Think with your minds not stomach, TCO tells Gombe citizens
By Matthew Atungwu
As Nigeria prepares for another political transition, Tangale Community Overseas (TCO) has charged the people of Gombe state to be wary of those it describes as “wolves in sheep clothing”, whose god is their stomach.
The General Secretary, Tangale Community Overseas (TCO), Lamela Umaru Lakorok, made this call at the funeral ceremony of a member of the Association, Rev (Dr) Siman Ibrahim, saying that the deceased left a huge vacuum difficult to fill.
According to Lakorok, the “wolves in sheep clothing” do not have the interests of the people at heart, hence they embezzle what is accruable to the poor masses to enrich themselves and their generations unborn, adding that it was time to return the state back to its lost glory.
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He urged Gombe people to cultivate the habit of helping the youths achieve their potential in life, emphasizing the need for eligible voters to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and exercise their civic responsibilities come 2023.
“We must look to the future and find ways to help our young people excel in life to the fullest. First, this will require that our people register to vote. It is a shame that the current system allows a few individuals to select candidates for the offices.
“It is not an accurate representation of a democratic system. However, we still have an opportunity to make our voices heard. We must elect individuals, not political parties.
“We must be willing to drive the narrative of our destiny. Therefore, we challenge our people to each acquire their PVC. While we do not endorse individuals, we see and are interested in a politician’s specific work for the constituency.
“The elected officials are servants of the voters; therefore, we must each ask ourselves, what is this person doing or going to do for society? We trust you to have the proper judgment to assess each politician when they seek your endorsement by your vote. Once again, remember that you have the power of the voting booth. “
The Secretary-General however called for election education to sensitize the youths in the state about the ills of election malpractice, violence or thuggery capable of ending their lives untimely.
“It has come to our attention that some local politicians in Gombe south are already promoting the politics of thuggery. We cannot allow this to continue.
“We must show the world that we are civilized and cannot allow any individual to buy our youths and send them to their early graves through violence. Politics is a game of wits and persuasion.
“So please, respect your life and the lives of your neighbours. We have all seen how bad leaders employ thugs to carry out their mischief.
“We have to prove better than those who promote the ethos of death and wanton destruction.
“Therefore, we appeal to our youths to use critical thinking to compel their brothers to eschew any violence in the name of any politician. No politician is worth your life.”
Lakorok advised the people of Gombe state to be wary of politicians who use religion as a political tool.
“Regrettably, we have failed to utilize qualified, promising, and visionary leaders because of religious bias. Yet, we all know that a leader’s religious affiliation does not translate into leadership quality.”
