A heated exchange has erupted between Abubakar Rajab and Prosper Elijah Salifu, over the conception of Jibrin Isah Echocho’s senatorial project.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Rajab accused Elijah of parading himself as the architect of the project despite not being involved in its conception.
Rajab claimed that he was the one who initially discussed the idea with the late Alhaji Abuh Olando, and later convinced Echocho to contest for the Senate. According to Rajab, he was approached by Olando with the idea that Echocho should contest for the Senate, while Bello should be supported to complete his two terms.
Within days, Olando informed Rajab that Ahmedi Attah and Edward Onoja would reach out for further deliberations. True to form, Edward invited Rajab to a meeting in the Central Area, where Sule Isah Akagwu was also present. At that gathering, they suggested that Rajab should contest for the House of Representatives while Echocho pursued the Senate.
However, Rajab declined without hesitation, pointing out that the public saw Echocho and him as inseparable; it would have been absurd to campaign for different positions on the same podium under one party. Instead, Rajab chose to sacrifice his own ambition and give Echocho his full backing.
The very next day, Rajab went personally to Echocho, briefed him, and persuaded him to accept the offer. Echocho himself acknowledged Rajab’s sacrifice, saying, “Rajab, you became financially broken because of my project, but Insha’Allah, I will make you great again.”
Rajab claimed that it was on that promise that he threw himself, body and soul, into mobilizing for Echocho. However, after all these years of sacrifice, Rajab felt that his contribution was being belittled. He expressed disappointment that his role in the project was reduced to a mere note handed to a minister, as though that were a sufficient reward.
Rajab warned Elijah to measure his words, cautioning that he would not hesitate to withdraw his support if provoked. “An architect knows how to build a magnificent structure, but he also knows where to strike if he ever chooses to bring it down,” he said. “Do not provoke me into withdrawing my beams, lest the house collapses in your lap.”
Rajab emphasised that his investment in the project was beyond price, beyond measure, and beyond Elijah’s comprehension. He advised Elijah to speak with knowledge or remain silent to avoid disgrace.