By Rayyanu Bala

The Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Dr. Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, while responding on behalf of the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Mohammed Bage, during a condolence visit by political leaders over the death of the Emir’s younger brother and Dankaden Lafia, the late Alhaji Ahmed Bage on Saturday, appealed to former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former Governor Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, and Governor Abdullahi Sule to forgive one another and work together in the overall interest of Nasarawa State.
The traditional ruler urged the three leaders to embrace reconciliation, reminding them of the Islamic teaching that the highest form of forgiveness is demonstrated when a person has the power to take revenge but chooses to pardon instead. He stressed that forgiveness and unity among them would promote peace, stability, and development in Nasarawa State.
According to the Andoma of Doma, the people of the state stand to benefit more when political leaders set aside their differences and work together toward a common goal. While appealing to them to forgive one another and move forward, he also emphasized the importance of tolerance, urging them to be patient with one another and embrace mutual understanding for the peace and progress of Nasarawa State.
Indeed, the Andoma of Doma said nothing but the truth. Political observers in Nasarawa State understand that his remarks were directed at the existing rift between Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and Governor Abdullahi Sule. As far as the public is aware, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Governor Sule do not have any known political disagreement.
This position appears consistent with the remarks made some time ago by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the commissioning of a lithium factory in Nasarawa State. On that occasion, he stated that those who had problems with Governor Abdullahi Sule were the ones at fault.
Undoubtedly, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has, over the years, earned the admiration and genuine affection of many people. There are numerous achievements to his credit that cannot easily be disputed.
Indeed, Senator Al-Makura transformed the political landscape of Nasarawa State. His emergence as governor marked a turning point in the state’s democratic history, and his administration produced leaders who remain influential in both state and national politics today. His courage, determination, and political acumen have earned him a respected place in the political history of Nasarawa State.
However, admiration for Senator Al-Makura should not prevent an honest reflection on his political journey.
I served Senator Al-Makura as his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media during his first tenure as governor, and I remain grateful to him for giving me that opportunity. However, my appreciation should not prevent me from offering an honest assessment of his political career.
The greatest factor that has threatened and may continue to threaten Senator Al-Makura’s political legacy, unless he changes, is his attitude. In many respects, he has been the architect of his own political misfortune.
The majority of politicians in Nasarawa State have, at one time or another, benefited from the goodwill, influence, and opportunities Senator Al-Makura provided. At the peak of his political career, he stood above virtually every political tendency in the state. He possessed everything required to become the universally acknowledged political father of modern Nasarawa politics. He mentored leaders, built strong political structures, and commanded enormous loyalty.
Sadly, he failed to consolidate that advantage because of one major flaw. Many people allege that this flaw is his selfishness.
Rather than building a political family founded on trust, inclusion, and enduring relationships, he embraced what many describe as a “use-and-dump” approach. Consequently, individuals who devoted their time, resources, and loyalty to his political success often felt abandoned. Many faithful supporters who expected appreciation, inclusion, or continued partnership instead found themselves sidelined.
As we all know, trust is essential to achieving greatness in politics and in life. More importantly, trust is what sustains greatness. Today, Senator Al-Makura has lost the confidence and trust of many of his former supporters.
History shows that enduring political leaders are remembered not only for the offices they held but also for the people they empowered and retained. A political godfather is not simply someone who produces leaders; he is one who continues to unite, protect, inspire, and nurture their loyalty. In this regard, Senator Al-Makura fell short.
It is therefore no surprise that many of those who once stood firmly with him have charted independent political paths. If we are to be truthful, Senator Al-Makura’s political influence weakened not because his achievements disappeared, but because relationships that should have been preserved were allowed to deteriorate.
What I have written here should not be interpreted as an attempt to diminish his contributions. Rather, it is an honest assessment of his political career.
His contributions to governance and democratic development deserve recognition and respect. He had every opportunity to become the undisputed political godfather of Nasarawa State, but he made decisions that ultimately limited that possibility. Political greatness, as stated earlier, is measured not only by the ability to rise but also by the ability to keep people together. Unfortunately, his alleged “use-and-dump” approach and perceived selfishness weakened loyalty and diminished the strength of the political structure he had painstakingly built.
Those who still love and admire Senator Al-Makura have every right to do so. His record contains achievements worthy of recognition. However, genuine admiration should not prevent constructive criticism. A complete assessment of his political journey must acknowledge both his successes and his shortcomings.
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura had the rare opportunity to become the enduring father of Nasarawa politics for generations to come. Unfortunately, through decisions that alienated many of his loyal allies, he fell short of that historic legacy. More than the actions of any political opponent, those decisions remain the greatest cause of his political misfortune.