BALA IBN NA’ALLAH, IDRIS AHMED AND
ABUBAKAR MELI:
Grinding the Axe
by
U. S. Machika
IRI BIKO
DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, (IRIBID) is a non-governmental, non-partisan and
non-profitable organization that seeks to transform its immediate communities
by implementing sustainable programmes to inspire citizens, to identify and tap from their God
given potentials to drive a new era of development, growth, and productivity.
IRIBID Foundation focuses in the areas of agriculture, culture, health,
education, talent identification and potential actualization, leadership and
governance, youth development, human rights, children and women empowerment in
order to achieve its set objectives. IRIBID Foundation’s mission is to promote investment in self by
inspiring lifelong learning to strengthen our communities for future
generations. While the vision is to implement sustainable programmes that will
transform communities, it inspires citizens to identify and tap from their God
given potentials to drive a new era of development, growth, and productivity. IRIBID,
domiciled in the rural community of Ribah is established and registered with
the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with the sole aim of serving the
immediate communities.
Of
recent, IRIBID have been following the arraignment of Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah,
representing Kebbi South senatorial zone before the court of public opinion,
particularly the facebook followers. A lot of undemocratic, dirty politicking
and axe grinding is going on and the gullible innocent masses are feed
half-truths, untruth, under-informed,
misinformed - blatant
lies through a lot of makeshift bizarre stories that are and simply deceitful.
Should it be strictly directed at Senator Na’Allah, the IRIBID would not have
bothered to respond. Because that should have been strictly the job of
Na’Allah’s aids. Unfortunately, some of our people in the community are being
harassed and intimidated in regards to recalling the Senator. The Foundation
has been getting calls to that effect. Thus, the Foundation cannot continue to fold
its arms to watch this axe-grinding debacle. It is important to correct the
misinformation so that the unsuspecting public would not be misled. This piece
is intended to address those savouring their self-proclaimed worth in
distorting and destroying history and trading on lies just to gain cheap
popularity or curry one favour or the other from certain quarters or simply to
settle scores!
We
have watched how blazing headlines dotting the facebook is gradually turning
into an issue of axe grinding. Kebbi South representative at the Nigerian upper
chambers, Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah is taken to task by Dr. Idris Ahmed and
Abubakar Meli.
These
are some of the headlines:
REVEALED! -
SENATOR BALA IBN NA'ALLAH ORDERS THE UNLAWFUL ARREST OF
LOCAL ANTI-CORRUPTION
ACTIVIST!
BREAKING NEWS! -
SENATOR BALA IBN NA ALLAH MAKES A U-TURN AND
DENIES ORDERING THE ARREST OF
ANTI-CORRUPTION ACTIVIST ABUBAKAR
MELI!
EXPOSED! -
SENATOR BALA IBN NA'ALLAH WAS A DRUGS TRAFFICKER!
SENATOR BALA IBN
NA'ALLA'S REPUTATION IS IN TATTERS!
HOT NEWS! - THE
SENATE DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER "FIGHTS BACK".
THE 50 SENATORS
OF SHAME!
It
all started when Dr. Idris reported on his facebook page on
Saturday 19/9/2015 that Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah led 49 other Senator in a
secret meeting purportedly accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of complicity in
the lawful trial of Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal as a
solidarity for the Senate President. Idris authoritatively posited that the
group promised to deal decisively with the “Buhari Cabal”, which is accused by
the Senators of masterminding the Saraki trial. By Wednesday 23/9/2015, Senator
Bala Ibn Na'Allah responded on facebook threatening Dr. Idris. That sent Dr.
Idris into a frenzy, which provided seemingly a long awaited opportunity by
some brothers in Kebbi South to feed in some damaging information to Dr. Idris
regarding Senator Ibn Na’allah. It culminated in the arrest of Abubakar Meli
with all fingers pointing to Ibn Na’allah, although he was said to have denied.
That is the story.
There
is no iota of doubt, there was abuse of power, human rights violation and self
arrogated righteousness and arrogance; all in the name of grinding the axe.
While the whole episode might have started with good intention of reportage,
albeit unbalance reporting, many are now dragged into the web having long time
political axe to grind with Ibn Na’allah whom the fate of Buharism and the wind
of change had favoured. I intend to place square pegs in their square hole and
the round pegs in the round holes. This I will do in my normal character
without pulling a punch. I will place all the three principle actors in my
magnificent glass and hold a mirror for them and the public to see their true
images. Just like Patrick Wilmot’s timeless quote, all I am trying to do “is to
hold-up a mirror so that you can see your own reflection. If you do not like
what you see, breaking it will not change anything; neither will cutting my arm
off; killing me will change even less. The truth of man cannot be dissolved in
his blood,” Patrick Wilmot.
