Verily, the benefits of pity and its impact are numerous to mention In Islam but it’s noted that whoever adorns himself with it has adorned himself with a quality of the Messenger of Allah and those of that quality have been specially promised Allah’s mercy because they have shown others mercy and pity. And It is a great pillar upon which a strong, cohesive Muslim society should be built; with affection and pity for one another. It is a reason to gain Allah’s forgiveness, blessed and exalted, and the ennoblement of His pardon. Just as its opposite is a reason for His wrath and anger.
Forget about sycophancy and sort out the bitter truth on the conditions of Nigerians as many are lamenting over the harsh economic situation in the country following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
It’s no longer news that Nigerians are suffering as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy as life in the country is worsening in terms of prices of foodstuff, transportation, while other commodities are going beyond the masses’ means of livelihood.
It’s also sad to hear that Tinubu’s policies set new inflation records in 20 years back which pushed Nigeria’s inflation rate up consecutively three times.
Luckily, the case of Yobe state is quite different as the state government takes measures against hoarding, bulk purchase, and transportation of grains and other food items to curb hunger and starvation in the state.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state recently presided over an emergency meeting on the issue of food security in the state where they expressed deep concern over the hoarding of grains and other essential commodities, creating artificial scarcity with more hardships to the people.
His spokesperson, Mamman Mohammed, said that government would roll out concrete measures to cushion the effects of the rising cost of foodstuff and other commodities.
It’s also on record that Yobe is among the best states that distributed a large quantity of food items to its people through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Yobe SEMA is always unique in terms of proper distribution to the deserving people, especially the needy. According to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Goje, SEMA has distributed food items to over 165,000 beneficiaries across the state. This is a great testimony of a man with human feelings.
It’s also interesting to know that the governor has since constituted a committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, on N35,000 wage award to civil servants. The committee has six members with the permanent secretary, establishment as secretary. The committee will determine the financial implication of the implementation of the wage award and negotiate with the labour unions on acceptable rates both to government and unions. We must say kudos to Buni.
Recall that few years ago during the lockdown as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, Buni did not close down Yobe for a single day as a result of his sympathy, as it would cause thinking hardship for the people.
Indeed, there is the dire need for other governors to emulate Buni as we all know the best quality of a politician is honesty, God-fearing and empathy. A faithful and effective politician is trustworthy and reliable. He must capture the essence of truth, display sincerity, candour and practice what he preaches. He makes decisions and accepts responsibility for his actions and inactions.
The same is true in his dealing with his people. He makes promises and keeps those promises, somebody people can rely on. He should love people with all his heart, might, mind, soul and strive to help them as a true mark of a responsible leader. And, of course, Governor Buni possesses these qualities.
May Allah continue to guide our leaders on the right path.
Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani,
Damaturu, Yobe state
Hardship: Governor Buni’s exemplary initiatives
