ABIOLA
By Isyaku Dikko
In a video that has gone viral, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman, addressed the delegation of a politician, Honourable Sada Soli Jibia, in an unusual language, deviating from his normal jovial, smiling and friendly disposition. He talked tough and was unsparing. No wonder the video was full of “Gyara dai! Numfasawa!”An indigene of the emirate, Sada is in the race for
Speaker, House of Representatives, and he sent a delegation to the emir for his support.Without mincing words, Sada is wrong. But I believe it is an honest mistake which as humans we make daily and ask Allah for forgiveness. He was not trying to spite the emir because he needs the emir more than the emir needs him.Also, because the delegation was in the palace for a favour.were reaching out to all Nigerians and building bridges with their resources and time for over twenty years. Their networks cut across ethnic, religious and regional groups. In fact , they even supported presidential candidates from other ethnic groups. For example, Abiola supported Alhaji Shehu Shagari,and Tinubu supported General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and President Muhammadu Buhari.They identified themselves with the trials and triumphs of Nigerians without discrimination; visiting them andsupporting their aspirations. This is why by the time they came out as presidential candidates no Nigerian was asking: Which Abiola? Which Tinubu? In the case of Abiola he was unstoppable in Kano, the home state of his only opponent.There are some lessons in this for Peter Obi.The emir once said that he knew Tinubu as an associate of his father, the late Emir of Katsina of blessed memory, Alhaji Kabir Usman, who died over ten years ago. Therefore, it is understandable if the emir welcomes Tinubu to his palace.
Politicians who are remembered today as statesmen like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikwe, Alhaji Aminu Kano and Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna were servant leaders
who lived in the midsts of their people, always doing the needful; sympathising with them, celebrating their blessings and triumphs, and supporting them in many ways.Good evening politics does not last long. Call it the speed of
Andrew’s salt, if you like.
20/05/2023
