From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Condemnation has trailed the resignation of Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, as Special Adviser on Politics to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Baba-Ahmed, a former Spokesperson of Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and brother to Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), resigned about two weeks ago.
Noting that Baba Ahmed did not resign on grounds of principle, Kaduna Solidarity Vanguard said it was compelled by a calculated move by someone the group claimed prioritized personal gain over the interests of Northerners, which he claimed to represent.
Its Chairman, Lawal Tanimu, in a statement yesterday, claimed that Baba-Ahmed’s departure was on the heels of a realization that the Vice President himself had been sidelined in the current political landscape.
He said: “Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s recent political maneuvering raises significant concerns regarding the gullibility of the northern populace. His decision to align with the government post-elections, despite a history of neglecting the region’s challenges, including critical tax reforms, suggests a troubling disregard for the electorate’s discernment.
“This opportunistic shift, perceived as an attempt to manipulate public sentiment, undermines the integrity of political engagement.
“The northern people, having endured substantial hardships, deserve leaders who genuinely advocate for their interests rather than those who seek to exploit their trust for personal gain. Such deception will inevitably be met with resistance.
“Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s tenure in office has been characterized by a series of antics that have now been thoroughly exposed. His resignation is not a principled stand or an act of integrity; rather, it is a calculated move by an individual who has consistently prioritized personal gain over the interests of the people he claims to represent.
“It is evident that his initial acceptance of the appointment was driven by the allure of financial rewards, rather than a genuine commitment to serving the Nigerian populace.
“It is important to highlight that Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s departure comes on the heels of a realization that the Vice President himself has been sidelined in the current political landscape.
“With a budget allocation of only N36 billion to the office, it became clear that the environment was not conducive for his aspirations.
“Faced with these constraints, Dr. Baba-Ahmed chose to abandon his post, opting instead to return to the public sphere as an activist.
“We must question his motives: is he truly committed to the cause of the people, or is he merely seeking to continue his pattern of deception among the gullible segments of our population?
“We, at the Kaduna Solidarity Vanguard, call upon our fellow Northerners to remain vigilant against the tide of fake and deceptive activism that figures like Dr. Baba-Ahmed represent.
“His brand of politics, which thrives on manipulation and self-interest, has no place in the North. We must reject the notion that individuals who have shown a willingness to exploit their positions for personal gain can be trusted to advocate for our communities.
“As we navigate the complexities of our political landscape, let us remember that true activism is rooted in authenticity and a profound commitment to the welfare of the people.
“We must hold our leaders accountable and ensure that those who seek to represent us do so with integrity and a genuine desire to uplift our communities.
“We urge all Northerners to be discerning in their support of public figures. Let us not be swayed by the hollow rhetoric of individuals like Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who have demonstrated that their allegiance lies not with the people, but with their own ambitions.
“Together, we can foster a political environment that values transparency, accountability, and genuine service to the people of the North.”