Wamakko: The Political General clocks 64

By Musa Wada

Today, March 1, 2017, the people of Sokoto state and the Wamakko political family celebrate the 64th birthday of their political leader. For them, it is an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of leadership as shown by this enigma in politics called Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, former governor of Sokoto state and now a senator.

If a leader is defined in some circles as a dealer in hope then the Sokoto dealer in hope has exemplified this saying. He took over the political scene when despair rented the air and became the vision bearer of Sokoto state.

Senator Wamakko sought a sustainable vision of leadership for his people, hitherto trapped in the vicious circle of poverty. This vision catapulted Sokoto state from abject poverty to development. Previously, people were exploited by the elite to achieve their selfish ends. He came into governance of the state with an idea of what he believes can reposition the state among the elite states in the country by all known indices.

Wamakko made a successful career in the civil service, a background that prepared him for leadership. His government reformed the civil service of the state, which he believes is the warp and woof of good governance. He instills the proper values of integrity which consists in unity of vision, patriotism, respect for ethics and the rule of law, which have propelled the development of the state.
His greatest vision of politics is for the sake of the ordinary Nigerian to be part of the equation of national politics and governance.

He did not see himself being in politics just for the sake of jostling for position from which one can share in the oil money for personal aggrandizement. Being a man of humble beginnings, he understands the problems of the downtrodden – his major constituency. He dreams his people and their aspirations as a people.
In the Senate, he belongs to that block that thinks about making things work based on the change agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration exemplified by his contributions and support for the bills that attest to this.

Aliyu Wamakko is, indeed, a truly beneficial politician of our time. His political sagacity and maturity manifested when he was deputy governor during the Attahiru Bafarawa administration. Based on his principles, which stand him out, he rejected policies and programmes that are anti-people and he was made to pay the price.

He was betrayed by even trusted political friends. His office was vilified and no responsibility was given to him in order for him to change his stands but he prefers to stand with his people and this endeared him to them more. Wamakko is one of the few Nigerian politicians who is highly principled and this has also contributed immensely to the respect he enjoys across the country.

Based on his principles, he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when he discovered that the party has lost its identity and principles and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) because he believes that the party has the manifestoes that can save his people from penury.

His anti-corruption stance is legendary. He is one of the very former governors who does not have any case to answer with the nation’s anti-corruption agencies. He is an avid believer in his party, APC, and this can be gleaned from the course he normally supports in the Senate- the cause of his party – because he believes the party is supreme.

He believes in President Buhari’s values of integrity and democratic mantra of power belongs to the people.
His victory in all the elections he contested has never been in doubt as even his opponents attest to his feat as a people politician.

He left a legacy in Sokoto state that even his political enemies attest to. Senator Wamakko left Sokoto a new modern city that grows in tandem with its traditional and religious history. He respects the traditional and religious institutions as epitomized by the Sultanate and this legacy is one which his people admire him for.

He believes that respect for constituted authorities is a basic function of growth and development. Wamakko, an avid believer in education, has always seen education as the panacea for development. He believes that education can lift his people from poverty and under development.

As Governor of Sokoto state, he built many new schools and rehabilitated dilapidated educational institutions. This has statistically enhanced school enrolment and participation. The health sector got a lot of boost during his tenure. He built many hospitals and rehabilitated many others. He employed many doctors and health workers to enhance the health of his people.

As a senator, Wamakko believes that the Executive and the Legislature can work harmoniously in order to bring peace and development to the people. He believes in the sanctity of the rule of law and independence of the judiciary. As he clocks 64 today, we can only wish him happy birthday and many more years in the service of humanity.

Wada wrote from Abuja via [email protected]; 08035937424


In the Senate, he belongs to the block that thinks about making things work based on the change agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration exemplified by his contributions and support for the bills that attest to this

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