THE POLITICS OF GAGDI
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is a name that is synonymous with political might, dexterity and acumen in Plateau state. Originally an economist, Gagdi was born on 5th November, 1980, to the family of late Mallam Adamu Gagdi, a renowned Islamic scholar in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Gagdi studied Economics at the famous University of Jos a PGD in Conflict Management and Msc in Peace and conflict management and taught as a classroom teacher for years in Jos metropoly.
I will not trouble you too much with a rehash of the antecedents of the incumbent member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal constituency, Rep Gagdi. Much of that information is now readily available. Such is the allure of power, that one can go from relative obscurity to instant fame and stardom. It is pertinent to however note some features of Hon Gagdi which I believe has not only catapulted him into the elevated position that he now occupies, but also offers a glimpse as to his personality and what the future may hold for this man who seems destined for greatness
His political career with which most Nigerians now know him, kick started when he contested for Kantana Constituency in Plateau state Assembly in the year 2011 and was defeated. Being focused and having good intentions, he recontested In 2015 under the umbrella of the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party and won the state assembly seat.
Gagdi was a state legislator for one term, from 2015 till 2019, and during that time the man had mostly positive reviews of his job. As a state assembly member, Gagdi was loved by his people. He was the first state assembly member to pay WAEC registration to his constituents. His monumental achievements led to the calls by the PKK constituents for Gagdi to represent them in the Green chamber in 2019.
Many state assembly members have tried to copy Gagdi’s educational intervention scheme, youth empowerment and participatory leadership, which have been praised as one of the reasons for his outstanding performance at the National Assembly.
Under Gagdi’s leadership, classes were established in schools, numerous roads were constructed, various primary health care centers were built and befitting palaces were also built. In addition to earlier exploits, Gagdi introduced refund of registration fees to candidates, including a constituency wide refund for JAMB, WAEC and NECO fees. This included the refund of external examination fees to private and missionary schools within the PKK constituency.
Following his wide range of accomplishments and given his charisma among his fellow state assembly members, Gagdi was elected the Deputy speaker Plateau State House of Assembly in 2015.
After his one-term tenure as State assembly member, Gagdi was called by the good people of PKK to run for the office of National Assembly member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam and defeated the incumbent in 2019 general elections.
As a member of the House of Representatives, Gagdi continued his developmental pursuit. He campaigned extensively on health, unemployment, education and rural development. He was appointed as the Chairman, House Committee on Navy and also a member of eighteen(18) other committees at the National assembly.
As someone who is a development strategist, himself, Gagdi has spoken and campaigned nationally on issues such as better governance, security and economic development.
He is fresh. He is young. He is different. His style of governance gives rays of hope. He also has substance. He has a heart. Many men and women of power in today’s Nigeria are heartless. Gagdi has passion for the job. Many political leaders only have passion for their pocket. Gagdi is one leader the people will freely follow – not because of any inducements but because his populist and people-oriented policies resonate with the people.
When we say the politics of Gagdi we meant the unprecedented transformational politics.
When we say Gagdi politics, we signified employment to youths.
When we mention the politics Gagdi, we meant empowerment to the youngs and olds.
When we utter the name Gagdi, we denoted the advocate of democracy free from ethnicity and religious bigotry.
When we murmur the politics of Gagdi, we expressed human and capital developments.
When we enunciate the politics of Gagdi, we meant road constructions and maintenance.
When we vocalise Gagdi politics, we intended rural electrification.
When we avow the politics of Gagdi, we denoted constructions of health care facilities.
When we articulate the politics of Gagdi, we meant the pioneer and landlord of cultural preservations.
When we verbalise politics of Gagdi, we are referring to philantrophy.
When we preached the gospel of Gagdi in 2011, 2015 and 2019 we knew he was the embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the epitome of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the heart of warrior, the gentleman per excellence.
Gagdi is someone who serves as an example of integrity and loyalty to the people he represents, both to the public and to other political leaders.
He is someone with good communication and inter-personal skills, who can work with a range of other people, regardless of political party or opinion, to achieve the greatest good for the general population.
He is someone who can resist the various temptations and lures of the political arena. He is of strong character, with both conscience and charisma. He is willing to listen to the needs of the common people and to represent them faithfully. He is someone with the courage to stand up and say what needs to be said rather than just tell the general public what it wants to hear. He is someone who is willing to make difficult (and possibly unpopular) decisions for the greater good.
Freelance Reporters 