By Bashir Rabe Mani Ibn
‘Umar said, “Th e Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, took me by the shoulder and said, ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller on the road.” Ibn ‘Umar used to say, “In the evening, do not anticipate the morning, and in the morning do not anticipate the evening. Take from your health for your illness and from your life for your death.” [al-Bukhari] Th is came to pass on July 14, 2017, when divination called the late House of Representatives member, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad Wamakko, aka Speaker. He died on that fateful day at the Nizzamiya Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. Born on January 4, 1967, the late federal legislator was buried same day according to Islamic rites at his ancestral home in Wamakko. Th e funeral prayer, led by Chief Imam of Wamakko, Sheikh Shehu Ardo, was attended by thousands of relatives, friends, associates and sympathizers who thronged the Wamakko Central Jumaat Mosque, to attend the rewar-fetching prayer.
Th ey included his elder brother, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the Sarkin Yamman Sokoto and Marafan Hausa, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, APC National Vice Chairman, Northwest, Alhaji Inuwa Abdullahi, federal and state legislators, politicians, civil servants, technocrats and an array of several others, from within and outside Sokoto state. Th e mammoth crowd of mourners and sympathizers who ceaselessly trooped to Sokoto state, en route Wamakko town, was heartwarming. It was all in the bid to condole with the family, relatives and associates of the deceased on the irreparable loss of a political colossus, Abdullahi Speaker, as he was fondly called. Th e list is, indeed, inexhaustible. Some came physically, others sent messages and emissaries, while others were there all through the three-day mourning period which had to be extended to four days due to the high number of people who continued to troop to Wamakko. Messages of condolence came from President Muhammadu Buhari, his Nigerien counterpart, President Muhammadou Isoufou, former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former and serving governors, politicians, business moguls like the Katsina-based Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, serving and former legislators, among thousands of others. In his message, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Chairman of the National Assembly, who led other senators and members of the House of Representatives, condoled with Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North) over the loss of his younger brother, Alhaji Abdullahi Wamakko (APC-Kware/Wamakko; 2011 to 2017). He was accompanied to Wamakko town by Governor Tambuwal, Senators Danjuma Goje, Kabiru Gaya and Bashir Garbai.
Saraki described the deceased as a patriotic, dedicated, God-fearing, honest and detribalized Nigerian. He said, “Th e late lawmaker served his constituency, Sokoto state and Nigeria creditably. He was also industrious, obedient, patient and persevering. It is with great heart that we come here on behalf of the Senate and National Assembly to condole you. Whatever aff ects you in grief and in joy, aff ects us as you are a great leader to Nigeria and Nigerians”. Saraki further prayed God for the repose of the soul of the late lawmaker and to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Responding, Wamakko described Saraki as great and true leader to Nigeria. Th e former governor of Sokoto state said that the Senate president is a symbol of courage and hope for Nigeria. Also, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Zamfara state Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, sent a condolence message to Wamakko. Similarly, National President, Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamstus-Sunnah (JIBWIS), represented by Sheilh Habibu Kaura, and the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-Gen. Zakari Kazaure, represented by the state coordinator, Alhaji Musa Abubakar, have condoled with Wamakko. Th e late Abdullahi Speaker, who diligently represented Kware/ Wamakko federal constituency, was fi rst elected and sworn in on May 29, 2011, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In 2015, he was reelected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) until his demise on July 14, 2017. He was a member of various committees of the House of Representatives. Th ey included: Banking and Currency, Commerce, Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Federal Capital Territory, Governmental Aff air, Health, House Services/ Welfare, Navy, and Special Duties. He was Vice Chairman, House Committee on FERMA. Th e deceased is survived by a wife and fi ve children. May God bless and see them through life, amen. Th e above are just excerpts of the heart-soothing condolence messages from a myriad of Nigerians, from across social strata and diverse political leanings. It is an indication that the deceased came, saw and conquered. It was, indeed, a happy ending for him and we will continue to pray for the repose of his soul until we meet to part no more. Adieu, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad Wamakko, aka Speaker Mani is Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Senator Wamakko
