Sir, I greet you sincerely and pray that you, your family, your work, and the people under your leadership remain in good health and prosperity.
I was among the earliest seven individuals who became aware that you would be entrusted with the leadership of Roni Local Government. It is for this reason that I consider it both necessary and timely to convey this letter to you.
Sir, your reputation for kindness and community service predates your assumption of office as Chairman. Your foundation and the various supports you have extended to the public are well known. Becoming Chairman has only expanded your capacity to serve your people more effectively.
Nevertheless, no matter the level of commitment or achievements of any leader, criticism is an inevitable aspect of public service. The decision to confront or suppress Abba Mu’azu Abiyos will only multiply your critics and may, in the long run, dim your otherwise bright political prospects. This is because many of those around you are driven primarily by personal interests rather than genuine concern for the progress of Roni. The same individuals surrounded previous leaders and abandoned them once they left office, only to reappear under a new administration. The pattern will likely repeat itself.
Your administration has indeed executed unprecedented projects—supporting 700 students with registration fees, constructing the Roni roundabout, establishing a major conference hall, and providing computers for students. These are commendable initiatives that would be celebrated anywhere in the world. However, distributing water containers to water vendors, although well-intentioned, is not a project easily appreciated by the general public compared to your more substantial developmental achievements.
History has shown that many individuals who voiced criticism against their governments were detained, including Alexei Navalny, Maria Ressa, Liu Xiaobo, Ai Weiwei, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Wole Soyinka, Václav Havel, Loujain al-Hathloul, Andrei Sakharov, Anna Politkovskaya, and Hrant Dink. Their arrests elevated them to heroic status globally, while the leaders who ordered such detentions were viewed as suppressors of free expression.
As one of your admirers, I was deeply concerned by the arrest of Abba Mu’azu Abiyos, particularly in light of public statements by his associate alleging your involvement.
Your name will undoubtedly endure in the historical record of Roni as one of its transformative leaders. Yet, the arrest of a young critic such as Abiyos does not align with the leadership qualities I know you possess. Constructive criticism, when examined carefully, often contains truths that praise-singers will never reveal to a leader.
I chose to write this letter because I am confident it will reach you and because I believe in your capacity to lead with wisdom and openness.
May you remain in good health and continue to serve with honour.
Yusuf Kabiru
Editor, MADUBI Newspaper (Published by Abuja City Times)
Second Place Winner, International Writing Competition, Iran, 2023
Author of over 180 published articles within and outside Nigeria
kabkabiruyusuf533@gmail.com
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