I will start
with the Distinguished Senator.
Distinguished
Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah, (the Deputy Majority Leader)
Dr.
Idris’ piece titled ‘WHO IS SENATOR BALA IBN NA'ALLAH?’ of 20th
September 2015 was an ordinary critic piece. Ibn Na’allah featured in the piece
for the fact that he chaired the meeting. Other than that, it had no personal
sting to Na’allah, different from other attendees of the meeting. Somehow, the
Senator took it too personal, which was indeed wrong. As the leader of that
meeting, he should have expected more punching and bashings. But the Senator
did not take it kindly. He got angry to the point of placing a rejoinder
himself instead of his principal aids. It was unbelievable. The sword of a
king, (often concealed from the public), should remain sheathed until he is the
last man standing. As a Distinguished Senator, as all leaders the world over,
Ibn Na’allah is surrounded by a cabal. We expected one of his henchmen, “the
Cabal surrounding him” to have done such a dirty job on his behalf. It was
appalling that none of them could stitch a good enough respond on his behalf.
Na’Allah had to do it himself. Unfortunately, it opened his flanks and exposed
him to more severe criticism and indeed the danger of being recalled from his
national assignment. Indeed, his response is more damaging to his reputation
than Dr. Idris’ initial write-up. Let me illustrate:
1.
I saw Dr Idris abused Shaikh Gumi Jnr
and Father Kukah and I assure you he would not get away with me – Bala Na’Allah
Ibn
Na’Allah’s reference to Dr idris abusing Sheikh Gumi and Father Kukah indicated
a preconceived position. It must have beclouded Na’Allah’s thoughts and
approach to the simple news criticism of an individual facebook critic. The
statement implied that Ibn Na’Allah was just waiting for an opportunity to
strike at Dr. Idris. For the avoidance of doubt, both clerics have built their
shock absorbers and defence fortresses to the zenith. They do not only expect
jabs, their built-in armour against critics is based on the fact that no
Prophet was spared. And they would never take to the bones Dr. Idris or anybody
for that matter’s criticism especially on mundane issues. By their calling,
they take unpopular, albeit controversial stands daily on worldly issues. Ibn
Na’Allah should have known this and should have not bothered to fight for the
great men whose daily practice, pronouncements, proclamations and preaching is
a worldly mirror, which attracts disdain, discomfort, criticism, and abuse
either in public or in private. Indeed, it is not Ibn Na’Allah’s place or any
other person for that matter to fight for or on behalf of Sheikh Gumi and
Father Kukah. By not talking, the Clerics have spoken volume and they can never
be deterred by the sword, let alone by mere words. The critics of such men only
try to steal a little shine of them. There is no iota of doubt that defending
them in whatever form is nothing but folly. It only implied that Na’Allah has
an axe to grind with Dr. Idris, but was just waiting for a loophole.
2.
The choice of being a rascal is not the
exclusivity of one individual.- Bala
Na’Allah
This
is what infuriated me the more. I considered it as a collective insult to the
intelligence of the people of Kebbi South who voted for Ibn Na’Allah. What was
he thinking? What was he insinuating? Did he consider himself a rascal or A
potential rascal? Or an intending one?
That the Kebbi South representative is a or can choose to be a rascal? Oh my
God! As an indigene of Kebbi South, who the Distinguish Senator is
representing, Ibn Na’Allah owe me and the teaming populace who voted for him,
and all those he is mandated to represent, an unreserved apology. I thus,
demand an apology for this Ibn Na’Allah careless utterance on behalf of our
people.
3.
So when people irresponsibly bring that
hard earned reputation it is my duty to fight it and insha Allah I would fight
this with Dr idris in a London court – Bala
Na’Allah
For a
mere criticism labelled for all the 50 Senators at the purported meeting? Were
Ibn Na’Allah Sheikh Gumi and/or Father Kukah, in which court would he have
chosen to “fight” Dr. Idris? I have always seen and thought of Ibn Na’Allah as
an oak with strong shock absorbers – a Gamji! Why the threats; to scare people
from criticizing his performance as a public servant, as the people’s
representative or as one of the nation’s political leaders? Well, there are
many Idris Ahmeds, many are even blood related, many are close friends and
associates. This was unnecessary and indeed seems an impulsive statement
triggered by his harbouring of anger against Dr. Idris for ‘abusing’ Sheikh
Gumi and Father Kukah. By such a hollow threat, Ibn Na’Allah has just succeeded
in opening his flanks for more attacks.
4.
He would know there's law where he
presently resides....Moreso when I know(how) their system works – Bala Na’Allah
This
is another careless statement from my Distinguish Senator. Not just as a
Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but as a member of the legal
profession. Is the Senator implying that he is ashamed of the Nigerian legal
system that brought him to national limelight? Such blatant admittance by a
leader in the present government is a shame, a disgrace to the Nigerian nation.
What Na’Allah possibly meant is that were Idris Ahmed in Nigeria, he could have
gotten away with his attacks, but in London, he cannot wriggle out of the
clutches of the law. Too bad, indeed!
5. “The President Buhari’s Cabal”
The
statement was attributed to Sen. Ibn Na’Allah. He was alleged to have said so
during the meeting he chaired with the 49 other Senators. This is also a
careless statement not befitting a Distinguished Senator. For if, there is
anything as “Buhari’s Cabal”, then certainly, Ibn Na’Allah was one of Buhari’s
cabal, the last time I checked. I know Bala Na’Allah knows what I mean. Moreso,
if being close to a big shot or the members of the kitchen cabinet or loyalist
of a big shot means being part of the cabal, then all members of the Senate and
other big office holders in Nigeria have their own cabal, Ibn Na’Allah
inclusive. In fact, his cabal were expected to respond to Meli and Idris Ahmed
and those. Just like his other cabal who instigated the arrest of Meli. I know
that his cabal have never seen any good in anyone who differ in opinion with
Na’Allah. I recall the last time I found myself with them during the APC rally
in Zuru and my comments at the meeting. Ever since, I have been treated with
scorn and disdain, (almost like a leper). Na’Allah must guard his utterance as
our representative in the upper chamber and a principal officer in the red
chambers. He should also educate his cabal to be more diplomatic in dealing
with people, they should not always discredit the people who differ in opinion
with their master, and they should desist from blocking people from to see him.
6.Arresting Abubakar Meli
More
pathetic is the ill-informed decision of Ibn Na’Allah on the arrest of Meli. Indeed
the ordering of the unlawful arrest of Abubakar Meli was crude, undemocratic
and uncivilized. It was unfortunate. No amount of denial can exonerate Ibn
Na’Allah from the said arrest. The names associated with the arrest are Bala
Ibn Na’Allah’s synonyms. If any of the names mentioned with the ill informed
arrest pledges anything to anyone in Zuru on Ibn Na’Allah’s behalf, it’s as
good as already redeemed. I am sure some people got some Sallah rams, cash
gifts and some other items from the same people that arrested Meli by Na’Allah
merely saying, “Execute”. So also, it is expected of any treacherous attack or
arrest as in this case with Meli. In fact, Ibn Na’Allah’s rebuttal is insulting
to the Psyche of the people. Make no mistake, whether with or without his
consent, it was done on and for his name. Therefore, the sooner he comes out
and take responsibility and to take charge of the mess, the better. I pray he
has the moral courage to do that. And to do so, soonest.
7. Na’Allah’s
Disconnect with His Constituency
The
melodrama triggered a reservoir of what looked like accumulated anger over
Na’Alla’s disconnect with his grassroot. The masses are angry at the allegation
that Na’Allah is running away from his electorates. Na’Allah being based in
Kaduna is accused of not knowing the problems bedevilling the people he is
representing. The people could not understand why Na’Allah could not visit his
constituency even during periods of celebrations and other festivities.
Therefore, there is no interaction and association between the Distinguished Senator
with the electorates of Kebbi South. Thus, there is no avenue for him to
receive and/or consider complains and/or suggestion from his people. The gut
issue permeating the air in Kebbi South is that Ibn Na’Allah considers his
electorates less important. Coupled with the fact that Na’Allah has numerous
political archrivals, especially because of the APC walkover in the last
election, (because, the Buhari wind of change needed not even campaign, and
indeed Bala Na’Allah did not need to overstretch his campaign, yet he won!). The archrivals had been lurking in the corners
and on political wings to deal with Na’Allah and an opportunity presented itself
at the platter of gold. The entire saga is so pleasing to many in Kebbi South, especially
these archrivals. They are in a vantage position and it makes poisoning the
minds of many against Na’Allah a lot easier. It is the loophole the
propagandists are using in overshooting the number of signatures so far
obtained in the Senators recall process. Na’Allah’s disconnect with his people
has added to the mounting problems of the Senator. No doubt, the disconnect,
had really placed Na’Allah in a deep shit.
8. The
Greatest Sin of Na’Allah – Criticizing PMB
Every
great leader has a cult of followers. In the present Nigerian political
landscape, one man who can never be wrong and must never be criticized is
President Muhammedu Buhari. The handwriting is clearly written with blood of
gold on the Nigerian political landscape. No matter your relationship with PMB
before his ascension to the presidency, you dare not. Na’Allah failed to the
read and pass this common public exam on this PMB script. The question to these
PMB’s cult of followers is, “How dire him raise issues against PMB?” I found
only one possible exception. Dr. Idris Ahmed ‘fighting’ mate – Sheriff Muhammad
Ibrahim Almuhajir, (PhD). Almuhajir posits on his facebook page, “IN DAI A KAN BUHARI NE? TO SAI DAI IN MU KU
ADDUA'R SHIRIYA – Duk mai karanta rubuce rubuce na kuma cikin adalci ya sani
cewa Ina kaunar Buhari, Amma kauna ta ba makauniya ba ce da za ta hanani ganin
kuskuren shi – Sheriff Muhammad
Ibrahim Almuhajir (Ph’D). In fact, it was Almuhajir that came to the “rescue” of Father Kukah, by
tracing Kukah’s long-standing support for PMB, even when lesser mortal dare not
speak for the man was accused of religious bigotry. Kukah, a non-Muslin forged
in the defence of Buhari. Yet, today some nincompoops had the gall to insult
Rev. Kukuh because he utilizes his freedom of expression to state his mind on
national issues. Well, like Kukah and Gumi, Na’Allah was considered to have
committed sacrilege by daring PMB. This is the singular unforgiving ‘crime’
that Bala Ibn Na’Allah is alleged to have committed that those waiting to take
a pound of flesh from him are having a field day in campaigning for his Senate
recall. All other issues can be settle amicably, except this.
I learnt differently long time ago. I found out
that the more you love someone, the more your obligation to always tell him the
gospel truth. It was imprinted in my psyche during an encounter with one of
President Buhari’s townsman, a retired Police Commissioner, Alhaji Sani Wali. A
similar circumstance had made me present the story to the public in one of my
articles titled “The Appointment Of
Ahmadu Bello University's Vice Chancellor: The Untold Story”, published online by Nigerian Village Square
on the 8th of October, 2005. I will reproduce the excerpt on the
sidebar here for the sake discourse.
Allura Ta Tono
Galma
These
are Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah’s ‘crimes’. The ‘crimes’, some forgivable and some unforgivable,
which brought a lot of damaging publicity to Ibn Na’Allah. The ‘crimes’ also
sank Na’Allah’s popularity in his constituency to the lowest ebb. What comes to
mind is the Hausa proverb “allura ta tono
galma”, literally meaning ‘a needle has unearth a weeding tool’. Because,
the aftermath of Na’Allah’s ‘crimes’ led to the allegation that he was a drug
trafficker and also led to the mass mobilization of electorates to append their
signatures to recall the Distinguished Senator. It will be interesting to prove
the allegation of drug trafficking. The mass mobilization of recalling the
Senator is also historic, whether they succeed in recalling the Senator or not.
It is a pacesetter in the political history of Nigeria. I will the take these
two, one after the other. I will address the allegation of drug trafficking
here. However, the process of recalling the Senator will be discussed in my
analyses of Abubakar Meli.
EXPOSED!
Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah was a Drugs Trafficker – Dr. Idris Ahmed
The
allegation that Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah was a drug trafficker is a collective
insult to the people of Kebbi South, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,
the Independent National Electoral Commission and other agencies that screen
and gave a clean bill to Na’Allah to contest election since 2003. Many in 2003
primaries subjected Na’Allah to a strong furnace because he contested with one
of the greatest sons of Zuru Emirate-Nathaniel Zome. Everything was done to
ascertain misdemeanour while in NDLEA or any serious case of absconding from
duty or termination of appointment. Bala was found not wanting! The Agency,
other security Agencies and INEC screening committee gave Na’Allah a clean bill
to contest. The people of Zuru cannot forget that Bala Na’Allah was the
director of investigation who arrested the drugs. If he wanted, he could have
negotiated with the barons, in which case, there would not have been any
arrest. On the other hand, the drugs would have missed on transit to the
office, but nay. Na’Allah arrested the drugs worth N22b as at 1993. Bala Ibn
Na’Allah successfully submitted the drug to the office and the drugs were
successfully lodged for safe custardy in the Chief Executive’s office. How can
any sane man now link a field agent with theft in the Chief Executive’s office?
I am quite sure, a serious government like the one led by PMB would have
rewarded the crack team led by Bala Ibn Na’Allah that made such a huge arrest
with nothing less than a service medal. What happened was that Bala’s
constituency’s elder brother, the no nonsense Gen. M.M. Bamaiyi, as the
Chairman of the Task Force investigating the activities of the Agency, demanded
all the team members to appear as witnesses to the case. Na’Allah was later
exonerated and he honourably resigned from the service. It is easier with
today’s Freedom of Information Bill (FOB) for all this to be verified.
However,
in accordance to the evidential burden of proof, it is the responsibility of
CUPS to adduce evidence to prove the fact alleged. The onus of proof is on CUPS
that made the allegation against Na’Allah. Dr. Idris Ahmed would have to proof
that his published allegations in his facebook page to be true. Dr. Idris
should realise that it only require a 100 Level Law student in any Nigerian
University to dispute that malicious publication under defamation as provided
in Nigeria, squarely place the onus of proof of allegations on the person,
group or institution that makes the allegations and not the accused or victim.
Therefore, CUPS would be doing the people of Kebbi South a great service to prove
that Na’Allah was indeed a drug trafficker because something cannot stand on
nothing. Moreover, at this age of IT, the people cannot be gullible to swallow
every “rubbish” on the internet, particularly facebook without any strength of
facts.
The political
rivals of NaAllah cashing on this should know that this is far beyond Na’Allah,
it is the entire community that is insulted. They are not excluded in this. Criticism
is our trade, it has taken us hither and thither. Naturally, criticism should make
people stronger and better. Competitiveness should be healthy. Na’Allah’s archrivals
should strategies.
THE GREATEST THREAT TO FREEDOM IS THE ABSENCE OF CRITICISM - SOYINKA
However,
today’s public officials may draw some relief from the knowledge that today’s
unarmed lazybones faceless facebook critics are normally not as colourful or as
sharp of tongue as knowledgeable in-depth investigative researchers like the
true academics, legal luminous or outstanding journalists of yesteryears. Thus,
certainly, not as nasty or as violent and aggressive as in the past. The days
of Tai Solarin, Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Mahmud Tukur, Bala Usman, Patrick
Wilmot, Beko Ramsome Kuti and Gani Fawehinmi, to list but just a few can never
be matched by these faceless facebook one sentence, one paragraph of gorilla
kind of street critics. Although, as illustrated by Na’Allah, the public office
holder of today may not like to hear
what they term as harsh public criticism and may be sorely tempted to respond
to their critics. History does seem to teach us that our predecessors endured
far worse, and both they and the critics seem to have survived a balance.
No
Nigerian of age, in whichever divide, corrupt or not corrupt would pretend not
to know the damaging effect of the cankerworm of corruption to the Nigerian
State. No Nigerian, in whichever divide, in government or in opposition, even
the diehard critics of PMB cannot help but admire the wonderful on-going bureaucratic
surgical operation (the slow but steady healing process) of the Nigerian State.
PMB has rightly assessed corruption as a live issue that is threatening to tear
apart the foundation and fabric of the Nigerian society. The truth is that no
single individual or government possess the machinery and infrastructure to
battle this scourge alone. Every Nigerian must play his/her part. When the
majority of Nigerians succeed in fighting corruption from their hearts, sitting
rooms, households, extended families, their clans, immediate communities,
corruption will then be seen in its ugliest physical form. All we ask of
capable hands like CUPS and knowledgeable Nigerians like Meli is to be
proactive in their battle against this vice, which if left unchecked will sink
the whole ship of state.
Every
Nigerian will be doing himself a great disservice if individually and
collectively, we fail to fight this ill. The effort, the work, and the skills
of hardworking and productive members of our noble society will not count when
nothing is done to arrest this ugly trend.
That
is as far as the Distinguished Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah’s participation on the
allegations of Dr. Idris Ahmed and Abubakar Meli and the ‘crimes he committed.
I will now address the allegations against Ibn Na’Allah by Meli and Dr. Idris.
I will start with that of Abubakar Meli.
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