Taraba South Senator David Jimkuta has urged political leaders to remain connected to their grassroots supporters and primary constituents, regardless of their elevated status in life.
Speaking earlier this week at the Nigeria Law School in Bwari, Abuja, during an event where the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, donated seven vehicles to the school and flagged off the construction of 10 sets of 4-bedroom bungalows for staff, Jimkuta reflected on his humble beginnings as a commercial motorcyclist (Okada rider).
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, praised Wike’s gesture of giving back to his alma mater.
“I like what you are doing. Me, before I became a senator, I was once an Okada man, and it is in the same spirit that I gave them bikes. As a politician, I give to them because that’s my primary constituency,” Jimkuta said.
He added, “What you are doing here, you are encouraging your primary constituency, and it is commendable. It’s not politics. Whoever says it’s politics, let him go and try his own luck. Honourable Minister, we appreciate you and we support what you are doing in the FCT.”
Jimkuta’s political journey has been marked by resilience and determination. During the All Progressives Congress primary election, he emerged victorious by polling 170 votes to defeat his rival, Danjuma Shiddi, a sitting House of Representatives member representing Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency.
Despite his win, Jimkuta’s name was not submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission; instead, Shiddi’s name was forwarded. Undeterred, Jimkuta challenged the decision at the Federal High Court in Jalingo but lost to Shiddi. He subsequently appealed the decision and won at the appellate court. When Shiddi escalated the case to the Supreme Court, Jimkuta triumphed once more, with the court ordering that his name be reinstated on the ballot.
Jimkuta went on to achieve a stunning upset in the senatorial election, defeating the incumbent governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party. Jimkuta secured 85,415 votes, while Governor Ishaku trailed with 45,708 votes.
Jimkuta’s rise from humble beginnings to the Senate has underscored his commitment to his primary constituency. His reflections on his past and his continued focus on giving back resonate with his grassroots supporters and highlight the importance of remembering one’s origins in public service.
