A former close ally of the ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Barrister Maigida Yakubu, has launched a blistering attack on the former lawmaker, accusing him of deceit, betrayal, and causing division within the Zaar (Sayawa) community.
In an 11-page open letter titled “Behind the Curtain of Deceit: Unmasking the Architect of the Zaar Identity Crisis and Division”, Maigida said Dogara has evolved from being a leader to becoming a “master manipulator” who thrives on political inconsistency and personal gain.
Maigida took aim at Dogara’s recent political appointment under the same All Progressives Congress-led government he fiercely criticised during the 2023 elections.
Taking a swipe at Dogara’s opposition to the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket during the last election, Maigida claimed the ex-Speaker orchestrated a staged protest featuring paid individuals from the Middle Belt.
“You acted like a hero opposing the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, pretending to be a moral leader. Yet, for the past two years, you’ve been chasing the same people for political favours without shame,” he said.
He described Dogara’s acceptance of the appointment as an act of hypocrisy, saying it exposed his double standards.
According to Maigida, Dogara’s new role is symbolic and was only offered to keep him politically silent.
“The government knows who you are; that’s why they gave you a small chairmanship position, not out of respect, but to silence you. These days, you move around political offices like a desperate fly, trying to get attention,” he wrote.
Maigida claimed that Dogara had lost credibility and respect among his people and national political actors.
Beyond politics, Maigida accused the former Speaker of being the architect of division in the Zaar (Sayawa) ethnic group.
“You have used our people for your selfish gains, sowing seeds of discord, especially among our youth,” he said, challenging Dogara to name any Basayi (Zaar) youth he truly empowered during his time in office.
He said Dogara has consistently put personal ambition above community development, describing him as someone who “only acts when it benefits him.”
Maigida also dredged up Dogara’s controversial legislative past, referencing allegations of budget padding during his time as Speaker of the 8th Assembly.
“In fact, ‘padding’ might be your most memorable legacy from the 8th Assembly, and it will always follow your name like a shadow,” he stated.