A concerned citizen of Gwagwalada, Ibrahim Umar, has fired back at recent accusations leveled against former Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Mustapha Danze (popularly known as Obama), describing claims of betrayal and tribal politics as a deliberate distortion of facts meant to sanitise what he called a dangerous political ambition.
Reacting to a viral statement credited to a former APC councillorship aspirant, Umar argued that the real issue being ignored is the character and temperament of Ezekiel Umar Bako, also known as Zezelaga, whom some are pushing as a political “brother” that must be supported at all costs.
“Leadership is not about blood ties or tribal sentiments; it is about respect for the rule of law, humility, and tolerance,” Umar said.
According to him, Ezekiel’s public record raises serious concerns about his suitability for public office, particularly the chairmanship position of Gwagwalada Area Council.
“Ezekiel is widely known for arrogance and oppressor tendencies. He does not respect the rule of law. He arrests people on the slightest provocation, especially those who dare to tell him the truth,” Umar alleged.
He cited the case of Rhyne Manasseh, whom he described as a victim of Ezekiel’s alleged abuse of power.
“Rhyne Manasseh’s only crime was speaking truth to power. For that, he was arrested. If this is how he behaves without executive authority, imagine what Gwagwalada would become if such a man becomes chairman,” he warned.
Umar questioned the logic behind attacking Obama for refusing to align with such a personality, insisting that integrity should not be sacrificed on the altar of sentiment.
“Do you expect Obama, with all humility and experience in leadership, to support a tyrant? Should he mingle with a personality capable of ruining his integrity just to satisfy tribal emotions?” he asked.
He further warned that supporting a leader with alleged authoritarian tendencies could spell danger for democracy at the grassroots.
“A chairman who arrests critics today will arrest opposition tomorrow. He will silence voices, intimidate dissent, and turn the council into a personal estate. Gwagwalada does not need fear; it needs freedom, fairness, and justice,” Umar stated.
The concerned citizen maintained that rejecting tyranny should not be misconstrued as betrayal, stressing that true leadership is about protecting the people, not empowering oppression.
“This is not about APC, APGA, or PDP. It is about the future of Gwagwalada. No community should be forced to support a candidate whose character threatens peace, unity, and the rule of law,” he concluded.
The exchange of accusations and counter-accusations continues to heighten political tension in Gwagwalada as the FCT Area Council elections draw closer.
Signed:
Ibrahim Umar
A Concerned Gwagwalada Citizen