Abubakar Buhari Mohammed is a multifaceted individual, known for his roles as a writer, activist, and a significant figure in the realm of politics. Hailing from the vibrant city of Jalingo in Taraba State, his background holds a unique aspect - royal connections that have deepened his involvement in the political landscape. With a passion for both the written word, and social change, Abubakar Buhari Mohammed’s journey has been defined by his commitment to literature, activism, and a nuanced understanding of political dynamics. In this interview conducted by Gidd, he outlined some contributions to the political discourse in today's world.
Excerpts:
Gidd: How do you balance your roles as a writer, activist, and someone with royal connections in the realm of politics?
Buhari: Writing comes with a lot of responsibilities. Seeing what's not right for a writer turns him into an activist without him knowing. Royalty makes it hard for activism. It wasn't easy to balance royal connections with writing for the general benefit of all. Series of family meetings aimed at ending your activism and writing. But, we were able to balance it through standing for what we felt as right and it changed tides here. Politics can't be successful without those that holds Governments in power over their inaction. And that won't be possible without activism. For activism to strive, writers must play their roles. And fortunate are ones who are affiliated to royal ties to write. Those who targets writers in attacks won't have a place due to royal connections that gives one respect in the eyes of the public.
Gidd: What inspired you to become involved in political activism, and how has your background influenced your approach?
Buhari: Injustice was what inspired me to become a political activist. Nations grows when there is justice in the system. Where there is injustice, it breeds corruptions. And corruption destroys every Nations building. Politics is the only way in a Democratic setting that the people gets dividends of democracy. And If mismanaged by vested interests or weak leadership, then those that are governed missed opportunities to grow as people, states and nations at large. Hence, we felt that there's need for us to join the political environment as activist & writers.
My historical background shaped my moral thoughts and played a vital role in my approach to politics, the politicians, governments and their subjects. History brought us to knowledge of societies from different epochs and how good and bad leaders led their polity's. History, they say is the best teacher. And we felt the need for us to reminds leaders on their roles and how they'll succeed in leadership. My approach to many might be seen as rigid, but that's our stand. We shouldn't led governments ineptness leads us to a stage where people loses faith in governance.
Gidd: Can you share a specific moment or experience that motivated you to use your platform for social and political change?
Buhari: Our platform became active for Political change in 2015 when we became fully involved in the political settings of our polity. Was opportune to meet with a politician after days of trying. We projected on ways that we can harness our potentials for collective growth. The politician felt threatened of our views and wanted to kill the view. That was what gave birth to our own platforms to become more politically involved to enlighten.
Our leaders here are afraid of those that are learned and calls them to order over their inaction. Writers have a responsibility i.e to enlighten the general public. Hence, I switched all my platforms for enlightenment. And we continued till this very day.
Gidd: How do you believe your unique perspective contributes to the political discourse in today's world?
Buhari: We tried not to walk on the same paths with others in our perspective. We felt, both leaders and the led must know about policies and how they affects both party's. We take the bulls by its horns and makes our views subject to the political discourse of today's World. Many takes side either for the government or the governed, but our perspectives is for both.
Gidd: What writing projects are you currently working on that touch on political issues or activism?
Currently, I'm writing a book which I'm yet to titled it. The book speaks about "not sitting behind the fence." Why our people more especially those with writing talents must all get involved in politics. We can't change what government does unless we become part of them by calling them to order.
Gidd: In your opinion, what are the most pressing political issues that young people should be engaged in today?
Buhari: Young people should get involved from political party levels to taking up roles as aides like SA, SSAs vie for Political positions. That's the only way young ones will get opportunities to learn about governance. I see a potentials our young generations of leaders if they will be able to understand their potentialities and capabilities.
Gidd: How do you navigate the challenges and responsibilities that come with your royal connections while advocating for political change?
Buhari: The first challenge is to make sure we don't betray that parental upbringing of the royalty i.e righteousness. The challenge of being caged by royal connections not to write the truth are things that are making it hard for us. But to navigate all the challenges and responsibilities, we must uphold the sanctity of righteousness and write for the collective goal of our majority whom owe us the liberty to know the truth. The polity must know the truth and we can't betray our polity for royal ties.
Gidd: Can you share some tips for young writers who aspire to use their words to create social and political impact?
Buhari: Writers must learn that their pen is sharper than the knifes. Their pen must write nothing but the truth. What's worth writing shouldn't be left out. They should always focus on the collective benefits of their readers. Let them write to make a change. Using their pen, a writer can help the both the government and the governed. Ethics are what writers are known with that makes their styles.
Gidd: Are there any political leaders or figures who have particularly influenced your views and actions in the realm of politics?
Buhari: Umar Ardo PhD, was the first writer, activist, politician that influenced my views. Read all his books and court proceedings. Engr. Ahmed Yusuf was another Politician whose name is known for two decades without diminishing in my polity. Studying about his political involvements and contributions birthed my actions in making my views unique. Those two men shaped my entire political outlook and made it easy for me to write about politics.
Gidd: What message or advice would you like to share with other young individuals interested in both writing and activism within a political context?
Buhari: Activism if not carefully harnessed can lead one to litigation and prison in some cases. Let them have their Facts before writing. Activist must shun political favors for it'll take the best part of a political writer. Build political bloc's with every politician, those you admire and the ones you don't. Make sure you listen to their sides of their own version on why they make such policies. Always write to truth and stand for the justice. By doing so, you'll continue to be an inspiration to majority out their.
