Imam: Tambuwal’s Opponents Are Paper Weights
Malam Imam Imam, Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, spoke with Ojo M. Maduekwe on the chances of his boss in this Saturday’s governorship poll. Excerpts:
How do you see Saturday’s governorship election in Sokoto State; do you think Speaker Tambuwal stands a chance against formidable opponents in the PDP like former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and Senator Abdallah Wali?
First of all, let me say that the governorship election, like the presidential election held recently, will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy in different ways. The history made by the emergence of an opposition candidate was the antidote needed to prove that our democracy is making the desired progress. In the past, we dwelt on the need to ensure successful polls or to ensure successful civilian to civilian transition.
Many have expressed doubts about whether a government in power can be defeated by the opposition. I am sure that was why PDP leaders boasted that they would be in power for 60 years. However, they failed to reckon that as democracy develops, all segments of the society will have their say in producing the leaders of their country. This defeat suffered by the PDP will be the single most important element that will ensure that democracy takes firm root in Nigeria and Africa.
On the issue of Speaker Tambuwal’s chances in Sokoto, you are journalists and you have closely followed the trend of events in all states of the federation. As things stand at the moment, Tambuwal is head and shoulder above other contestants. The politicians you mentioned are people with pedigree in the eyes of a few power brokers in Abuja, namely, those in the Aso Rock Villa. When it comes to real support among the people of Sokoto, they are paper weights. In what ways do you think the outcome of the presidential election will have any bearing on the governorship contest? I believe it will have much bearing because in states that have close numbers between the two leading parties in the last election, we expect it to swing to the APC because of Muhammadu Buhari’s emergence as Presidentelect. If in the immediate past before you considered some states too close to call, by now, expect such states to go the way of APC. Similarly, many states will want to align themselves with the party in power at the federal level, as such they will double their efforts to ensure APC wins and line up with the winning team at the Centre. What are Tambuwal’s plans for the people of Sokoto? The Speaker has said repeatedly that his plan is embedded or closely related with that of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. However, he has also made it clear that agriculture will form the backbone of all things he will do in the state. We plan to introduce mechanised farming in all parts of the state while the harvesting of some selected cash crops will be given priority attention so as to boost employment generation and cash flow into the state.
Closely related to that is education. The Speaker has spoken passionately about technical education and the need to change curriculum to reflect today’s reality. Technical education will be given a boost so as to give all students the necessary training to be self-reliant. This plan will also ensure that mid-level manpower is provided in all parts of the state and beyond which government and the private sector can call upon anytime the need arises. Other areas like youth empowerment, health care delivery, infrastructure development, social welfare among other critical areas, will as well receive adequate attention. How will you describe the last four years of Tambuwal’s leadership in the House of Representatives? We have every reason to thank God for what has been achieved by the 7th session of the House of Representatives. As you are aware, Tambuwal came into office with the overwhelming majority of the support of his colleagues. I am happy to say that if election for the Speaker of the House will be held again today with the same personnel seeking the position, Tambuwal will most certainly secure the entire 359 votes minus his.
That is the level of acceptability and admiration he has enjoyed from his colleagues. By setting up the House Legislative Agenda at inception, the Green Chamber set for itself a guideline which guided its activities in the last four years. Now that we are approaching the finish line, the return on investment has come with appreciable successes. Such success has ensured unprecedented stability which has in turn laid the foundation for all that has been.
As the Speaker pointed out, the credit for the stability goes to the members who have exhibited uncommon diligence, support, inspiration, selflessness, passion, maturity and willingness to sacrifice towards the promotion and preservation of the National Interest. To me, the last four years can be described as the Golden Era for the House in the history of Nigeria.
Despite a few challenges occasioned by the conduct of a few members, the determination of the leadership and the other members to leave a positive legacy has been vindicated. The result of the last election, where APC members emerged as majority in the House, is a testament of the acceptance of what the outgoing House did in the country.
Tambuwal and his colleagues achieved all these because of the transparent and hands-on approach to administering the House. Once election was concluded, Tambuwal considered all members equal. The House spoke with one voice on all critical national issues. Party or regional considerations were put aside and I am happy to say that Nigeria is the winner.
The general consensus is that the House under Tambuwal has vigorously defended the ideals of democracy, freedom, and the independence of the legislature. In fact, various writers and pundits have continued to express, in glowing terms, the vibrant leadership permeating the Green Chamber at the moment. No doubt, promoting democracy and respect for human rights have long served as the underpinning of the House policy, and Speaker Tambuwal has underscored the importance of these principles in words and deeds.
Speaker Tambuwal’s performance has set the bar in governance. His courage and equanimity in the face of tough challenges have served as inspiration to his colleagues in the House to go about their duties without fear or favour. Importantly, it has given Nigerians hope that in Tambuwal, they have a leader who can be trusted to deliver no matter whose ox is gored.