By Abubakar Shekara
Partisan politics is just a part of politics. That’s to those who know the real meaning and scope of politics. The adage that man is a political animal extends the scope of politics beyond the confines of political party activities; propaganda, campaigns, elections and the pursuit of partisan interests, which is a shallow perception of the term and its implications on society
Aristotle in coining this phrase, meant politics to encompass things that concern the city state, the dynamics of roles, power and influence that determine and control the affairs of a given geopolitical entity. And this is a complex flurry and mix of activities in all facets at all levels.
It is thus logical that getting a great number of people to act or partake in a certain desired way or activity, no matter for how long or brief a period, is an indication of political clout and relevance. “Pulling crowds,” as it is put in common parlance, is without argument, a mark of general acceptance and popularity.
If crowds are the mark of status, which they actually are, then status is the word on everyone’s mind last weekend in Argungu, Kebbi State. The historical town that’s famous for the Argungu Annual Fishing and Cultural Festival was the destination for personalities from all over Nigeria, last Saturday.
Hundreds of people, among them, eminent Nigerians from all walks of life, converged on the ancient town to witness the wedding fatihah of Najib, eldest son of Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri and Amina Umar, daughter of Senator Umar Tafida, the Tafida of Argungu.
The distinguished guests of the Tambuwals and Tafidas included the Number One Citizen of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Police Affairs Minister, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi. His counterpart of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN, sought the hand of Amina for Najib before the solemnization of the marriage at the bride’s price of N250,000.
President Buhari afterwards, congratulated the new couple, their families, Sokoto and Kebbi States and Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on the occasion and wished the couple happiness in their matrimony. His Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu and Musa Haro, a Special Assistant in the Presidency, similarly, advised the new couple to commit their relationship to God and treat each other with respect.
Also in Argungu to share the goodwill with the Tambuwals and Tafidas was the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). So were ten State Governors of Bauchi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kano, Plateau, Rivers and Zamfara, led by the Chairman of their Forum, Kayode Fayemi, while Yobe and Taraba state Governors were represented by their Deputies.
Tambuwal’s close friend, allay and colleague at the National Assembly and former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha graced the occasion, along with former governors of Gombe and Jigawa states, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and Alhaji Sule Lamido, respectively.
Wedding Fatihahs though social in appearance, are actually religious events. Thus the Ulama and clergy will be the conductors of affairs. And Najib and Amina were solemnized as husband and wife by prominent religious leaders in Nigeria.
At the event were the National President of the Jama’atul Izalatul Bidi’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, along with leading imams and teachers from all over Nigeria. So were Christian clergy, prominent among whom was the nationally respected Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah, of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese.
The business community was not left out of the milestone event. Prominent among them were Chairman of MarxAir Dahiru Mangal, who was in Argungu and transnational Aliko Dangote, who was in Sokoto to meet Tambuwal in private before the wedding.
Last weekend witnessed the overflow of goodwill and solidarity in Sokoto and Argungu. It was a fleeting moment that though exposed the tendency for Nigeria to rally round regardless of religion, region or party politics; a capacity that now and then manifests at the right moments, around the right people.
