KEEPING BAGO BEYOND 2019

To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.

                                                         Confucius (Kong Qiu)

Niger state is blessed with great politician both past and present, whom in their different capacities have strived to put the state on a global map, but none have served or serving in the manner of Honorable Muhammad Umar Bago with so much doggedness, courage, zeal, knowledge, open-mindedness and love for his people. Hon. Muhammad Umar Bago a born leader, a refined democrat and a grassroot oriented politician have strived beyond words. 

The humble son of a great man is so determined to leave his mark on the sands of time and the history books of Niger state and Nigeria at large.

 His knowledge of politics having studied political science during his university days have helped prepared  him for the challenges and the political brouhaha in Nigeria.

In 2011, Hon. Bago defied all odds to be elected into the national assembly to represent the good people of chanchaga federal constituency and by proxy Nigerlites. He(bago) came onto limelight at a point were not all politicians dare to, Hon Bago came at a time when the jackals and hyenas of the peoples DOLLAR party have their firm grip on the seat of power and the country's entire political structure. He got elected into the national assembly through one of the minority political parties, the CPC which was driven by the ideologies of Muhammadu Buhari. During that period in Nigeria, for a politician to have a dream of aspiring for a political position outside the PDP especially in the north central region of Nigeria, is as good as watching a bird in the sky fly away. But, with all the enormous challenges, Hon Bago did not allow himself to be cowed by the power brokers that be at the time. He stood firm in the face of intimidation and threat by constantly believing in his ideologies and willingness to change the lives of his people for good.

After Hon Bago was elected into the national assembly, the challenges became even bigger due to that fact that he belonged to the minority in the house then. In the face of all these challenges, other lawmakers wold have  jump at the chance of joining the Dollar party as some did, but Bago stood his ground and kept the mandate of his people intact until the CPC collapse into the present APC in 2014.

Furthermore, very few people will disagree that politics and power in Nigeria change people, most times negatively, most politicians after been elected turn into monsters as a result of the mini-God status some of these offices come with, and because our laws doesn't really checkmate them, often time they(politicians) get away with their atrocities. However even in this period of highhandedness and recklessness by politicians, Hon Bago has refused to allow himself to be carried away and be drunk by the intoxicants of power.

Hon Bago has proven himself to be a true democrat by staying strong and determined to the course of good governance, He has changed the face of politics in Niger state due to his simplicity and transparent nature, by executing  people oriented manifesto to the fullest.

Among the federal lawmakers representing Niger state at the national assembly, none  can boast of the achievements of Hon Bago, because it is evident everywhere across his constituency and beyond. 

Some of Bago's recent works include building healthcare centres and equipping them for smooth running as evident in Sauka kahuta and Albishiri areas in Minna, Renovations and constructionof blocks of classrooms in Dutsen kura, Kwasau and Gbadapayi e.t.c, also Hon Bago has empowered women and youths in all 11 wards in chanchaga, to be self reliant through cash donations and supply of equipments like motorcycle, cars, sewing & grinding machines and so on, Bago also helped with the employment of some unemployed youths into some of the paramilitary organizations and other government agencies, in addition Bago has helped in areas of water, electricity and many more life changing projects for members of his constituency.

Furthermore, Hon Bago is one politician who stays away from controversies, he is one of the very few legislators in the national assembly who genuinely cares and support mr president's dream for a better Nigeria, Hon Bago alway support mr president positive project that will change the life of the average Nigerian citizen especially in areas of mr president's anti corruption drive, youth empowerment and revamping the economy. Unlike other self serving politicians who engage in political propaganda against the government for cheap political points that will not do them any good. 

What is  more? Hon Bago has distinct himself from the normal Nigerian politician who tends to distant themselve from their constituency after been elected into office, he(bago) knows that there is nothing you do in life that doesn't have it shortcomings, but he believes that learning from such mistakes only makes you stronger as a person and a politician. 

Mr Bago is not like other politicians who ascribe perfection to themselves, by being hotheaded and immune to genuine advice from members of their constituencies. This  humble son engages his constituents in quarterly town hall meetings in different parts of chanchaga LGA where the general public  engaged him with matters of importance, the people are allowed to express their grievances if any, offer advices, give positive recommendations and prayers for the Honorable and the constituency in general.

At this juncture, i will like to note that the good people of chanchaga did themselves and Nigerlites a great favour by voting an uncommon politician(Muhammad Umar Bago) since 2011 this singular act has changed the fortunes of chanchaga federal constituency for the better, which has resulted in the unending smiles on the faces of the people of chanchaga.

Thus, as we gear up to febuary 2019 general elections, the people of Niger state and chanchaga LG in particular cannot afford to lose Hon Muhammad Umar Bago at this critical point of our political struggle, more so now that the country and Niger state is in need of charismatic, vibrant, straight forward and competent leader to steer the wheel of governance that will take us to the promised land.

 Hon Bago has shown in every ramifications that he is a trustworthy and competent representative, worthy of another four years at the national assembly. And less we forget the return of Bago into the 9th assembly might open the door for him to be the speaker of the house, because he has fulfilled every criteria  worthy the seat of the speaker.

 And beside why change a car that serves its purpose for that which is in the factory, as a football fan one of the famous coaches in the world football Jose Mourinho once said "you dont change a winning team, by introducing players on the bench". After all the devil you know is better than the angel you dont know.

As far as chanchaga federal constituency is concern only one name is worthy of the office, and that name remain Honorable Muhammad Umar Bago.

Mohammed Abubakar Sadiq for Bago Media Team.