The crucial political and security situation in the country should ordinarily compel every political office holder to maintain decorum while discussing critical issues affecting the nation. The least expected of any state governor now is baseless, unsubstantiated allegations against the Federal Government or any of its security agencies.
The story of a certain Murtala Nyako of Adamawa state is supposed to be a lesson for Nigerians on rumor mongering and audacious accusations without evidence. Governors are the chief security officers of their states and are expected to cooperate with security forces to ensure safety of the citizens they swore to protect. Recent statements credited to the Governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wammako (are) not in any way favorable to the good people of Sokoto State, his political party or the nation as a whole.
It was really nauseating reading a statement credited to Wammako accusing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammad Sambo Dasuki of some unimaginable allegations. The controversial Governor who is reputed for physically assaulting officials of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) some time ago has taken another infamous stride by accusing the National Security Adviser of planning to rig the forthcoming elections in favor of the ruling People’s Democratic party.
Without any credible evidence, Aliyu Wammako alleged that the NSA held a secret meeting with some university dons in three states a few days ago in a bid to induce them so that they would announce the results of the presidential poll even before the conclusion of the election. This is not only demeaning the NSA but also attacking the credibility of revered scholars.
While Wammako continues to perceive Dasuki as opponent, the largest percentage of other Nigerians see the NSA the as an individual as a respected gentleman who has avoided any form of hobnobbing with politicians. Despite his effort to eschew partisan politics as his office demands, Governor Wammako may have sworn to drag Sambo Dasuki through the mud of Nigerian politics. In what seems like a desperate effort to soil the image of the NSA who has drawn a very thick line between his job and politics, the Sokoto State governor has curiously sustained his mudslinging of Dasuki.
Although, Sambo Dasuki has not dignified Wammako’s empty accusation with any response, well-meaning Nigerians have continue to wonder why the Chief Security Officer of a state will stoop to this unenviable level. If anything, governors especially from the northern parts of the country are expected to laud and encourage the National Security Adviser on the recent strides of the Military against insurgency in the country. While Dasuki is engrossed in the daunting task of sustaining the tempo of the intense battle against terrorism, the least expected from governors like Wammako is moral support and encouragement. Thus, it would be in the best interest of all Nigerians and the North in particular to allow Dasuki concentrate on the all-important duty of working out ways to overcome insecurity pervading the atmosphere.
It is no more news that, Colonel Sambo Dasuki has been at the forefront of trying to ensure that the nation returns to the path of peace necessary for the elections and even development. Facilitating the Multinational Joint Force, which have ensured that the nation has effectively incapacitated insurgency in Nigeria is a feat the nation is very proud of.
The postponement of elections, which was first mooted by Dasuki has now become a heroic move as it has ensured that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is able to distribute over 80 percent Permanent Voters Card (PVC). If there is anyone who has been up and doing to see to it that, the nation have a peaceful and credible polls, it is no other than the highly respected National security adviser. If the recent statement by INEC is anything to go by, then residents of recently liberated towns will have the opportunity of returning home in time for elections and freely exercise their franchise as opposed to voting in displaced persons’ camps on March 28 and April 11.
Finance Quarters, Wuye Abuja
Moshood Isah
moshoodpm@gmail.com
