By Sahel Reporters
The Southern Taraba People’s Assembly has described the media publication in circulation over a purported endorsement of Chief Bulus Maiyaki for the position of Senator representing Southern Taraba come 2027 by TY Danjuma as the handiwork of some mischief makers from the zone.
Comrade Ishaku Danlami, National Coordinator of the group, in a statement on Friday in Jalingo, condemned sponsors of such publications describing them as political alarmists.
Danlami noted that the rumour was intended to create confusion, generate unnecessary political tension, as well as create bad blood amongst diverse socio-political interest groups from the zone.
He further stated that the same crop of desperate politicians who were sponsoring such non-existent political action perceived Chief Maiyaki’s growing popularity as a threat to their political dynasty, noting that they have already lost their political relevance as well dwindling political fortunes.
He further noted that some of these political pundits had occupied various political positions in the short past yet have no legacy to point to other than championing intertribal hatred and animosity amongst diverse ethnic groups from the zone.
The national coordinator recalled that the same calibre of desperate politicians had launched political propaganda targeting Chief Maiyaki whom they felt had a strong political background and support.
“This group of desperate started this fight against Chief Bulus Maiyaki since the days of Governor Jolly Nyame, when Nyame saw substance in Maiyaki and appointed him in critical sectors to achieve his vision of transformation of the state.
“Rather than joining hands together with Chief Bulus Maiyaki, they perceived him as a political enemy and ensured that he did not get access to late Governor Danbaba Suntai, who took over from Nyame. They felt they had blocked his fortune, but as God would have it, he got a plum job with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) where he was made the Deputy Director of Procurement.
“Maiyaki has risen to an enviable position of a Director where he has influenced massive rural electrification projects in the Southern Taraba. We are calling on the group of desperate, overzealous and overambitious politicians to leave Chief Maiyaki alone. He is the man of the people, a detrabilised politician, a grassroots politician of high repute.
” Even if he decides to contest for the Senate or House of Representatives, we are ready to support him. He is the only bridge builder we have now that can connect Tiv, Ichen, Kutep, Chamba, Hausa, Kpazon, Wapan and many other groups that have made up the Southern Taraba political community.
“We want to make it clear that it is not in the character of TY Danjuma to endorse politicians but to support viable candidates, as is common in the Nigerian political arena. Chief Bulus Maiyaki possesses all the requirements needed to represent our district at the National Assembly, and the people who see substance in him and are convinced that he can provide the needed leadership and representation they have been yearning for have been beckoning on him to come to their rescue.
“We are equally warning politicians who intend to drag the name our our ‘elder’s stateman to the mud to be very careful and desist from such, for we would not tolerate such magnificent defiance against his personality.
“We want to point it out without contradiction that Chief Bulus Maiyaki is not a desperate politician but a democrat who believes strongly in the ability and the power of the people.
“Beyond his official duties as Director in REA, Chief Maiyaki has personally contributed to community development by donating essential infrastructure to remote areas, further reinforcing his reputation as a leader who remains in touch with grassroots realities. His technical expertise and administrative experience, combined with a clear passion for public service, have endeared many in the zone, and as such, have fueled speculations about his potential to emerge as a strong contender for the senatorial seat in 2027.
” Although he has yet to make a formal declaration as he is still a civil servant, political observers suggest that the momentum building around his consultations could position him as a unifying candidate with cross-sectional appeal. It is instructive that for now, a group of progressive political associates of Chief Bulus Maiyaki are engaging stakeholders across the district, taking a measured approach to navigating the political terrain.
” It is our earnest wish for General TY Danjuma Rtd, the father of our dear state and our amiable Governor Dr Agbu Kefas, the Executive Governor of the state, to support Chief Bulus Maiyaki for Senate come 2027. We have all assurances that he would not fail as he is capable of providing the desired and purposeful representation,” the statement concluded.
Editing By Sanee Yarima
