Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency

Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency

Dr. James Bwala

It is the right of every constituent member to ask questions of their representative on how they run with the trust we gave them. The best time to ask questions, however, is when the elections are approaching. For us in the Hawul and Askira/Uba federal constituency, this is the time for us to begin to ask our representative, Dr. Midala Usman Balami, what he did or did not do with the mandate we gave him on trust against all odds in 2023. This is the right thing to do because the relationship between constituents and their representatives is built on a foundation of trust and accountability. This trust is cultivated through promises made during campaigns, upheld by actions taken while in office, and reinforced through consistent communication and service to the people. 

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In the case of Hon. Midala Usman Balami, the member representing the Hawul and Askira/Uba federal constituency in Borno State, that sacred trust appears to have been severely compromised. We, as constituents, find ourselves grappling with feelings of disillusionment as we witness actions that suggest not only a betrayal of our confidence but also an alarming disregard for the responsibilities entrusted to him.

The recent incidents involving Hon. Balami have elicited strong reactions from the electorate. Reports indicate that he allegedly placed a close friend in police custody following a minor disagreement, reflecting an unsettling pattern of using his position not for the benefit of the people but for personal aggrandizement. Reports back home suggest a total betrayal of trust as our people come with different stories that touch the heart. The stories we hear as we interview constituent members left us with the feelings that they leave with every day. Their lives, their stories tell of a tale our people had to deal with under what I can only call a detailed representation. 

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The actions and inactions of our representative in the green chamber left our people in the mercy of political rhetoric on papers and tears of bitterness on the ground. His actions of putting a friend they called “Bold Lion” in police net have travelled to every home in both Hawul and Askira/Uba local governments, portraying a legacy mark he is bringing into our society. Such actions speak deeply within a society that values community and solidarity. To betray a friend in such a manner speaks volumes not only about his character but also the values he embodies as our elected representative. In the eyes of many constituents, this incident marks him as one of the worst representatives in the history of our local governments—a stark departure from the ideals we expect from our leaders.

The issue of resource allocation presents a critical disparity between Hon. Balami’s claims and his apparent lifestyle choices. He has frequently lamented the limited resources he receives as constituency allocations, arguing that these constraints hinder his ability to serve effectively. Yet, juxtaposed against this narrative is the observation of massive structures rising under his name and reports of his family residing abroad. The juxtaposition of his proclamations of scarcity with the visible evidence of wealth raises red flags and prompts serious questions: Where is this money coming from? Is it truly representative of the interests of our constituency, or has it been diverted towards personal gain?

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The constituents of Hawul and Askira/Uba are awakening to the realization that our trust has been misplaced. It is crucial to remember that while we do not harbor hatred towards Hon. Balami, it is our civic duty to hold him accountable for his actions. Our mandate as voters extends beyond mere electoral participation; it encompasses continuous scrutiny of those we elect to represent us. The upcoming 2027 elections present an opportunity for the electorate to reflect upon the performance of their representative critically.

We must ask ourselves: What legacy has Hon. Balami created during his time in office? Has he fulfilled his duties to the community, or has he prioritized personal interests over public service? These inquiries are essential in determining whether or not he deserves another chance at serving our constituency. The answers will lie not only in his public statements but also in the tangible impact of his policies and initiatives on our daily lives.

A representative who claims to be constrained by limited resources yet engages in lavish expenditures sends a message—either he is misleading us about the available allocations, or he is failing in his duties to prioritize the needs of the people. Either scenario is unacceptable. The integrity of our political system relies on honesty and transparency; both are vital components that influence public trust. As constituents, we possess the right to demand clarity about how our resources are being managed. The narrative of scarcity should not overshadow the realities of mismanagement or personal exploitation of public funds.

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The impact of having a representative who does not understand the essence of accountability cannot be underestimated. The actions of Hon. Balami affect the broader landscape of governance and have insinuated a rift between his office and the very people he represents. What messages does this send to young citizens who look to our leaders as role models? The notion that public service can be synonymous with self-interest undermines the noble intention of political representation.

As we move closer to the next electoral cycle, the imperative becomes clear: we must illuminate the actions of Hon. Midala Usman Balami, bringing to light the discrepancies between his promises and his actions. A movement is taking shape within our constituency, fueled by a collective desire for change. This moment calls for an active engagement of all members of the community to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and mobilize efforts towards ensuring that our electoral processes yield representatives who embody the principles of integrity, humility, and commitment to service.

In this regard, it is essential to empower constituents with information. Knowledge is a potent tool in the fight against misinformation and the potential continuation of flawed leadership. Through community meetings, town halls, and social media platforms, constituents must share their experiences, concerns, and aspirations. Let us ensure that our voices echo the sentiments of powerlessness we have experienced under the current representation. By fostering a culture of active citizenship, we can lay the groundwork for a future where representatives recognize that their authority comes with responsibility, not privilege.

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We must embrace the power of unity in the face of dissatisfaction. Engaging with local organizations, advocacy groups, and other community stakeholders can amplify our voice and strengthen our resolve to demand accountability. As constituents, we are collectively responsible for upholding the principle of representation; as such, we must refuse to remain complacent in the face of ineffectiveness and dishonesty. The upcoming elections are not just another chance to cast a vote; they are an opportunity to reclaim our agency as citizens who demand better governance.

Ultimately, our goal is not to vilify Hon. Midala Usman Balami but to challenge him to rise to the occasion. The political landscape often thrives on rhetoric, but we must transcend this by grounding our demands in reality. Let us engage in constructive debates, highlight the importance of ethical leadership, and advocate for policies that genuinely reflect the needs of the people. With concerted efforts, we can instigate change that compels our representative to recognize that his position is a privilege to serve rather than a platform to exploit.

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As the clock ticks toward the 2027 elections, we, as constituents of Hawul and Askira/Uba, stand on the precipice of decision-making. Let us not forget that each action we take, every conversation we have, and every vote we cast shapes the future of our constituency. Together, we can forge a path toward accountability, transparency, and effective representation. It is time to lift the veil on the actions of Hon. Midala Usman Balami demands explanations for the disparities between his claims and his reality and ultimately makes an informed choice for the future of our beloved constituency.

Together, let us reclaim our trust, dignity, and future. The fate of our constituency rests not only in the hands of our leaders but also in ours as the vigilant electorate. Let this be a wake-up call for all of us—a reminder that our collective voice is powerful and capable of enacting real change.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency