Hon. Magaji Aliyu Da’u, who represented Birnin Kudu/Buji Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the 9th Assembly, is a unique gift to the people of Jigawa State. Da’u’s uniqueness is clearly evident in the affairs of the state as they impact the masses in his constituency.
This unique political personality and rare legislator was, whether due to an error of omission or commission, not reelected to the 10th National Assembly to continue his commendable legislative work and popular representation. The non-return of Hon. Da’u to the Federal House of Representatives remains a mystery that Jigawa’s people cannot explain. It is no wonder that many supporters argue that Da’u might have been pushed out by some powerful figures who are deeply involved in the business of importing electricity generators. Da’u is an exceptional public servant and legislator whose achievements have been graciously recognized by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In letters dated May 24, 2023, and June 13, 2023, by the House of Representatives and NGF, respectively, Da’u was highly commended for his visionary leadership, team spirit, and attention to detail in his legislative oversight functions as the chairman of the House Committee on Electricity. His remarkable courage and commitment to duty, which ensured the peaceful harmonization of the Electricity Act 2023 by both the Senate and the House, were duly recognized and commended.
These two noteworthy letters serve as clear evidence that good works cannot be overshadowed by any malicious plan. We, the constituents of Da’u, firmly believe that he will have the last laugh, as we, his supporters, remain confident of victory in the electoral petition tribunal. We maintain our hopeful stance for his return to the National Assembly.
During Da’u’s tenure, the people of his constituency reaped the dividends of democracy and enjoyed the representation of a legislator whose primary purpose in government was to aid his people. He identified with both the affluent and the underprivileged, generously providing for his constituents because he values humanity above all else. He showered the less fortunate with life’s blessings. Yet, due to the influence of powerful individuals in the state, the people were misled into voting for an unsuitable candidate instead of Da’u, a true patriot and hero of the masses.
With the emergence of a PDP representative in the National Assembly, the people now regret the political blunder they made. Where is the timely and benevolent interaction with the people that Hon. Dau is known for? The constituency had already experienced a fair share of Da’u’s benevolence, and as human beings, they crave more. What can we do? Indeed, we shall patiently await the general election in 2027 to ensure that Dau’s benevolent efforts for his people continue.
Da’u, during his tenure, willingly distributed fertilizers to farmers during the planting season to ensure better yields and food security in his constituency. He also provided personal palliatives to the people to alleviate the rising cost of living in the country. However, all of these seem like a sweet dream to his constituents now, as they yearn for his return.
Da’u’s pro-people gestures and his personal charisma greatly contributed to APC’s ability to attract a significant following to the party. Displaying his practical ability to protect his people, Da’u fearlessly ventured into dangerous areas, even those believed to be the strongholds of his detractors, in order to dispel misconceptions. This reflects his commitment to politics without bitterness.
To the admiration of his supporters, Da’u stated that no danger could deter him from visiting any place to witness the conditions his compatriots in his constituency were living in. While most politicians trumpet their own achievements, Da’u is a silent achiever. All of his monumental accomplishments as a legislator are rooted in his self-evident belief that leadership is not for personal gain, but a call to duty—to serve rather than be served.
It is undeniable that Da’u excels in various aspects of life, standing tall among his contemporaries. He is a beacon of light, shaping his environment and the world around him. Without a doubt, he will return to his position in the National Assembly in 2027, if fate allows.
Da’u is indeed an indisputable and pragmatic achiever who has brought progress and global attention to his constituency as a legislator. His exemplary life, integrity, and determination have elevated the lives of his constituents.
Why wouldn’t the people of Jigawa choose a man who personally addressed their socio-economic problems and security, even at the risk of his own life and family? For Da’u, humanity is his guiding principle. He possesses the traits, integrity, and capacity to lead his constituency and the state towards a path of positive transformation.
Jigawa cannot afford to let a popular politician like Hon. Da’u, a crowd-puller, be excluded from the government’s affairs. His presence always draws a large crowd to any event he participates in. The political clout of Hon. Dau is evident in the substantial attendance—men and women from all walks of life—who gather whenever he is invited to an event.
This is because his past actions in office speak volumes about his commitment to humanity and leadership qualities. Whether in office or not, his central focus is on the people, their well-being, and security. He goes where his timid colleagues dare not tread. His courage, honesty, and love for his country are evident in all of his endeavors.
While his peers remained silent on matters of national importance, he spoke out about the state of electricity supply in the country, attributing the recurring national grid collapses to the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN) outdated infrastructure. In October 2022, Da’u, the Chairman of the House Committee on Power, attributed the recurring national grid collapses to obsolete infrastructure inherited by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Da’u’s popularity became even more apparent when over 4,000 people attended a reception upon his return home after successfully completing his PhD program in Public Administration from the University of Scotland.
This exceptional public servant is capable of engaging with people, connecting with them, and making them feel valued and politically significant. So why should we let him go? The mistake committed by Jigawa has now been recognized and is being corrected.
Da’u informed the bewildered nation that the over 40-year-old Mambilla Hydro-Power project existed only on paper, as there was no tangible evidence that the project had commenced prior to the APC-led government’s tenure.
Hon Dau’s humanity and altruistic nature have endeared him to the people. His popularity, which was spreading rapidly, led to threats on his life. Thus, out of envy, anger, and frustration, his adversaries, unable to stem his rising popularity, attacked his candidacy and deceived the electorate. But now we have seen the difference.
Hon. Da’u was correct in attributing the attack to his political opponents, who felt threatened by his outstanding performance record in the National Assembly. Hon. Dau consistently offers effective and high-quality representation to his constituents during his tenure in the Federal House of Representatives.
The principled legislator personally sponsored and attracted projects that benefit the people in his constituency, with verifiable records. He has completed over 18 road projects and installed hundreds of solar street lights. He has constructed classroom blocks in schools, built maternity hospitals, and attracted the Federal Government College of Special Education project to the constituency, which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Because of his constant connection with the people, he identifies their problems and goes about solving them without the least hesitance. Going by the number of projects he has executed for the good of his people, his philanthropic gestures, and expertise, we, his constituents, need no other person from any political party to represent us in the National Assembly.
Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano.
