Usman Ibrahim Kuchi: "I Genuinely Care About The Plight Of Our People"

WOULD YOU PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF?

My name is Usman Ibrahim Kuchi. I was born on the 1st of June, 1976, in Bida, Niger State; to the late Alhaji Ibrahim Kuchi Family. 

I attended Zarumai Nursery School, Minna; Ibrahim Tako Primary School, Bida; Ndayako Day Secondary School, Bida; and Barewa College, Zaria. 

After my graduation from Barewa Collage, Zaria I proceeded to University of Abuja (1997-1999) for a Diploma programme in Law;

University of Maiduguri (2000-2007) Bachelor of Laws (LL. B);

 

Nigerian Law School, Bwari Campus (2008) (BL); 

Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U.), Zaria (2010-2011), Post Graduate Programme in Law; 

University of Cumbria, United Kingdom, Master of Laws in International Business Law (LL.M); 

Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U.), Zaria (2019) for another Master of Laws (LL.M); 

and I am presently enrolled at University of Abuja (2020-to date) for Doctor of Laws.

After my call to Bar, I joined Agbolahor & Co. (2008-2009), a private Law Firm with a flair for criminal cases, and was exposed to the rudiments of criminal cases early in my legal career.

Thereafter, I joined Bond Brief Solicitors (2009-2010), a Law Firm with a flair for corporate practice. Presently, I am an In-House Counsel with the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and a candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party for member Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency.

WHY ARE YOU IN POLITICS?

I came from a politically conscious family, and I have always had a keen interest in politics, governance and service delivery in Nigeria; borne out of genuine concern by happenings across the country. 

The economic distresses, insecurity and the general sense of cheerlessness you get from engagement with the citizenry; are enough of reasons for any discerning citizen to throw his hat into the ring with a view to proffering solutions to our myriad problems.

While I commend the successive administrations, from 1999 – to date, for the giant developmental strides that they have made, there is no gain denying that we are far from where we need to be.

The life expectancy in Nigeria has dropped to 55 years in 2022, from 76 years that it was in 1999. Available NBS data also shows that the inflation rate in Nigeria increased to 19.64% in July 2022, the highest since September, 2005. 

The unemployment rate in Nigeria is 9.79% in 2021, an increase from 3.99% in 1999. The death rate in Nigeria (in the absence of precise data), attributable to bad roads; terrorism, banditry or abduction, or curable illnesses such as malaria are not only distressing but on the increase.

You will recall that, in 1999, banditry (on the scale that we are witnessing now), terrorism, abduction, prison break and etcetera were unknown to us in Nigeria. 

They were stuff for the movies, or crimes we read about on the pages of newspapers far from the shores of this country. But sadly, our reality today is not only shaped by all the foregoing criminalities, the audacity with which the criminal elements operate with relative ease, is frightening to say the least.

The 2020 Global Terrorism Index released in 2021 placed Nigeria on the third spot, the fifth time in a row since 2015; while Nigeria ranks 146th on the Global Peace Index out of 163 countries covered in the report. You would have thought that the steady increment of security expenditure over the last few years would result in reduction in insurgency, banditry, abduction and other crimes.

Although, the primary function of the legislature is legislation or law making. I believe that the legislature can do a lot more, though I commend the legislature in ensuring steady increments in security expenditures.  

Effective representation goes beyond legislation or appropriation of funds. It also calls for deliberation on matters of national importance, public issues, problems and needs of the citizenry. 

There has never been a greater need for the legislature to accord its other functions, such as, “oversight” and “quasi-judicial” functions prominence to enable us get out of the woods that we have found ourselves, than now.

The legislature performs quasi-judicial function when it summons public officials for investigative hearing, or embarks on impeachment proceedings, as was recently muted in the two chambers.

Therefore, my advent into politics is borne out of the need to serve, and clear understanding that parliamentary function is not an all comer’s affair. It is a job for people with understanding of what is required, what it takes and the necessary skillsets to bring about positive changes. 

It is not a place for business men. It is on that note that I have offered my humble self to serve the good people of Agaie and Lapai Federal Constituency.

WHAT IS YOUR POLITICAL IDEOLOGY?

Political ideology, I believe is a set of ethical ideals, values or principles; a blueprint for how society should work. 

It has been a subject of comprehensive studies in the realm of social sciences, and I understand that in some countries, such as USA with its left-right political spectrums, and myriad of political ideologies such as liberal, moderate, or conservative; with a notable libertarian movement, to mention but a few. But I doubt much if we subscribe to such in Nigeria. 

However, my worldview is shaped by moderation.  

WHY ARE YOU CONTESTING FOR MEMBER HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE?

I am contesting for member House of Representative because I genuinely care about the plight of our people, and I am convinced that they can use a better and more effective representation. 

I believe that I have the capacity, requisite skills and training to excel as a parliamentarian, and to bring about the much needed infrastructural and human development to my constituency.

I am tailor-made for the job. Pertinently, I am a high achiever with proven track record of success, teamwork, and if Allah wills that I am elected the good people of Agaie/ Lapai federal constituency can be rest assured of effective representation. 

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO DIFFERENTLY?

For starters, what I will do differently is to sponsor bills to bring about positive developments to the good people of Agaie/Lapai federal constituency and the general citizenry.

This is unlike some people who have spent almost four years in the House and have not sponsored a single bill.

If Allah wills it that I am elected, I will accord constituency service a whole new meaning. This has been lacking in Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency.

 Parliamentarians are representatives of the people. It presupposes therefore that it is incumbent on them to relate with members of their constituencies. Otherwise, how are they going to know the needs of their people. Constant engagement with the people is also an important avenue for feedback and for being accountable to the people.

On matters of national importance, it is pertinent that a legislature sample opinion of the electorates and vote in accordance with their dictates. Therefore, townhall/village square meetings will be a common feature of my representation, if elected, In Shaa Allah.

One of the most important function of the legislature is oversight function. Oversight denotes steps taken by the legislature to review or monitor the policies, plans, programmes and projects carried out, or being carried by the executive arm of government to ensure that expected outcomes are being met, or represent good value for money. 

If I am elected, God willing, I will take my oversight function seriously; and it will be a departure from the business as usual attitude of the past.

Another important function of the legislature is ventilation of grievances. It is said that the legislature is the national forum for the expression of public opinion, grievances and aspirations. 

Thus, the legislature as the representative of every interest and shade of opinion, is a proper forum for ventilation of public grievances. If Allah wills that I am elected, I will be at the service of my constituents in this regard.

The “Ibrahim Kuchi Foundation: Givin’ Hope” will be an avenue for youth and women empowerment, by embarking on skill acquisition training for the youths, and periodic grants and donation of requisite materials required to set up business ventures for the women.

The foundation shall also contribute to the development of sports by organizing a periodic tournament for all in the community.

ANY ADVICE FOR THE YOUTHS?  

Life is tough but we must not despair, we must keep hope alive. Drugs are no solution. Everybody falls/fails sometimes, winners are those who soldier-on irrespective of the failures they encountered in their pursuits of objectives worthy of their best efforts. 

Finally, we must have zero tolerance for crime, we must strive to acquire relevant skills, we must constantly commit ourselves to self-improvement and be productive citizenry. 

Regards

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