By Mohammed Mohamed
*The truth must not be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation*
Whatever we do in life, whether in politics, business, public service or our everyday interactions, telling the truth is not only sacred but also a moral obligation. Truth remains the foundation of justice, integrity and responsible leadership.
The unfortunate incident that occurred in Lafia, Nasarawa State, during the visit of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, deserves unequivocal condemnation. Any act of hooliganism, disrespect for constituted authorities or disruption of an official engagement is unacceptable and must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens.
However, condemning an unfortunate incident is one thing; exploiting it to malign innocent individuals, settle political scores and damage the reputations of respected statesmen is another matter entirely.
It is therefore deeply disturbing that the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barrister Labaran Magaji, SAN, would issue an official press release attempting to associate two distinguished personalities, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, former Governor of Nasarawa State, and Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, former Inspector-General of Police, with the alleged misconduct of some youths without presenting credible evidence to substantiate such serious accusations.
Categorically, any attempt to associate Senator Al-Makura, former IGP Adamu or their supporters with the unfortunate incident or acts of lawlessness without credible evidence, is rejected and condemned
Al Makura’s Loyalty To President Tinubu Is Beyond Question
In Nasarawa State, and indeed across the North-Central geopolitical zone, few political leaders can match the longstanding commitment, loyalty and contributions of Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura to the political aspirations and success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
For decades, Senator Al-Makura has remained a steadfast political ally of President Tinubu, supporting his political journey long before some of today’s political actors found it convenient to identify with his leadership.
President Tinubu has, on several occasions, publicly acknowledged and appreciated Senator Al-Makura’s loyalty and political contributions.
Al-Makura’s commitment to the success of the Tinubu administration and the President’s re-election in 2027 remains firm and unwavering.
The pertinent question, therefore, is: Where were those who are today desperately attempting to discredit Al-Makura when he was standing firmly with President Tinubu through the years?
Political loyalty is demonstrated through consistency, sacrifice and commitment, not through opportunistic declarations or attempts to destroy the reputations of longstanding political allies.
Both Senator Al-Makura and former IGP Adamu are respected statesmen who understand the responsibilities of leadership, the beauty of democracy and the importance of respecting constituted authorities.
It is therefore irresponsible to casually associate them or their supporters with acts of misconduct merely because of political disagreements.
Popularity Cannot Be Imposed By Government Proclamation
There is another fundamental political reality that those in positions of authority must understand: political popularity cannot be manufactured through government directives, intimidation or the imposition of candidates.
When a candidate is perceived by sections of the electorate as having been imposed on them, the people cannot be compelled to embrace that candidate.
Democracy guarantees citizens the right to support candidates of their choice, express political preferences and withhold support from those they consider unsuitable.
A popular candidate is popular because the people willingly identify with that candidate. An unpopular candidate cannot become popular simply because powerful individuals demand public acceptance.
However, legitimate political disagreement must always be expressed peacefully and within the law.
Rather than blaming respected political figures for every manifestation of public dissatisfaction, political leaders should examine the underlying causes of discontent and address them through consultation, fairness and democratic engagement.
Labaran Magaji Must Retract His Accusations
The allegations contained in the press release issued by Barrister Labaran Magaji, SAN, is senseless, reckless, irresponsible and unbecoming of the high office of Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State.
An official government statement should be guided by facts, restraint and institutional responsibility, not political suspicion or personal prejudice.
If the Secretary to the Government possesses credible evidence linking supporters of Senator Al-Makura or former IGP Adamu to the incident, he should present such evidence to the appropriate investigative authorities.
Otherwise, he has no justification for using the authority of his office to publicly associate these distinguished personalities with alleged criminal conduct.
An immediate and unequivocal retraction of the allegations against Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and former IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, is demanded, together with a public clarification correcting the damaging impression created by the statement.
Failure to retract these unsubstantiated allegations may leave the affected individuals with no option but to consider appropriate legal action to protect their reputations and seek redress under the law.
The office of the Secretary to the Government must never become an instrument for political vendetta or the persecution of perceived opponents.
The Truth Must Prevail
The unfortunate events in Lafia must be condemned in strong terms, and we support a thorough, impartial and credible investigation to identify those genuinely responsible.
Those found culpable should face the consequences of their actions in accordance with the law, regardless of their political affiliations.
However, investigation must not be replaced by speculation, and political differences must not become grounds for criminal accusations.
The people of Nasarawa State, and indeed Nigerians, are capable of distinguishing genuine political loyalty from political opportunism, just as they can distinguish popular political leadership from imposed political arrangements.
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and former IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu should not be made scapegoats for political disagreements or the actions of individuals whose identities and motivations have yet to be established.
Political differences must never justify false accusations. Political ambition must never override fairness. Above all, the truth must never be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation.
The truth remains sacred, and ultimately, the truth will prevail.
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and former IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu must be unequivocally dissociated from the allegations contained in Barrister Labaran Magaji’s reckless and unsubstantiated press release. Neither political rivalry nor personal ambition should be allowed to undermine their reputations without credible evidence.
Mohammed writes from Lafia, Nasarawa state mmoha@oal.com
