Special regards, with respect, modesty and sense of humility to the member representing Bauchi Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi (Wakilin Birni). Let me, in order not to give you the wrong impression, make it clear that my letter is not, in any way, politically motivated as I don’t belong to any political party. Besides, my future and the future of the yet unborn generation, so much dependent on your representation, is more expensive than the whole world’s politics. It’s obvious, therefore, that this letter is borne out of curiosity and concern to actualise good representation.
Honourable, almost two years down the line, since you scaled election and took an oath to represent us at the lower chamber, we the constituents seem not to be recognized beyond election day. Reports indicate that, so far, you have not moved a single motion, neither have you contributed to a debate during plenary, even at House committee level. At the onset, we thought it was because you were a neophyte but, your counterpart, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, representing Ganjuwa/Darazo, is also a neophyte but, not only performing well but also is among the most vibrant members in the House. Young Mansur, within one year (June 2019 to June 2020) presented seven Bills, despite being his first term. This excuse, therefore, is not tenable.
I don’t want to believe people ascribing your lack of performance to lack of language. This is because as someone from communication discipline, I believe communication is not about blowing complicated vocabularies or twisting voices to convey excellence. Once the message is understood, the purpose is served and communication is effectively taking place. Sir, your colleague, Hon. Muhammad Gudaji Kazaure from Jigawa state is well recognized and celebrated for ensuring good representation to his people, despite lack of good command of English Language but, nobody can dare say he is not communicating; grammar is something different. If truly language is the reason behind, there is no cause for alarm, the needs of your people for which you were elected are more valuable than the English you are afraid of, and mind you, Muhammad Kazaure is satisfying his people. Emulate him, please!
Perhaps it’s because you are having a difficulty in conceiving ideas or when conceived, streamlining them for presentation on the floor of the House. There is nothing to worry about, nobody is a monopoly of knowledge; this brings about appointing legislative aides who will be serving as a think tank, brainstorming on issues that are connected to the existence of your constituents. This is necessary, because the needs of your people are too many and the daunting tasks are too heavy to be handled by you alone. According to what I have at my disposal, so far, you have been working single-handedly, which I think has no prospect of having things succeed. Only by surrounding yourself with people full of ideas, you can easily hit the ground running, outgrow your colleagues and get to the top.
Hon., half the time is almost gone but, you still have time to rethink and restrategize your style representation with a view to changing the narrative. If this happens, you are welcome; to us it shall be a good tiding and to you history will be fair. Election is coming and as it has been with Bauchi people we can’t be predicted; but we are observing.
My best wishes!
Sulaiman Maijama’a,
Faculty of Communication,
Bayero University, Kano
