20/05/2025
I remember with nostalgia, in 2021, I received a call from Former minister of information and coordinating minister of defence, His excellency Labaran Maku CON, inviting me to his residence at Wakama, Nasarawa Eggon LGA of Nasarawa state for a meeting with him and few selected others.
Those invited include: Mr. Andrew Dave Babre Leena Ashesla Bawa and others. Of course, we were called 'Labaran Maku boys' then because of our commitment to his struggle and unalloyed support for him to become the Governor of Nasarawa state.
At his residence where we met for a dispute resolution, Mr. Labaran told us and I quote:
"Throughout my political career, I've never reported anyone to the police or DSS. That doesn't mean that there are no people who make libelous and defamatory statements against me. In fact if you go to any bar or joint now, you'll see two or 3 people insulting me and accusing me o what I don't know.
Immediately after I left office as minister, some people sponsored a false and blackmailing media campaign against me, claiming that EFCC discovered money worth billions of Naira in one of my farms somewhere in Nasarawa state—a farm that I never had, and I never heard of. I know the people who sponsored and embarked on the smearing campaigns against me. I know all the Media outlets that spread the false news. People advised me to take action against them, but I said no, that's not how I do my politics. If every politician were to consider such things and begin to lock people up in prison over criticisms, how many people do you think would be locked up before they die?
I told people around me that if anybody says something against me, don't come here and tell me. I don't want to hear it. I don't want to develop high blood pressure over somebody's opinion about me. I'm open to any kind of criticism. You can't do without criticism in politics. Every politician must have a large heart to accommodate both the good and the bad. I was a union leader and I criticised IBB-led government and I still criticize others. Why should I bother if others criticise me too?
I live by my conscience, not by what people say about me."
Hon. Maku's statement that year still rings in my mind. Imagine someone who served as commissioner, deputy governor and minister of the federal republic of Nigeria, beating his chest that he has never reported anyone to Police or DSS despite all the malicious and maligning statements against him. Gaskiya, Such a politician's tolerance must be studied and his forgiving spirit should also be emulated.
The upcoming politicians must develop a large heart to accommodate both the wrong and good and we should live by our conscience not by what people say about us.
Many criticisms will come —. Whether constructive or not. How you respond to it can either make or mar you.
Written by: Timothy Adzumema Ayuba
