Not too long ago, the political temperature in Nigeria went into an all time high across the main political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressive Congress, APC, understandably because of the 2015 general polls is within reach.
Generally, the attendant media spotlight and animated discussion which followed the PDP’s National Working Committee endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan as the sole presidential candidate and purchase and declaration of interest by the APC’s duo of General Muhammadu Buhari and Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the nation’s number job makes for interesting watch but that is not all the excitement as even some other persons are jostling to become or return as governors as well as parliamentarians are showing interest in the national and states levels. These are indeed interesting times in the annals of Nigeria.
The jolt and excitement has provided a unique opportunity for analysis into the nagging problems of poor governance, unprepared leadership and the conduct of politics vis-a-vis examination of both the political space and some politicians of note in the build up to 2015.
One of the people to watch is Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, the Sarikin Yakin of Keffi and this is so for obvious reasons, chief of which is his rumoured ambition to return as Senator representing Nasarawa West in 2015.
Election period affords electorates a rare opportunity to play “god” where discernible and informed analysis precede their choice but when swayed by pecuniary gains such as the much touted stomach infrastructure in Ekiti then the cycle of lamentation continues with palpable pains and dashed hope. On such occasion in the recent past, when electorates have chosen amiss the depth of misery, and disappointment is further compounded by the impoverishment of the society. There is a yearning in the hearts of Nigerians for qualitative governance given that the country is endowed with enormous human and material resources that could propelled it to greater heights as envisioned by its founding progenitors.
In the spirit of the season therefore, we would like to examine the interest of Dr. Abdullahi Adamu, former Governor of Nasarawa State and currently Senator representing Nasarawa West for another term in the upper chamber of the national Assembly. There is no report that he has officially indicated interest in returning to the Senate yet, but because he is the issue in Nasarawa politics today a vast array of people have commenced agitation on his behalf. This growing clamour for Adamu to take another shot at the senate where he has being representing his people since 2011 is not without precedence in our national political discourse but the only difference here is its originality. But not all are comfortable with such a prospect even in the face of his uncommon performance in the Senate and those who are opposed to such an occurrence can be excused given that in politics, ambition is the currency.
He represents many things to diverse peoples. Some view him as a friend, some others see in him a foe but not many can deny his strength of character and conviction. An astute administrator, a source of inspiration to the youth in hard work and determination in the face of adversity and a man of tremendous stamina and courage who is a consensus builder amongst the many nationalities which make up Nasarawa State and even in Nigeria.
Here is a man who entered politics in 1977 with a unique sense of mission and was almost immediately elected to the Constituent Assembly which drafted the Presidential Constitution of 1979 and was again appointed a member of the National Constitution Conference convened by the late General Sani Abacha administration for the drafting of a new constitution for a new government. On both occasions, he deployed his legal knowledge in helping hammer out constitutions which were suited.
Before all of these, he was a founding member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), as well as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and only recently defected to the leading opposition All Progressive Congress (APC), in aversion to the entrenchment of injustice in the former. As a founding member of the NPN, he was the first Secretary-General and subsequently state Chairman of the party from 1982-1983 in Plateau State.
Comparism in politics is a necessity which avails the electorates to make informed choices, especially when the incumbent is a performer like Abudullahi Adamu. Contenders for Abdullahi’s seat are with all due respect to their various achievements lacking in the requisite experience for lawmaking and lobbying, verifiable provision for the people’s needs and clout of Abduallhi Adamu. Here is a strong stallion. He has maintained a steady hold on the people of his constituency purely out of love, care, devotion and commitments to the advancement of their interest like never before.
In other climes such as developed democracies like that of the United States of America from where Nigeria draws inspiration for the practice of her presidential system of government, the likes of Abduallahi Adamu would have no rivalry given that such enormous experience would continue to enhance his constituency. Little wonder, that in the United States Senators Robert Byrd of West Virginia served for 51 years, (Jan 3rd 1959- June 28th 2010), Senator Daniel Inouye was there for 49years, (1963-2012), Senator Allen Joseph Ellender spent 35years in the Senate, (1932-1972), while Patrick Leahy has spent 39years there (1975-till date), Edward Kennedy was in the Senate for forty-seven years, Al-Gore, former United States Vice-President was elected into the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976, 1978, 1980 and 1982 and was in the Senate from 1984-1990. Imagine the depth, understanding and benefits that would accrue to their constituencies because of their experience.
The growing love of the vast majority of his constituents is drawn from the fact that he is not a bench warmer or voiceless to the plight of his people. His contribution and articulation of ideas is well noted and documented for posterity. Attracting projects to Nasarawa West has remained a cardinal drive of his stay in the upper chamber as well as empowerment programmes for both the indigent and other constituents.
A vote for Abdullahi Adamu to return to the Senate is not a vote wasted. He is tested and has proven beyond any shadow of doubt that he is able to defend, articulate and advance the interest of his constituents.
Written by Rotimi Opeyeoluwa and Comrade Alancha Dominic Abuja.
