You Were Selling Sugar In Lagos, While We Were Fighting For Democracy, Maku Tells Nasarawa Gov. Sule
Rabiu Omaku
An erstwhile Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has slammed Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, accusing him of dismissing the contributions of those who fought for Nigeria’s democracy despite not being part of that struggle.
Speaking during an interview on TVC, Maku reacted to remarks previously made about him, saying it was unfair for those who did not participate in the democratic movement to criticize individuals who dedicated years to the fight for civil rule.
The former commissioner and deputy Governor of Nasarawa State recalled his involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, stressing that many politicians and activists endured difficult periods while resisting military rule and campaigning for democratic Governance.
Maku argued that the sacrifices made by members of the democratic movement should not be ignored or belittled. According to him, those who participated in the struggle helped lay the foundation for the democratic system currently in place.
He maintained that his record in public service and political activism speaks for itself, insisting that criticism directed at him should not erase the contributions he and others made during the struggle for democracy.
During the interview, Maku declared, “While we were fighting for democracy, he was selling sugar in Lagos; today he calls us serial complainants.”
He remarked while responding to comments he said had been made about his repeated criticisms of political developments in Nasarawa State, especially electoral fraud.
The former minister suggested that his continued comments on Governance and elections stem from his commitment to democratic values rather than personal grievances. He maintained that speaking out against perceived injustice is consistent with the principles he has always defended.
Maku also argued that those who played active roles in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system have a responsibility to continue questioning actions they believe undermine fairness and accountability in Governance.
He insisted that raising concerns about political developments should not be dismissed as unnecessary complaints, adding that democratic societies depend on citizens and leaders who are willing to challenge actions they consider wrong.
The former Minister of Information, who was also the supervisory minister of defence during President Goodluck Jonathan’s reign, concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending democratic principles, saying his political interventions are rooted in the values he embraced during Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, which earned him national honour and not in personal disputes with political opponents.
