Unimpressed by what has been described as the antics of a minority power block hiding under the veil of the Presidency to promote the gubernatorial ambition of Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai in Yobe State, not a few Yobe politicians and Stakeholders led by Mallam Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani has described the move as ‘a desperate cry; because Yobe won’t accept as any form of imposition on the electorates’.
Kolo Gulani who also faulted an opinion article published in some national newspapers (not us) titled: ‘How President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Can Reclaim Yobe State in 2027’, described it as a ‘thinly veiled attempt” to promote the gubernatorial ambition of Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai in the state.
According to a press release by Kolo Gulani, titled: ‘A Desperate Cry: Why Yobe State Won’t Accept Imposition’, and obtained by Arewa PUNCH, Gulani, argued that the anonymous writer’s claims about marginalisation in Yobe South were misleading and failed to reflect the political reality of the state.
He noted that the article ignored the fact that Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, a prominent APC stalwart from Yobe South and former Minister of Power, was in office when the All Progressives Congress lost Yobe State in the 2023 general election, a development, which according to him, had little to do with regional marginalisation but more with internal issues and public demand for good governance.
The analyst, who added two separate ‘Open Letters’, the first written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the second written to Senator Ibrahim MohammedBomai, lamp posted the fact that ‘The anonymous author ignores the fact that Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, a prominent APC stalwart from Yobe South, was a minister when APC lost Yobe State in 2023 general election.
‘This omission raises questions about the author’s objectivity. Moreover, the article’s assertion that Yobe South is being marginalised is laughable, considering the fact that the late Sen. Mamman B. Ali was elected as a governor under the ANPP (now APC) and Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu was nominated as a minister’, he said.
Continuing, he added that: ‘If anyone deserves recognition, it’s the people who have consistently supported them.
‘The APC’s loss in Yobe State in 2023 wasn’t about marginalisation but rather a cry for good governance from the Federal Government.
‘I can boldly say the zone has its internal crisis that seems to be tribalism that contributed to the loss. Blaming it solely on power rotation is an oversimplification’, he maintained.
Kolo Gulani further pointed out that ‘the article’s suggestion that Yobe South deserves the governorship seat in 2027 based on population is a flawed argument’, stressing that ‘leadership should be based on merit, not just demographics’.
Furthermore, he observed that the claim that ‘Yobe South is being neglected is disputed by the fact that the current administration has made significant investments in the region. Under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
‘The governor has been actively developing infrastructure and providing essential services in Yobe South (Potiskum, Fika, Nangere, and Fune Local Government Areas).
‘Some notable projects include: Construction of the Potiskum-Degubi Road, completion of the Potiskum Ultra-Modern Market, ongoing construction of Ngalda Modern Market, construction of Trailer Park, the launch of a landmark Electrification project in the Anze community, Fika Local Government Area, among several others.
‘These projects demonstrate Governor Buni’s commitment to improving the lives of Yobe State citizens, particularly in Potiskum, Fika, Nangere, and Fune Local Government Areas’, he maintained.
He highlighted that the party has united members in the state unlike what he described ‘as some desperate people thinking in Abuja’, insisting that ‘the Buni’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining stability within the APC.
Governor Buni
‘I’m writing this out of desperation, as it seems like our voices are not being heard. Let me make one thing clear: I’m not opposing the appointments of competent sons and daughters of Yobe South in the Federal Government.
‘However, the issue of imposing a gubernatorial candidate on the party in the state is senseless. The people of Yobe State want to choose their leaders, and we believe that Hon. Mai Mala Buni’s leadership has been exemplary.
‘I must say that the good people of Yobe State are being taken for granted. While Senator Bomai’s achievements in community service and philanthropy are commendable, it’s essential to recognise the outstanding work of our current governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni and give him that respect despite the fact that you’re desperate for power’, he said.
He maintained further that ‘the governor has been a unifying figure, bringing stability and progress to Yobe State’, stressing that ‘his (Buni’s) leadership style has been instrumental in maintaining peace and unity within the party, in the state.
‘From infrastructure development to empowering women and youths as well as fighting poverty in the state, Governor Buni has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the people of Yobe State.
‘Rather than imposing a candidate from the Presidency, we should be building on the progress made under Governor Buni’s leadership politically. His vision for Yobe State aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and his experience in governance has equipped him to tackle the challenges facing the state.
‘The article’s suggestion that Yobe South deserves the governorship, based on “moral equity” and “reciprocity” overlooks the fact that Governor Buni has already demonstrated his ability to deliver results.
‘Thus, imposing a candidate without his consent would not only undermine the progress made but also send a message that the APC doesn’t trust its own leaders in Yobe State.
‘Let’s focus on empowering our current leaders by giving them such respect to nominate the deserving candidate rather than imposing “Daga Buni Sai Abunda Buni Yace”. Governor Mai Mala Buni’s leadership has been a blessing to Yobe State, and we should rally behind him to ensure continued progress and development.
‘The people of Yobe State deserve better than to have their destiny determined by external factors. We need leaders who understand our needs and are committed to serving us. Governor Buni has shown that he is that leader, and we should give him the opportunity to continue his good work.
‘Mr. President Sir, we, the good people of Yobe State, want to state unequivocally that we love you as Hon. Mai Mala Buni almost in every of his program in the state highlighted your achievements and your good agenda but if you mistakenly impose a candidate on us in 2027, that candidate will lose the state in the general election. We love and respect Hon. Mai Mala Buni, and our affection for him goes beyond party lines.
‘If the power mongers fail to recognise his leadership and present him as the father of the party in the state, we will not hesitate to exercise our mandate to elect a candidate who truly represents our interests.
‘In conclusion, let’s reject the notion that Yobe needs a new face to impose us a candidate before we succeed. Instead, let’s build on the progress made under Governor Buni’s leadership and work towards a brighter future for Yobe State’, Kolo Gulani concluded.
