The House of Representative member representing Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Constituency Hon Joshua Audu Gana, has told his constituents he won’t steal to carry out projects across the constituency.
Gana, who spoke while addressing PDP stakeholders on Tuesday in Mokwa Local Government Area, said he was not God and cannot answer all the prayers and expectations of the people.
Gana spoke after several PDP stakeholders, including the PDP local government Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Kupanti, expressed dissatisfaction with his stewardship.
Responding, Gana said that some of the expectations of the people were not what he should undertake because they do not understand the government has different tiers. He, however, said that he would direct their expectations to the right channel.
The angry legislator said; “I thank God that I am not God. I cannot answer all your prayers. It is only God who will answer all your prayers because the complaints of the people are prayers to God. When you want to score anyone, you will need to understand public office. The money in public office is not my father’s money; it is not my personal money; it is government money.
“They know me, I be old soldier, I no dey fear anything for this life. I am not afraid of anything except God. If you want to score me, go and check the national budget, check the items that fall under Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency and the allocation. Go and check if the projects were 100 per cent funded, then you can come and ask me about it and that is when you can score me.
“But now, when no money has been provided by the federal government, you want me to go and steal? My father is not a thief, none of my family is a thief, and you people will not make me a thief. Whether you try from heaven to earth, I cannot go and steal for what is not provided.”
Gana said he may not have received funds for constituency projects because he is in the opposition.
“The party in rulership today is APC and I am in the opposition. When you make a comparison of now to what has happened before, it is different. When you compare one legislator in an APC-ruled government to when PDP was in power, then you are a bad examiner,” he noted.
The outburst of the lawmaker did not go down well with the constituents who asked him to stop complaining and get to work. They stressed that they have no room to condone incompetence.
Judah Yisa said: “This is not a politician. There is no wisdom in his speech. This one is just blowing grammar, is this how to respond to people as a politician? You are our representative and we’ll continue to scorn you. If you can’t continue leave since you are lamenting about not being given money for projects in your constituency. Respect is not bought is earned your human relation tells more about you.”
Kabiru Pelemi said: “Irrational response from a politician. He didn’t apply wisdom to respond.
He is simply not a leader. Very irresponsible response. Where are others getting money for a project? So unfortunate, even if you don’t have money for a project, is this how you should respond to ur ppl? Was this how you talk to them when you are seeking their votes? The Ylyouths are truly not ready.”
Habiba Aminu stated: “Na wa o, this is very disappointing for so many reasons. First, he could not even speak little Nupe in order to assuage their feelings, then, he is telling them no funds were allocated for constituency projects. How is that possible? And isn’t it his job to follow up and ensure the funds are released? Then lastly he is telling them he is not afraid, that he’s an old soldier. Well, it’s now left for the constituents to vote him out and bring someone that is serious.”
Members of Joshua Audu Gana Media Watchdog on Facebook expressed disappointment over the speech, describing it as unfortunate and inappropriate, saying that the speech has left them saddened and concerned.
In the post titled: “A Message to our constituents regarding Hon. Joshua Audu Gana”, the group wrote: “Despite our unwavering support and guidance, Hon. Gana has chosen a path that’s not only disappointing but also hurtful to our constituents. We acknowledge the pain and frustration this may have caused and urge everyone to remain calm, especially with the 2027 elections approaching.
“We take full responsibility for promoting Hon. Gana in the past and are committed to learning from this experience. We’re dedicated to finding a better path forward, one that aligns with the values and principles that our constituents deserve. As we move forward, we’re praying and hoping to make amends and ensure that our constituents are better represented.
“We will work tirelessly to regain the trust and confidence of our constituents. To Hon. Joshua Audu Gana and his associates, we wish you a smooth transition into political retirement.”
The lawmaker is yet to respond to the outrage that greeted his speech in Mokwa.
The Nation
