By Hawwah
Abdullahi Gambo
“If I must choose a ruler to rule over me, it will be Alhaji Ado Bayero, and if I must choose a Muslim leader to lead me, it will be Ado Bayero” –Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (July 2002).
“The late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Beyero, had never shown interest of being an emir nor did he ever lobby to become one. He actually rejected the throne once when his brother, Muhammad Sunusi, was (retired) removed. Infact, he wanted his brother to be made the emir, not him”. – Danmasanin Kano, Yusuf Maitama’
June 5-6, 2014, will remain unforgettable in the life of many Nigerians – we lost some of the finest breeds of Nigerians. Thefirst to depart was the Emir of Kano HRH Dr. Ado Bayero, who whose loss is incomparable in many ways. Aside from being a monarch, he wasan exceptional gentleman.
Ado had jailed the Chief of Vigilantes in the forties for the offence of running an ‘amalanke ‘into his car not long after he became the Emir of Kano. Life went on and the man was forgotten. Then Kano state government decongested the prison, and just like several other inmates across the country, it was discovered that the man had been awaiting trial for over thirty years for brushing the Emir’s car with his cart. He was brought before the king, the King begged for the man’s forgiveness, but he refused insisting that the king has ruined his life and he can never forgive him. It was further alleged that the king shed tears because of the man’s refusal toforgive.
This story, in many ways portrays the humility and simplicity of the monarch. As we mourn his passing at the ripe old age of 83, we also reflect on the impact he made as Emir of Kano. He was one of the most successful and respected figures in the country.
One thing is clear though, as a leader and a monarch, he was very much respected and the human qualities and unassuming way in which he conducted himself as a leadership role model for the entire country. Bayero was a source of pride and distinction for his subjects and many Nigerians who appreciated his intelligence, humility and the wisdom he imparted throughout his reign. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
Dora Akunyili
Professor Dora Akunyili is many things to many Nigerians. To some, she is a role model, a heroine, a warrior, a legend and most of all, a mother.Having survived many rumors of her death in recent times, the news ofher final demise did not in any way came to me as a surprise.
Even though extremely saddened by the unfortunate exit, a part of mewas secretly pleased that she had gone, for I could not bear to seeher suffer so.
The time her recent pictures occupied social media; in which she appeared a ghost of her former self was one of the most anguishing periods of my life.
I can recall seeing that image in my mind’s eyes over and over forweeks. Her emancipated figure became an image that hunts me over and over again. I had always respected Dora, but my respect for her grewmultiple folds because despite the fact that she was terminally ill, she gave up all her strength to attending the ongoing National Conference which she insist is a duty she had to perform. That is sacrifice.
Akuniyil, pioneer Director of NAFDAC, was fearless and dedicated in her fight against fake drugs.While many Nigerians are making money by selling fake drugs to unsuspecting and innocent Nigerians, she remained adamant that saving lives is paramount. She fought sometimes like a lone soldier in a land polluted with so much corruption and evil minded money oriented mortals. She was fearless! I was wowed when I saw a picture of her on line with her numerous awards; the most I have ever seen in my lifetime. But even that, did not do justice to her selflessness, service, sacrifice, dedication, trustworthiness, honesty and integrity.
Tribute after tribute populated the spheres of social media, in respect of the Amazon. The most outstanding of which I will quote here:
‘She came, she saw, and she conquered. A life truly well lived inservice to her people; and this we shall never forget. She was indeeda beacon of light in a dark tunnel, a template of what a person should aspire to, She will be greatly missed by all Altruistic Nigerians, especially women who find a good model in her.
‘She was as courageous and fearless as any man of worth should be! She treaded where some men were afraid to tread! She spoke when men were afraid to speak! She did things men were afraid to do! She took bullets for all of the above, but God honoured her courage by saving her from the bullets! Instead, she died an honorable death.
‘Just know this Ma’am, NAFDAC and indeed Nigeria without you is like a human without oxygen. As you embark on this journey to oblivion, may you be at peace. We loved, and still love, you!
And so, the Amazon goes home. “Nigeria; Good People, Great Nation”she said…..’
Rest in perfect peace Dora.
