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‘Our elected leaders are threat to peace, democracy’

By Emmanuel Ande, Yola 
04 April 2017   |   3:54 am
Catholic Bishop of Yola diocese, His Lordship, Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, has criticised elected political office holders representing his area of the state, accusing them of becoming liabilities rather than agents of positive change.

Stephen Dami Mamza. PHOTO: Bedrängte Christen

Constituents bid for recall of Senator Binta, Kamale and others
Catholic Bishop of Yola diocese, His Lordship, Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, has criticised elected political office holders representing his area of the state, accusing them of becoming liabilities rather than agents of positive change.

In particular, he claimed that the public office holders from his place, Michika local government of Adamawa State have not only become a threat to peace and harmony, but also have constituted themselves into a huge liability to the growth of democracy in the country.

The Bishop who spoke at the weekend in Michika during the launch of a book tittled: “Kwame People of Northern Nigeria” authored by Mr. IIiya Yame Kwache, expressed concern over what he described as senseless misuse of powers by imposing individuals on electorate as their leaders.

Mamza who has been providing food and drugs for Michika and Madagali local governments areas of the state, and also housed over eighty thousand Internally Displaced persons (IDPS) in Yola since 2013, lamented the alleged lukewarm attitude of the office holders.

Also speaking at the occasion a former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Jos, General Musa Dzarwa, (rtd.) called for the immediate recall of Senator Binta Masi, (Adamawa North); a House of Representatives member, Mr. Adamu Kamale and all other elected politicians from Michika local government area due to what he termed “unfocused, visionless and mindless representation” of the affected persons.

The Bishop argued that the country’s elected political office holders are fast working against peace and democracy in the country by promoting their selfish interest at the detriment of peace and democracy.

“You cannot say you are working for peace and harmony in your state or community when you announce people that did not win elections as winners, you are working for crisis, such elected leaders are agents of crisis and not peace. If our votes did not count now because we voted you and you will use our vote against us, don’t forget that there is another day,” he maintained.

Mamza who cautioned those that are seeking political powers desperately against the wrath of God, urged them to reject any election results announced in Government House instead of the venue of the election in the interest of peace in their immediate community.

“Some high political leaders can set you up against your people by imposing you on them, but the question is for how long will they be in that office to defend you; but your people are there forever, so it is left for you to choose life political damage for your political career or go with your people that can stand for you forever,” he stated.

Dzarwa, who urged the electorate in northern zone of the state to mobilize to recall Senator Binta and other elected members from Michika, pointed out that their inactions have caused both political and economic damages to the area.

He enjoined voters not to make such political errors again; of voting people that care only for their children and see electorate as means of achieving their selfish interests.

“The senator of this zone is from Michika, and the member, House of Representatives is also from Michika; but see the damaged bridge near Bazza town in Michika nobody is talking about it, either in the Senate or House of Representatives chambers. They are busy with uniform issue when they have more serious matters affecting their people at home,” he maintained.

The retired military officer pointed out that if the elected members are recalled it would serve as a lesson to those that will replace them.

However, Kamale who represents Michika/Madagali federal constituency explained that he was yet to get the details why the agitation for their recall, adding that he would respond appropriately when properly informed.

“I was at the occasion that Dzarwa spoke in the morning, but for some reasons I left in the morning before the ceremony started; I don’t want to rush to react to his position, I am hearing it from you for the first time, but when I get more information I will also state my position,” he stated.

Nonetheless, he contended that as a statesman, Dzarwa has the right to air his opinion on any issue, but stressed that such view does not completely represent the general opinions of the public.

“I was with Genaral Dzarwa few days ago, but he never mentioned to me where I derailed or advised me on what to do; but if he chooses to address me in public without first cautioning me privately, it is okay. I will also reply on the issues he raised; I want to Know his reasons before I do that,” he stated.

All attempts to get Senator Binta proved abortive as her telephone numbers were ringing switched off.

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