Kaduna: New political influencers, by IG Iwala

Honestly, I am heart broken with my big brother in the struggle, Shehu Sani’s recent position, but going by the political realities in Nigeria, I wish him well.

I found myself contemplating if I should abandon my ideals in recent times, because so many things regarding the true political myth in the north were exposed. Example, the northern political power was never built as a regional agenda but based on the number of individuals that were at the corridor of power at a point in time and those individuals have a history of being relevant for a long period of time. The system was not built around the political institutions or communities, it’s on individuals whose positions of influence are sustained by their abilities to recycle and rekindle their loyalty to the person in charge at the moment.
For those who have paid their dues shaping the sociopolitical landscape democratically, you wonder if one could question their decision to shift their political position. They had it rough and tough with their friends and families and those they live together in the struggle. If such individuals will make their decisions based of their antecedents, who are you to judge?

Even though, it is heard to see how dreams and aspirations come to pass in ways we never imagined. One of the sad development in Kaduna politics that touched me so much was the very moment Shehu Sani and Nasir El-Rufai disagreed politically. That was the beginning of a new dimension to our collective struggle. These were individuals that were seen as the torch bearers for a new political ideals for development in the north and Nigeria. Forget the Ramalan Yero’s political experience of being a stooge to some powerful elements in politics.
Despite being in politics (appointee) in the Obasanjo’s days, Uba Sani was never a subject of discuss in the realm of politics in Kaduna until the days of El-rufai as a governor. The Sani in his name was marginal to Shehu Sani, who’s popularity as an activist from Kaduna gave him a push. I don’t mean to create any rift or controversy, but this is for the sake of perception and harmless submission.
Kaduna like Kano, these are 2 major cities in the north that for all the developments, we are touched and taught from. We learn from the experiences of our parents and elders, politically and business wise. Every individual in the north has a stake to what happens in this two cities. It is the region that made the cities not the few that resides in the cities.
Finally, we should know that the political rift between the likes of Shehu, Nasiru and Uba in Kaduna is tantamount to the development of Kaduna. As well as the danger of dividing the Kaduna south and north for political agenda, it’s a threat to the peaceful coexistence of the northern region. Let us play safe!