By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim
This writing aims to call for redress and address our senator, Distinguished Senator Adamu Lawal Usman (Mr. LA), regarding his shortcomings. It also seeks to offer advice for better representation of the people who sacrificed their time to support his political aspirations, only to see their own dreams shattered.
The people of Kaduna Senatorial region are now regretting their decision to vote for Senator Adamu Lawal (Mr. LA). Perhaps they were misled by his promises and sympathetic words during the 2023 general election.
As the Chairman, Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, senator Adamu promised to construct 100 classrooms in his constituency is seen as nothing more than empty rhetoric, with no actual progress made. Only four classrooms were built at Giwa Local Government, making it clear that the project was merely a political ploy with no real substance in almost two years.
However, even people within his own party warned the voters that Senator Adamu Lawal (Mr. LA) was a business mogul who only sought political power to enrich himself. Sadly, these warnings were ignored.
His political opponent, Ibrahim Usman, better known as Sardauna Badarawa, has publicly criticized Senator Adamu Lawal (Mr. LA), accusing him of incompetence, lack of patriotism, and laziness. Badarawa claims that the senator will not bring any benefit to the people he is supposed to represent, and the evidence is clear now.
As the Chairman, Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, his proposed bill, which only reached the second reading stage, directly contradicts the Nigerian Constitution. Section 18(1) of the 1999 Constitution clearly states that the government has a duty to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities for all citizens.
Section 2 of the UBEC abolished what Senator Adamu is proposing at the senate chamber stating that: “Right of a child to compulsory, free universal basic education is on the government and the parents.” this is why the bill will not see the light of the day at the end of the day.
Just two weeks ago, the Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group (KGGMG) held a press conference to express their disappointment with Senator Adamu’s leadership style. They criticized his frequent absence from the Senate chamber and his lack of a strong voice in representing the people’s interests.
Senator Adamu’s sponsored bills are seen as empty promises, offering no real benefit to the people of his constituency. His proposed amendment to the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act of 2004, aimed at increasing female enrollment in schools, is particularly criticized. The existing UBEC Act and UNICEF initiatives already prioritize girls’ education, making this bill redundant and unnecessary.
The Kaduna Peace and Tranquility Forum (KPTF), which spearheaded the recall effort against Senator Adamu Lawal, is seen as justified by many. They argue that there will be no development in Kaduna Central under his leadership, pointing out that those who worked tirelessly for his election are now neglected and forgotten.
The senator’s disbursing N500,000 to 230 people is considered a fabricated story. Many believe the senator simply used his Facebook page to distribute the funds to anyone who asked, with no clear criteria or conditions. This act is viewed as a misuse of Kaduna Central funds intended for development, instead being used to appease Facebook friends.
Senator Adamu’s constituency projects are being distributed on social media, seemingly favoring selected individuals rather than those truly in need. This contradicts the promises made to the people of Kaduna Central Constituency.
Senator Adamu is seen as a lazy and absent senator, only appearing when it benefits him personally. He is accused of being an “anti-PDP” for his own gain within the Senate.
Senator Adamu promises employment, scholarships for students, 100 blocks of classrooms, and youth empowerment which are all not realistic since his election. Only four block of classrooms completed at Giwa Local Government Model Primary School in two years and 96 waiting out of the 100 classrooms promised in almost two years of his leadership.
While it is not too late for Senator Adamu to rectify his shortcomings and fulfill his promises, it is crucial for him to take action. If he chooses the right path, he will find the people ready to support him, praising his efforts and offering their prayers. It is a chance for him to prove his detractors wrong, who campaigned for him and celebrated his victory. The opportunity to amend his mistakes lies solely in his hands.
We hope to see positive changes in the future before the people choose another candidate for 2027.
Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo is a political analyst and writes from Kaduna via auwalgoronyo@gmail.com