Currently, two articles are in circulation in the media space in Adamawa state; criticizing or rather countering the dismissal of the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government – Mallam Bashir Ahmad from the fold of the Forum of Jimeta PDP Critical Stakeholders. It seems Bashir was hurt and unsettled by his dismissal by the forum. But, why will Bashir become disorganized, disorientated, and running helter-skelter all over seeking help from many quarters, since he has said on several occasions and times that these critical stakeholders are politically inconsequential? Furthermore, the ‘I Need Help’ articles didn’t in any way addressed the main important points stated by the Jimeta PDP Critical Stakeholders.
Many jimeta people said, if they were the ‘Jimeta PDP Critical Stakeholders’ as an entity, they wouldn’t have only dismissed Bashir from their ‘fold’, but would have to blacklist him from anything Jimeta stakeholders, because Bashir is a poor representation of what Jimeta people are- Bashir’s arrogance, boastfulness, disrespect to everyone and everybody, sadist attitude and happy-go-lucky behavior are unbelievable. When he was appointed as SSG; a delegation from the Jimeta community went to congratulate him and offer some advice, Bashir look at their faces, with ego, and without any shame, told them- they were not welcome. Bashir arrogance and disrespect are legendary!
Jimeta people are cosmopolitans and regard people from all works of life as their friends and part of the community, but Bashir’s poor rapport with the Jimeta people is one of its kind, it has never happened before between a high-ranking public officer and Jimeta people- during the recent governorship election, there was an insinuation that people were offered ‘good’ cash to help Bashir win his polling unit and ward, but people refused to collect the monies but voted against ‘Bashir’- in fact, most of the votes cast against the PDP in the Governorship elections were simply votes against Bashir Ahmad.
Adamawa state has never had an SSG that is so ‘low’ in terms of harmonious human relations. SSGs are known for their excellent work both politically and administratively—for example, Chief Manassah John when he was SSG to Governor Boni Haruna and Governor Murtala Nyako. Hon. Kobis Ari Thimnu’s reign as SSG to Governor Murtala Nyako was superb. Late Ibrahim Bapetel served as SSG to Governor Boni Haruna, the Jimeta-Yola-Fufore axis saw him as their mouth, link, and face in the government, he didn’t only enjoy the support of all critical stakeholders, the axis followed him wherever he heads to, knowing fully, he respects the communities leaders and he is a builder people. When Dr. Umar Buba Bindir served as SSG during the administration of Governor Umaru Bindow, Bindir was the link between the government and his immediate constituency including the entire Adamawa central.
The Jimeta PDP Critical Stakeholders were absolutely right, all the things they said were correct. Bashir was 80-90% responsible for the PDP defeat in Jimeta during the governorship election. For instance, it was an open secret; there are obvious cracks between the Jimeta PDP Critical Stakeholders and Bashir, a meeting was arranged in a prominent Hotel in Jimeta to sort out the differences, Auwal Tukur, Felix Tangwami, Madawakin Mubi, and PDP state Secretary were to intervene; so, the Jimeta PDP Critical Stakeholders advised that Bashir should also be invited to attend, but Bashir arrogantly said he will not attend the meeting, he will retire from politics all the Jimeta PDP Critical Stakeholders.
If these people are not important and their resolution is ineffective, why is Bashir running from one pole to another throwing money on people to write or speak to electronic media to counter the stakeholders and rebrand his image? Bashir was so restless to extend that he had to reach a person that they once sent to prison- seeking his help to come out to speak in Bashir’s favour, but the man refused- saying he is now living in peace with everybody.
The big question is: was there anything said by the Jimeta Critical Stakeholders that is not true?
Lastly, If Bashir is so desperate to go back to his seat in Governor Fintiri’s second term, here is a simple suggestion, let Bashir choose any ward in Jimeta’s 11 wards, and request for an open voting- in favour or against him, if Mallam Bashir can secure only 10% of votes, let him get a reappointment as SSG. This is not only a suggestion to Bashir but a challenge as well.
Ahmed Buba Jimeta writes from Nasarawo ward, Jimeta, Yola-North
