Jigawa’s man of God

Undoubtedly but unfortunately, only few names would make the list in contemporary Nigeria. Were it not for Allah’s mercy who endowed our generation with credible people like HRH Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II (the new Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria) who as ‘vestiges’ of integrity are forever ready to […]

Undoubtedly but unfortunately, only few names would make the list in contemporary Nigeria. Were it not for Allah’s mercy who endowed our generation with credible people like HRH Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II (the new Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria) who as ‘vestiges’ of integrity are forever ready to put their job on line whenever truth, integrity, probity and accountability come under the threat of corruption, greed, selfishness, ethnic and religious sentiments; one would have simply concluded that the door to the world of trustworthiness is almost sealed. Honesty, a virtuous quality of the righteous, has almost become as rare as a man without self-pity in today’s Nigeria.
Given some recent events on the country’s political stage where those who were once believed to have been ‘tested and trusted’ suddenly but brazenly became shadows of their former self, it is increasingly becoming difficult to find honest Nigerians. The most recent of such strange wonders manifested in Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, we find solace in the few God-fearing and very incorruptible persons in our midst. I consider the exemplary life (public and private) of Sarkin Kano Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II as not only inspiringly building confidence and nurturing moral values in younger generations of Nigerians but also keeping our national aspiration for a decent country alive.
The select group of Nigerians who sincerely believe in and truly stand by honesty and hard work was recently joined by a 37-year old Yusuf Usman, a hotel worker in Jigawa state, who found N17million he found and returned to the owner. Malam Yusuf who is currently a Reception Manager with a Three-Star Hotel in Dutse found and returned an ipad whose jacket contained $100,000 (about N17million) even though he earns a monthly salary of N20, 000 only.
Yusuf Usman gave three reasons which he said are responsible for his action. One, that stealing is against the teachings of Islam. Second, his father had always warned him never to tamper with what does not belong to him. Third, that it is the tradition of the hotel he works for not to steal whatever was forgotten by guests. To further buttress his conviction, Yusuf said he does not consider his action as anything extraordinary; adding that he was just doing his duty! I hope those who think they deserve commendation and sometimes medals (as in the case of some public officers who receive national honours they never earned or deserved) for performing their statutory duties heard Yusuf  Usman well. Today, a state governor wants to be honoured for doing his job of paying workers salary in the same way a local government chairman wants to be celebrated for sinking borehole in a community!
A worker on N20, 000 monthly wages cannot be described by any Nigerian standard as wealthy; meaning that he stands in dire need of every kobo in the N17million he returned to its owner. Yet, he was able to defeat Satan, man’s worst enemy, who would have troubled Yusuf for long hours trying to overwhelm him to act otherwise. Those who are able to win this spiritual battle are truly God-fearing and shall prosper in the end. Allah (SWT) states in Qur’an 64:16 “So fear Allah as much as you can; listen and obey…And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls; (they) are the ones that achieve prosperity”. Let us remember that stealing does not make one rich. Whoever is rich has been destined by Allah to be so.
Yusuf reported that the management of Jigawa State College of Health Technology that lodged the owner of the N17million in the hotel had written him a commendation letter. Authorities of the hotel in which he works similarly wrote him one. He also said Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State also showered praises on him. I suggest that the governor should go beyond words of appreciation if this singular act of piety is to be encouraged and cherished by Nigerians. It is not, in my opinion, too much to immortalize Yusuf Usman by naming any state-owned structure or symbol after him. Honouring Yusuf in such a way would have preserved his name and the values he represents for posterity to appreciate. This at least would do if he cannot make this year’s list of national awardees from Jigawa.
Honesty is a virtue in every man of God. Yusuf’s expression of honesty in the way he did makes him one of Jigawa’s men of God; believing that there are other “Yusuf Usmans” in that part of the country. May Allah (SWT) guide us to be among His righteous servants who would always resist the temptations of money, power and women, amin.

Re:National Confab: How “Oga Corruption’ awesomely muted delegates
Last week’s piece on this page attracted reactions from readers. Some of the rejoinders sent in SMS forms are reproduced hereunder in their unedited forms:

“Your opinion about the just concluded national conference is as idiotic as your name. The uncomplimentary comments you made on our distinguished and respected elders and delegates made me believe that you will never see old age in your life and it shall be so with you. Mumu mundagi”. (08032074560)
“Re: National confab. Assalamu Alaikum. The conference was a failure because the usual criteria for recruitment in Naija was used. Namely that it is only people with skeletons/graveyards who are appointed in to important positions because they can and will be manipulated. The saddest part is the application of this principle in our justice system. May Allah save us from ourselves, amin”. (Amina Ali, U/Rimi, Kaduna. 08037878367)
“The piece is interesting. The problem is that corruption is inherent in the socio-economic system. There is no way corruption can be eradicated under the existing order. Corruption and the system are one. Tx”. (Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna. 07085284103)
“Oga Corruption. Assalamu Alaikum. Thanx Mal. Ndagi for a wonderful piece. You’ve certainly made my day. Allah yasakamaka da alheri”. (Ibrahim Biu. 08091851436)
“M. Nda. I’m surprised that you expected the just concluded failed National Conference to deal with issues of extreme national importance after you have correctly identified the reasons for setting up the confab in the first place; i.e. a new constitution that would allow Jonathan to ultimately become life-president. Delegates were selected, skewed and lopsided so as to achieve the desired outcome and not to solve any thorny or intractable problems like corruption, power outage, insurgency, etc. Another motive often overlooked is to buy time for Jonathan to go on doing nothing while everybody is busy talking about a kind of red herring. So for these reasons, the exercise was a resounding success for him and his cohorts! What a shame!” (S. I. Sodangi 08076777737)