Senator Lawal Usman, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, has strongly criticized the Kaduna Elders Forum (KEF) for calling for his recall from the National Assembly, labeling their allegations of non-performance as baseless.
The KEF, through its chairman Inuwa Rigasa, had accused the senator of failing to deliver on his campaign promises and undermining peace in Kaduna State. Rigasa stated, “Since his election to the Senate in 2023, Senator Lawal Adamu has failed to speak up or act in the interest of his constituents despite the prevailing economic hardships. This is unprecedented in the history of senatorial representation in the state.”
In response, Usman, via a statement titled “Kaduna Elders’ Forum’s infantile outbursts: Empty barrel making most noise”, dismissed the forum’s allegations as “laughable.”
Issued by his Senior Special Assistant, Segun Olatunji, the statement emphasized that the senator remains focused on his legislative duties and would not engage in what he described as “frivolities.”
“I am too busy with my legislative duties to engage in disputatious arguments with frivolous individuals working to achieve the selfish interests of some unserious politicians hiding behind a finger to fight political battles with me,” the senator said.
Referring to a similar recall threat made under the guise of the Kaduna Peace and Tranquility Forum (KPTF) last year, Usman remarked, “What became of the group’s earlier recall threat with a 14-day ultimatum made to me last year under the cover of the Kaduna Peace and Tranquility Forum (KPTF)? The rehash of the same threat by the same set of individuals under a new name (KEF) is laughable and curious.”
The senator further questioned the credibility of KEF, accusing its members of serving the interests of political sponsors rather than the people of Kaduna Central. “I urge the good people of Kaduna Central Senatorial District not to allow themselves to be deceived by the lies being peddled against me by the so-called Kaduna elders, as they lack the morality to continue to pretend to love the ordinary people of the constituency, whereas they have been engaged in their nefarious activities in the interest of their sponsors and paymasters,” he said.
Defending his record, Usman detailed his achievements over the past 18 months, highlighting initiatives such as the construction of 100 smart primary school buildings, provision of scholarships, boreholes for potable water, solar lighting, entrepreneurial training for farmers, and sponsorship of WAEC and UTME (JAMB) candidates.
He also cited the distribution of business startup capital to 500 beneficiaries, payment of registration fees for 1,000 tertiary institution students, training for 100 women in soap making, and training 200 individuals in fish farming, all with startup capital included.
“Specifically, I have recorded unprecedented achievements in the past 18 months by providing among many others 100 smart primary school buildings, scholarships, boreholes for potable water, solar lights, entrepreneurial training for farmers, sponsorship of hundreds of students for WAEC and UTME (JAMB) examinations, N500,000 each as business startup capital given to no fewer than 500 beneficiaries, payment of the registration fee for 1,000 tertiary institutions students, training for 100 women in soap making with startup capital and training of 200 beneficiaries in fish farming with startup capital,” he stated.
He also referenced his legislative accomplishments, including a motion that expedited the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, which received unanimous Senate approval, alongside four critical motions and four bills currently at their third reading.
He urged his constituents to disregard the KEF’s recall threat.