By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 23, 2019 (NAN) The Forum of Tangale-Waja Indigenes in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja has tasked its members newly inaugurated into the ninth National Assembly to promote unity and development.
The forum made the call at a reception organised in honour of Sen. Bulus Amos, Rep. Simon Karu and Rep. Victor Danzaria, all from Gombe South Senatorial Didtrict, which was held in Abuja.
While Amos is representing Gombe South Senatorial District, Karu is representing Kaltungo Shomgom Federal Constituency and Danzaria, Balanga Billiri Federal Constituency respectively.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Manasseh Jatau, in his address said it would be profitable for the lawmakers to listen to those who approach them for advice and assistance.
“If people come to you, give them what they want, and if you don’t have it all, give them part of it; but if you don’t have at all, explain to them. Do not drive them away by tricks.
“Also, never make a promise that you will not be able to redeem or never send a representative to an event and make a promise you cannot fulfill. It can destroy your credibility,’’ Jatua said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jatau was represented at the event by Mr Sagy Sule.
However, Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Sai’idu Mohammed said it was regrettable that those who represented the zone during the 8th and before then in the National Assembly did not do enough for their people.
According to him, the zone still suffers lack of infrastructure and impoverishment.
“with this 9th Assembly, we want a complete change so that the lawmakers we elected will work for us in their various constituencies.
“We want our representatives to unit our people and facilitate peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic groups in the zone.
“We don’t want them to be absent or be sleeping in the house when serious matters of national importance are being discussed. They should avoid pursuing personal interest at the expense of their people.
“I don’t want us to suffer again what we suffered to get you through into the National Assembly. Don’t always sit in your offices, go out to lobby for the state to gain dividend of democracy.
“If you fail us, we will not re-elect you again in 2023,’’ Mohammed stressed.
Also speaking, Mr Ladan Babakodong, Chairman Organising Committee of event said the aim of the event was to welcome the legislators representing Gombe South to Abuja; and to have conversation with their people.
Babakodong stressed that there was need for Tangale-Waje people to have a unique identity.
“However, it is not too much to demand from you to intervene in the areas of education, economy development, youths and effective representation.’’
Mr Ahaziah Suleiman, Executive Director News, Voice of Nigeria (VON) in his goodwill message tasked the legislators to always seek for counsel to excel in their duties.
“Always consult them and know what they need and not what you think they want when considering your constituency projects.
“You know what awaits you when you come and hide yourselves in Abuja and think that your people will not reach you only to wait for the next election before showing yourselves to them.
“You will be shocked with what will happen in 2023, God forbid; whenever you are in doubt please always consult your predecessors in the National Assembly from Tangale-Waja for guidance.
“Be courageous, work for the unity of our people no matter what it will cost you. We have suffered neglect in the past. You are our arrow heads, unite and bring us together for the betterment of Tangale-Waja.
“And to our people, let us stop over expectations from our representatives. Unnecessary demands and selfish request should be avoided. Let us come to them with requests and advice that will help our people,’’ Suleiman said.
He queried why Tangale-Waja could not produce governor or minister, adding that they have the qualification and what it takes.
“I challenge our elders and elites to remove religious politics, unite our people; let us have respectable voices from Tangale-Waja speak for us in unity.
“The time has come for us to close ranks and support one candidate no matter his or her religion or tribe to either become minister or governor in the future,’’ Suleiman said.
Responding, Sen. Amos appreciated the speakers and pledged to engage royal fathers, women and youths to move the zone forward.
He promised to work and ensure that peace reigns in the zone for all-round development.
“I urge us to come together and work as a team; it is not going to be easy but we will be fair to every community in the zone.
“I and the two members of the Federal House of Representatives from the zone will work together; I am a good listener and will listen to all.
“We will try as much as possible to do the best we can; we will also want you to pray for us to succeed in our duties,’’ he said.
Danzaria in his response also pledged that as a member in the Federal House of Representatives, he would work for the entire Gombe South, and not only for Balanga Billiri Constituency.
“I have no reason not to work with Amos and Karu. We are talking about next level which is forgetting the past and providing for the people, both women and youths.
“With our input in the two houses, we will bring infrastructure development to Gombe South; we will refuse to sleep until we give the best to Gombe South.
“It is time for a change, there is going to be peace and unity in the zone; we cannot shy away from our challenges, we need to talk about it and move forward.
“I am going to do my best. We have tested hardship, but we are not selfish; tell us what you want because we are representing you,’’ Danzaria said.
Similarly, Karu in his own response said that he would ensure adequate representation in the National Assembly and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“I look forward to seeing that this forum continues and not end as reception after election.
“I will set aside time in the constituency at least three times in a year to get feedbacks from the people. We need your support to succeed.
“We have Muslims and Christians in one family and we also have other minorities, but be rest assure that we will represent everyone from the zone,’’ Karu said. (NAN)
CMY/JTJ
Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede