By Imam Imam
As one political circle goes for another, elected office holders are traversing the length and breadth of the country giving account of their stewardship in the last four years and seeking a fresh mandate from the people. Many will face their constituents not knowing the sort of reaction they will get. For the fortunate ones, they will be received with open arms, given warm embrace and a new mandate. For the not so lucky, they will be turned back, and will be told to come back in four years, perhaps then, the people’s anger against them would have subsided.
In the ancient city of Sokoto tomorrow, Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, will come before the people of his state to present his score card and ask for a new mandate, this time, a mandate to be the Governor of Sokoto State for the next four years under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). That new mandate will be a new beginning for both Sokoto and Tambuwal. This is because, today, Saturday, January 10, Tambuwal added a new year to his life. He clocked 49.
Much has been written about the life and politics of Tambuwal. In summary though, his courage, integrity, generosity and all-embracing character have stood high above everything else. Tambuwal has proven to be a dependable ally, one who can be trusted to be there for the people at all times. His leadership of the House of Representatives has ushered in a period of tranquility not seen in the Green Chamber since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. His performance as Speaker has set the bar in governance. His intrepidity in the face of tough challenges, notably from the Executive arm of government, has inspired his colleagues and emboldened them to go about their duties without fear, or favour.
For Tambuwal, seeing Nigeria rise to greatness is something akin to obsession. He has, at every available opportunity, reminded Nigerians of the need to promote democracy and respect human rights of all. These ideas stem from his belief that strong democracies are more likely to secure peace, deter aggression, expand markets, promote development, combat terrorism and crime, uphold rights of workers, avoid humanitarian crises, protect and improve the global environment, and protect human health.
The Speaker’s widely circulated opinions and discourses on good governance, public service, constitutional reform, youth and women empowerment and national development cannot be lost to genuine lovers of our country. He had on many occasions demonstrated his love for country above personal interest and taught others to do the same.
In the period since Tambuwal came to national consciousness, he has not lost touch with his base. Importantly, he has maintained what the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade, described as “the proper upbringing” the Speaker passed through from his formative years. Perhaps, taking a cue from past leaders with inestimable value to their communities, Tambuwal has maintained a simple lifestyle dedicated to the service of the less privileged.
From the likes Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Malcolm X, Aminu Kano and Nelson Mandela, there can be as many ways to lead people as there are leaders. Of particular reference here is Malam Aminu Kano. Before he died over three decades ago, he preached and championed the cause of social justice, environmental harmony and spiritual purification. He upheld the universal principles of truth, honesty, sincerity and keeping to time. Today, these are virtues commonly attributed to Tambuwal.
Tambuwal remains the quintessential politician who has defied the notion that politicians, especially of the Nigerian variety, cannot say the truth to the powers that be while still in power. By now, Nigerians have come to identify their Number Four citizen as a fearless man whose words are not at variance with his deeds. In a clime polluted by years of sheer indiscipline and unfulfilled promises, the optimism, and testimonies openly exhibited by those who followed his leadership style in Abuja will no doubt gladden the hearts of the people of Sokoto who are now set to have him as their Leader in the coming years.
Not since independence have we seen a politician promote an ideology as fervently as the Speaker does. Tambuwal has promoted the concept of a strong dichotomy between politics and governance. To him, there is a marked difference between a candidate in electoral contest on the platform of a political party and an elected official who has assumed a non-partisan responsibility and taken oath to protect and preserve the constitution, to serve the people and the nation. While the former is not merely at liberty but under a duty to be partisan, the latter must conduct himself in a manner worthy of the call to non-partisanship in governance. And whenever partisan interests conflict with national interest it is partisan interests that must be sacrificed in the preservation of the national interest.Tambuwal’s candor, nationalistic outlook, ability to make fair and inclusive decisions, maturity and his desire to interact freely and affectionately with all Nigerians has today earned him the confidence of his colleagues and all Nigerians alike. His strong stance on discipline, accountability, and truth, and his penchant desire to do things differently, has set him aside and made him an example for elected office holders in the federation.
At 49, Tambuwal’s life is bedecked with the stellar. As ace columnist Sam Omotseye once noted, Tambuwal’s quiet but visionary hand has held the often tempestuous House of Representatives on an even keel. This is the same House of riot and broken chairs in the past. He has never attracted scandal to himself. He is equable in temper and felicitous in language. He has secured the House and it does not play slave to the executive, and he has defended his legislative turf. He does not play the games of tribal and religious fidelity in the way that injures the commonwealth of citizens. He does not carry an air of the superior personage. That explains why all the rumoured plots of presidential-inspired impeachment did not fly. He knows how to hold his own without vanity or flamboyance. He is humble without servility, effective without showiness, brilliant without bullying.
As he celebrates his birthday today, it is not just the intriguing narrative of how he was elected Speaker of the House, or how he defied countless machinations of the powers that be, that should resonate with political scientists. That experience should also serve as a reminder of the many profound achievements we could record if we rise above the inhibiting considerations of tribe, region and religion.
Tambuwal has, like US President Barack Obama said of the great Nelson Mandela, showed us the power of action; of taking risks on behalf of our ideals. In the arc of his life, we see a man who earned his place in history through struggle and shrewdness; persistence and faith. He tells us what’s possible not just in the pages of dusty history books, but in our own lives as well.
To this man of courage, I say a happy birthday.
*Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Speaker Tambuwal
