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Atiku: A Man for All Seasons

Published

1 year ago

November 25, 2023

Eric

By Phrank Shaibu

Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them – a desire, a dream, a vision, says the great Mahatma Gandhi. This typifies clearly the life and times of Waziri Atiku Abubakar, who, despite the odds against him from early childhood, overcame all the hurdles and vicissitudes of life.

Born on November 25, 1946, to the family of Garba Abubakar – a Fulani trader and farmer – Atiku was the only child as his sister died at infancy. Before adolescence, his father died by drowning while crossing a river to Toungo, a neighbouring village in Jada. He was thus raised by his widowed mother, Aisha Kande, and his maternal relatives. As the man of the house, he did menial jobs while also schooling at the same time to provide for the family. He was a herder, a trader, and a farmer.

Of course, his life changed when he joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 1969 and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most senior officers within just 17 years of service. And through it all, Atiku never forgot his humble beginnings. This is one of the reasons he has continued to support several causes and foundations and has awarded dozens of scholarships to indigent students so that they can also have a chance of a bright future.

In the late 80s, he joined partisan politics even though he did not need to having fulfilled his immediate dream of lifting his family out of poverty. But out of this burning desire to lift millions more out of poverty so that they could achieve the Nigerian dream just like he had achieved his, he decided to join partisan politics. Despite winning the governorship election of Adamawa State back in 1991, his victory was questionably annulled by the powers that be.

He contested the presidential primary of the Social Democratic Party and lost. But he soldiered on. Even though he was not directly affected by the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election since he was not on the ballot, he put everything he had on the line in order to fight for democracy and was almost killed by Abacha’s goons in the mid 90s. Despite getting his fingers burnt in politics, he decided to contest again in 1999 for governor of Adamawa State and won. But he was picked as running mate to General Olusegun Obasanjo and subsequently became Vice President.

As Vice President, he fought against attempts to amend the constitution and extend the tenure of executive office holders even though he could have been a beneficiary of such a move. By this move, he played a role in not just entrenching democracy but preventing Nigeria from becoming a failing state like some African countries that have removed term limits for their heads of state.

During his trying days as Vice President, his official privileges were revoked by the powers that be. But this did not stop the Waziri from paying salaries and allowances of his personal aides. He continued to look after them and tried as much as possible to shield them from persecution.

Many in government today are products of Atiku’s benevolence, including some in the country’s ruling party today who have gone on to become senators and governors. Simply put, he is a leader amongst leaders.

He also believes in the power of education as a liberating force for the individual and the country. He often says that education gave him all the advantages he had and that he will also stop at nothing to make sure that quality education becomes a priority in Nigeria. Atiku, also, is a deliberate educationist

As a family man, he is almost immaculate. His belief about family is that discipline should be the watchword. His children, of course, are well educated, and he enjoins them to be good ambassadors of the family who must not be associated with any immoral conduct that will tarnish the family name.

As a principal, I say without hesitation that Atiku Abubakar is a father figure. He is compassionate and humane. He is affectionate, too. It is almost impossible to be around him and not feel the energy of the goodness of his character.

He is also a deliberate politician. He sees political power as an instrument to create a progressive society. He is very deliberate about everything he does and takes time out to reach out to associates in their great moments and sad ones

Atiku has made several unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, which have cost him money and comforts but he continues to do so in the service of motherland.

He has made mistakes but has also been a victim of the fraudulent nature of Nigeria’s elections and the judicial malpractice associated with election cases. Despite his string of defeats, not a single life has been lost on his account. This is because he continues to have faith in Nigeria and its people and also believes that his ambition to serve the people of Nigeria cannot be done at the expense of human life.

This cannot be said of other politicians who have promoted violence because of electoral defeat. For some, Atiku’s many attempts at the number one seat in Nigeria smacks of desperation. They think he should remain a private businessman and retire from politics. He may not have succeeded at becoming president, but he has tried and has done so for the most altruistic of reasons.

Some had even argued that he should not have challenged the result of the presidential election in such a vociferous manner but congratulated the winner of the fraudulent election so that he could continue to enjoy government patronage. But he stood his ground and pursued the truth and made sure that Nigerians knew it. This is the height of bravery even though our courts decided to dwell on technicalities rather than substantial justice.

There are no regrets whatsoever. Because as Theodore Roosevelt once said, “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming. If he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Without a doubt, the story of Atiku Abubakar is one of victory, success, and beating the odds. It’s about a man who was dealt a bad hand early in life but refused to be limited by his background and rose from the ashes like a phoenix. It is about a man who, despite his many defeats, has refused to lay flat on the canvas like a defeated boxer but continues to rise every time he falls. He is a man who has lifted others and has continued to trust in humanity despite the many betrayals he has faced.

His, indeed, is a life well spent. It is only fitting to conclude that Atiku Abubakar is a gift to the world. Waziri, your birthday deserves to be a national holiday,
because you are a special treasure
for all that you’ve done.

May the love you have shown to others
return to you in manifold measures.
I wish you the happiest of birthdays, Your Excellency

Phrank Shaibu is Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar

Featured

Makinde Ignores Oyomesi’s Rejection, Presents Staff of Office to New Alaafin of Oyo

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2025

Eric

Governor of Oyo, Mr. Seyi Makinde, on Monday, presented the staff of office to Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition took place at the Oyo government house in Ibadan.

The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

On January 10, Makinde announced Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo in a statement by the Oyo commissioner for information and orientation, Dotun Oyelade, quoting the governor as approving Owoade as Alaafin following the recommendations by the Oyomesi (kingmakers).

However, some members of the Oyomesi, a few hours later, rejected the appointment of Owoade as the new Alaafin.

They argued that the occupant of the stool is chosen in compliance with the registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, not by consultation or divination as stated by Makinde.

The kingmakers in the faction include Yusuf Akinade (Basorun), Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing in for the (Asipa), and Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing in for (Alapinni).

They added that only the Bashorun, head of the Oyomesi, can convene a meeting to elect an Alaafin, arguing that any meeting convened by Makinde was null and void.

Speaking at the event, the governor said the Alaafin’s stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole.

The governor maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.

He said, “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.

“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.

“Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

“I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.

“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

“Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”

While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.

“The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added.

In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people.

He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin.
He also thanked those involved in the selection process.

In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom.

Top government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.

Sources: TheCable and Channels TV

Featured

Viral Video: The Okoya Family Comprises Responsible Citizens

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2025

Eric

Many have been baffled about the recent viral video of the Okoya boys, Subomi and Wahab.

The Viral Video was shot privately to promote a song release ‘CREDIT ALERT’.

Looking at their parent’s life trajectories this unfortunate situation doesn’t accurately represent who the boys are.

Their father, an industrial giant is an easy going man whose passion for his trade has seen him dominating the business landscape over the last 65 years, while their mother whom the high society holds in high esteem as the epitome of brain and beauty is a workaholic who has equally inculcated the virtues of hardwork in all her children with a mantra “money doesn’t fall from the trees, you have to work to earn it’.

The ongoing debates surrounding the viral videos of the Okoya boys alleged abuse of the Naira is not necessary. While I quite agree with the authorities on measures being taken to curtail the abuse of Nigeria’s currency and its integrity, this particular scenario is a private video shot immaturely to promote the young boy’s upcoming song, “CREDIT ALERT’’ as the purpose of the video was simply to promote their music in a style emblematic of western music styles and trends, not necessarily to show off or demean Nigerian law enforcement.

They are young adults who have constantly demonstrated their sense of responsibility as citizens of Nigeria and will continue to uphold the law.

No doubt, the Okoya family comprises responsible citizens of the country, who constantly uphold what Nigeria stands for.

Featured

A Requiem for a Trojan, Chief Olabode Emanuel

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

When men pass away, life experiences a definite slow down for as many loved ones as they may have known, but when men like Chief Olabode Emanuel are no more, the entirety of creation is alerted; mourning becomes a case study, and wails as loud as thunder clap are heard from nigh and far. That is because they touched lives indescribably.

That is the story of a titan, who bowed out of a wonderful performance on January 4, 2025, just at the turn of a fresh year, after nine decades of meritorious existence, breaking barriers and churning out one first another another. Bode Emanuel, as he is fondly known, was many things in one package, traversing the world of financial entrepreneurship with ease, and into industrialisation as a construction guru as well as a boardroom wizkid with his glorious spell at UAC’s Grand Cereals, where he retired in 2021.

A proud alumnus of the prestigious St. Gregory’s College, Bode Emanuel is a typical example of he came, he saw and he conquered.

His death as announced by the Old Boys Association of St. Gregory’s College (SGCOBA) though sent shivers down the spines of not a few, was still taken with equanimity and total reverence to the will of Almighty God as a result of the numerous lives his existence touched and turned around. Many hears his name, and smile.

A revered Board of Trustees Member of the institution, the nonagerian, before his demise, was also a Chartered Accountant par excellence, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The statement announcing his death read: “As a seasoned administrator with vast experience, Chief Emanuel has served as the Chairman of the Board of many local and international corporate organizations.

“These include: BoriniProno & Co. Limited, Trevi Foundations of Nigeria Limited, Foundation Construction Limited, Saipem (Nigeria) Limited, Hogg Robinson Nigeria Limited, and Grand Cereals Limited.

“Aside St Gregory’s College Old Boys Association, he was a board member of, Nigerian Life & Provident Company Limited, Sterling Assurance Company Limited, Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited – Publishers of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Books and Publications in Africa – amongst others. Details on burial arrangements are “to be announced by the family.”

Born on April 20, 1935, Bode Emanuel has either headed or founded several notable business and professional bodies including being a foremost member of the Ikoyi Club, and founding member of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Business Group Nigeria, which he rose to become its 4th Chairman in 2022.

Chief Emanuel is survived by a vast array of family members, friends and colleagues, including his beloved wife and confidante, Mrs Anana Bode Emanuel.

The entrepreneur will be sorely missed!