0
0
Read Time:4 Minute, 32 Second
Lately, I noticed an ensuing media battle between supporters/ promoters of Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I found both arguments interesting because, the on-going debate reminds me of the 2011 electioneering campaign and the subsequent outcome of the polls in Katsina State. But for the recent write up with the above caption written by one, Rabe Abdullahi Sayyadi, one wouldn’t have joined issues with the author of the article. However, as a proud member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina and someone who is in the know of some of the events that took place in the build up to the 2011 elections in the state, I found it necessary to set certain records straight in order to avoid the wrath of posterity.
As a matter of fact, the most astonishing part of the article was the deliberate and unsuccessful effort by the writer in support of Shema to twist facts of history on how the governor rode on the back of opposition in Katsina to win his re-election. More so, I don’t blame the writer for the failed effort, because he resides in Zuba, Abuja and not Katsina where the subject of discussion took place. However, you were wrongly briefed by your pay masters and you may wish to charge them for attempting to subject you to public ridicule.
Also, I am not sure the governor was fully briefed or he was aware of the content of that article, because he knows in the build up to the 2011 elections, series of meetings and consultations with the Lado group were held both in Katsina and Abuja essentially to get the support of the group which they graciously offered.
In any case, if Senator Lado didn’t contribute to the success of Barrister Shema as the gubernatorial candidate of PDP, how on earth could he (Lado) have been appointed as member of the juicy Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. This is in addition to some key appointments given to the members of his group including four cabinet positions in the state. Remember, this is Nigeria where winner takes all.
As for the argument that Lado sponsored that article, I have my doubts, because he is known as a practicable strategist who talks less but acts more. My appeal to those scampering for relevance from Governor Shema is to let sleeping dog lie so as not to force him (Lado) to open up on what transpired between him and Governor Shema in the build up to the 2011 elections.
Lest we forget our tough journey in 2011 where the mere mention of Lado’s name sent jitters into the PDP camp. This reminds me of the “Kama shi Lado” slogan
It’s a known fact that without the support of the opposition and more specifically that of the Senator Lado group, Shema wouldn’t have returned to the Katsina Government House. This was echoed during the inauguration of the governor’s second term on May 29, 2011.
Another unsuccessful attempt to re write history by the author of the article in support of Shema which was in paragraph three is to say the least a futile argument. He tries to state that Shema didn’t attack General Buhari. I beg to disagree. May I refer you to page 19 of THISDAY newspaper of Tuesday, April 29, 2014 paragraph 18-25 where the governor dismissed PDM and CPC and argues that not even the involvement of one of the APC leaders, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), who hails from the state would change the political equation during the next general election, referring to 2015 polls.
As a loyal member of PDP, I want to use this medium to appeal to His Excellency not to allow such ‘uninformed’ authors to comment on what they know nothing about or what they were wrongly told, otherwise such so-called supporters will only succeed in compounding our problems. We should concentrate on consolidating our strength than to appear arguing foolishly on the pages of newspapers. That reminds me of another argument that the PDM is not in existence in Katsina, whoever key in to such arguments is only being unrealistic, and those of us who are on ground and grassroots politicians too know the reality. It is a known fact that those of us in the PDP and PDM members are competing for the spaces of walls on residential buildings to display our party symbols. As I said, the said author resides in Zuba, hence knows nothing or little about what is going on in Katsina.
It is my candid opinion that all which was said in the earlier article which was published on Sunday May, 11, 2014 was to say the least correct. As I said, we should discourage such futile and embarrassing responses in future so as not to appear on the defensive. It is my view that those writing to promote the governor and attack opposition elements in the state are mere political jobbers who are nothing but arm chair analysts that can only compound our problems than solve them. Such people cannot be anywhere when the going gets tough. A word is enough for the wise.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
Facebook Comments