On the Dutsi charade called election
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- Category: Comments
- Written by Ahmed B. Kaita
- Hits: 4512
There is no doubt that the recently conducted House of Assembly by-elections in Dutsi Local government area of Katsina State, apart from being a sham, was a clear indication that state governors seem unwilling to rise above selfish and parochial interest to conduct elections with minimum standards. As things stand, we can rest assured that no election process at the local government level can be free and fair with governors in charge of security and states treasuries. The recent charade in Dutsi was a clear pointer to this sad reality.
The state government was determined to do things in the traditional PDP way of “do or die” and not even the respected month of Ramadan could soften their heart.Many pundits thought it would be an opportunity for the state governor Ibrahim Shema to re-invent himself in this blessed month and do what is right, especially now that he is in his second and final term in office.
It would have been an easy ride to political glory had Shema weighed his options and did what was right by allowing a fair and peaceful process. The house of assembly seat in contention will not add value to the grip Shema has on assembly, with PDP alone having 30 out of the 34-member assembly.
Most importantly, Dutsi, being a CPC compliant Local Government, is the last local government to toy around and get away with. Any strategy that does not carry the Dutsi people along would be an effort in futility. Of course, thugs may be imported, they are dime a dozen and readily available for a fee having being forced into a life of penury; thanks to poor economic and political management. Money may be shared, money meant for economic empowerment and development of the people but embezzled. Police, SSS and other agencies may be compromised, that is traditionally easy with PDP. Still, the people know where their hearts and votes belong. Thank God, with the various judicial successes CPC has been enjoying by changing the phantom success story of PDP in Katsina state, this is just another “success story” that would not see the light of the day, and would definitely shame the devil.
With Ramadan, supposedly a month Muslims strive to outdo one another to attract the pleasure and blessings of Allah SWT, it is therefore, amazing that in complete disregard to the spirit of the month, the poor people of Dutsi Local government were subjected to a gestapo style executive hooliganism and recklessness that defies logic and common sense by their leaders.
In a reversal of fortunes to the people, 28/7/12 was a day the so much anticipated “dividends of democracy” visited them all in an effort to subdue the opposition CPC.
Shargalle, a peaceful and homely village that has never witnessed little or no presence of government, was all of a sudden a beehive of activity by thugs. The people were so overwhelmed by thugs.
Kayawa village suffered the most. It was a gory tale of man wickedness to man. Tears flowed freely when the story of the death of Mallam Abdullahi Kayawa started making the rounds in the village. Abdullahi, an amiable and upcoming Kayawa CPC elder, was hacked to death to ensure victory at all cost. Abdullahi’s murder was sadly the cost. Some children have been made orphans, wives made widows and aged parents denied a deserved child support, especially in the absence of government care.
As the villagers confessed to the CPC delegation headed by Aminu Bello Masari to condole the family, Kayawa’s only offence was his unflinching and uncompromising belief in the CPC and its ideal. And according to them, Kayawa may be dead, but his blood would nourish the people oriented ideals of the CPC, and this brigandage would only strengthen their resolve to lay their lives to escape from the fangs of hunger and yoke of servitude enforced on them by leaders without the fear of Allah.
The powers that be should know that ballot box snatching, intimidation and power abuse would not stand in our way and bringing a new order. May Allah forgive Kayawa and reward his good deeds, and may we live to see free and fair elections in Nigeria.
Kaita represents Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Articles
On the Dutsi charade called election
Category: Comments Written by Ahmed B. Kaita Hits: 4512
There is no doubt that the recently conducted House of Assembly by-elections in Dutsi Local government area of Katsina State, apart from being a sham, was a clear indication that state governors seem unwilling to rise above selfish and parochial interest to conduct elections with minimum standards. As things stand, we can rest assured that no election process at the local government level can be free and fair with governors in charge of security and states treasuries. The recent charade in Dutsi was a clear pointer to this sad reality.
The state government was determined to do things in the traditional PDP way of “do or die” and not even the respected month of Ramadan could soften their heart.Many pundits thought it would be an opportunity for the state governor Ibrahim Shema to re-invent himself in this blessed month and do what is right, especially now that he is in his second and final term in office.
It would have been an easy ride to political glory had Shema weighed his options and did what was right by allowing a fair and peaceful process. The house of assembly seat in contention will not add value to the grip Shema has on assembly, with PDP alone having 30 out of the 34-member assembly.
Most importantly, Dutsi, being a CPC compliant Local Government, is the last local government to toy around and get away with. Any strategy that does not carry the Dutsi people along would be an effort in futility. Of course, thugs may be imported, they are dime a dozen and readily available for a fee having being forced into a life of penury; thanks to poor economic and political management. Money may be shared, money meant for economic empowerment and development of the people but embezzled. Police, SSS and other agencies may be compromised, that is traditionally easy with PDP. Still, the people know where their hearts and votes belong. Thank God, with the various judicial successes CPC has been enjoying by changing the phantom success story of PDP in Katsina state, this is just another “success story” that would not see the light of the day, and would definitely shame the devil.
With Ramadan, supposedly a month Muslims strive to outdo one another to attract the pleasure and blessings of Allah SWT, it is therefore, amazing that in complete disregard to the spirit of the month, the poor people of Dutsi Local government were subjected to a gestapo style executive hooliganism and recklessness that defies logic and common sense by their leaders.
In a reversal of fortunes to the people, 28/7/12 was a day the so much anticipated “dividends of democracy” visited them all in an effort to subdue the opposition CPC.
Shargalle, a peaceful and homely village that has never witnessed little or no presence of government, was all of a sudden a beehive of activity by thugs. The people were so overwhelmed by thugs.
Kayawa village suffered the most. It was a gory tale of man wickedness to man. Tears flowed freely when the story of the death of Mallam Abdullahi Kayawa started making the rounds in the village. Abdullahi, an amiable and upcoming Kayawa CPC elder, was hacked to death to ensure victory at all cost. Abdullahi’s murder was sadly the cost. Some children have been made orphans, wives made widows and aged parents denied a deserved child support, especially in the absence of government care.
As the villagers confessed to the CPC delegation headed by Aminu Bello Masari to condole the family, Kayawa’s only offence was his unflinching and uncompromising belief in the CPC and its ideal. And according to them, Kayawa may be dead, but his blood would nourish the people oriented ideals of the CPC, and this brigandage would only strengthen their resolve to lay their lives to escape from the fangs of hunger and yoke of servitude enforced on them by leaders without the fear of Allah.
The powers that be should know that ballot box snatching, intimidation and power abuse would not stand in our way and bringing a new order. May Allah forgive Kayawa and reward his good deeds, and may we live to see free and fair elections in Nigeria.
Kaita represents Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.