In a remarkable shift from its apolitical status as civil society organisation, Zamfara Circle has announced on its Facebook page that it is receiving a Ramadan package from the embattled former Governor, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar to distribute to the Internally Displaced Persons in Zamfara State.
The announcement sparks mixed reactions among social media users. To some, the Zamfara Circle’s acceptance of a donation from any politician is uncalled for much more from the popular political figure like Yari and not from an independent foundation. Many view this singular action as marking the end of Zamfara Circle’s “apoliticalness”.
Another segment of people see nothing wrong in delivering the philanthropic message from Abdulaziz Yari because the conditions given by Zamfara Circle which bar the donor from interfering in the distribution are satisfactory.
Reviewing the clashing views, Dr. Tijjani Salihu lamented how the giant Zamfara Circle could stoop so low to be dragged around by a politician under the guise of donation. He wondered how the group failed to raise funds from independent sources rather than waiting for politicians to soil their integrity.
Another commenter, Musa Garba chips in: “I have lost respect for Zamfara Circle. It has now metamorphosed into a sold out political tool. The so-called conditions would not stop a politician from going to the press to claim credit tell the world how the group come begging for donation. How could any group criticize the person from whom it receives donations?”
Other dissenting views from these, mostly from Yari’s political associates and supporters reflect lots of excitement and prayers for the donor and the donee. They hail Abdulaziz Yari for cleverly outsmarting an intellectual group which was his hottest hell.
