By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, who represents the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, has hit back at the Kaduna Elders Forum (KEF), following their recent threat to recall him from the National Assembly over alleged non-performance. This follows an earlier claim by the group, which has been repeated under a new name.
Senator Usman, widely known as Senator LA, condemned the KEF for issuing another recall threat just months after the first attempt. The threat, he argues, is being made under the guise of a different group and described the forum’s actions as “empty barrels” and mere “noise makers.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, Senator LA called the KEF’s outbursts “infantile” and said the group was simply engaging in “ranting” aimed at spreading misinformation. He accused them of being meddlesome interlopers who should not be taken seriously.
Senator LA emphasized his position as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Financial Matters. He explained that both committees are of vital national importance and that he does not have time to engage in frivolous disputes with individuals pursuing political battles under false pretenses.
He further noted that this was not the first time the KEF had made such claims. In fact, the group and its sponsors had previously issued a recall threat under the banner of the Kaduna Peace and Tranquility Forum (KPTF) last year. Senator LA called the latest threat, issued by the KEF under its new name, both laughable and curious.
Senator LA urged the people of Kaduna Central Senatorial District not to be swayed by the false accusations being peddled by the so-called elders. He stated that the group lacked the moral high ground to claim they represented the interests of the people, as their actions appear to serve only the selfish interests of certain political figures.
He also advised his constituents to remain calm in the face of these provocative statements, dismissing the recall threat as unworthy of serious attention.
Senator LA’s Achievements
The Senator’s statement outlined his significant accomplishments over the past 18 months, which he believes far surpass those of his predecessors. Among his achievements are:
- Construction of 100 smart primary school buildings
- Sponsorship of hundreds of students for WAEC and UTME (JAMB) exams
- Provision of boreholes for potable water and solar lights
- Offering N500,000 each as startup capital to 500 beneficiaries
- Providing training in various skills, including soap making and fish farming, with financial support
All of these initiatives have benefited residents across the seven local government areas of the Kaduna Central Senatorial District.
Senator LA also sponsored a motion urging the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, which received unanimous support in the Senate. Additionally, he has sponsored four critical motions and four bills that are now in their third reading stage, awaiting approval.
Senator LA Responds to the KEF
In his response to the KEF, Senator LA outlined the group’s continuous attempts to undermine his record, noting that they have now shifted from the KPTF to the KEF, led by one Alhaji Inuwa Bala Rigasa. He dismissed this as a futile attempt to distort his achievements.
The Senator emphasized that he would not dignify these infantile outbursts with a lengthy response, as they stem from jealousy, envy, and political malice. However, he felt compelled to issue a rebuttal to clarify the record for the public, especially those who may have been misled by the KEF’s baseless claims.
Senator LA reiterated that his focus is on delivering tangible results for his constituents, noting that his legislative work, including the ongoing efforts to improve education and banking sectors, has made a real difference. He referenced his leadership role in the Senate Committee on Education and his contributions to the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s basic education system.
The Path Ahead
Senator LA, who continues to enjoy widespread support in his constituency, remains undeterred by the ongoing attacks from his political opponents. Despite repeated threats and false claims, he is determined to continue working for the betterment of Kaduna Central Senatorial District.
In conclusion, Senator LA’s tenure, marked by significant achievements and political resilience, remains focused on serving the people. He called on the public to disregard the claims of the KEF and remain supportive of his ongoing work.
