JIGAWA: How Badaru, Namadi chose unity over rift
By Abdullahi Abubakar Hadejia
One must be perplexed that the peaceful relationship, respect and loyalty between the former governor of Jigawa State and his then deputy that lasted for eight years without a rift had, according to rumours, gone sour so soon.
It is on record that former Governor Badaru appointed incumbent Governor Namadi as a Commissioner of Finance for four years, he nominated him as his deputy for another four years and also picked him to succeed him as a governor.
Whatever the interpretations given to the feud, to so many people, it is unnecessary and avoidable.
The questions here is what’s the sin of former Governor Badaru?
Remember he did not only wanted Governor Namadi to succeed him but also, he has balanced the political equation of Jigawa State by giving the slot to Hadejia Emirate, the only zone that has not been given the chance to produce a governor since the state was created.
READ ALSO: Badaru, Namadi and the need to avoid the scary route towards ruination of Jigawa
Even though the Emirate has credible candidates for the office, Namadi remains the choice of Badaru. This is a commendable act.
Meanwhile, Badaru had the foresight to predict that Namadi will turn out to be a hardworking governor, having worked with him for eight years and knowing his capacity. It was a deliberate choice for the general good of the state.
Both Badaru and Namadi are two important personalities of the same political family. While addressing a press conference on his return from annual leave, Governor Namadi emphasized that APC in Jigawa State is one, urging members of the party to maintain patience and unity among themselves.
He said they will continue to remain loyal to their leaders, ensuring that their dignity, image and rights are protected.
This is a symbolic statement which indicates that there is still loyalty and cordial relationship between the two.
Political rifts do exist among political players, and this has happened for years between celebrated politicians.
We have witnessed what happened in the former Kano State between late Governor Abubakar Rimi and his deputy, late Ibrahim B.B. Farouk.
In Jigawa State, late Ibrahim Kwatalo resigned as a Deputy Governor to Senator Ibrahim Saminu Turaki. Senator Ubale Shitu who succeeded Kwatalo also resigned and Senator Ibrahim Hassan emerged.
It is however noteworthy that there wasn’t any notable rift between Badaru and Namadi during their administration in Jigawa State.
Therefore, it is not acceptable the popular impressions being bandied around by all sorts of political jobbers who exhibit a transactional approach to politics, viewing party loyalty as inconvenience in their quest for personal gain. T
hese jobbers operate in the shadows, leveraging their connections and influence to secure positions of power, often at the expense of their own convictions.
They create a situation that they can leverage around. Some have lost out politically but want be relevant in every situation for personal gain. They are unmindful to the wellbeing of the larger society. Some are even from the opposition side; they align themselves with whichever party offers them the most advantageous deal in the form of lucrative government contracts, plum positions, or access to resources. These jobbers are willing to forsake their ideological moorings in exchange for a seat at the table.
For some, it may be a thirst for power and prestige, an insatiable appetite that can never be satisfied. For others, it may be a means of survival, a way to ensure their own economic security in an unforgiving situation.
Given the scenario in the present Jigawa State, it is unacceptable to give room for these kinds of people to play around, as they are dangerous and retrogressive.
But, to consolidate the electioneering campaign by the APC in 2023, it is important to allow government to effectively deliver on its promises.
Both Badaru and Namadi need all the necessary cooperation in the interest of the people of Jigawa State. We have been witnessing how the political jobbers in some states are distracting governance, and we don’t need to happen in Jigawa State.
These political jobbers have forsaken the ideological meaning of democracy, their actions have far-reaching consequences, eroding trust in the political process and undermining the integrity of democratic institutions.
By prioritizing self-interest over the common good, they perpetuate a culture of cynicism and disillusionment among the electorate.
They are doing that in the name of survival. They constitute a threat and danger to the people, and they should be avoided.
Nevertheless, recent developments in Jigawa State show they are failing, as both the former and present governors have shown to the world that they are united.
Abdullahi Abubakar writes from Hadejia, Jigawa
