By every definition, the recent tirade by Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara against His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed, is less of a critique and more of a vindictive rant wrapped in nostalgia and selective memory. While Dogara attempts to position himself as a moral compass in a sea of perceived betrayal, his narrative is riddled with contradictions, omissions, and a desperate need for relevance. A closer look at his claims not only exposes glaring inconsistencies but also serves as a reminder of how personal grievances can be dressed as public service. Let us unpack the dissonance.
Rt. Hon. Dogara’s narrative rests heavily on a supposed friendship between Governor Bala Mohammed and the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. However, a discerning reader will notice that Dogara himself betrays the very essence of friendship he pretends to defend. In his own words, Wike bore no conditions for his support to Bala Mohammed. If true, this proves two things: First, Wike acted with the utmost grace and benevolence. Second, Dogara’s current public lamentations are unnecessary, as they contradict the spirit of selfless support he claims to uphold.
Dogara forgets that true friendships are not sustained by public sermons or grandstanding. Instead, they are nurtured privately, with mutual respect and understanding, not on the pages of newspapers or through politically charged vitriol. If anything, Dogara’s diatribe does more harm to the very friendship he claims to cherish.
It is ironic for Dogara to accuse Governor Bala of ingratitude while simultaneously weaponizing past events to settle scores. Let us remember: loyalty in politics is rarely absolute, and every leader carries the burden of managing competing interests. Bala Mohammed, by Dogara’s own admission, has faced and overcome challenges in his political journey. If Dogara feels betrayed, he must also acknowledge that leadership often involves hard decisions—decisions that sometimes ruffle feathers.
But here’s where Dogara falters. His attempt to paint Governor Bala as a "transactional politician" falls flat. If Wike gave unconditional support and Bala Mohammed succeeded without compromising his principles, how does that make him transactional? In truth, it reflects Bala’s resilience and ability to navigate difficult terrains without selling his soul.
Dogara’s retelling of events reeks of selective amnesia. He glorifies Wike’s past generosity yet conveniently ignores Wike’s own admission of grievances. If Wike himself had reservations about Bala Mohammed dating back to their ministerial days, why did he extend his support in the first place? More importantly, why is Dogara dredging up these old grievances now, years after the fact?
The answer is simple: Dogara’s tirade is less about Bala Mohammed and more about his own perceived relevance in the political landscape. By invoking past narratives, he seeks to project himself as a moral arbiter. However, in doing so, he inadvertently exposes his own inconsistencies.
Every leader evolves, and Bala Mohammed is no exception. Dogara’s attempt to label him as morally bankrupt is both unfair and unsubstantiated. The Governor’s track record in Bauchi speaks for itself. From infrastructural development to policy reforms, Bala Mohammed has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the betterment of his people. If Dogara wishes to critique, he must do so with facts and figures, not emotional outbursts and personal anecdotes.
Dogara’s verbosity is both his strength and his weakness. While he seeks to appear intellectual, his article is riddled with contradictions. For instance, he accuses Bala Mohammed of betrayal yet admits that the Governor has apologized for past misunderstandings. He claims to be a defender of truth yet resorts to personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric.
This pattern is not new. Dogara has, time and again, inserted himself into political disputes under the guise of moral clarity. However, true leadership requires humility, not hubris. It demands a willingness to build bridges, not burn them.
If Governor Bala Mohammed is guilty of anything, it is his focus on governance and progress. Unlike Dogara, who seems preoccupied with reliving past events, Bala Mohammed remains committed to serving the people of Bauchi. His achievements are not defined by political alliances or betrayals but by tangible results that improve lives.
In the end, Dogara’s rant serves as a reminder that truth, when wielded carelessly, loses its potency. To criticize is human, but to do so with wisdom, fairness, and a sense of purpose is divine. If Dogara truly believes in justice, he must learn to temper his words with wisdom and his grievances with grace.
Let us, therefore, leave the past where it belongs and focus on the future—a future where leaders are judged not by their personal squabbles but by their ability to inspire progress and unity. For, as the wise say, “Great leaders don’t tell you what to do; they show you how it’s done.”
Governor Bala Mohammed has shown us how it’s done. Perhaps it’s time for Dogara to follow suit.
Abdullahi Usman Koli
abdullahimanuuh@gmail.com
0 Comments