“Emphasise reconciliation, not resolution. It is unrealistic to expect everyone to agree about everything. Reconciliation focuses on the relationship, while resolution focuses on the problem. When we focus on reconciliation, the problem loses significance and often becomes irrelevant.”
- Rick Warren
The above quote by Rick Warren aptly defines reconciliation because it places emphasis on relationship.
In a democratic setting, winners emerge through an election and that was what played out during the last primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for all the elective positions ahead of the 2023 general elections. Pursuant to this, the APC in Niger dtate held it gubernatorial primary election and Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, a third term member of the House of Representatives representing Chanchanga federal constituency emerged as the party’s gubernatorial flag bearer.
We all know that the result from a contest of that high position would definitely come with some wranglings even it was adjudged to be free and fair.
However, Bago as a democrat and true leader didn’t see his victory as a personal feat but took it a mandate to further the ideals of the party of which all members, including those who contested with him, are stakeholders. It was on this basis that he made genuine effort to reach out to his fellow contestants so that they can work in harmony to ensure the party’s victory and in the end take Niger state to a high pedestal.
So far, Bago as the Niger state APC gubernatorial candidate went on a state wide reconciliation tour in order to bring all APC contestants and other members into one fold in the interest of the party and future of the state.
The tour started from the Niger South Senatorial District also known as Zone A. He spent five days in the zone and paid visits to Etsu Nupe, Etsu Agaie and Etsu Lapai. At Bida, Bago and his team met with party members of the eight local government areas in the zone where issues were discussed and all the grievances were resolved. The stakeholders unanimously agreed to work for the party and this has put the oarty in a better position to emerge victorious in next year’s general elections.
Bago’s next point of visit was the Niger East Senatorial District also called Zone B, some of the party members were met at Minna and others at Suleja. Visits were also paid to the emirs of Suleja, Minna and Kagara. Many complains were received from party members and the gubernatorial candidate and his team took time to sort out the differences.
Some aspirants were asked to withdraw their cases from the court which they agreed and at the end the much needed peace was achieved as all members pledged to work for the victory of the party.
The reconciliatory train then moved to Niger North Senatorial District popularly call Zone C where party members converged on New Bussa, while others were met at Kontagora. Visits were paid to Emir of Kontagora and Emir of Borgu.
All issues were tabled, consultations were widely made and a common position was reached with all parties promising to leave the past behind and work towards the party’s victory 2023 general elections.
With this move by the gubernatorial candidate and other stakeholders, one can conclude that the APC is on the voyage to victory in next year general elections. It is convincing that Bago is a leader – a man who is humble, accommodating, and highly intelligent. He has proven that he can be trusted with leadership. Afterall, leadership is all about bringing people together to advance a better cause and in this case, the cause is just one – making the power state more powerful!
Ahmed Haruna Tswata,
Minna, Niger state
