In defence of loyalty: Standing with the speaker and his unwavering support for the governor

By Idris Ishaq Danwanka

I stand with my boss, the Bauchi State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, when he described the Bauchi State Governor as his Boss, His leader, and His Direction. The governor has consistently demonstrated kindness to the people of Bauchi State, initiating and executing numerous critical projects since assuming office. His tireless collaboration with the legislative arm of the government ensures the smooth implementation of these projects, providing the state with essential resources for its development.

However, it has come to my attention that certain individuals, particularly from the opposition party, have been attacking the Speaker’s Facebook post, which featured a picture of the governor with the caption: “Wannan shine Uban Gidana, Jagorana, kuma Alkibla ta. Abinda kace shi zamuyi, dani da magoya bayana, in shaa Allah.” The English translation of this Hausa statement is: “The man in this picture is my boss, my leader, and my direction. We will follow whatever you say, knowing fully that you will never lead us to harm, my followers and I, Allah willing.”

There is absolutely nothing wrong with what the speaker said. Unfortunately, due to political differences and a lack of substantial critiques, some individuals who are clueless about the nuances of political discourse are baselessly accusing the speaker of compromising the duties of the legislative body.

The accusations against the speaker are unfounded. To those critics, I pose the following questions:

– In what specific ways has the speaker failed to discharge his duties?
– What are the explicit duties of the speaker and the members of the State Assembly?
– What is inherently wrong with the speaker’s praise for the governor?

Here are a few key points in response to the criticisms:

– In every speech he presents, the governor refers to the speaker as his boss. What wrong does it do when the speaker also refers to the governor as his boss?

– The Speaker’s loyalty to the governor does not impede his ability to perform his constitutional duties regarding the executive arm.

– As a citizen of Nigeria, the speaker is entitled to the same rights as everyone else, including the right to freedom of expression and the press, as provided in Section 39 of the Constitution.

– The Speaker is genuinely impressed with the governor’s leadership style and ability to implement beneficial policies and programs for the state.

– Recently, the governor has flagged off the dualisation of access road in Ningi, and work is in progress… the speaker’s local government, from GSS Ningi to Gudduba. This project, long sought after since the creation of the local government, was approved due to the harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches.

– ⁠Note that this is the speaker’s personal opinion and that of his supporters (constituents), to which he is constitutionally entitled.

These and many other reasons have prompted the speaker to laud the governor and refer to him as his boss. Ultimately, we are fully committed to following the speaker’s lead and hold no regrets, retreat, or surrender for following the speaker’s directions.

We will always follow his leads and instructions and obey his commands. Our loyalty to the speaker is uncompromising.

Sen. Idris Ishaq Danwanka wrote via idrisdanwanka@gmail.com.