In the politics of Nigeria today, Senator Danjuma Goje is a subject. Many great works-words have been done to eulogise the personality of the man that has a meteoric rise in his callings on self belief, sagacity, decorum, vision and a divinely mobilised force beyond human comprehension. I mean God is involved with Goje like my popular slogan. Only a few men get lucky enough to have their lives being celebrated while they are alive. But for some of these men it is more than sheer luck; they are simply so great that the world cannot wait till they are gone to have them celebrated. Danjuma Goje is one of those few men.
Danjuma Goje is one man whose life and legacy in business and politics continue to be a source of inspiration to many. To many, he is a leader, a mentor and an inspiration who they have learnt a lot from his leadership style. Goje is one man who has ensured that the North-east becomes relevant in the political permutations at the federal level. His doggedness saw to the rebuilding of the progressives in the North-east and it dawned on many that the geo-political zone has unearthed a true leader they have yearned since the late Tafawa Balewa.
Still wondering why Goje’s fame grew beyond his generation? Wondering why he is loved and idolised by millions of his followers? He defines his leadership by the number of people he has empowered. This is what true leaders do. The culture of sacrifice, loyalty and compromise for common good and selflessness is why Danjuma Goje is not only relevant but pivotal to the politics of Nigeria today. This is why he is one of the icons of modern day democracy not only in the North-east but the whole of contemporary Nigeria.
Goje is neither corrupt nor arbitrary. He has always been accountable to the people in all capacities he has held sway. Today that clientilism and patronage is the hallmark of governance in our country, he abhors it and never allows falsehood and political chicanery rules. Goje is not a brand made for greed as he is an embodiment of public good. Whatever Goje owns is always for public service, even his personal residence belongs to the people where the rich and the poor often visit for their respective intents, a Mecca of sorts. The greatness of Senator Goje transcends his politics and that is important to note. He is influential, a leadership institution, and a school of thought. He is a multiplier of values, a political cum administrative hunter of talents.
Considering that it has now become fashionable for politicians to lay claims to unsubstantiated democratic and economic gains to their people while in office, it is expedient to bring into focus the achievements of Danjuma Goje in all its ramifications, particularly as governor of Gombe state for eight years between 1999 and 2007. It is noteworthy that the water generation and supply system of government was considered to be the best of its kind in the world. His government made the provision of this essential life commodity free for all including farmers who now cite the state as an example for modern irrigation.
Indeed, so successful was the Gombe water supply scheme that then President Olusegun Obasanjo during a visit to the state commended the Goje administration and recommended it for implementation in his home state of Ogun. It is instructive to note that the airport in the state has continued to baffle all that heard the story of what it took the government to complete such a project. With less than N 8billion, Danjuma Goje made the airport the choice destination in the whole of the North-east. Gombe state is known for its hard and difficult terrain, but this did not any way deter the Goje administration in its determination to provide durable road networks for the people.
All areas now have a road or two, and all previously impassable roads were made motorable because of the sheer determination of the Goje to deliver the dividend of democracy to all in the state and beyond. The state university was initiated and built by Goje. As governor Goje succeeded in bringing about religious harmony in Gombe state, a policy which his predecessors have replicated till this day. This he achieved through his unbiased contribution and support to the major religions in the state. It is on record that he is the only governor that has contributed more than 50 per cent to the growth, programmes and development initiatives of the major religions in the state.
These feats were unprecedented because Gombe state receives the least allocation from the federation accounts, and it is a wonder that Goje managed the state so efficiently and prudently. Independent research shows that the secret of all his major achievements as governor was that there was not a single crack in his administration. Thus, as governor, Goje became the measure of good governance, peace and unity of Nigeria.
No wonder, Goje easily won the senate seat after his mandatory two terms of eight as governor of Gombe state. Goje is a tested leader who has surmounted all challenges. He has fought several battles and won, as an anointed one of God, anyone who attempted to fight Goje has ended up woefully; the records are there – he is celebrated in the North-east and Nigeria, especially in Gombe state. I recommend that Goje’s political philosophy should be a course to be studied in Nigeria’s universities. As a political leader, Goje never betrays you or forgets you if you have been there for him and if he believes in you, he stands by you even till the end even if he is the only one that gives in to your cause, just as he is doing to the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari today.
Musawa writes from Abuja via 08035937424
