Gombe 2011 – Why Nafada Should Succumb

In a democracy where the rules of the game are strictly adhered to, the electorate is expected to be the deciding factor in which candidate emerges victorious in elections. And if the emerging scenario in the country is anything to go by, 2011 will perhaps provide a window, albeit for the first time, for the electorate to become the arbiter. This is because of the growing political consciousness which strengthens the belief that votes are instruments to determine who leads and who does not lead, added to the hope of an improved electoral process on account of the reformed electoral Act by the National Assembly. Besides, the electorate is gradually becoming more educated on the need to jealously guard their votes to make sure that they count in choosing their leaders. The beauty of it is that any leadership that comes forth at the instance of the electorate is most likely to receive unprecedented support, goodwill and cooperation which will translate to good governance and democracy dividend for the electorate in return. In Gombe state, the emerging situation appears to be a case in point. Although the political mood seems to be quiet on the part of the politicians, especially those the people feel should aspire to take over from the incumbent Governor, Danjuma Goje, since his tenure will certainly end in 2011 barring any change in the political equation. However, the avalanche of clamours and expectations coming from the electorate in Gombe is deafening, and the aggregate opinion seems to be tilted in one direction regarding who succeeds Goje as Governor. The enormous performance of Goje calls for a continuation of his laudable programmes, hence the clamour for somebody who will keep his dream alive. The side comments and pockets of meetings among groups of people of the state show clearly that the outcome of next year’s general elections may be heading in one direction. In order not to preempt the outcome of the elections however as an observer, one has to state categorically that recent developments in the state’s political environment are a pointer to the fact that the state at this material time needs a person with a clout of experience in leadership at the highest level, who has popular support and goodwill from critical stake holders. Going by the mood, body language and comments from different groups, it is almost certain that the only person for now with the desired credentials who can provide integrated leadership, and who is enjoying popular support unsolicited is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chairman of the Special Adhoc Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution which has completed for the first time in the history of Nigeria’s parliament, an amendment of the constitution, Honourable Usman Bayero Nafada. Although he is yet to openly declare his interest, the goodwill and support this gentleman wields from the people of Gombe State is unprecedented. It is enough evidence to convince anyone in doubt that Nafada is the man to succeed Goje as the next Governor of Gombe state. Nafada came to limelight when he was elected a member of the State House of Assembly in 1999. He was the Majority Leader and later Speaker of the house in 2000. He is a grass root politician who has his people close to his heart. Unlike the other politicians who try to force themselves on the electorate, Bayero never opens his mind or shows desperation in holding a political office. He believes that it is God who appoints a leader for the people. As the Gombe state politics gathers momentum, people in the state are increasingly mounting pressures on Nafada to throw in his hat and contest the governorship seat. A grass root politician, Nafada stands out very tall among his colleagues, and is considered among few politicians in the state who played active roles in the political engineering in the state and in particular his Nafada and Dukku constituency between 1993 and 1999. As the Deputy Speaker, he influenced the inclusion of many developmental projects in the national budget to his constituency and the state in general. These include water projects in several places in Dukku and Nafada, rural electrification and health centres among others. For this, his people are happy with him. He is one man that can best be described as an epitome of selfless service, humility, man of the people, and a true democrat. Bayero is an astute politician, a man with triumphant confidence, an achiever and visionary per excellence. He is a focused and a committed politician who carries everybody along and he contributed immensely to the political unity and stability of the state in particular and Nigeria in general. That notwithstanding, observers are of the view that Bayero needs to assert himself and come out publicly to show his interest to contest the governorship seat. Although the political and leadership crisis in the country have slowed down political activities, the political scenario in Gombe state is quite unpredictable because of the rumour that the State Governor is nurturing his successor and is waiting for the right time to make it public. This has made some politicians, in their desperate bid to rule the state, to claim that they have the support of the incumbent Governor, Danjuma Goje. This was majorly the reason why the political mood was yet to pick up, as each is waiting for the anointment. According to observers, this has divided the political heavy weights in the state; as most of them were at logger heads, each trying to outdo his opponent in gaining the attention of the Governor. In other states for instance, it is very easy for someone with Bayero’s credentials to come forward and declare himself as candidate, but in Gombe state it seems difficult. This is largely for the fear that political opponents may use a candidate’s early declaration to weaken his chances politically. Relevant Links West Africa Nigeria Whatever may be the case, the pressure is mounting on Bayero to come out and declare his interest. This according to some observers’ will help in re-focusing attention and shifting emphasis to the earlier argument that the likely candidates are waiting for the Governor’s anointed. It will also open new chapter of political game devoid of violence, crude politicking as witnessed in 2003 and 2007. His declaration could also provide a basis for credible assessment of performances of anyone who wants to contest the 2011 elections in the state and provide the basis through which candidate electability is assessed and to make issues the focus of the 2011 governorship election. His declaration of interest will help to douse the tension and anxiety being experienced by his teeming supporters and well wishers. As the people of Gombe wait patiently, their hope is that the present political situation will favour their candidate, who they believe will build on the good works executed by the administration of Danjuma Goje. And most Gombe people see the potentials in Usman Bayero Nafada, who they see as somebody who has the required experience and exposure to lead the state come 2011. A stitch in time saves nine.