by Nurudeen Dauda
To begin with, it baffles me to see some social media users share with “malice” an alleged joint campaign posters of former Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa state with his two sons either out of “mischief” or “ignorance” and or both. It is naive to raise dust over an issue which is obtainable even in the so-called advance democracies.In the said posters, Governor Lamido is said to be vying for Senate, Mustapha S. Lamido for Governor, and Aminu S. Lamido for member Federal House of Representatives.
In Democracy which we practice there is absolutely nothing wrong in family members offering themselves to serve. It is only left to the electorate to choose who to vote for from various candidates who offer themselves for elective positions. Apart from precedents of politicians of same family who contested elections all over the world it does not violate any of our laws for politicians of same family to contest elections. If there is nothing wrong in a child of a “lawyer”or an “engineer” or a “medical doctor” or a “general” aspiring to his parents profession, why should that of politician be different?
In my thought, leadership is all about bettering the lots of the people. Anybody with leadership quality irrespective of his connection with a politician should be supported to lead the way. Our conversation on leadership should go beyond the issue of ones “family” or “age” or been “poor” or been “rich”, but his competence as a person.
In the US where we borrowed our presidential system there is a history of family members or political dynasties in its politics. We have had the Kennedy, Bush, Roosevelt, Adams etc ., political families’.
THE KENNEDY FAMILY:
President Kennedy formerly Senator John F. Kennedy. In the family there were Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Senator Edward Kennedy. Edward Moore “Ted ” Kennedy served as senator for almost 47 years.
THE BUSH FAMILY:
Prescott Bush, was a Senator from Connecticut. His son was George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States. And of course, his sons are George and Jeb Bush, Governors of Texas and Florida. President Bush Jr. 45th president of US.
THE ROOSEVELTS FAMILY:
The Roosevelt’s family has Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as Eleanor Roosevelt, who was part of the family herself.The Roosevelt family’s political success started with Nicholas Roosevelt, who was the first of them to hold elected office, as an alderman. The family members have held many different political positions in New York and nationally since then.
THE ADAMS FAMILY:
Like the Roosevelts, the Adams have put out two United States Presidents, John Adams, and John Quincy Adams. Their members played a role in the country’s founding all the way up to the early 20th century.
THE HARRISONS FAMILY:
The Harrison’s family has presidents, William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison, however their family is far more ingrained in the country. Benjamin Harrison V. was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Their family list is peppered with notable members who were governors and senators as well.
THE TAFTS FAMILY:
The Taft’s family have produced multiple senators, governors, judges, and of course a President. William Howard Taft was the most famous of the Tafts. He was President for one term. President Taft’s son, Robert A. Taft, was a Senator from Ohio.
May God bless Nigeria!
Nurudeen can be reached via nurudeendauda24@yahoo.com OR nurudeendauda24@gmail.com
