In our part of the world, attributes, or concept of democracy varies significantly both in its practicability and essence. While in other climes, adherence to the very concept which defines democracy is followed up religiously, here, unfortunately, we do the direct opposite of what democracy entails or professes. Political actors, in Nigeria, consider democracy as a tool to achieve lifelong ambition and means to accumulate riches, which they do not need, opulence which had little or no value.
It is however, rare to find a sophisticated individual, or political actors in Nigeria, who inadvertently hold on tightly to the concept of democracy. Since democracy is consistent with the notion of government of the people, by the people and for the people, it is correct to presume in Nigeria, only leaders with strong characters can lay claim to be true democrats.
The growing concern, or debate on the concept of morality in politics has a nuanced interpretation, at least, within Nigeria’s political space. For one, our religiousity had beclouded our innate faith. If our political leaders could
govern with some faith based lessons, we could have been better off. According to an American philosopher, Jean B. Elshtain, “recent data support the idea of a growing importance of religion in world politics as well as in peoples’ lives, both in underdeveloped and developed countries”. While other religious”nations” are driving the levers of their faith (fear of humanity and God) to advance the course of democracy, in Nigeria, we are sill trapped in a slow and antiquated vestiges of faithless democracy.
In Nigeria, especially in the northern region, it would be quiet a mean task to unmask a selfless leader, who fits in proverbially to the actual word– Man. This here, does not necessarily connotes any phallic, physical, biological or exuberant agility. It is far deeper. It is a reflection of who has the guts to stand up for what is right. A democrat who underscores the nexus between faith and democracy, good and wrong, and to provide quality leadership, which translates to good governance and development.
If one would lower the bar, some political actors who come close to perfecting democracy, faith and good governance, that would be Engr. Abdullahi Muhammad T Gwarzo, former Kano deputy governor and immediate past Honourable Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development.
Popularly known with his trademark acronym T Gwarzo, or political nickname, “Ruwa Baba’, he alongside Mal Ibrahim Shekarau, revolutionized grassroots political development, thereby creating a massive chain of middle class, and wealth in Kano State. This was made possible through series of coherent policies consistent with faith, democracy and good governance.
For decades, the challenge of acute shortage of water supply to Kano population was an area several leaders before the Shekarau/Gwarzo administration avoided like a plague, obviously because they were clueless about it.
Incidentally, this was where “Ruwa Baba” showed his expertise and foresightedness. The Challawa and Tamburawa 180m &150m liters per day water treatment plant was his brainchild. These legacy projects, has significant impact on the society, as it was able to address a very critical aspect of human services and existence, which is water. It further proved, good governance is possible, democracy and faith — the fear of the Creator, would thrive and bring about sustainable development to a society.
In his brief, but eventful spell as Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, T Gwarzo, has proven, yet again, that democracy, strong character and personality are perennial virtues that makes good governance thrive. In that capacity of a junior Minister, he had left an indelible footprints in the ministry and beyond. For instance, shelter, which is a fundamental symbol every human need, was adequately prioritized. Accordingly, housing is an important component of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and an essential driver for achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG,11 of United Nations.
Furthermore, sufficient and affordable housing leads to benefits in health, education and economic opportunities. T Gwarzo, underscores this critical aspect and help in formulating the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and Estate. The policy would see 500 mass housing units built across the country, with the pilot project successfully taken off in several states across the country.
Democracy is about inclusivity and taking ownership of the country, or government. The ongoing reforms of this administration, has no doubt disrupted livelihoods and send shocks across board. Fewer political appointees, or stakeholders in this administration take the bullet for the president. In the military, this is considered treachery for a disloyal lieutenant not to act, defend, support and be in solidarity with the president, regardless.
In the case of T Gwarzo, he has proven to be not just a loyal lieutenant, but one who could within his sphere of influence, work to reduce the effect of the economic hardship on Nigerians. For instance, it is on record, “Ruwa Baba” was the only cabinet Minister who, out of goodwill, empathy and show of solidarity with the renewed hope agenda of this administration, pay between 30-50K weekly stipends to the most vulnerable people. The criteria was, beneficiaries would simply put down their names at his office, regardless of political leanings, faith or gender, to be qualified for this intervention.
In a twist of event, and what many consider puzzling, when the much talked about cabinet reshuffle happened, T Gwarzo was surprisingly relieved of his appointment by the president.
The exercise, however, especially with some performing Ministers affected, goes to prove, it was more of a political realignment, rather than a policy re-adjustment. But, the president, who has the prerogative to choose who to work with had taken a decision.
Again, in democracy, there are abound, limitless opportunities as there are adversaries. In a show of political maturity and keeping faith in democracy, the usually reserved and calm .T Gwarzo, took what happened as the will of ALLAH. He shown no animosity to neither the president, nor his successor, which he personally congratulated.
Equally, he pledged and reaffirmed his loyalty to the Nigerian project, which includes, improved democracy, good governance and socioeconomic development.
Most political actors and thought leaders stand to benefit from such decorum and an excellent trajectory of service delivery as exemplified by T. Gwarzo. Hopefully, the culture of crass impunity in our political space would be eliminated, for the betterment of our democracy, society and country.
Abdullahi D Mohammed is the National Coordinator, Arewa Initiative for Sustainable Development and Humanitarian.
