Prominent leaders of different public interest groups under the Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria, ELFON has cautioned Professor Udenta Udenta over what they described as clueless and baseless statements on former Reps Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.
The press statement read by the leader of ELFON during the press briefing in Abuja today, Friday goes thus:
Press Release:
16th August, 2024
Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON) Condemns the Baseless Attacks on Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara by Prof. Udenta Udenta
The Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON) wishes to draw the public’s attention to the recent and unwarranted outburst by Prof. Udenta Udenta against the former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara. We find this attack not only unnecessary but also a classic case of misplaced priorities akin to the proverbial attempt to remove a speck from another’s eye while ignoring the log in one’s own.
First and foremost, Prof. Udenta is not a native of Bauchi State. His unwarranted intrusion into the state’s affairs ostensibly to curry favour with the governor in hopes of securing an imaginary appointment and dream contract is both inappropriate and disheartening. It is baffling to witness such insensitivity as he critiques a call made by a respected political elder statesman urging his governor, Gov. Bala Mohammed, to deliver on the promises of governance rather than engaging in frivolities.
At a time when our nation is grappling with widespread hunger, poverty, inflation and insecurity, it is alarming to see a governor prioritizing the construction of personal mansions over the dire needs of his state. Bauchi State currently holds the unfortunate distinction of having one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the country. This is a glaring indictment of the governor’s stewardship and it is the right and duty of any concerned citizen, especially a leader of Dogara’s stature to speak out.
If Bala Mohammed is serious about his skimmings to become Nigeria’s vice president under Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2027, he should first sell himself right in Bauchi state by ensuring that the true dividends of democracy gets to his people of Bauch state as the sorry state of Gyamas Primary school, Bununu and the one in Bagel, all in Dass Local Government Area of Bauch state are examples of the sorry state of education in Bauchi state under Bala Mohammed’s leadership.
We challenge Prof. Udenta to take a tour of Bauchi State and witness firsthand the deplorable condition of the schools. Many children are forced to sit on stones to study under leaking roofs, a sad reflection of the neglect they endure. In light of this, Prof. Udenta, who has no political or personal ties to Bauchi, has no moral or factual basis to criticize a leader who has distinguished himself through exemplary public service.
The adage “charity begins at home” rings true here. Before aspiring to lead a nation or criticizing her president, one must first demonstrate the ability to govern effectively at the state level. Those who live in glass houses should refrain from throwing stones.
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has an undeniable track record of service to his people. His leadership during his tenure as Speaker and as a member of the Federal House of Representatives brought tangible benefits to his constituents, a fact that even the blind can attest to. Therefore, he is well within his rights to hold his state governor accountable when he strays from his commitments to the people.
It is unfortunate that a scholar of Prof. Udenta’s standing would lower himself to act as a mouthpiece for the governor who has glaringly served disappointedly so far, whether out of desperation for political relevance or financial gain. This is a clear case of misplaced priorities. Has Udenta addressed the insecurity and poor governance plaguing his own state and region? If not, he should refrain from meddling in Bauchi state affairs.
The Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON) unequivocally condemns the baseless and unjustified criticism, an immediate public retraction and a sincere apology from Prof. Udenta will be ideal.
Signed,
Amb. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, President, Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON)
Comr. Halimatu Idris, National Secretary, Arewa Youth Federation
Rt.Hon. Ayomikun Adeshina, Speaker, Nigeria Students Parliament
Comr. Bob Tamunosisi, Chairman, Niger Delta Youth Front
Comr. Igwe Chigozie Uwaoma, Vice President, Ndigbo Youth Congress Worldwide.
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