By Okwe Obi, Abuja
The resignation of Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as Special Adviser on Politics to Vice President Kashim Shettima has sparked widespread criticism. Baba-Ahmed, once the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) spokesperson and brother to Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, stepped down about two weeks ago.
However, the Kaduna Solidarity Vanguard called his exit a selfish move, not a principled stand. Chairman Lawal Tanimu, in a statement yesterday, suggested Baba-Ahmed left after realising Vice President Shettima’s reduced influence in today’s political scene.
“Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s recent political manoeuvring raises significant concerns regarding the gullibility of the northern populace,” Tanimu said.
“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.”
He argued that Baba-Ahmed’s shift was a bid to sway public opinion. “This opportunistic shift, perceived as an attempt to manipulate public sentiment, undermines the integrity of political engagement,” Tanimu added.
“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.”
Tanimu claimed Baba-Ahmed’s time in office lacked substance. “Dr Baba-Ahmed’s tenure in office has been characterised by a series of antics that have now been thoroughly exposed,” he said.
“His resignation is not a principled stand or an act of integrity; rather, it is a calculated move by an individual who has consistently prioritised personal gain over the interests of the people he claims to represent.”
The group pointed to financial motives. “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,” Tanimu noted. He linked the exit to Shettima’s limited role.
“It is important to highlight that Dr Baba-Ahmed’s departure comes on the heels of a realisation that the Vice President himself has been sidelined in the current political landscape. With a budget allocation of only Naira 36 billion to the office, it became clear that the environment was not conducive for his aspirations.”
Tanimu questioned Baba-Ahmed’s next steps. “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?”
The Vanguard urged caution. “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,” Tanimu said. “His brand of politics, which thrives on manipulation and self-interest, has no place in the North.”
They stressed the need for honest leadership. “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,” he added.
“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.”