27th December, 2023
By: Amir Abdulazeez
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ometime in
2006, I walked into the popular Gidan Akida building, the then Kano State headquarters
of the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), a new party formed by the
breakaway PDP faction. I was there to inquire on how lowly placed people like
us can actively participate in the development of the party. The State Public
Relations Officer told me that I have the option of choosing to belong to any
of the four main houses within the party; Muhammad Abubakar Rimi, Malam Musa
Gwadabe, Alhaji Gwadabe Satatima and Ghali Umar Na’abba.
In that same year of 2006, Na’abba declared for the Kano
State Governorship. I was genuinely convinced that if elected, he will make
Kano one of the most disciplined and organized states in Nigeria. His
discipline, confidence and organization have often been misunderstood as
arrogance. On this, he has cleared the air on many occasions. From what I know
of him, he is a man of few words expressed only when necessary, he has a gentle
and reserved personality, the kind of which makes him to never delve into affairs
that doesn’t concerns him.
I remember working with like-minds to engage in one of the best intellectual mobilizations any young undergraduates could do to garner support for Na’abba to become Governor at that time. Unfortunately, he withdrew from the governorship race some weeks to the primary elections of the Action Congress (AC), the new party which was the product of a merger between ACD, Bola Tinubu’s Alliance for Democracy (AD) and other groups. Ghali’s withdrawal speech wasn’t detailed, but his arguments were that the process is too manipulated for any honest and disciplined aspirant to withstand. I think that was the last time Ghali contested for any position in his political career.
Ghali Umar Na’abba was more than a political figure—he was a beacon of integrity, courage, and unwavering dedication to Nigeria. As a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, his legacy resonates far beyond his political tenure. Na’abba's commitment to democratic values and principles shaped the course of Nigeria's political landscape. His leadership during a critical juncture in Nigeria's history marked him as a staunch advocate for transparency and accountability. Beyond politics, he was a symbol of resilience and fearlessness, unafraid to challenge the status quo for the betterment of his nation. His vision for a prosperous, united Nigeria was evident in every action he took and every word he spoke.
Na’abba's tenure as the Speaker of the House of Representatives marked a significant chapter in Nigeria's political history. He was known for his principled stance and his assertive approach in upholding the legislature's independence and separation of powers, particularly in the face of President Olusegun Obasanjo's bullish administration. The Fourth Republic in Nigeria was still in its infancy when Na’abba assumed the role of Speaker. With the country transitioning from years of military rule to a democratic system, the political landscape was rife with challenges. However, Na’abba brought to the forefront a blend of experience, political acumen, and a commitment to legislative oversight. He staunchly believed in the autonomy of the legislative arm of government and its pivotal role in checking the excesses of the executive. This belief set the stage for numerous clashes between the National Assembly, under Na’abba's leadership, and President Obasanjo's administration.
Obasanjo could not have the audacity to unleash his
anti-democratic tendencies until Na’abba left the Speakership in 2003. Every Nigerian
who witnessed the two tenures of Obasanjo (1999-2007) will testify to this. During
his tenure, Na’abba led the House of Representatives with a firm hand,
asserting the legislature's independence and challenging executive actions that
were deemed against the national interest. One of the notable confrontations
arose from the legislature's insistence on its oversight function. Na’abba's
House of Representatives was resolute in investigating various issues,
including allegations of corruption within the government, regardless of
pressure from the executive arm.
It is sad that the many young political followers of today did not have the opportunity to witness and be inspired by the era of great and principled leaders like Ghali Na’abba. They are unlucky and unfortunate to find themselves supporting reckless crooks and shameless greedy people who have turned them to sycophants, social media warriors and other roles that have kept them perpetually stupid. These are some of the reasons that have kept Na’abba on the sidelines since 2007.
Since 2007, whenever Ghali makes any attempt to reactive his
participation in Nigeria’s political landscape, he immediately realizes that
there is no space for disciplined people like him. Rather than adjust and
follow the trend, he simply retreats and face his private issues. He had always
chosen integrity over selfishness. In 2011, his house was burned down in Kano
by hooligans because he supported President Jonathan. I have never heard him
complain publicly on this treatment meted on him by his own people. As always,
he was calm, reserved and simply forged ahead. That was how he permanently
minded his business away from the murky, dirty and irresponsible waters of
Nigerian partisan politics.
Today, 27th December, 2023, we have lost Ghali Na’abba, some few months after turning 65 and almost exactly one year part from the death of his mother, another woman of trust, integrity and kindness. May Allah have mercy on them both. Though he may have left this world, his legacy lives on as an inspiration to current and future leaders. Ghali Umar Na’abba's contributions to Nigeria's democratic journey will forever be remembered and cherished, a testament to the enduring power of principle-driven leadership.
At a point when Kano’s reputation was soared by the Salisu Buhari Toronto certificate scandal, Ghali Naaba, his successor as Speaker worked diligently to give the state a good name nationally and even globally. His active career was short-lived, but he managed to enter the comity of the political all-time greats in the history of Kano State. It now remains to see how the current custodians of the state will work to have his name honoured and legacies preserved.
After surviving
numerous blackmails, countless threats and many impeachment attempts as
Speaker, President Obasanjo later ganged up with his foot soldiers and garrison
commanders in Kano to deny him a return to the National Assembly in 2003. First
they failed to stopped him from getting the Kano Municipal PDP ticket and then
they later ganged up to work against him and their own party in the General Elections
and they succeeded. The fall of Ghali Naabba marked an abrupt end to the era of
Legislative Independence and Political courage in Nigeria.
Twitter: @AmirAbdulazeez
