- Insists Claims of Dumping NDC Was False
By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Formers Commissioner for Information in Niger state, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhameed have denied joining the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), insisting that claims of dumping the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the ruling party is not only false but unfounded imaginations of those behind the claims.
Abdulhameed attributing his claimed defection to the APC to an invitation to government house, Minna by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago over something relating to the International Institute of Leadership and Governance, an institute he serves as Chief Executive, and they tried to lure him into the party.
Abdulhameed also former state Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), who holds the traditional title, "TANBARIN KAGARA", described what transpired on entering the governor's office as calculated political ambush of sorts said he remains a member of the NDC and addicted Kwankwasiyya family member.
"I Abdulhameed, Tambarin Kagara, wish to categorically state that the reports claiming that I joined APC is FALSE, MISLEADING, and a calculated political ambush", adding that it was a calculated political ambush that failed those behind it.
Abdulhameed giving account of what happened between him, Governor Bago and other APC Chieftains at government house in an interview said, "I remain a proud and bonafide member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and a Lifetime member of Kwankwasiyya Movement".
Explaining what happened, Abdulhameed said, "I was invited to Government House, Minna, by the Executive Governor of Niger State, not as a politician seeking to defect, but in my official capacity as Chief Executive, International Institute of Leadership and Governance".
"Our organization was invited to run a programme and deliver a lecture on, 'The Issue of Communal Clash in Kagara Emirate and General Public Awareness', which is bedevilling my local government and threatening our peace. I presented our position and submitted a proposal for lasting peace. On that same day, the National Chairman of APC was in Minna on a condolence visit over the tragic death of 37 illegal miners".
The Kano state Governor's Aide further hinted that, "After my presentation, Mr. Governor invited me for a group photograph. As an enlightened, well-cultured politician, I cannot push the Governor or the APC National Chairman away from a photograph. That innocent photograph was then twisted and circulated as, defection".
Pointers that I did not join APC Abdulhameed pointed out included; "I refused to wear the white APC cap, look at the picture very well- Red Cap For Life is still on my head, the symbol of Kwankwasiyya. I did not make any declaration to join APC, verbal or written. I have even abandoned my appointment as, Special Adviser in support of my leader, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to show that I operate politics of principle, not politics of stomach".
As an enlightened politician, Abdulhameed said, "I cannot embarrass a sitting Governor in his own Government House by pushing him out of a picture. My politics is politics of principles, contentment, and self-respect-the same principle I had taught as former NOA Boss and former Commissioner for Information, Niger state".
While calling on the general public, supporters across Rafi Local Government Area of Niger state in particular, Nigeria generally and the entire Kwankwasiyya family, Abdulhameed told citizens to disregard the fake news being circulated by agents of Niger state government. NNL
