Let’s return to politics without bitterness

Despite this trend being the norm in Nigeria today, a few politicians who fail to clinch party tickets for different reasons still summon the courage to adopt the spirit of sportsmanship in the interest of the community at large. Take Arch. Muhammed Aliyu Saifuddeen of Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State for instance.Although he […]

Despite this trend being the norm in Nigeria today, a few politicians who fail to clinch party tickets for different reasons still summon the courage to adopt the spirit of sportsmanship in the interest of the community at large. Take Arch. Muhammed Aliyu Saifuddeen of Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State for instance.
Although he failed to clinch the ticket of the dominant party in the state (APC) to run for an elective post recently, he embraced the candidate that did and lent his support to him. This is very unlike many politicians across the country.
Though he is a “newcomer” in politics, he has come to show a good understanding of politics. This spirit of sportsmanship goes a long a way to providing good leadership and representation in which the people will end up the ultimate beneficiaries. This is contrary to the disposition of many politicians in our land today who see politics as a means of acquiring wealth, status and for personal self-aggrandizement.
Despite his defeat, Saifudeen took time out to visit all the key stakeholders and opinion leaders in different villages in the local government area to thank them for their support and encouragement.
To all these people, his message was a very clear one: to appreciate their supports, advice and words of encouragement, to express to them that he does not in any way nurse any feeling  of resentment toward the decision being taken by the stakeholders in arriving at consensus candidates. He also pledged his loyalty to the party and assured them of his total support to the candidates that emerged as the party’s flag bearers. Why can’t all our politicians practice this politics without bitterness?

Mohammed Salihu, Kwamba Suleja, in Niger State