*Declares, “I’m still in charge of Sokoto”
By Kemi Kasumu, General Editor
Editor of News Diary, Mr. Abdullahi El-Kurebe, only Saturday morning told The DEFENDER in an exclusive interview that whether Sokoto had truly become stronghold of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as claimed by the PDP politicians over the defection of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal or not would be determined by the level of crowd and acceptance displayed when the immediate past Governor and currently Senator from the State, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, making a reactionary visit to state same Saturday.
El-Kurbe, on the sideline of the interview, insisted that Sokoto remained APC state and that Wamakko as a man of the people would be given a rousing welcome.
Wamakko’s plane amidst the people on tarmac.
As if a prophet had spoken, El-Kurebe’s was vindicated as massive crowd actually trooped out in and around the Sokoto City all for the arrival of the Senator who they now regard as their Leader whose guidance is accepted to lead their way. Saturday’s home coming of Wamakko was beyond being described as exceptional.
Shortly after Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governor of the state defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Aliyu Wamakko, who is his immediate predecessor, had reacted by saying people will know who runs the state when he returns home. And just as he boasted, a soaring crowd on that Saturday trooped out to the streets of Sokoto to receive him right from the tarmac of the Sultan Abubakar III Airport Sokoto to town.
Wamakko, who represents Sokoto-North at the Senate, had maintained that despite the governor’s defection, the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains in control of the state.
He had said the state remains solidly an APC-controlled territory, irrespective of Tambuwal’s defection.
I’m still in charge of Sokoto – Wamakko
On arrival, Wamakko said “I’m still in charge of Sokoto and Sokoto State is solidly behind President Muhammadu Buhari”.
Crowd receiving Wamakko in Sokoto Saturday.
Just as the streets of Sokoto were littered with followers and fans of Senator Wamakko, Twitter was awash with the happening in the state.
The Sokoto Airport was filled with cars and supporters who awaited Wamakko’s return to his home town and were there until the aircraft that airlifted him from Abuja where he serves as Senator touched the ground at the Sultan Abubakar III Airport.
Wamakko, who returned home to further canvass people to believe in APC, had boasted in Abuja that he’s still in control of the APC in Sokoto.
Confirming the heroic welcome which supporters accorded Wamakko, President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide on new media, Bashiri Ahmad said pessimists writing off the ruling party because of Governor Tambuwal’s defection should think again.
The Leader is here!
“Those who are busy writing off the APC in Sokoto State, following the defection of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal and some members of the national and state’s Assembly to the PDP, should stop writing a bit and see whether the APC is still in control or not. Sen. Wamakko visits home today,” Ahmad, who is also followed on twitter by The DEFENDER, tweeted.
Earlier in the week, Wamakko had boasted about his popularity amongst his people saying “By weekend when I get back to Sokoto, you will see who is really in charge of Sokoto. I am assuring you that there is no cause for alarm. The people of Sokoto are solidly behind President Muhammadu Buhari.”
Some of the tweets reacting to Wamakko’s heroic arrival
Ediong✔@Ediong · 4 Aug Whats happening in Sokoto?
I am nt understandin@awwaliyerh: Senator wamakko of APC is testing his microphone. Sokoto is locked down for Buhari. They are rejecting criminals.
Saleem Yusha’u Siddiq@SlimsonJ: Arrival of Dr. Aliyu Wamakko at airport sokoto welcomed by #APC supporters!! #SokotoState is really for @OfficialAPCNg#SaiBaba2019
Adebayo@Tzadebayo: Wamakko saying that Nigerians are behind APC is like Unai Emery saying that Arsenal FC will win the the EPL trophy come 2018/2019 season knowing fully well that City,Liverpool,Chelsea & United all have better squads.@akaebube , are you aware of this claim by APC backroom staff?
All for Wamakko.
Wamakko acknowledging cheers.
The crowd welcoming Wamakko.
Impressive crowd also for Wamakko.
Cars and people littering shutdown Sokoto for Wamakko.
Still for Wamakko
Some of the supporters.
Wamakko.
