By Tgnews
Community leaders in Doguwa Local Government Area (LGA) have urged Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, the member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, to emulate the inclusive leadership style of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who is known for fostering unity across ethnic and religious lines.
The call comes amid allegations of ethno-religious bias following Doguwa’s response to a devastating rainfall that wreaked havoc in two communities under his constituency.
A heavy downpour recently caused significant destruction in Rafindadi and Bahawa, two communities less than a mile apart in Doguwa LGA.
Rafindadi, a predominantly Christian community, bore the brunt of the disaster, with approximately 40 houses and a church severely damaged. In contrast, Bahawa, a Muslim-majority community, also suffered losses but to a lesser extent.
40 houses and a church severely damaged. In contrast, Bahawa, a Muslim-majority community, also suffered losses but to a lesser extent
According to local reports, Hon. Doguwa visited Bahawa and donated a substantial sum of N6,000,000 to support affected residents. However, his response to Rafindadi has sparked outrage, as he allegedly donated only N500,000 to the Christian community, despite its greater losses.
Community leaders and residents of Rafindadi, particularly from the Akurmi ethnic group, which constitutes about 20% of Doguwa LGA’s population, have expressed deep displeasure, perceiving the disparity in aid as evidence of ethnic and religious bias.
“This is not just about the money; it’s about fairness and respect for all people, regardless of faith or ethnicity,” said a community leader from Rafindadi, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisals.
This is not just about the money; it’s about fairness and respect for all people, regardless of faith or ethnicity
“Governor Uba Sani has shown that leadership should unite, not divide. We expect the same from our representative.”
The Akurmi community has long voiced concerns about marginalization and persecution based on their Christian faith and ethnic identity. The recent incident has further fueled these grievances, with many feeling neglected by their elected representative.
Governor Uba Sani has shown that leadership should unite, not divide. We expect the same from our representative
“Rafindadi is less than a mile from Bahawa, yet it seems we are invisible to Hon. Doguwa,” another resident lamented. “Our homes and our church were destroyed, but our cries for help have been met with indifference.”
The stark contrast in aid allocation has raised questions about Doguwa’s commitment to equitable representation. Critics argue that the significant difference in donations—N6 million for Bahawa versus N500,000 for Rafindadi—reflects a pattern of favoritism that exacerbates existing tensions in the constituency.
The Akurmi community is now appealing to government agencies, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals to come to their aid and address the urgent needs in Rafindadi.
We are calling on all concerned authorities and organizations to support these vulnerable communities
“We are calling on all concerned authorities and organizations to support these vulnerable communities,” said a spokesperson for the Akurmi community. “The people of Rafindadi deserve equal attention and assistance to rebuild their lives after this disaster.”
This incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of Hon. Doguwa, who has previously faced allegations of political misconduct, including a 2023 arrest related to election violence in Tudun Wada LGA, though he was later granted bail. The controversy surrounding his recent actions risks further straining relations with minority groups in his constituency.
As the affected communities await assistance, the call for unity and fairness grows louder. Community leaders hope that Hon. Doguwa will take immediate steps to address these concerns and demonstrate a commitment to serving all constituents equally, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
