By: Sarki Mohammad Azare
In the heart of Bauchi State, the Katagum constituency rich in history, resilience, and civic pride finds itself grappling with a troubling reality: a representative in the National Assembly whose actions have veered dangerously away from the principles of public service.
Loading ...What was once a beacon of hope for legislative progress has become a cautionary tale of self-inflicted political injury, driven by unchecked ambition and a glaring disconnect from the people.
The role of a National Assembly member is clear: to serve, represent, and advocate for the people. Yet, the current occupant of this office from Bauchi North seems to have misconstrued this mandate.
His tenure has been marked not by legislative triumphs or community engagement, but by a relentless pursuit of personal gratification wealth accumulation, power consolidation, and image enhancement.
This narcissistic drift has eroded the very foundation of democratic representation. The principles of meritocracy, fairness, and accountability have been sidelined, replaced by a self-serving agenda that undermines public trust and confidence. The people of Katagum, once hopeful, now watch with dismay as their voices are drowned out by the echo of a leader’s self-promotion.
The consequences of this leadership failure are tangible. Promises made during campaigns remain unfulfilled. Constituency visits essential for understanding local challenges are rare or nonexistent. Legislative advocacy for Katagum’s pressing needs has been minimal, leaving the community without the dividends of democracy.
Pundits had long warned that this tenure would expose a troubling pattern: a representative more invested in personal elevation than in public service. That prediction has sadly materialized. Opportunities for development have slipped away, and the community’s aspirations have been sidelined in favor of political theatrics and hollow gestures.
A National Assembly member is expected to:
– Engage regularly with constituents.
– Sponsor and support bills that reflect community needs.
– Vote on legislation that promotes local development.
– Provide transparent updates on performance.
– Secure funding for impactful projects.
Yet, these duties have been largely ignored. The absence of meaningful engagement has diminished the senator’s ability to advocate effectively. The disconnect between leadership and the people has grown wider, leaving Katagum adrift in a sea of unmet expectations.
However, Ambition, when rooted in service, can be a powerful force for change. But when it morphs into entitlement, it becomes corrosive. The senator’s quest for power has lost its moral compass, drifting far from the ideals of humility, integrity, and accountability.
Leadership is not a privilege for self-aggrandizement it is a responsibility to uplift others. The community’s suffering, the unmet services, and the silenced voices are all testaments to a leadership that has failed to rise to the occasion.
Across Nigeria, other senators have distinguished themselves through tireless advocacy and tangible development. They have earned the respect and gratitude of their constituents by prioritizing public good over personal gain. In contrast, Bauchi North’s representative remains fixated on self-promotion, leaving a legacy of disappointment.
To repair the damage, a fundamental shift is required. The senator must:
– Reconnect with the community.
– Embrace humility and transparency.
– Prioritize legislative advocacy for Katagum.
– Restore trust through consistent engagement and accountability.
Only by realigning with the values of service can faith in leadership be restored. The people of Katagum deserve a representative who champions their causes, not one who exploits their mandate.
Katagum’s citizens are not passive observers. They are vigilant, cataloging every action and inaction. Their restraint is not submission it is a strategic pause. The community’s patience is rooted in respect for democratic institutions, but it is not infinite. The next electoral cycle may well be a reckoning.
The senator’s self-inflicted wounds are not just political they are moral and communal. They reflect a betrayal of trust and a failure of duty. But redemption is possible, if the path of service is chosen over self-interest. Katagum waits, watches, and hopesfor a leader who will finally rise to the occasion like Hon Usman Saleh Randy the Executive Chairman Of Giade LGA.
