Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara, has been cleared of any involvement in the ongoing intra-tribal crisis within the Sayawa ethnic group of Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa LGAs in Bauchi State.
This assertion was made by a group called the Yakubu Dogara Beneficiaries, under the platform of the Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Beneficiaries Foundation, which boasts over 40,000 members, including youths, elders, students, and others.
In a press statement jointly signed by Engr. Isheni Yakubu, Chairman, and Mallam Shitu Haruna, Assistant Secretary, and made available to journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday, the group observed that recent political discourse has been marred by opportunistic rhetoric, unfounded accusations, and falsehoods, particularly directed at Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
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 now obvious, a deliberate attempt to malign his person.”
The group explained that “The Tafawa Balewa crisis predates Dogara’s birth, and to suggest that he is responsible for a conflict that has roots in decades past is not only illogical but also an insult to the intelligence of those familiar with the situation.”
The group further emphasized that “Dogara’s efforts in bringing peace to these troubled areas are well-documented. He constituted a peace committee chaired by Hon. Aminu Tukur, which included Imams, Pastors, Traditional Leaders, and other stakeholders.”
The statement continued, “Through this initiative, peace was restored to the region, and residents continue to enjoy that peace today. His invaluable interventions have successfully promoted peaceful coexistence among the communities in the area.”
The group also addressed another point of contention, saying, “Another issue 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. Moreover, Dogara was not in government when the appointment ended, so how could he have stopped the reappointment? Let’s put on our thinking caps and reason,” the group stressed.
The group added, “This is the handiwork of mischief makers stirring infighting and division, which has been a big distraction from the pursuit of our progressive goals. The former ES of the Pilgrims Board publicly acknowledged that it was Dogara who facilitated the appointment of the former TETFund Executive Secretary 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 highlighted Dogara’s political career, stating, “Yakubu Dogara’s political career is marked by success and strategic acumen. 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, leading 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. He should be recognized as a kingmaker in Bauchi State,” the group added.
The group observed, “Perhaps, it is this enviable blessing and his deep humility that have caused many political beneficiaries to turn against him instead of celebrating the hand of God upon his life. Those trying hard to diminish his divine rise and providence should remember the Hausa saying, ‘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 to fulfill his destiny,” the group emphasized.
The group noted that “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 reflects his commitment to the people and his ability to deliver on his promises.”
It added, “Additionally, he has always played a major role in developing and refining the political landscape of Bauchi State. His wise counsel and strategic input are unquestionable, and he remains a voice to reckon with. This obviously grants him the privilege to speak as a critical and key stakeholder in certain situations and on behalf of the politically downtrodden in the state. Let us learn to distinguish between state politics and our socio-cultural struggles.”
In conclusion, the group called for political decorum, stating, “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 essential for the development of Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.”
The group added, “It is our firm belief that the burden of leadership, patriotism, and political dichotomy imposes on him a duty to speak on issues that touch on the interests of Bauchi citizens who do not belong to Governor Bala’s political party and also those within his circle who do not appreciate his leadership approach.”
The group urged Governor Bala Mohammed and his allies to 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,” the group stated.
As a leader and stakeholder in Bauchi State, Dogara raised some issues that concern good governance in the state. The group expects Governor Bala Mohammed to respond to these issues and not resort to character assassination, which is more or less a distraction from addressing the questions that have been put forward.
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The group claimed that Dogara had every opportunity to enrich himself but chose instead to invest in people.
The group listed some of Dogara’s achievements and investments in developing people over the years: the provision of more than 2,500 Keke Napep, 3,500 motorcycles, and empowerment of more than 1,000 youths, women, and men with more than N250,000 each to start businesses. Additionally, 1,200 sewing machines, 1,500 water pumps for irrigation farming, and the distribution of more than 30,000 bags of rice, 20,000 bags of fertilizer, 200 cattle, 400 rams, and many other food items were provided.
For students, Dogara provided scholarships to more than 25,090 students across the Federal Constituency, JAMB forms to more than 35,000 students, 75,000 books to schools across the Constituency, 120 computer systems, renovation of hundreds of schools across the constituency, construction of classroom blocks, and many other initiatives.
He also secured appointments for constituents in different sectors, including solid asphalt roads across the constituency, bridges, dams, market halls, and the establishment of the North East Development Commission, a motion sponsored by the 8th Speaker himself, among many other developmental projects.
According to the group, “It is imperative to address these claims not only to set the record straight but also to remind us all of Dogara’s enduring legacy and contributions to the political and social fabric of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.”
“If we were to mention all his achievements in the constituency, it would take us more than a week to cover everything,” the group concluded.