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TAKE A HARD LOOK IN THE MIRROR, rejoinder to Babachir David Lawal

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TAKE A HARD LOOK IN THE MIRROR, rejoinder to Babachir David Lawal

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By
Umar Duhu
I find it deeply troubling that Babachir David Lawal aka BD Lawal, being former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and who is supposed to assume a role of public figure and representative of the people would resort to divisive rhetoric and perpetuate bigotry. The very essence of his standing is to serve the best interests of the public, and it is imperative that he does so with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to fostering unity and tact.

His choice to use of bigotry, in any form, has indeed no place in our contemporary society. It only serves to sow discord and deepen divisions, which is the antithesis of what a responsible politician should be working towards, if at all he is one.

I implore BD Lawal to take a hard look in the mirror and reflect on his actions, because he lacked the moral compass to throw shades at the President or Vice President. He takes solace in propagating divisive antics, whereas, the best expected of him is to work through and bring all shades together as children of Adama and it is only then, can we hope to build a harmonious society for all of us to live in. Though every individual is entitled to their beliefs and perspectives, his unwavering defensiveness and opposition to meaningful discourse have left a significant void in his pursuit of progress. It is indeed disheartening to witness BD Lawal’s continuous resistance to constructive, meaningful and peaceful dialogue in the political arena.

It is crucial for our society to foster an environment where different opinions can come together to find common ground, leading to policies that benefit the greater good. Your persistent obstruction of this vital process is not only detrimental for our constituents but also raises questions about your commitment to the very principles of democracy upon which our nation is built.

Mr. BD Lawal, I invite you to do an introspection and take a hard look of yourself in the mirror.

Firstly, every founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) knows BD Lawal couldn’t have become the National Vice Chairman (North East) of the APC in 2014 without the firm commitment and support of the Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima GCON, while held sway as the Executive Governor of Borno State. It is not in doubt that, you contested that election with Umar Duhu and he defeated you out rightly at the APC National Convention 2014. But, for some political extigencies, he was persuaded and prevailed upon to allow you fly.
Secondly, BD Lawal knew he couldn’t have become the Secretary to the Government of the Federation without unpretentiousness and generousness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. In the APC, pre 2015 general election permutations, the nomination for the positions of Vice President, Senate President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) were solely the responsibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who was then, the leader of the merging political parties.

Mr. BD Lawal, have you forgotten that, you only garnered Six (6) Votes for the APC in his poling unit in Kwambula, Banshika Ward. Yet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prevailed on the then President Buhari to appoint you as the SGF after knowing fully, you are a Christian. But, here you are, openly maligning the Person of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? How many Churches or Christian Communities has he genuinely supported when he held sway as the SGF. Does it mean, he is inconsiderate and his sketchy statements posit his ways of paying back for all the favoritism by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON?

The cogent grass-cutting saga and several other incongruity under his watch, before he was booted out of office still suffices. But, I know both Mr. President and the Vice President will not be mean and excessive to look in that direction.

Power and wealth are both given by God The Almighty. If BD Lawal is truly a Pastor, he should know this and ought to be guided. I am therefore disappointed in his shallow imaginary believe that, one Peter Gregory Obi won the 2023 Presidential election, not the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. I hold that, BD Lawal should revert to Theology once more, maybe he will come to terms with the realities of human existence on earth.

It is my hope that BD Lawal will reconsider his stance which in my opinion is laced with vile prejudice. Vulgarism is no longer fashionable to merit patronage. Rather, I urge him to repent and rejoin the APC in the spirit of cooperation, working towards solutions that can truly make positive impact on the lives of our people. The time for divisive rhetoric and hateful views should not have place in our society and must end, while unity and constructive dialogue shall prevail. And be guided too, those who live in glass houses don’t throw stones.

Umar Dauda Duhu
The Pioneer National Vice Chairman, North East, APC
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