By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has been described as not just a political figure but a mentor and a leader who has dedicated his career to the development of others across the country.
The assertion was made by a group which called itself, Yakubu Dogara Beneficiaries under the platform of
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Beneficiaries Foundation with over 40,000 membership including youths, elders, students and many other.
The group in a press statement jointly signed by Engr. Isheni Yakubu, Chairman and Mallam Shitu Haruna, Asst.Secretary, made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday, observed that in recent times, political discourse has been marred by opportunistic rhetoric and unfounded accusations and falsehood, particularly directed at Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
The group claimed that, “Among those who have benefited from his guidance and leadership is His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the current Governor of Bauchi State. 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 group added that,”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.”
“Governor Bala Mohammed and his allies appear to be engaging in a campaign of columny against Dogara, the very man who played a pivotal role in their rise to power. It is worth noting 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,” The group further stated.
According to the group,”Critics and mischief makers have attempted to link Dogara to the longstanding crisis in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas. However, such claims are not only baseless but also reflect a profound ignorance of history or perhaps as it is obvious now, a deliberate attempt to malign his person.”
It explained that,”The Tafawa Balewa crisis predates Dogara’s birth, and 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.”
It however stressed that,”Dogara’s efforts in bringing peace to these troubled areas are well-documented. He constituted a peace committee chaired by Hon. Aminu Tiukur, which included Imams, Pastors, Traditional Leaders and other stakeholders. Through this initiative, peace was restored to the region, a peace that residents continue to enjoy today. His invaluable interventions have successfully promoted a peaceful coexistence amongst the communities in the area.”
According to the group,”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.”
“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,” It stressed.
According to the group,”This is the handiwork of mischief makers stirring infightings and division, which has been a big distraction from the pursuit of our progressive pursuits. The former ES of the pilgrims board publicly acknowledged that it was Dogara who facilitated the appointment of the former TETFund Executive Secretary’s appointment in the first place. This shows that Dogara’s influence and support have always been used for the benefit of others, not for personal vendettas.”
The group stressed that, Yakubu Dogara’s political career is marked by success and strategic acumen stating,
“Remember, he was the first member of the House of Representatives from Bauchi State to decamp to the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he played a crucial role in the election of M.A. Abubakar as Governor in 2015, who sadly ended up fighting Dogara which led to his downfall.”
“Again in 2019, Dogara demonstrated his political prowess by helping to install Governor Bala Mohammed. These achievements underscore Dogara’s deep understanding of the political landscape and his ability to effect change and should be tagged as kingmaker in Bauchi State,” It added.
The group stared that,”Perhaps, it is this enviable blessing and his deep humility that has made most political beneficiaries to turn back and fight him instead of celebrating the hand of God that is upon his life. Let those trying hard to diminish his divine rise and providence remember, just like the Hausa saying goes “hasada ga mai rabo taki ne”.
“We should remember the story of Joseph, his brothers tried their best to destroy him but God used that instead to take him to fulfill his destiny,” It stressed.
According to the group, “Since his entry into politics, Dogara has consistently won every election he has contested, a testament to the trust and support he enjoys from the masses. His continued success is a reflection of his commitment to the people and his ability to deliver on his promises.”
It added that,”In addition, he has always played a major role in the development and refining the landscape of politics in Bauchi State, his wise counsel and strategic input is unquestionable as such he remains a voice to reckon with and this obviously grants him the privilege to speak in his right as a critical and key stakeholder in certain situations and also on behalf of politically downtrodden in the state. Let us therefore learn to distinguish between state politics and our socio- cultural struggles.”
In conclusion, the group called for political decorum stating that,”it is important for political actors to remember the importance of gratitude and respect in their engagements. Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has been a pillar of support for many, and the attacks against him are not only unwarranted but also detrimental to the spirit of political camaraderie that is essential for the development of Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.”
It added that,”It is our firm believe that the burden of leadership, patriotism and political dichotomy, impose on him a duty to speak to issues that touch on the interest of Bauchi citizens that do not belong to Gov Bala’s political party and also those within his circle who obviously do not appreciate in his leadership approach.”
The group urged that Governor Bala Mohammed and his allies should recognize the invaluable role Dogara has played in their political careers and accord him the respect he deserves.
The politics of gratitude is not just about acknowledging past support; it is about fostering an environment where mentorship and leadership are valued and respected. Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara’s legacy is one of service, mentorship, and success—a legacy that should be celebrated, not maligned.
As a leader and stakeholder in Bauchi State, Dogara raised some issues that bother on good governance i the state, we expect Gov Bala Mohammed to respond to these issues and not to resort to character assassination which is more or less a distraction to dodge from addressing the questions that have been put forward.
He has all the opportunity to enrich himself but chose to invest in people.
These are some of his achievements and investments in developing people over the years: Provision of more than 2,500 Keke Napep, 3,500 Motor Cycle,
More than 1000 youths, women and men are empowered with more than N250,000 each to start up business,
1,200 Sewing Machine, 1,500 Water Pump for irrigation farming, distribution of more than 30,000 bags of rice, 20,000 fertilizer, 200 cattles, 400 Rams and many others food items.
For students, he was able to provide scholarship to more than 25,090 students across the Federal Constituency, JAMB form to more than 35,000 students, 75,000 books to schools across the Constituency, 120 computer system, Renovation of hundreds of schools across the constituency, Building of blocks of classroom across the constituency and many others.
Secured appointment to the constituents in different sector which we are part and beneficiaries, Solid Asphalt road across the constituency,
Bridge, Dams, Market Hall and the Establishment of North East Development Commission, the motion that was sponsored by the 8th Speaker himself few among many other developmental projects done.
According to the group, “It is imperative to address these claims, not only to set the record straight but to remind us all of the enduring legacy and contributions of Dogara to the political and social fabric of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.”
“If we are to keep mentioning his achievements in the constituency it will take us more than one week we cannot be able to mention all his complete achievement,” It concluded.
