Abubakar Usman Sidiq: The Renowned Journalist Turned Politician, By Engr. Imam Maiyaki

In hundreds of media houses across this country there are men and women who reports the truth, and help lubricate the engine room of democracy. They do not only monitor governance and make government accountable to the people, but also act as gate keepers for sustainable democracy in terms of information flow and direction.

Abubakar Usman Sidiq, is such a journalist!

He brought thoughtful, intelligent, objective, and balanced views to all that visit his media platform. His readers always got something unique from his online site. Aside being a tireless media practitioner, he is dogged and churns out nothing but quality news content.

Journalism is one of the most exciting profession in the world, yet requires discipline, hardwork, commitment, above all, the love for the truth. A journalist must consider himself as the eye and ear of the people, because the people deserve to know the truth, and thus, should be presented to them in a way they can easily understand, and make informed choices.

However, many journalists have failed in this task of reporting the truth due to their inability to separate journalism from their personal sentiments. The fact that newspapers report government activities daily or transact business with different governments does not mean they can’t write opinions and editorials against the same government they had promoted or projected if and when the government is found wanting.

The very essence of freedom of speech and democracy is to speak to power as a corrective measure and not as vendetta. Abusidiq as he is fondly called, is always on the balance for objectivity and fairness to the readers of his platform – Abusidiqu.com.

My first article was published on his platform (Abusidiq.com), some years back, and he has since mentored me excellently well on the art of media. Anyone that comes across him will agree with me that the future of broadcasting in Nigeria will be in helms of exciting individuals like Abusidiq.

Abusidiq is indeed one of the emerging leaders in Nigeria. He exercised bravery by contesting for the position of National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), in 2018, despite having no God father. As God destined it, he came a close second after a fierce election battle with Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, a former minister who has since decamped to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Prior to the 2019 Presidential elections, Abusidiq was appointed head of Social Media Unit of the Field Operations Directorate of All Progressive Congress (APC). Abusidiq played this role effectively and efficiently which cut the eyes of some stakeholders in the party. The excellence he showcased in this role added to the factors that convinced the Distinguished President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, to appoint him as Special Assistant on New Media.

Abubakar Usman Sidiq, is a flamboyant journalist-politician who is surely on a roller coaster to be among Nigeria’s successful leader in the future. He no doubt possess all the requirements needed to excel in the political and leadership field. I won’t be surprised if he occupies the highest position in the land one day.

Best wishes my friend !!!

By Engr. Imam Maiyaki
@MaiyakiImam
imammaiyaki@gmail.com