|
Rimi: A politician With a Difference! By Kabiru Inuwa Tsakuwa
Recent surprising, though not entirely unexpected political somersault by the redoubtable Rimi of Sumaila, from Action Congress (AC) back to the PDP had no doubt jolted many Nigerians, to the extent that majority have openly expressed their displeasure and disdain for what they perceived as political prostitutions of the highest order!
But while Nigerians generally have an inalienable right to air their views about issues they felt so strongly about, resorting to vulgar or gutter language honestly smacks of improper mannerism and a negations of the ideals for which the north is well known. The issue of political prostitutions for which Alhaji Abubakar Rimi is being relentlessly castigated now, is not a novelty in this part of the world. For right from the First republic up to date, such political marriage of convenience, alignment and realignment has been in practice, it all defended on the vicissitudes of the moment. And it did not start with Rimi and certainly will not end with him!
Like many Nigerian, I ‘m not in agreement with some of the political philosophies of the maverick politicians, I’m not also trying in anyway to justify his actions. But I do appreciated the peculiar circumstances that necessitated some of his recent political somersault; especially after nurturing a political platform right from infancy up to maturity at great cost. I believed quit strongly that, any body in Rimis’ shoes will felt the same way going by the unfortunate turns of events that characterised the last eight harrowing years in which Nigerians suffered untold hard ship and brazen disregards for the rule of Law. It is quit disheartening to be sidelined in a venture in which one happened to be a very important stake holder!
Therefore, those currently engrossed in pouring invectives and venomous language on the flamboyant politician on account of his political leaning are entitled to do so, based on their freedom of expressions as guaranteed by the nations’ constitutions. But common sense, decency and decorum required that, we spiced our utterances with some doses of maturity and respect. After all, we can still get across our feelings without resorting to using abusive languages.
To some of us, Rimi no doubt remains a hero of democracy any day, based on his principle and dogmatic stance on the supremacy of democratic ideals over and above brute force. It may be recall that, his progressive struggle, made him to remain defiant even after the coup-de-tar that brought the second republic to an abrupt halt. And In 1998 when Late General Abacha was at the peak of his dictatorship, Rimi together with some other conscientious politicians decided to stake their lives by challenging the status quo at that material time such that, today despite flaws here and there, our fledgling democracy has became so entrenched in our body politick and Nigerians are the better for it!
As the former governor of the old Kano state in the second republic, Rimi performed so creditably well that, the people of Kano are very much appreciative of his progressive rules to the extent that, many now refer to that golden period with great admirations as the second most celebrated and all inclusive administrations after that of the legendary governor Abdu Bako of blessed memory. In fact, by general consensus and agreement, and considering the current trends where most developmental projects are applied selectively and over concentrated in the metropolis, it will be a miracle to replicates his achievements in the history of governance of Kano state now and may be in the future! Many land mark achievements that are still standings like the rocks of Gibraltar beared eloquent testimony to the foresights and visionary out look of the quintessential politicians. Projects like the City Television (CTV), the triumph publishing Company which has the singular honour of Nurturing many of our respected Journalists today are some of his numerous brain-works. All these were achieved despite oppositions from the then, Federal Government coupled with local distractions and intra-party squabbles.
It is worth mentioning that, during his turbulent reign, many towns and villages were connected with National grids in additions to pipe-borne water supplied to all the nook and crannies of the seventy one (71) local government areas of the Old Kano state. I was made to understand that, in 1980, my town-Tsakuwa was connected to the national grid and supplied with good quality water in addition to the construction of a road that linked the town with the metropolitan Kano. And since that golden period, the town has remained cut-off from any other meaningful development; in spite of being the most populous town in the whole of Dawakin kudu local government area of the state, the people of the town have long forgotten about the existence of government at Local and State level except during electioneering campaigns or routine and unregulated polio immunisations!
In addition to that, for twenty seven solid years (27), Tsakuwa like several other surrounding towns and villages in the forty four(44) local government areas of the present Kano state, are there waiting helplessly in vain for another messier in the mould of the indefatigable Rimi of Sumaila to come to their rescue!
In the light of these and several other reasons, we will remain ever grateful and will continue to cherish the evergreen memory of that golden era. We will forever continue to honour the man whose political activities brought succour and was responsible for our Towns and villages having some semblance of modernities!
Therefore, those who take it as a religious doctrine to castigate and malign the character of the great and enigmatic politician with a difference are entitled and free to continue to do so. But they should know that, there are millions of people silently adoring the colourful and consummate politician and wishing him success in his entire future endeavour whatever his perceived political shortcomings, having long recognised his progressive ideals and strong desire to bring developments to the grass root.
|