ON May 29, 1999, history was made in the political
landscape of Nigeria, the largest black nation in the world, the largest in
terms of population in Africa that day, our beloved country witnessed yet
another handing over of power to democratically-elected government from the
long years of military dictatorship.
Since the inception of the present PDP-led administration
in Nigeria way back to May 29 , 1999, people anticipated quick
transformation of their pathetic situation which characterized the prolong
military administration. The expectation of the people is supposed to be met
by their elected representatives such as councilors, chairmen, state House
of Assembly members, National Assembly members, governors and even the
president. The people came out enmass to vote candidates into the above
positions in anticipation of provision of social services of the betterment
of their lives.
But unfortunately in many cases, the electorate end up
harvesting disappointment from their sons and daughters elected into various
elective positions. These elected officers seem to forget the numerous
promises they made during electioneering campaigns when they are looking for
people�s votes. They only concentrate in amassing wealth for themselves and
their families at the expenses of the communities that brought them to
power. It is actually a serious disservice to people and a show of
unthankfulness for any politician to pay little attention to his people
while in office only to come back later to ask for their votes again during
election.
Politicians should know that people are now wiser and can
use their votes more wisely whenever the need arises. The constitution has
even given the electorate the right to re-call their elected members if they
are dissatisfied with their performance in the position they elected them.
See Section 69 of the 1999 constitution.
For the people of Kafur local government in Katsina
state, the home of the present Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon.
Aminu, Bello Masari, we are still expecting to reap the gains of producing
the fourth citizen of the nation. Our friends and well-wishers congratulated
us on hearing that our son has attained such an enviable position. Some of
them even envied us, that it is now our turn to witness tremendous changes
in life by having good roads, water, electricity, schools, hospitals,
employment and even physical federal structures since our own is now big
enough to influence decision at the top.
After waiting for over one year of Aminu Masari�s
speakership and his five-year membership of the Lower House, people are
laughing at us, no jobs for our people, no any physical federal presence in
any form, no social and economic transformation or change in status of life.
The Hon. Speaker is yet to bring any developmental projects in the area or
assist the youths to get jobs as done by other politicians.
The fact of the matter is that only his kith and kins are
benefiting from his fortunes. Those who strove hard during the election to
ensure his victory are now discarded. They have done their job, that is all,
and they are expected to wait until 2007 when another election is coming.
I wonder how very soon the people of greater part of
Kafur local government, who I can proudly say gave Hon. Masari the National
Assembly seat, are forgotten and sidelined. I wish to remind the Hon.
Speaker that politics is a game of give and take. When the people give you
their votes, you are expected to pay them back with development socially,
politically, economically etc.
But unfortunately, we the people of Kafur local
government, especially those from towns like Kurmi, Mallamawa, Gamzago,
Muhuta, Dantutture, Jange, Durmai Dankanjiba, Nassarawa, Rigoji Barakai,
Badawa, Bashari, Zango and Tagwayen Marke are yet to get any form of
dividends of democracy from the representation of the Hon. Speaker. If at
all he has forgotten these people, please I wish to use this medium to
remind him that the people are yearning for development. They are patiently
waiting to reap what their votes have sowed. Please, Hon. Masari this piece
is a reminder to you so that you can remember home.
Dankanjiba wrote in from Kafur local government, Katsina
state and can be reached at [email protected].
