Sen. Aliyu Wamakko at 73: A Tribute to Extraordinary Politician
By Na-Allah Mohammed Zagga
As Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko clocks 73, it’s worth it to celebrate his remarkable life and love of humanity. It’s not how long a man lives, but how well he serves humanity. Birthdays days are not merely yearly events; they are occasions to reflect on the contributions of leaders to humanity. There is no greater testament to a man’s character than his good deeds. I have known Wamakko for many years and the virtues that endear him to the people have not changed. Let me use this occasion to share my thoughts about this great politician of all time, especially the virtues that have kept him relevant.
Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko is one of the most popular and humblest politicians I have ever known in the country. You can’t write about Nigeria’s political actors without a reference to this Sokoto State grassroots politician. His name rings a bell in Nigeria and beyond.
So, why is Aliyu Wamakko such a formidable figure in the politics of Nigeria? I believe that the top reason for his formidable popularity is his passionate love of the ordinary people. His political life is defined by his devotion to welfare of the people. His compassion didn’t start with his active involvement in politics. He love of humanity predates his foray into politics.
This was a man who had survived a re-run election; this was a man who voluntarily resigned as a Deputy Governor and still survived politically. Until 2007, PDP was struggling for relevance and survival in Sokoto State. Realising the extent of Wamakko’s popularity, former President Obasanjo persuaded Magatakarda to join the PDP. Wamakko’s entry into PDP was a turning point in the life of the PDP in Sokoto State. He changed the political fortunes of the former ruling party which led to its victory. For the first time, PDP won the governorship, House of Assembly and National Assembly elections, thanks to Wamakko’s personal popularity. It was a remarkable political event that confirmed the extent of his political influence.
Against this background, rarely do you find a politician who is entrenched in the hearts and minds of the people like Wamakko. His sincerity and genuine love for the people are central to his political success. Why do the masses love him so much? They do so because unlike other politicians, his politics is founded on sincerity. And this sincerity is the foundation of his political success. So, it’s not surprising why Wamakko is loved and trusted by the people.
Empathy and compassion are some his endearing virtues. Empathy and connectivity are ultimate factors that define a people’s representative. Wamakko is kind to a fault and his humility is incredible. He hates injustice. He is accessible to the people and always identifies with their needs. He offers direct alleviation to the challenges of survival facing the people. It’s not surprising why the masses love him so much. So, it not surprising why Wamakko dominates and dictates the political direction of Sokoto State because the people trust him so much.
In fact, another reason why Wamakko remains formidable is that he is a selfless politician. Wamakko happily elevates other people. He loves to see other people rise and prosper. How many politicians have these virtues? When a man prioritises the well-being of others, God will always elevate him in life.
The love of the people is the foundation of Wamakko’s political popularity. He derives pleasure in bringing succour to the lives of others. His selflessness has made the masses to believe in him. He is a grassroots politician who doesn’t run away from the voters. So, it’s impossible to bring down such a man politically; it’s impossible to make him irrelevant. APC became a formidable force after the defection of Wamakko and others from the former ruling party. Besides, Wamakko’s magnanimity is another reason why he is loved so much. He has no political enemy, even if you belong to different political platforms. Wamakko is the epitome of a statesman. He’s a man of peace; he’s a unifier and bridge builder. I don’t think there are enough adjectives to do justice to the sterling virtues of Wamakko.
Wamakko is a decent politician. Not once did I hear him. speak ill of his own political rivals. I sometimes wonder how a gentleman like Wamakko maintains his calm in the chaos of Nigerian politics. He is uncontroversial. No wonder he is widely loved across the political divide. He never uses power to oppress even his imagined enemies. His patience is admirable. He so humble he can conquer even the most stubborn enemy. He is never in the news for any controversy because service to the people is his primary focus.
May Allah bless his life and grant him good health and many more years of service to the people. Ameen.
