You’re just envious of Dogara’s political achievements – Group hits Ex-Speaker’s critics

By Samuel Luka,
Bauchi

A group under the banner of the “Rt. Honourable Yakubu Dogara Beneficiaries Foundation” have hit back at critics, saying that such people are only envious of the 8th House of Representatives Speaker’s political achievements.

The group which prided itself with over 40,000 membership that cut across age brackets, students, men and women made this known in Bauchi in a press statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Assistant Secretary, Engr. Isheni Yakubu and Mallam Shitu Haruna respectively on Tuesday.

They observed with regrets that in recent times, political discourse has been marred by opportunistic rhetoric and unfounded accusations and falsehood, particularly directed at the former speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara CFR.

According to Isheni and Haruna, it was imperative to address the claims, not only to set the record straight but to remind everyone that the enduring legacy and contributions of Dogara to the political and social fabric of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large is enormous and indelible.

The group which noted that Dogara is not just a political figure but a mentor and a leader who has dedicated his career to the development of others, added that even Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state is a beneficiary of his political goodwill and guidance.

“The governor, along with numerous others, including serving and former members of the National Assembly, caretaker chairmen, and special advisers, have all been groomed under the tutelage of Dogara”, the press statement said.

It further noted: “It is not an exaggeration to say that many of these individuals owe their political careers to the mentorship and support they received from him and that is why if justice will be done Gov. Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed should be the Chairman of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Beneficiaries because he is the highest beneficiary of his benovelance and his appointees should also be members”.

“There is an age-old adage that warns against biting the fingers that feeds you—a warning that seems particularly relevant in the current political climate in Bauchi State”, the group said.

The regretted that Governor Bala Mohammed and his allies appeared to be engaging in a campaign of columny against Dogara, the very man who played a pivotal role in their rise to power.

The group also claimed that Dogara’s support for Bala Mohammed was instrumental in his election as governor, a fact that should not be lost in the current wave of political rhetoric.

They group which lamented that critics and mischief makers have attempted to link Dogara to the longstanding crisis in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas, described the claims as not only baseless but also reflect a profound ignorance of history or a deliberate attempt to malign his person.

The group reminded critics that Tafawa Balewa crisis predates Dogara’s birth, saying “to suggest that he is responsible for a conflict that has its roots in decades past is not only illogical but an insult to the intelligence of those familiar with the situation”.

According to the them, Dogara’s efforts in bringing peace to the troubled areas are well-documented, adding that the former speaker constituted a peace committee chaired by Hon. Aminu Tiukur, which included imams, pastors, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders.

The statement which said, through the initiative, peace was restored to the area which the residents are enjoying today, explained that the invaluable interventions have successfully promoted a peaceful coexistence amongst the communities in the area.

“Another point of contention has been the removal of the former TETFund boss. It is important to clarify that the tenure of executive officers in federal agencies is bound by law, and when such tenure expires, it is not unusual for new appointments to be made”, the group said.

It argued that for anyone to accuse Dogara of being behind the non-renewal of an official’s tenure is not only unfair but also a gross misrepresentation of the facts.

“More-so, Dogara was not in government when the appointment ended, so how could he have stopped the reappointment? Let’s for once put on our thinking cap and reason? This is the handiwork of mischief makers stirring in-fightings and division, which has been a big distraction from the pursuit of our progressive pursuits”, the group reasoned.

They mentioned that Dogara’s influence and support have always been used for the benefit of others, not for personal vendettas and his political career is marked by success and strategic acumen.