The problems encountered while trying to form indigenous government are quite different from current happenings. At that time it was about replacing colonial masters with Nigerians, its true we had infrastructure and education deficits but the button line is about independence.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of Blessed memory, emerged the prime minister with majority support. Northern People Congress (NPC) was very formidable, its leader, the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello had the required prerequisites to provide solutions to Nigerian problems, Northern region in particular. There was no leadership vacuum, the peers of the late premier, such as lates Hon. Aliyu CBE, Makaman Bidda, Sir Kashim Ibrahim, Jigatau dan Bayero, Alhaji Mohammadu Sanusi CMG,KBE etc. where equaled to the task, while on the opposition. Lates Aminu Kano, Ibrahim Iman etc where there to even sacrifice their lives for the progress and development of Nigeria.
The problems before the 1979 elections has to do with the need to democratize Nigeria in line with civilized societies, the military regimes were not forthcoming despites enormous resources.
The type of leader required at that time was one that can consolidate our young democracy. Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the Turaki of Sokoto served the purpose. An acceptable personality and a true Nigerian, Danmasanin Kano was just too Northern for a national task, while Dallatun Fika’s radicalism and civil service sophistication where not the immediate requirements. It is all about some one to nourish a young democracy to the next level, foster national integration and economic growth. Nigerians are still grateful to the Turaki of Sokoto it was and still a job well-done.
Situation before the 1999 elections depict a derailing nation. Country of corrupt leaders, decayed infrastructures
Late Mallam Umaru Yaradua’s government was an offshoot of Baba’s regime, young intellectual, that served the purpose and lived to divine expectations, world-class in corruptible being, that genuine Nigerians still mourn.
The memories of Yaradua’s demise, happenings after and current situations, oh my God! are not only heart breaking but to say the least breath taking, while writing this piece and at these very point, my heart boils and bleeds in agony, my eyes draw thinner, while the cells of my brain search for possible comfort. Had to lay my pen, Nigeria is in a coma! It is devastating that my metal capacity and average physique can not withstand. The assaults on my father land gigantic.
Many things has been written since President Jonathan assumed office, there is absolutely no need for any repetition, but conclusively, I will thread the part of some notable personalities such as Gen TY Danjuma, Governors of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states who all concurred that Nigeria is in a war. Military is not my discipline, I am and I loved being a bloody civilian, but simple understanding of a war country is very clear and that is exactly the situation we found ourselves courtesy of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
The need to salvage Nigeria became an issue which the political class were saddled with. There were series of high level discussions and meetings nationwide in search of possible solutions. This led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress APC, principally to restore the country from this mess.
APC became the hope of Nigerians. Combination of concerned politicians, diverse in ideologies but converged on the need to clean Nigeria of present corruption and move it forward. For this onerous task APC has competent hands tested and trusted, Among them includes Gen. Mohammed Buhari (rtd) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Turakin Adamawa, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Dr. Danjuma Goje, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu, Mr Sam Nda Isiah,Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Iman Matawalle of Bornu etc.
Starting from the later, Matawalle of Borno is presently one of the front contenders, expected at the APC Presidential primaries. A season intellectual, political scientist, international management expert and no doubt the most influential and compelling voice in North East politics. Matawalle’s formation as a strong pillar of Nigerian politics started with his childhood involvement in the activities of Borno Youth Movement BYM, which served as an umbrella of the masses and protector of the oppressed.
Matawalles promotion of the ideals of Borno State Union, BSU, a cultural organization, designed to accommodate all Borno people of every political persuasions, helped to foster the sprit of Kanuri nationalism. The building of a University in Maiduguri in Maiduguri was one of BSU objectives, a milestone Matawalle followed to actualization years later. Education in his submission has always been primary. The building of a Friday mosque in Maiduguri was top on BYM agenda and achieved during the rein of Sir Kashim Ibrahim, Waziri of Borno, it was also to Waziri’s credit the mosque expansion. Younger Kashims contributions to this project to date is second only to that of Senior Kashim of blessed memories. The political class started noticing the sterling leadership qualities of Matawalle during the formation and activities of the People Front (PF). His contributions, that of late Alhaji Mohammed Buhari, Amb. Babagana Kingebe, Atiku Abubakar with late Gen. Yaradua heading, ensured the success of the Front as the only formidable political formation that metamorphosed into the then Social Democratic Party,SDP.
Matawalle was great and successful that during the SDP days and as a vibrant member of HOPE 93, he was instrumental to the overwhelming victory of Chief MKO Abiola in North East, where the Basharun made a wonderful outing to the astonishment of their son, Alh Bashir Tofa.
The G 18 that culminated into G 34 then the PDP had founders such as late Chief Solomon Lar, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Chief Alex Ekweme, Late Abubakar Rimi, Dr Sule Lamido, Sen. Iyuchia Ayu, Proff. Jerry Gana among and others. Also giving a helping hand and progressive inputs were Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Iman, Lawal Batagarawa, Adamu Maina Waziri etc, the contributions of the Matawalle of Borno to the overall success of G18 can not be over emphasised.
During the days of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) as president, Matawalle was the presidential Liaison officer to the National Assembly. He played a mediating role as a first class negotiator, matured ambassador and intelligent intermediary. He succeeded in guiding the then National Assembly as to its functions, powers and limits as enshrined in the nation’s constitution. Matawalle has always been an institution of advance political knowledge.
This presidential hopeful was a two time gubernatorial aspirant in Bornu State. The Bornu people are still grateful to God for giving the chance to vote for their choice, only to be rigged out later; in line with the unfortunate election trends in Nigeria. Gen. Mohd Buhari (Rtd) was thrice a victim of this type of political sociopaths.
The emergence of President Yaradua as presidential candidate in 2007 was an honor done to us. He was a technocrat and had concern for Nigeria’s development. Matawalle led the inner caucus that gave the parties approval for Yaadua’s candidature and forwarded same for presidential assent. That was the final struck that made Malam Umaru to the exalted seat. He continued as a senior Adviser to the government, getting involved and in several instances assenting to major policy decisions.
The first intended merger between the Congress for Progressive Change CPC and Action Congress of Nigeria ANC suffered a serious setback and failed. Their members were willing, but lacked capable hands to attend to this type of political permutation. The need for the merger continued after the first attempt. With the involvement of Matawalle, the PDP were laughing, that he was going into an impossibility, un known to them he is close to General Buhari, Chief Tinubu and ofcourse major stakeholders of the marging parties.He formally and informally facilitated it with Mal.Nasiru El Rufai, former FCT minister playing a critical role.
If leadership is about being a nationalist like the late Tafawa Balewa or ability to forgive as in the spirit of Gen. Gowon or competency as in Gen Murtala Mohd, then the Matawalle fits the seat. If it is about independence and honesty as in Gen Buhari or accommodation like Gen. IBB, experience as in OBJ or even integrity as in Yaradua it is still the matawalle of Borno. Sometimes referred to as Dogon yaro{
I thank you.
Long Live APC
Long Live Nigeria
Written By Mallam Garba Dankani
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