Events of my time: YAHAYA KARAKU AGAIN

By comrade Abubakar Ikunaiye.

I have always asked myself this simple question about the Asiwaju of Africa, Bola Ahmed Tinubu based on his unique political achievements: why upon all his visibly appreciable political achievements some disgruntled elements still cast aspersion against him?

Thank God, the few years I have spent in South-West Nigeria today have given me the true knowledge about the kind of a personality that Asiwaju Tinubu is made of. Someone who so much believes in mentoring the younger ones, improving the living standard of his people and transforming his community progressively, ought to be eulogized and appreciated. Anything short of that may be seen as an act of ingratitude.

Despite his shortcomings as a human being, Asiwaju Tinubu has made a lot of impacts on our socio-political lives in this country; several lawmakers, commissioners, heads of various MDAs, ministers, state governors, vice president and to a reasonable extent, the president of the federal republic have been produced to his credit. You then wonder why some rabble-rousers will like to see his political downfall or death. Let us leave the rest of Asiwaju BAT’s interesting story till another day.

It was a couple of days ago, last Sunday precisely, 10th January, 2016, when the entire Bariki Ward in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State stood agog for Alhaji Yahaya Karaku again. The day was dedicated to a special THANKSGIVING PRAYER organized by his political family and associates just to appreciate Almighty God for His merciful protection, blessings and guidance so far in his (Karaku’s) political life.

‘Seeing, they say, is believing.’ Yours sincerely was there live to practically witness the unique occasion. It was truly a gathering of who is who in the Political Arena in Ebiraland, irrespective of party affiliations.

Among the notable personalities that graced the occasion were; His Excellency, Chief Patrick Adaba former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Momoh Jimoh Lawal, Distinguished Senator Muhammed Ohiare, Hon. Ahmed Tijani Damisa, Hon. Hassan Ajaokuta, His Eminences, Daudu Alhaji Abu L.O. the Onogumuvo-obanyi of
Ebira, Alhaji Nasiru Soso, Musa MJ Enesi Chatta, Alhaji Isah Omadivi. In attendance were many Traditional Rulers across Ebiraland including the Ohi of Ihima and the Sarkin Housawa of Ebiraland – Alhaji Baba Saleh etc. The special prayer was presided over by Sheikh Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Okene and other prominent religious leaders; the Deputy Chief Imam of Ebiraland – Alhaji Salihu Abere, Sheikh Ahmad Rufai Adavi-eba, and the Imam of Chatta’s Mosque Alhaji Ismaila Bello Onsachi, Sheikh Lukman Okene, Mallam Hassan Aliyu Asiri and many more.

Despite their political affiliation, just like Senator Muhammed Ohiare of APC, Alhaji Lateef Badams and Hon. Habeeb Sani Ikunaiye - a Chairmanship Aspirant under APC in Okene Local Government Area including other political giants were equally on ground to felicitate with the celebrant – Alhaji Yahaya Karaku.
Many illustrious sons and daughters of Ebiraland, representatives of Igbo and Yoruba Communities, different personalities from all walks of life were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion which lasted for a long period of hours.

The most interesting aspect of the occasion was captured during the presentation of short speech by some selected high profile personalities in attendance. It was all full of eulogy, commendations, appreciations and prayers from His Excellency Chief Patrick Adaba, Distinguished Senator Muhammed Ohiare, Hon. Speaker, KSHA, and the people’s choice-Honourable Ahmed Tijani Damisa down to the last speaker including the prominent clergymen.

While responding in his usual style, the lucky celebrant, Hon. Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar Jimoh Karaku aka OBAMA was visibly overwhelmed and he profusely expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the unquantifiable favour His has done for him. He thanked the entire audience for their love and care. He did not hesitate by taking the audience through the memory lane about his Political History: his unalloyed loyalty through diligent services to his political mentor and godfather, late Alhaji Abatemi Usman as well as late Alhaji Adamu Atta, Alhaji Kokori Abdul and very distinguished Senator A.T. Ahmed all of blessed memories. It’s a pity that time will not permit me to relay more on his speech but however those who were privileged to be in attendance will bear me witness that the occasion was entirely unprecedented.

THE BIG QUESTION

One may be taken aback on the ground that upon the impressive testimonies given by all and sundry at the occasion, some people could still tread on the shameful path of hypocrisy, campaign of calumny and fabrication of white ‘LIES’ against the celebrant.

The big question now is: when will those people from the ‘Republic of Liars’ living in Ebiraland change their mindsets and turn over a new leave? No wonder the Hon. Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly has in his speech propounded a funny THEORY that; “since the more the professional liars lied against Alhaji Yahaya Karaku the more he (Karaku) grows in popularity and acceptability through people’s compassion across Ebiraland and beyond, let the White Lies continue.” Perhaps if God Almighty says Alhaji Yahaya Karaku should be the next ASIWAJU of Ebira-Politics, can any one stop it?

In conclusion, I sincerely wish to appeal to all the aggrieved politicians in Ebiraland to kindly sheave their swords and allow peace not just to reign but to reign forever. Giving the Innocent Dog a bad name in order to hang it at all cost is not new in Ebiraland. Very prominent sons and daughters of Ebiraland have been victimized; late Chief George Uru Ohikere, Her Eminence late Inya Ozi-Were and His Eminence Alhaji Dr. Farouk Abdul-Azeez etc., were all innocent victims. 

It may be YAHAYA KARAKU today but no one knows their next victim. Let all our new crops of politicians particularly the Governor-elect take note.

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES!