The coming shape of Kano politics in 2011
After eight years with the Bush administration, which deeply divided Americans emotionally over certain national issues, the desire for change became desperate. This desire for change became so strong that the Americans were ready to put aside racial factors and elect someone that represented their aspiration for change. The emergence of Barack Obama was a […]
After eight years with the Bush administration, which deeply divided Americans emotionally over certain national issues, the desire for change became desperate. This desire for change became so strong that the Americans were ready to put aside racial factors and elect someone that represented their aspiration for change. The emergence of Barack Obama was a reflection of that movement for change.
Surely, the American experience seems to be producing a contagious political effect on Kano State where the people want a change from the eight years of the ANPP administration. Any administration that failed to make remarkable impact in eight years should simply give way for change. The constitution allows for second term to give the holders of public offices enough time to implement their programmes. Absence of visions and the evidence of leaders running out of ideas make the desire for change become inevitable.
If leaders fail to make such impact within the two terms allowed by the constitution, then they must step aside and give way to the fast-moving winds of change. And these winds of change are blowing unstoppably in Kano State. But in their desire for change, the people of Kano are desirous this time to sift the grain from the chaff. For example, they want leaders that have compassion, those that feel for them and not friends of convenience that only knock at their doors when they desperately need their votes.
The mounting and irrepressible pressure on Mohammed Abacha, the son of the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, to contest the 2011 governorship in Kano State under the PDP ticket appears to be a strong indication of how the ordinary people want to identify with leaders that genuinely are for them.
Selfishness is one of the factors why the people want change. The greatest threat to democracy are leaders that use politics as a springboard to launch themselves into overnight personal prosperity. Politicians in this category are primarily motivated by this self-centered ambition rather than offering service. Some people may be prompted to ask why Mohammed Abacha is becoming the focus of the agitation for change in Kano State.
Indeed, his compassion largely informs the growing pressure on him to join the 2011 gubernational race in Kano. One good example of his silent philanthropy is the practical way he took the challenge of assisting public hospitals in Kano State to meet certain standards and improve the quality of the services they offer. He recently donated two modern medical equipment to improve the quality of service in public hospitals in Kano State. He donated a dialysis machine for kidney patients and a machine that can help doctors carry out surgery without having to open up the patient.
Considering the cost of dialysis for poor patients and its potential to impoverish their relatives, the significance of Mohammed Abacha’s intervention should not be lost on the mind of anyone who really appreciates the mess public hospitals have found themselves in. With this practical demonstration of support to public hospitals in Kano State Mohammed Abacha has proved himself to be a friend of humanity. As the famous American philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie observed, “it is better to err on the side of compassion than to be right on the side of selfishness”!
ere are several billionaires richer than Mohammed Abacha but his ability to touch the lives of others is the only factor that makes him different. It is therefore understandable why pressure has been mounting on Mohammed Abacha to join the governorship contest in 2011. Democracy can only grow stronger when leadership is entrusted in the hands of politicians who have compassion for humanity. The idea of using politics to make fast money is a grave threat to democracy. God has been kind to Mohammed Abacha and as pay back, the young man takes pleasure in helping the ordinary people. In fact, those urging Mohammed Abacha to contest the election are convinced of the fact that he is a genuine politician. Good men should not fear to join politics or else, bad men will take over and make life miserable for millions. Leaders without compassion should be kept at bay from power.
The momentum for change is growing rapidly in Kano State and the PDP leaders in the state should be wise enough to indentify a candidate that enjoys the good will of the ordinary people.
Mohammed writes from No 129, Isa kaita Road, Kaduna