Opinion
Lassa Tampe: Chairman in waiting
In Nigeria’s toxic and self-centred political system where politicians consider political office as a bread and butter ticket to wealth, and lucre of office is more important than service to the electorates, there are still certain individuals in politics who have used the instrumentality of political office as an avenue to make a difference in the lives of their people, improve their living conditions and leave a lasting legacy.
Among this receding tribe of selfless politicians is Lassa Yusuf Tampe, a seasoned grassroots politician.
Tampe is a politician with a difference, having had a liberal, service-inclined political education as a student both at Federal College of Education Kontagora and the University of Abuja where he espoused humanitarian views.
He says ” I have always loved to serve my people, it’s the passion and impulse that drive me into politics . His youth service year in the South south broadened his mind, making him more receptive, more broad in his views.
His empathy with the people became more pronounced when he was a teacher at Local Education Authority Kwali.
From there he was elected councilor representing Yangoji Ward, Kwali, then Speaker Kwali Legislative Arm, then when many noticed his public-spiritedness he was quickly elected Secretary to the Speakers Forum of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, then he was made Secretary Transition Committee, Kwali Area Council, member Project Evaluation and Monitoring Committee, Scholarship Committee, Task Force on Revenues Generation among others.
He has assisted the Chairman of Kwali Area Council in deepening the dividends of democracy at different levels in the area of education, healthcare, infrastructure, among which are establishment of mechanic village, 12 primary schools, Yangoji Koroko modern market, adult education classes, 10 health centres in a long list of achievements
Dr. Ahmed ElYakub, a Kwali resident told this medium that ” the best candidate for Kwali Area Council chairman is Lassa Tampe, he has done well as supervisory councilor, he’s down- to- earth, simple and identify with the people of all classes. We are surd that if elected he will make a difference.
Hajia Aisha Sani, a trader said ” I can’t see any other contestants besides Tampe. He is one of our own because he always comes to the market to identify with us, wanting to know our challenges. We will vote for him.
Tampe has always stressed the imperative of education in personal development and nation building, thus he has remained a strong force in Kwali Area Council’s scholarship scheme for indigenes which has seen the awards of scholarships to 250 diploma students, 150 degree students,120 NCE holders among others.
Ayo Makinde a resident of Kwali told this medium that ” Tampe is our chairman- in- waiting, we are going to vote for him massively.
For now the contest for the soul of Kwali Area Council rages on and all the aspirants are mobilizing the electorates selling their candidature, but of the bunch Tampe stands out as the man to beat.