RECALL EFFORTS GAIN MOMENTUM: SENATOR ABDULFATAI BUHARI FACES CONSTITUENTS’IRE BY
ISMAIL ADEWOYIN
BY ISMAIL ADEWOYIN PhD
Nigerian voters are taking significant strides in strengthening our emerging democracy. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, it’s unprecedented for three distinguished senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to simultaneously face recall efforts from their constituents.
In the 10TH National Assembly, the three senators involved are Senator Natarsha Akpoti-Uduagha from Kogi Central, Senator Neda Imasuen from Edo South, and Senator Abdulfatai Buhari from Oyo North.
Following his controversial and reckless statements on Radio Nigeria Asabari FM last month, which sowed division and eroded trust in his representation of the Oyo North senatorial zone, many of his close allies have been mobilized to attack anyone who criticizes their boss. It is outdated and unacceptable in modern democracy that a so-called distinguished senator—who has previously served as a PDP House of Representatives member, a Commissioner in the late Ajimobi administration, and a three-term senator, now seeking a fourth term—would surround himself with uncouth and unethical supporters whose only role is to attack anyone holding an opposing view.
Nowhere in Nigeria—certainly not in the Southeast—would a senator gather uninformed and half-sane individuals to harass those with differing opinions. A call for a senator’s recall is neither sinful, undemocratic, nor unconstitutional. It is a guaranteed right of the citizens, and no amount of insults or name-calling will deter the process that has already begun.
The total number of registered voters in Oyo North Senatorial District is known and the number of votes Senator Buhari received to win the last election is well known. The recall process, whether for a senator, a house representative, or a local government legislator, is enshrined in the rights of the people, and it cannot be derailed by disparaging remarks.
For the umpteenth time, I have raised concerns about the senator’s insensitive remarks, particularly his disrespect towards our traditional rulers in Okeogun and his use of a sponsored bill to foster division within the senatorial zone. To this day, he has neither apologized nor shown any remorse.
His divide-and-rule tactics, including his populist but capitalistic appearances in his hometown of Ogbomosho and other locations, are losing effectiveness. His frequent sponsorship of only Islamic pilgrims to holy lands in a bid to win favor is an outdated strategy. His attempt to present himself as a devout figure by wearing a rosary during visits to Okeogun is merely a gimmick to secure votes. His so-called affection for the Okeogun area is nothing but a deception.
Efforts are currently underway in all 13 local government areas of the Oyo North Senatorial District to collect over 50% of the required signatures from registered voters, as stipulated by INEC, to initiate the recall process.
Ismail Adewoyin PhD
Okeogun Activist
