Says Adamawa politician is chasing relevance, not defending the North
HeapNews
A Fulani socio-political group, the Fulani Association for Great Leadership (FAGL), has taken a swipe at northern politician, Umar Ardo, over his recent comments against Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele.
Ardo had accused the prophet of bigotry after Ayodele warned President Bola Tinubu against appointing northern politicians into sensitive cabinet positions, saying such appointments could backfire due to betrayal and lack of loyalty.
But in a statement signed by its president, Abdullahi Raheem, FAGL described Ardo’s reaction as misplaced and self-serving.
“There is a popular adage that says, *‘O wiɗi ɗiɗi ɗum jogii, kono ɗum sewti; ngalan nden woni sewtaare’* — which means someone answering a question not directed at him. That perfectly fits Umar Ardo,” Raheem said.
He dismissed Ardo as “a not-so-popular Adamawa local politician” whose outburst was less about defending the North and more about seeking political relevance.
“Probably because he has been eyeing an appointment from Tinubu too, who knows?” Raheem added.
Responding to Ardo’s claims that Ayodele was “unchristian and hypocritical,” the Fulani group insisted the prophet is one of Nigeria’s most tolerant religious leaders.
“Can Ardo point to any pastor in Nigeria who has built a mosque with his own money? None but Primate Ayodele. Can he name any Christian leader who provides food and cash to Muslims including Fulani, during Ramadan? Again, only Primate Ayodele,” the group queried.
They also pointed out Ayodele’s close ties with the Sultan of Sokoto and his sponsorship of Muslims to Mecca as proof of his hospitality and religious tolerance.
“To now call such a man an ethnic bigot simply for warning the President is laughable,” Raheem said.
The group further accused Ardo of leveraging Ayodele’s popularity to trend in the media.
“Ardo’s stance doesn’t represent the North. At 64, with his highest role being Special Adviser to a Vice President from 1999 to 2006, it’s unlikely he’ll get any serious appointment now. That’s why he’s desperate to remain relevant,” the statement read.
They also reminded the public of Ardo’s repeated failed attempts to govern Adamawa State.
“He needs to ask successful politicians if this is how they behave. He might then understand why ignoring Primate Ayodele’s prophecies has cost many politicians dearly,” Raheem noted.
FAGL concluded by affirming that Primate Ayodele would not respond directly to Ardo but insisted the politician owed an apology.
“As northerners who follow the prophet regularly, we say it loud and clear: Umar Ardo is wrong and should be the one apologizing for being an ungrateful Fulani,” the statement said.