Assessing Adamawa MPs in the National Assembly

Preoccupied by this, political observers are paying less attention to the activities of elected public office holders in the state, especially Members of Parliament at both the red and the green chambers. Time is right for a performance appraisal for the parliamentarians. However, the big question is, by what parameters will they be appraised? Based […]

Preoccupied by this, political observers are paying less attention to the activities of elected public office holders in the state, especially Members of Parliament at both the red and the green chambers.
Time is right for a performance appraisal for the parliamentarians. However, the big question is, by what parameters will they be appraised? Based on the ‘Nigerian’ way of politics and the MPs campaign promises; the following parameters can be used: first, the type of issues raised and quality of debate, the number of projects they influenced to their constituency; their public-friendliness and current ratings by the people in their constituency.
Senator Bello Tukur, representing Adamawa Central in the Senate, is one of the astute politicians among the Adamawa MPs, but his accessibility and interaction with his constituency is very poor. Observers say he is more concerned with the politics of 2015.  There are rumours that he is eyeing the governorship position in Adamawa. Tukur has already pitched his tent with the Bamanga Tukur camp. The Nyako camp described him as a gold digger. The Senator was once deputy to former Governor Boni Haruna when the Atiku group was in control, then he jumped to Jibril Aminu’s camp, later to Nyako’s and now to Bamanga’s.  If Tukur decides to re-contest for a second term, he may have a smooth ride under PDP.
Senator Ahmed Barata, representing Adamawa South, is a two term member in the House of Representatives, he is sharp when it comes to politicking and winning elections- most of the public positions he held were elective offices. Despite his public office experience, it was surprising to many observers that his performance in the Senate is still below expectation.
Senator Bindawa Jibrilla represents Adamawa North; he is the youngest senator from Adamawa State. He came to the Senate riding on the support from the youths and his father’s esteem. Bindawa recently donated motorcycles, grinding machines, and other such items to his constituency.  Pundits maintain that such schemes are outdated in the 21st century. Being very young, Bindawa’s political future is bright, if he can redefine his engagement with his constituency. 
42-year-old Aisha Ahmed Dahiru represents Yola North, Yola South and Girei federal constituency. No one has ever won re-election in her constituency. Aisha’s performance in terms of interaction with her constituency is excellent, but her contribution to national and constituency issues on the floor of the green chambers is not.  She enjoys an unprecedented support from women and youths in her constituency. She is still a loyalist of the Nyako camp, even though the camp seems to have lost the control of the PDP. Her supporters are pushing her to contest for the Senate, but when it comes to Adamawa central senatorial district’s politics, she is a ‘toddler’.
Abubakar Mahmud Wambai, Madawakin Mubi, a former Grade III teacher, represents Mubi North/Mubi South/Maiha constituency. He was a member in the 6th National Assembly on the platform of the PDP when he rode on the support of Gov. Nyako.  He won a seat in the 7th National Assembly on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), riding on the popularity of Gen. Muhammad Buhari. Despite Wambai’s good performance on the ballot papers, his performance in the House is poor.
Aminu Hamman Ribadu, representing Fufore/Song constituency, was the chairman of Fufore Local Government and also an aide to former governor Boni Haruna. His critics say the number of words the 62 year old lawmaker uttered in the green chambers since 2011 can be counted.
Anthony Madwatte, a former Permanent Secretary in Adamawa State, represents Demsa, Numan & Lamurde constituency. He is seen as a politician that has never gone through real political stress-test because of the Numan-axis political style that operates in one direction – once you get the support of the bigwigs, victory is assured. Madwatte has been an MP since 2003. His critics score him low but he remains strong in his constituency.
Titsi Kwaga Ganama, representing Madagali/Michika constituency, is a first timer in the House of Representatives.  He was once a commissioner in Adamawa state. He won his election on the platform of the ACN, and observers say he is a beneficiary of Boni’s strong base in the Madagali/Michika/Mubi axis. The 56 year old has an intimidating educational and work experience but his connection with his constituency has nose-dived.  If people like Boni Haruna give him support, he might return to the House.
Haske Francis Hananiya, representing Gombi/Hong constituency, is a member of the ACN. His election to the House can be best described as the handwork of his blood-brother, General Haldu Hananiya, who is now a strong stakeholder in the Adamawa PDP. Haske’s performance in the House in terms of his quality of debate on national issues and accessibility to his local people is not impressive. His return to the House would depend on rigorous political calculations, not by him, but by the big-shots.
Interestingly, all the PDP MPs found their way to the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly through the support of Nyako at the time the governor was calling the shots. Now Nyako has lost control of the party. Any of the MP’s that desire a second term ticket under PDP must abandon the Nyako camp and join Bamanga’s. However, the Bamanga  camp may take a different direction.
Gibson Kauda Nathaniel, representing Guyuk/Shelleng Federal Constituency, would be 66 by 2015.  Aone-time local council chair and a member in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, he said his target is to achieve infrastructural growth in his constituency. That has not been achieved.
Ahmed Fons Nwangubi, a retired school principal, represents Mayo-Belwa/Jada/Ganye/Toungo constituency, the constituency of Nyako, Bamanga Tukur and Atiku Abubakar. The current internal crisis in the PDP would have an impact on the political future of the former LG chairman and member of State House of Assembly. He has not performed to expectations.
In a nut-shell, none of the MPs from Adamawa in the National Assembly has a sterling performance in terms of contribution to national issues and on issues that would impact their constituencies. During the 5th and 6th Assembly, Adamawa witnessed an above average performance from Senators Silas Zwingina, Iya Abubakar, Jibril Aminu and Hon. Awwal Tukur. The present MPs still have time to beat that performance.

Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State. [email protected]