…The sheer hatred of the North orchestrated by Kwankwaso to quench his hunger for power.
By Shariff Aminu Ahlan
There is no gainsaying the fact that democracy breeds all kinds of characters—good, evil, and chronic manipulators who are blinded by their hunger and inbuilt desire to reach their destination, regardless of the magnitude of the consequences of their actions, so long as their thirst for power and prestige is fully satisfied. It is a process that gives birth to people of high integrity who desire to create legacies that will be cherished and acknowledged for generations. At the same time, it also provides opportunities for power-hungry merchants whose major reason for joining politics is to acquire a platform that affords them the opportunity to loot and re-loot, enriching themselves and their cronies with massive ill-gotten wealth.
It is indeed ironic, shameful, and utterly disgusting to watch a chronic tribal bigot and globally recognized regional advocate who openly claimed, ironically on national television, that the dreaded organization commanding influence in his region, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not a terrorist group and that he lived among them in Onitsha. This claim and reality are associated with the man who seeks the confidence, trust, and acceptance of the entire country, Peter Obi.
The said IPOB has for decades been clamouring for a separatist agenda that, according to its critics, would lead to Igbo dominance over other ethnic groups. The group has been accused of violence and criminal activities in parts of the country. Yet, Peter Obi appears unwilling to openly distance himself from such associations and instead seeks the consent of Nigerians to entrust him with leadership.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the Nigerian polity could witness a catastrophic situation that may bring Northern Nigeria into severe hardship if the wrong leadership choices are made. Many fear that policies and directives from a tribalistic and sectional-minded administration could negatively affect the region and create instability. God forbid.
It is even more ironic and frightening that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a man perceived by many as a northerner with integrity and a sense of responsibility, and someone regarded as one of the leaders capable of defending Northern interests, is now seen by critics as misleading, misguiding, and shamelessly encouraging Northerners to support the same political figure. According to this view, his actions are driven by personal ambition and an insatiable hunger for power and influence. Such desperation, if left unchecked, could have serious consequences for the region if people become blinded and succumb to manipulation that may lead to instability and decline.
How can a man who claims to be a promoter of Northern interests descend so low and allow selfish ambition to override sound judgment and responsibility?
It is now being openly alleged that Kwankwaso and Obi have entered into a political alliance and have perfected plans to pursue a common agenda. It is on record that many Christians and church leaders supported Obi during the last election. Observers believe a similar pattern may emerge in 2027, with Kwankwaso potentially leading his followers into the same alliance. However, many Northerners believe they have seen through what they describe as a dubious and exploitative agenda and may refuse to succumb to what they perceive as a dangerous political arrangement.
The North has seen what many regard as the impending danger that such a collaboration between Obi and Kwankwaso may bring. Consequently, many people believe that no rational individual would support an alliance they perceive as threatening to the region’s future. They argue that citizens must remain vigilant and reject politicians whom they view as power-hungry merchants determined to sacrifice collective interests for personal gain.
May Allah guide us all.
Allah Ya Fi Ku.