What kind of man is Nafada?

Moving in tandem with Rt. Honourable Bankole, the duo have debunked the widely held notion that Nigeria would not survive without the use of re-circled politicians. They have within a period of two years proved to Nigerians that the youth can also lead and salvage this nation from the tied grips and dominance of the […]

Moving in tandem with Rt. Honourable Bankole, the duo have debunked the widely held notion that Nigeria would not survive without the use of re-circled politicians. They have within a period of two years proved to Nigerians that the youth can also lead and salvage this nation from the tied grips and dominance of the old. Even the influence of the ruling party they belong to has not deterred them in proving their worth and competence when it comes to tackling serious national issues. They have elevated the act of law making by improving the content and quality of debates in the house.

As a television reporter that covered state legislature in Gombe when Honourable Usman Bayero was their speaker, I had observed with keen interest the antecedents and leadership abilities of  this emerging political maverick. He was both a patient listener and grassroots mobilizer who commands large followership and respect. I think these were  sterling qualities had endeared him to his people,  colleques and the  wider society.

 To tell the truth, the emergence of Honourable Bayero Nafada to the present enviable status as the deputy speaker house of representatives is a culmination of events  destined  by God.  It was a journey which began literally from childhood  when he played active roles in community activities followed by his successive involvement in politics of his native Nafada/Dukku constituency in the early 90s.

He started active politics in 1993 as  an assistant state auditor of the then All Peoples Party (APP) in his home state. Even at that age he  manifested excellent leadership abilities that won him the trust and admiration of his Nafada north constituency who eventually urged him to vie for a seat  in the state legislature. In 1999 he contested and won with overwhelming support to represent to represent them. Like the proverbial golden fish that has no hiding place, the young Nafada was immediately spotted by his colleques and elected based on merit  as the majority leader of the house. Six months later Bayero Nafada became the speaker in a unanimous vote following the resignation of the pioneer speaker.

When Honourable Bayero finally joined national politics in 2003 as a member house of representatives those who knew him well said, time was all he needed to prove his worth. In a twist of events the former speaker and her deputy resigned in October 2007.  The same destiny beckoned on Bayero when his colleques spotted him as a deserving leader. He was elected unopposed as deputy speaker house of representatives on November 1, 2007.

The impact he made in the last two years is a source of pride to his constituency, state, the north and the country at large. In spite of the inherent shortcomings in the system, Nafada in collaboration with his colleques have done fairly well. They have insisted on the independence of the legislature and promoted democracy and  good governance in their own little way.

Commenting on his experience in the last two years as the deputy speaker, Honourable Bayero said, he owes his deepest appreciation to GOD almighty for making things possible, and his colleques for the support and inspiration they gave him. He paid a glowing tribute to the people of Gombe state and the country at large for their overwhelming support and understanding that made him fully equipped to face these challenges

With these achievements it has become pertinent to celebrate this gentle man and astute legislator for inspiring fellow Nigerians to appreciate the art of law making during the short period of his stay in the house leadership. He has made his party, the legislature and colleques proud and worthy of commendation. Without any fear of contradiction, one feels highly elated to be associated with Honorable Bayero Nafada not only for the impact he has made in the legislature but also for his immense contributions toward the promotion of the democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

Kumo is the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives