POLITICS TODAY

From Abdulazeez Suleman in Giwa

Kaduna Central Senatorial aspirant, Lawal Adamu Usman (Mr LA), was in Giwa local on Thursday in continuation of his tour of the seven local government areas that make up the senatorial district.
The tour kicked off on Wednesday took Chikun, Kajuru, Kaduna North and Kaduna South local government areas by a storm and headed for Giwa Thursday.
Receiving the campaign train in Giwa, Alhaji Abdulkadir, the Peoples Democratic Party chairman in Giwa gave Mr LA a lasting assurance of the support of all the people.
He said the guaranteed support is in consideration of Mr LA’ abiding concern for the happiness of the people.
Similarly, Alhaji Hamisu Deitu, a national delegate from Giwa who enjoys immense popularity across the local government, reaffirmed the support of the entire people for the Mr LA movement.
Speaking on behalf of women, Hajiya Madina, another top PDP stakeholder in Giwa Local government assured the entourage of the support of all the people and Party delegates in Giwa.
Several other speakers reaffirmed the guarantee of support for the aspirant who they all described as large-hearted and extremely humble.
Introducing the campaign, Hon Danauta, the director of media expressed appreciation for the huge reception and show of massive support by the people.
In his remarks, chairman of the campaign, Shehu Kwaru introduced Mr LA as the youngest aspirant to the Nigerian Senate which makes him a moving symbol for a major paradigm shift.
The Director General of the campaign, Ibrahim Ali capped it all in his remarks by reiterating confidence in the steadfastness of the people of Giwa to the PDP.
He introduced Mr LA as most humble, caring and humane with a large heart that accommodates different shades of opinion and is particularly concerned where the interest of women ànd the youth are involved.
He explained the immense benefits of the Mr LA initiative for skills acquisition to the youth and women that is ongoing across the seven local government areas of Zone 2.
Responding to the Giwa assurances, the aspirant who was visibly overwhelmed, thanked the officials for organising such a grand reception for his campaign and promised to reciprocate the gesture.
As usual, Mr LA pledged to offer meaningful and competent representation when he gets elected to the Nigerian Senate.
He cautioned supporters to conduct themselves orderly and to shun provocation from any quarter, reminding them of his genuine concern for the personal safety of supporters and opponents alike.
Repeating what he said at Kujama, headquarters of Chikun local government the previous day, Mr LA took exception to the numerous impediments to women and youth participation in active politics in Nigeria.
Mr LA said, political participation derives from the freedom to speak out, assemble and associate; the ability to take part in the conduct of public affairs; and the opportunity to register as a candidate, to campaign, to be elected and to hold office at all levels of government.
“Under international standards, men and women, young and old, have an equal right to participate fully in all aspects of the political process,” he said.
Speaking to another large audience at Barnawa, Kaduna South, the aspirant reiterated his encouragement for the youth and women observing however, that in practice, it is often harder in undeveloped democracies for women and the young to exercise this right. “In countries like Nigeria that are not fully developed democratically, there are frequently extra barriers to young people and women’s participation, and special care is required to ensure their rights are respected in this regard, especially in states such as Kaduna,” said Mr LA.
In Kaduna North, Mr LA lamented that political parties are among the most easily manipulated institutions affecting the youth and women’s political participation.
“In Kaduna state for instance, government in power tends to usurp the prerogatives of the ruling party to determine which candidates are nominated and elected and which issues achieve prominence.
“The role of women and the youth in the political development of such states is therefore relegated and their prospects for political empowerment are compromised.
“Because, in cases like Kaduna state, government actors assume more powers than the political parties, the parties ultimately lose their influence in shaping young people and women’s political prospects,” he said.
The intimidating entourage was headed by Honourable Ibrahim Ali, a former education commissioner and erstwhile member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
Eminent politicians in entourage include Alhaji your Shehu Kwarau, A.A. Yaron Kirki, Barrister Yakubu Abdullahi, Hajiya Aisha Madina, Alhaji Shamuna, Honourable Maria Dogo and several elders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party including all elected councillors of the Party in the zone.
Also involved were various women and youth groups who see the Mr LA initiative as a mass movement that promises a meaningful change that everyone can feel and see.
It took the motorcade several hours to pass through the massive crowds that trooped unto the main roads to have a glimpse of the aspirant.