigawa State and former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako were tireless in concerted efforts to broker understanding with northern stakeholders to support President Jonathan for the 2011 election. These gentlemen drew odium from their people for what they saw as betrayal. But their efforts were seen in wider spectrum as a means to peaceful resolution of constitutional crisis that Nigeria suddenly got entangled. The country eventually smarted out of it. These gentlemen succeeded as patriots. However, events soon unfolded in bitter and unpalatable reciprocation where PDP leadership resorted to antics of use and dump. It reached climax under the chairmanship of Bamanga Tukur.

    Reform is desirable process to keep a system in tune with current realities. These realities emanated from the pulse of the grassroots which recurred with public opinion of the electorate at the baseline. Frequently, the governors of PDP nudged the national headquarters to listen and reason in the interest of the party and country. Governor Wamakko was an active mover in the voices for reform. But he became a target of vilification, orchestrated by some PDP members from Sokoto State that found permanent abode in Abuja. They are still the spoilers in Sokoto State structure of the party. They seemed more inclined towards their personal ambitions than welfare of the masses. In fact, that character reflected in the travails of other patriotic governors. In spite of their effrontery the governors continued to work towards amicable resolutions of issues.  The national headquarters sabotaged these efforts at every stage. The presidency, fed with enormous false insinuations was aloof and arrogant to address issues in the interest of the country.

    Expectedly, the alternative became abandoning the unwilling horse for a movable one ready to continue the race to rescue Nigerians from downward slide into poverty and continuous carnage. APC emerged as a formidable national party for the realization of that mission. It should not be surprising that the hitherto amorphous size of PDP has resulted into degeneration to complacency towards the plight of the masses.  Unfortunately, parochial sentiments are now the sing-song of the party to harangue Nigerians into deceptive promises of fixing the economy at the expense of innocuous shrinking opportunities.

    A few days ago, the national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mua’azu, ruefully alerted President Jonathan on imminent collapse of the party due to what he called use and dump policy of the party. And that is exactly what caused the massive desertion of personalities from PDP to other parties. The present chairman of PDP made the very observation Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shunned from those patriots now in APC. They are vindicated. It is the carelessness that has plunged Nigeria into a rudderless state.

    The current situation has blossomed into general negligence to provide security for the citizens, ubiquitous uncertainties, unemployment, economic disarray and huge corruption nurtured and sustained by sycophants of the administration that position as perpetual beneficiaries of the common wealth. Their faces manifested in donations towards bankrolling PDP campaigns. But certainly, the country cannot continue this way.

    APC has provided alternative platform for progressives to converge and work assiduously to enthrone a government that shall rescue the drifting ship of nation. The party kicked off its campaigns from the southern part of the country as a demonstration that contrary to PDP insinuation, APC is truly a national party that transcends every jaundiced sentiment. It is a grassroots party as envisaged for PDP by Governor Wamakko and other governors that found their way into APC. PDP is now a cabal that protects interests of a few at the detriment of the Nigerian masses.

    In Sokoto, APC train is being propelled by Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. The colossal experience he gained as the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall bear in his superintendence of Sokoto State administration. He is a nationalist that still holds together one of the most cohesive lower chambers in Nigerian democratic history. Sokoto State, the seat of the Caliphate shall continue to be beacon of administrative paradigm to the rest of the nation under the leadership of pragmatic and trailblazer Aminu Waziri Tambuwal under APC with people-oriented program for Nigerian masses’ emancipation.

    • Hassan is of North-West coalition of Professional Patriots. He writes from Sokoto  
  • Injustice forced Amaechi, Kwankwaso others out of PDP – Mu’azu

    Injustice forced Amaechi, Kwankwaso others out of PDP – Mu’azu

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamau Mu’azu, has identified injustice, inequity and unfairness as factors responsible for the defection of five state governors from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and ex- Governor Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) had in November 2013 defected from the PDP to the APC.

    Similarly, a number of prominent party chieftains, including serving senators and members of the House of Representatives also left the PDP for the APC, owing to factors earlier identified by the PDP chairman.

    Mu’azu, who spoke in Abuja at the inauguration of the PDP’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to consider the governors’ defection as a challenge ahead of the general election.

    Decrying what he described as politics of use and dump, which according to him, was pervasive in the ruling party, Mu’azu said the trend, if not stemmed, could spell catastrophic consequences for the democratic process.

    He said: “I appeal to President Jonathan to consider it a challenge to discuss with your governors, senators, all elected officials of the PDP that members of the PDP said they should not be used and dumped.

    “Adhere to equity, fairness and justice, substantial membership of the APC, APGA and others are members of our party.

    “A lot of our party members have left because they have been used and dumped. It should not happen again.”

    Also speaking at the event, Jonathan said the performance of his administration would be his selling point during the electioneering campaign and urged his campaign team to be civil in the use of language.

    Reiterating his promise of free, fair and credible elections, the President said 2015 poll marked a critical point in the nation’s history. Apparently referring to his major challenger, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, he challenged his critics to tell Nigerians how many women served in their administration.

    The President said: “I am not campaigning to you, I have no doubt you are already familiar with the achievements of this administration.

    “We will see those who said they would form a parallel government. Do not join them in violence, every Nigerian is free to campaign in every part of Nigeria.”

     

  • Wamakko presents buses

    In its bid to ease students’ transportation problems, the Sokoto state government has donated 6 units of 36-seater buses to three institutions of higher learning.

    They are: Sokoto State University, The Polytechnic, Sokoto and Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.  Presenting the buses to the institutions, Governor Aliyu Wamakko said the gesture was aimed at assisting students get transportation to and from school as well as generate revenue for the institutions.

    He said it was his government’s resolve to give education the required attention such that products of the institutions would rank among the best by all standards.

    Receiving the keys to the buses, Vice Chancellor of the Sokoto State University, Prof Nuhu Yakubu, who spoke on behalf of the others, thanked Wammako and the state for developing education in the state.

    Yakubu said it would go a long way to support the three institutions in their academic activities.

    “It will assist our students, particularly my university where we have two campuses and by extension, will add value to our academic and research activities,” he said.