Tafoki: A Salute To Resilience

Next week, February 3, to be precise, marks one year since the Court of Appeal affirmed that Rt. Hon Engr Shehu Dalhatu Tafoki is the duly elected member of the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa federal constituency of Katsina State. Subsequently, it has been one year of effective representation.

Engr. Tafoki, who, at 43, passed for one of the nation’s young parliamentarians, continues to make significant impacts that give his constituents, especially the disenchanted youths among them and their peers all over the nation, the impression that hope is on the horizon. Through his contributions to debates on critical national issues at both plenary and committee levels, he has demonstrated the qualities of an engaging and impactful lawmaker.

This feat, however, was hard-won. It followed a protracted 27-month legal tussle that began in 2022 during the pre-election period in the build-up to the 2023 Polls. Throughout this period, Engr. Tafoki showcased unwavering determination and focus, disdaining distractions from some members of his party, the APC, and the opposition.

Having known Hon. Tafoki for over a decade, one thing that sets him apart is his resolute commitment to pursuing things he ardently believes in with fervour. This trait of devoutness enabled him to weather the political and legal turbulence he faced and ultimately secure his seat in the National Assembly.

Staying The Course

Resilience and steadfastness are the keywords that define Engr. Tafoki’s journey to the National Assembly. From internal party challenges, characterised by antagonism and deep-seated dislike, especially from people who feel threatened by his rising political profile, to pressure from the opposition, he has remained undeterred, demonstrating the courage that stands him out like the proverbial cat with nine lives.

The struggle began when Hon. Murtala Isah Kankara, his arch-opponent in the APC primaries who he defeated, contested his candidacy in court. The legal battle culminated in an appeal at the Supreme Court. Luckily, the highest court in the land upheld Tafoki’s nomination as the APC candidate for the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa constituency in the 2023 general election. Of course, he squared it up with the candidate of the strongest opposition to the APC during the general elections in the state, the PDP, who was the real contender in the race.

In the general election, the PDP candidate, Jamilu Mohammed, was initially declared the winner by a narrow margin of less than 900 votes. However, Tafoki challenged the result at the election petition tribunal, arguing that elections had not been conducted in 20 polling units across two local government areas with over 10,000 registered voters. The tribunal ruled in his favour, declaring the election inconclusive and ordering a rerun. Following the rerun, Tafoki emerged victorious, defeating the PDP candidate to secure the seat.

Fresh Legal Tussle

Just when he and his supporters thought they were done with litigation, the PDP candidate challenged the rerun result at the election petition tribunal and sought to nullify Tafoki’s victory.

However, the tribunal dismissed the petition on the ground that the plaintiffs (Jamilu and PDP) failed to substantiate the allegations raised in their petition. Undeterred, the PDP candidate approached the Court of Appeal, which again ruled in Tafoki’s favour, ending the prolonged legal dispute.

The three-man panel of the appellate court, comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Jumbo-Ofor, and Samuel Ademola Bola, upheld the tribunal’s judgment and effectively ended the long, tortuous, and indeed resource-consuming legal battle over the representation of the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa federal constituency, which began in June 2022. Engr Tafoki eventually took his oath and assumed office at the National Assembly on February 8, 2024.

Set The Ball Rolling

For Engr. Tafoki, the legislature and, indeed, legislative activities are not new territory; he previously served three terms in the Katsina State House of Assembly, including two as Deputy Speaker. Upon assuming office at the National Assembly on February 8, 2024, he wasted no time in beginning the process of delivering on his campaign promises.

Shortly after resuming at the NASS, Tafoki, in February, moved the motion for a matter of urgent national importance as it relates to the challenges of insecurity in some parts of Katsina state. It is on record that residents of the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa federal constituency have continued to bear the brunt of the activities of terrorists who kill, maim, rape women and abduct for ransom.

He was also at the forefront of championing the distribution of palliatives and other support to the victims of banditry and other vulnerable persons across his constituency.

Most importantly, Engr Tafoki has sponsored quite a number of bills. Among these is the bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Faskari, which would be read for the second time this month. The bill underscores his passion for bringing education closer to his people.

Another notable example of his legislative impact is the motion he jointly sponsored on the need to rehabilitate the Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Kaura Namoda rail line. While moving the motion, Tafoki emphasized the rail line’s historical significance, having been established in 1926, and its role in connecting Kaduna,

Katsina, and Zamfara states. He outlined the economic and social benefits of rehabilitating the rail line, including job creation, improved trade, and reduced transportation costs.

He lamented the inefficient management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s rail-line infrastructure, noting that rehabilitating the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Kaura Namoda rail line would reduce fatalities, boost commercial activities, and reduce transportation costs for commuters, travellers, traders, farmers, and artisans.

Anyone conversant with the Northwest knows that Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Zamfara States are grappling with challenges of banditry, natural disasters and socio-economic hardship. Engr. Tafoki has been at the forefront of providing relief to his constituents, distributing palliatives to alleviate their burdens. His accessibility and humility have further endeared him to both young and old in his constituency.

Tafoki’s journey to the National Assembly is a testament to resilience, commitment, and effective leadership. Through his legislative work and unwavering support for his constituents, he has earned his place as a representative who delivers on his promises.