Bauchi South APC and the politics of House leadership

Dogara, the member representing Tafawa Balewa/Bogoro/Dass in Bauchi state, to become the speaker of the 8th assembly. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have waste precious time to respond to such kind of vituperations but for the inherent malice in them, which are by all intent and purpose meant to achieve as sinister political goal. Alhaji Musa, who […]

Dogara, the member representing Tafawa Balewa/Bogoro/Dass in Bauchi state, to become the speaker of the 8th assembly. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have waste precious time to respond to such kind of vituperations but for the inherent malice in them, which are by all intent and purpose meant to achieve as sinister political goal. Alhaji Musa, who was described by the media as ‘‘Chairman of APC Bauchi South’’ alleged that Tugggar was busy preaching hate speeches to convince Muslim members of the House of Representatives not to allow Dogara occupy the exalted office of the speaker of the House of Representatives.
This is not only mischievous, uncouth and amateurish but also, an unfounded fabrication aimed at tarnishing the hard earned reputation of Tuggar through the use of the instruments of religion. It is equally aimed at straining the cordial relationship these two illustrious sons of Bauchi state are enjoying for nearly a decade now.
In 2008, when a political tsunami hit the green chamber of the national assembly and swept away then speaker Madam Patricia Etteh, and brought in Hon. Dimeji Bankole, it was Tuggar, as one of the strategic members of the House at that time, who pointed and supported Dogara for the position of deputy speaker against Hon. Usman Bayero Nafada, suggesting, for fairness, a Muslim/Christian leadership in the House. Although the project did not succeed, Tuggar has shown Dogara a very strong spirit of brotherhood having come from the same state of Bauchi. It also goes to prove that Tuggar is a man devoid of any ethnic or religious sentiments. May be Alhaji Musa is not aware of this.
It is baffling how Alhaji Musa would go to press making false accusations forgetting glaring facts of Dogara’s failure to deliver his local government of Bogoro to any of APC’s candidates from presidential to state House of Assembly except for himself, despite the fact that he dictates the tune as far as Bogoro politics is concerned.
Worthy of note also, is the fact that Tuggar is currently not a member of parliament and therefore, has no role to play or vote to cast during the election of speaker of the House of Representatives. He is equally not a party official at state or national level, such that he can influence the decision of the party in its zoning arrangement which is yet to be made.
Additionally, Hon. Tuggar was outside the country when the politicking for the House leadership was going on. I wonder what connection or influence he can wield in a process that involves 360 independent minded legislators from across the country. It is unfortunate that Dogara would allow political jobbers to whip up religious sentiments on his behalf in his quest for the House leadership, instead of laying emphasis on his competence and pedigree.
Hon. Dogara should be advised distance himself from such politicians who would drag his good name in the mud in their blind quest to further his interests.
Musa Azare, Bauchi<[email protected]>;