By Ahmad Sajoh
There are things that are beyond politics. Compassion is one of them. You cannot fake compassion or pretend to be compassionate for the purposes of achieving narrow political gains. People with such tendencies end up fizzling out from the public space as soon as their political ambitions are not achieved. But a genuine compassionate person remains compassionate beyond immediate or even long term political expediency. Such persons have what is called “milk of kindness” in their DNA not just their veins. Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani is one such person.
Love her, hate her or simply try to downplay her relevance in your psych, you will still have to give her that she is deeply and genuinely compassionate. It’s a trait she developed over the years from her childhood. She has never shied away from lending a helping hand when a helping hand is needed. Many people became philanthropists due to a desire to join politics or because of holding a political office. Binani is different. She could be said to have joined politics as a means to further expand the horizon of her philanthropy. That is why unlike many of our politicians who abandon their public support once out of political office, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani uses the period out of public office as an impetus to do more for the weak and vulnerable. She is indeed what a writer describes as ” an Amazing Amazon”
Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani stands as a beacon of compassion, consistently advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable within our society. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need is a testament to her genuine empathy and unwavering dedication to social justice. Her recent visit to Maiduguri and the commendations and deep appreciation of Governor Zulum speaks volumes about her standing in the Nation. She made every Adamawa person proud and flew the gender inclusion banner very high. She has once again proved that what a man can do, a woman can equally do. Inclusion is not only in asking for representation in public office, but also in the demonstration of responsibility.
Through her actions, Senator Binani demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the less fortunate. She has demonstrated this much time and time without prompting either by political considerations or the thirst for visibility, fame or fortune. It is just Binani, vintage Binani. She champions policies and initiatives that empower the vulnerable, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. Her tireless efforts to improve access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for the marginalized are truly commendable. This had been her badge of honour in or out of public office.
Senator Binani’s compassion extends beyond mere words; it manifests in tangible actions that make a real difference in the lives of those she serves. Her unwavering dedication to creating a more equitable and just society inspires us all to strive for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Just recently she went home to Adamawa distributed foodstuffs to people in consideration of the current hardships in the land. That was highly commendable considering the fact that some people in authority who received such foodstuffs from governments have had difficulty sharing the same. Yet, here is a compassionate person deeping her hands into her pocket to share with other less fortunate persons.
Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani embodies the spirit of compassion, consistently advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable within our society. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need is a testament to her genuine empathy and unwavering dedication to social justice. When she shared fertilizer to farmers during this cropping season, she did it in order to prove a point that beyond palliatives, people need to be empowered to be productive as the real solution to our current situation. That is not only a display of compassion but a testimony to a visionary thinker. That is vintage Binani.
Senator Binani’s compassion is not merely a fleeting sentiment; it is deeply ingrained in her actions and policies. She understands the systemic barriers that prevent the vulnerable from reaching their full potential and works tirelessly to dismantle them. Her advocacy for accessible healthcare, quality education, and economic empowerment programs for the marginalized demonstrates her commitment to creating a more equitable society. Her very foray into politics and the political terrain is meant to trigger a confidence boasting impetus for the marginalized group to feel a sense of capacity to go beyond the temporary barriers placed before them. She has been a beacon of inclusion helping women break the glass ceiling beyond where they were placed before. Whatever is said about the role of women in leadership in Adamawa State, the real credit goes to the doggedness of Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani and other Amazons such as Senators Grace Bent and Binta Massi. Her Governorship contest is creating opportunities for women even at the Local Government till today.
Her style which is dictated by her compassionate heart had always shaped her engagements in or out of office. Both as a member of the House of Representatives and as a Senator, these traits were manifestly noticeable. Beyond her legislative efforts, Senator Binani actively engages with communities, listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to find solutions. Her willingness to walk alongside those she serves, understanding their struggles firsthand, makes her a true champion for the vulnerable. That is definitely what democracy is all about. Binani embodies the fine ethos of a democratic society.
Senator Binani’s unwavering dedication to creating a more just and compassionate world inspires us all to strive for a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Her legacy will be one of empathy, action, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the most vulnerable among us. We should keep all political differences aside and salute this epitome of compassion for the good she has done. Yesterday is history and gone for good. Tomorrow is a mystery only known to God Almighty. What we have to celebrate is today which we know and see clearly. Let us celebrate this show of compassion for what it really is – a gesture full of meaning for a caring world. A world in which our shared humanity makes us share our hopes, fears, successes and challenges. That for me is the real lesson of the public response to the Maiduguri tragedy. And when the story of such concerns are written, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani’s contributions will be counted as an intervention from a compassionate heart.
Ahmad Sajoh writes from 35 Oran Street Wuse Zone 1 Abuja.
