By Dr Sagir S Buhari FCIA
Autocratic leadership is a leadership style where one person has complete control and makes decisions without input from others. This style of leadership can be seen in Nigeria’s political system, where some leaders have been known to exhibit autocratic tendencies. In fact, it is described as “authoritarian democracy”.
Some common characteristics of autocratic leaders include: Centralized power: Autocratic leaders hold all the power and make decisions without consulting others. Lack of accountability: Autocratic leaders are not accountable to anyone and do not have to answer for their actions.
Autocratic leaders often suppress dissent and opposition, and may use force or coercion to maintain control. Personalized rule: Autocratic leaders often rule through personalized relationships and networks, rather than through institutions.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso‘s story is one of power, betrayal, and political consequence. As he faces payback for his actions, it’s important to remember those who helped him rise to power. Late Senator Hamisu Musa, who mentored Kwankwaso and helped him establish necessary contacts, deserves recognition. Late Musa Gwadade and Engr Magaji Abdullahi both of blessed memories mentored Kwankwaso but were later betrayed by him, should not be forgotten.
Kwankwaso’s rise to power was built on the support of these individuals, but he repaid their kindness with betrayal. His story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of ambition and the importance of loyalty and gratitude.
Rtd.Brig Gen Akilu also supported Kwankwaso and late Maj-Gen Shehu Musa ‘Yar’adua made him Deputy Speaker at the prompting of Late Senator Hamisu Musa. So also late Governor Abubakar Rimi, who gave Kwankwaso the ticket to run for Federal House of Representatives despite Sa’adu Kwankwaso winning the SDP primaries, and nominated him for Deputy Speaker.
Renowned politician, Late Dauda Dangalan of blessed memories, who offered Kwankwaso the ‘Tabo’ platform through late Senator Hamisu Musa’s influence, when Kano PDP was divided between Santsi and Tabo.
History will never also forget the role of Amb Aminu Wali, the only leader among Kano PDP Conveners who stood by Kwankwaso when Rimi, Musa Gwadabe, and Dangalan abandoned him due to his political excesses and brouhaha, and many more whom he brazenly and arrogantly all betrayed.
In 1999, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje having won the PDP Gubernatorial Primaries was asked by party stakeholders to be his running mate in order to have a united front, but in 2015, Senator Kwankwaso tried to control the government of Governor, Dr Ganduje in which the later refused and presently the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), same way he is controlling Governor Abba Kabir Yusif now and turning him into his puppet for his selfish interest against the wishes of the good people of kano State.
I urge Governor Abba Kabir Yusif to stand on his legs and took over the control of his administration from the grip of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for Allah SWT will definitely hold him responsible for his actions in the state. He should learn from his immediate predecessor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who print his name in gold, with his signature projects in the state and presently serving the country at the National level.
The likes of Hon Aliyu Madakin Gini, Hon Kabiru Alhasan Rurum, Secretary to Kano State Government, Dr Baffa Bichi and many other NNPP stakeholders abandoning Senator Kwankwaso recently is a vindication on His Excellency, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, Arch Aminu Dabo and many others who left Senator Kwankwaso due to his autocratic and selfish leadership in the past.
Senator Kwankwaso’s political excessess, autocratic leadership, betrayals and downfall serves as a reminder of the importance humility, loyalty, gratitude, and accountability in politics. His actions have negative political and economic consequences for Kano State, and it’s essential to acknowledge the contributions of those who helped him rise to power.
God bless Kano State.
