The lowest point of ‘talakawa’ democracy

Governor Lamido and other members of his delegation travelled to Mecca through tour operators instead of the official flights organized by the National Hajj Commission. On their return to Nigeria, however, they chose to use the planes organized by the Hajj Commission. According to Freedom Radio, Hajj Programme in Kano, pilgrims who were scheduled to […]

Governor Lamido and other members of his delegation travelled to Mecca through tour operators instead of the official flights organized by the National Hajj Commission. On their return to Nigeria, however, they chose to use the planes organized by the Hajj Commission. According to Freedom Radio, Hajj Programme in Kano, pilgrims who were scheduled to return to Nigeria were forced to postpone their journey to enable Lamido and his team fly back to Nigeria.

In fact, those who witnessed the incident said they couldn’t believe their eyes, especially because the Governor involved was Alhaji Lamido. Not too long ago, the Lamido administration organized the first-ever Talakawa summit in Nigeria and we all commended him. But with the level of crude power and selfishness displayed by Lamido and his delegation, should we blame anybody if they turn around to accuse the Lamido administration of paying lip service to the interest of the Talakawa?

In fact, the best tribute we can pay to the memory of the late Mallam Aminu Kano is to live by his sterling example of humility and selflessness. One is saddened by the fact that Governor Lamido and his delegation were apparently insensitive to the convenience of poor pilgrims who desperately wanted to go home as their cash ran out. The incident in Mecca is a sorry commentary on the image of the Lamido administration. One wrong move can destroy an entire effort of the Government in improving the lives of the people.

However, it has to be acknowledged that the political elite are largely selfish, despite the populist posturing of some of them. No Governor that calls himself a populist would allow members of his family to be involved in contract execution and riding in posh cars around town to impress the people. If you are socialist, you must question how your children acquire the money to pursue epicurean lifestyles, what claim do you have to socialist or populist passions?

Governor Lamido should only claim Mallam Aminu Kano’s place by personal example. Material acquisition is far from Aminu’s mind. The biggest challenge to the Lamido administration in saving its credibility is to follow the examples of Aminu Kano’s selflessness. And it can be done.

Birnin-Kudu wrote in from Block 29, Gen. Jerry Useini Street, Kado Estate, Abuja