 |
| TAMBUWAL |
On January 10, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, added a year to his life and his Special Adviser
on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, took out time to pen him a note. Hear Him:
Eulogising the life of any person, especially a respected
leader who has stood for the common good, is not easy. As US President Barrack
Obama said while reading his tribute at the funeral of the great Nelson
Mandela, it is hard to capture in words not just the facts and the dates that
make a life, but the essential truth of a person – their private joys and
sorrows; the quiet moments and unique qualities that illuminate someone’s
soul. How much harder to do so for a
giant of history, who moved a nation toward justice, and in the process moved
billions around the world.
 |
| IMAM IMAM |
Though today marks the 48th birthday anniversary of the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, penning
down words to capture the essentials of the man who is today seen as the
brightest spot in the Nigeria’s political firmament is no mean task.
Tambuwal is the quintessential humble individual who has
defied the notion that politicians, especially of the Nigerian variety, can say
the truth to the powers that be while still in power. By now Nigerians have
come to identify their Number 4 citizen as a fearless representative whose words and deeds are not
at variance with the hopes and aspirations the men and women of his dear
country.
The story of Tambuwal is the story of courage. His meteoric
rise to the top of the Green Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly only
reaffirmed his position as a master tactician in a discipline built on the
philosophy of self respect, fair play, hard work and the spirit of give and
take.
However it’s not just in politics that Tambuwal made his
mark. Trained a very young age as a teacher and later as a lawyer; his
commitment and doggedness as a moulder of the minds of the future generation
and a servant in the temple of justice
have served him well in his present endeavours. His performance as Speaker of
the House of Representatives has set the bar in governance. His intrepidity in
the face of tough challenges have equally served as inspiration to his
Honourable colleagues. As many of them pointed out, it has emboldened them to
go about their duties without fear, or favour.
For Tambuwal, seeing Nigeria rise to greatness is a task
that must be accomplished. He has, at every available opportunity, reminded his
legislature-colleagues, 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 all his conducts, Tambuwal has maintained the humble and
truthful disposition universally associated with the descendants Sheikh Uthman
Dan Fodio. Na Shehu da gaskiya aka san ku
is a euphimism known all in Hausa-speaking entities to mean people of
trust, respect, integrity and love for humanity. No wonder he was named
Aminu—the trustworthy. In addition, he has demonstrated high level of
compassion for the less privileged. The case of Okikioluwa Olawuyi, the baby
without skull, whom he helped to raise N10m to complete her surgery expenses in
the USA, is a case in point.
Politically,
following in the tradition of democratic inclusiveness, Tambuwal
maintains social contacts with all Nigerians, irrespective of their political
leanings. It accounts to why he is today visible in social gatherings of people
of different ideologies, ethnic groupings and religious inclinations. While
some ignorant few tend to interpret such contacts differently, Tambuwal is
unfazed and has maintained the need to build bridges of unity and understanding
among various peoples of Nigeria and beyond.
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 the bar and becoming an example for elected office holders in the
federation.
As he celebrates his birthday today, it is not just the
intriguing narrative of how he was elected Speaker of the House 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.
At 48, Tambuwal’s youth points to a future of hope and
possibilities. Besides, his apparent willingness not to be encumbered by the
political exigencies or double-speak that had stunted our progress in the past
is indeed inspiring. For him, what matters is the nation’s interest. Call that
an unyielding idealism and you won’t be entirely wrong.
Tambuwal has, like Obama said of the great Madiba, 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 trailblaizer of a lawyer, respected politician,
accomplished leader and a trusted parliamentarian, I say a happy birthday.
— Imam is the Special Adviser on media and Public Affairs to
Speaker Tambuwal
No comments:
Post a Comment