By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
THE conspicuous absence of Sokoto state former governor and Northern Senators Forum Chairman, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko at the last Friday’s epoch making royal ceremony of the turbanning of Senate President , Ahmed Lawal in Argungu, Kebbi state has stirred concerns among politicians particularly within the ruling APC.
The wind of concerns in Sokoto state is taking another twist with confusion raging among members of the alleged dominant party in the caliphate.
However, palace of the Emir of Argungu, HRH, Muhammadu Sama’ila Mera was graced by the unprecedented presence of high and mighty but influential personalities including governors , the business community with politicians cutting across the political circle and many works of live.
Majority of the Senators cutting across political divides particularly those in the APC were in the historic town fishing enclave of Argungu to express their solidarity and rejoice with Senator Lawan except Senator Wamakko who is believed to be one among few respected Senators and seen as a close associate to the Senate President was missing .
However, the scenario has provoked concerns among many members of the party especially in his state , Sokoto.
Besides, Kebbi state, which is APC controlled, remain a fundamental reason why the Northern Senators Forum Chairman would have shown presence at the event that was conducted with fun fair according to a staunch party loyalist and Wamakko’ die hard supporter.
” We are amazingly worried as supporters of the listening Senator. Wamakko is our political path finder bit we are dazed by his absence in Argungu.”
Though, sources following the trend of political events currently unfolding within the APC especially in the Sokoto state chapter of the party have allegedly linked Wamakko’s absence at the turbanning to alleged parallel direction with the party’s National Headquarters over outcome of the recently concluded state congresses of the party which was rumoured to be on parallel pedestal in the state.
Hitherto, other sources still in confusion, said perhaps Wamakko’s action may have allegedly been tilted at the National Caretaker Committee Chair of the Party, Governor Mai Mala Buni who is at the helm of party affairs and remains adamant over Sokoto state chapter’s alleged imbroglio and refusal to recognise the authentic election of Hon. Achida’s led Chairmanship under the state leadership of the former governor who’s political standing and prowess in the party should have paved the way even as he was said to have good fraternity with and confidence in the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan to talk to Governor Buni over the lingering matter that has left the state chapter in limbo, yet it didn’t happen.
But Wamakko’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Hassan Sahabi said the absence of his boss at the event was primarily due to his Senate committee’s pressing budget defence schedules which had time frame for completion.
According to Sahabi, ” Wamakko had sent high powered delegation under Hon. Ahmed Kalambaina member representing Kware/ Wamakko Federal constituency in the HoRs to represent him.
” You know that Wamakko is the Chairman senate committee on Defence and had to meet with the various organs under his committee to meet the dead line of November 11th completion.
” Also, it was clear that the Senate President talked of the necessary need to give Defence special attention and consideration due to the spate of insecurity and that was why Senator Wamakko committed his time to do the needful and not to disappoint the Senate and Nigerians.
“Moreso, when the Senate President was communicated on the title by the Argungu Emirate Council, Wamakko was part of the high powered delegation that stormed Argungu in appreciation and for thank you message . So, that is the truth of the matter”, Sahabi stated.
