Anas and the politics of relevance in Jigawa

Abba Anas Adamu (Laushi) a former member of the House of Representatives (Birniwa/Guri and Kiri Kasamma Federal constituency, 2007-2011 from Jigawa State), like any other Nigerian citizen, has the right to express his views, even in disparaging Governor Sule Lamido’s stand of calling PDP to order.
In a recent interview, Anas made some interesting comments but, to be candid, it portrayed him in poor light. His calling the attention of PDP leadership to be wary of Lamido is laughable, because even Mr President does not doubt Lamido’s principled stand, position, contributions and concern for the PDP.
Accusing Lamido of being “despotic and possessive” is a clear indication that Anas is out of touch.

Where was Anas when Lamido gave free hand to all Jigawa indigenes to benefit from and excel in their life’s endeavours without intimidation, victimization, humiliation and segregation? It is only during Lamido’s government that Jigawa state had two ministers, ambassador, Inspector General of Police and Chief Justice of the Federation at the same time, from Ringim, Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim and Babura respectively? If Lamido were possessive, he should have suggested or recommended someone or some people from his Emirate, Dutse or precisely from Birnin-Kudu his Local Govt area but he didn’t. So, why will Abba Anas refer to Lamido as such?
Anas’ allegations that Lamido said he imposed candidates on the just concluded Jigawa LG elections cannot be true either.

Anas brought the issue of the former speaker, but that move was not in the best interest of most loving Nigerians and it was termed as a move fashioned to destabilize the polity. I agree with the Jigawa state PDP chairman when he referred to Anas as a desperate politician who wants to be relevant at all cost. He was the only member then in the House especially from the North/West to come out to call for Yar’adua’s resignation and impeachment for selfish interest. He was among the few members in the House who formed Progressive Minded Lawmakers (PML) and as well he was the head of Nigerian First Forum (NFF). Where are all these fora now? Were all these moves for peace and progress of Jigawa or nation at large?
It is clear to everyone, and even to Anas, that Jigawa under Sule Lamido has impacted positively on the lives of Jigawa people.

His accusation that, Lamido denied him the ticket to contest and return to the House in 2011 is baseless because if Lamido gave him the opportunity to return, nothing would affect him only that Anas did not perform. If not that, why didn’t Lamido stop others especially Abdul-Aziz Umar, who has been in the House since 1999 as a member but now is a serving Senator from Anas’ Senatorial zone? For God sake what would Lamido do with a Rep’s seat?
Lamido was there as a member in the House. He was the chairman of Nigerian Agricultural and Co-operative Bank (NACB), SDP National secretary, was a Foreign Affairs Minister and a governor for two terms. So, Lamido possesses all the experience and qualities to aspire for any political position in the land. Anas should bear in mind that there is no better way to succeed than to follow the footsteps of those who have achieved it.

Adamu Muhammad Usman,
Special Adviser on Media to Jigawa State governor