Mamman Nasir: A Northern Star

The book titled “Mamman Nasir: A Northern Star” is co-authored by Isma’i1 Yusuf Malumfashi and Kabir Abba Muhammad. Made up of 299 pages, it is foreworded by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR, former President, Commander-in-Chief Federal Republic of Nigeria, and prefaced by Late Hon. (DR.) Justice Muhammed Bello GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. Taking […]

The book titled “Mamman Nasir: A Northern Star” is co-authored by Isma’i1 Yusuf Malumfashi and Kabir Abba Muhammad. Made up of 299 pages, it is foreworded by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR, former President, Commander-in-Chief Federal Republic of Nigeria, and prefaced by Late Hon. (DR.) Justice Muhammed Bello GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Taking a close look at the book, you cannot help but agree with me that so much time and energy has been committed into the production of this book. The quality of the paper used for the book, both inside and cover page is quite high. To enhance easy readability, the fonts and prints of the book are clear and bold enough to see. The formatting of the book and general paragraphing of the book no doubt meets international standards.

The authors have also painstakingly provided the reader with a comprehensive index from pages 296-299. If you doubt any of the good things said about His Lordship in this book, the authors have provided the readers with appendix from pages 272- 293. Particularly striking is appendixes (ii) & (iii). These have to do with land mark judgments delivered by His Lordship in the cases of Chief Omu Uzoukwu & ORS v Igwe Chukwudebelu Ezeike II lgwe of Atani & ORS and that of Federal Electoral Commission v Alhaji Mohammed Goni & Anor.amongst others. The depth of research by the authors in writing this book is further demonstrated by the volume of materials consulted as reflected in the selected bibliography captured on pages 294-295 of the book.

Another striking feature of the book is the inclusion in it of some pictures of our past leaders, legends, nationalists and legal icons. Even generations yet unborn reading the book will surely have the opportunity and benefit to view the pictures. On the whole, the book is made up of eight chapters.

Chapter one traces the roots and family origin of Hon. Justice Mamman Nasir. The family linkage is traced to Faskain, a sleepy town located in the present day Kafin which origins dates back to 1778.

The chapter also deals with His Lordship’s early education and the process and promise he demonstrated in his early days, particularly in subjects like mathematics, which endeared him to many. The reader will also find in this chapter that what today is popularly known as Barewa College actually started in Katsina as a middle school before it was relocated to Kaduna. Mamman Nasir started work in the public circle as evidenced in this chapter where his most outstanding contribution is the construction of the CLOCK TOWER located at the Emir’s palace in 1951.

After a brief stint in the public service, His Lordship as a result of his outstanding contributions was offered an opportunity by the colonial administration to read law, thus ushering him into the noble profession. He studied both at the University College Ibadan and in England. On successful completion of his studies, he returned home and was appointed a pupil Crown Counsel in the then Northern Region where he showed lot of commitment, zeal and courage in his assignments. He rose rapidly to become a Senior Crown Counsel . He also became the first indigenous lawyer to head a legal department in Jos. Mamman Nasir’s sterling qualities as a lawyer led to his being appointed a Justice Minister by the Late Sir Ahmadu Bello and also a Member of Parliament in 1961.

Chapter three primarily dwells on the functions and duties of His Lordship as a minister and how he travelled the length and breadth of the then Northern Region carrying out his duties. The coup d’etat of January, 1966 however brought to an abrupt end Nasir’s service as a minister. He then returned to his private practice where again he excelled. Not too long, in 1967, he returned to government as the Solicitor-General in the North-Central State. In 1975, he and the former CJN, Late Justice Mohammed Bello were elevated to the exalted position of justices of the Supreme Court by the Late Murtala Regime. His Lordship’s appointment was straight from the Bar.

In chapter four, the roots of the Katsina Dynasty are traced as well as the steps leading to the appointment of the Galadima which Mamman Nasir was eventually turbaned on the 9th of May 1992. The chapter also demonstrated how the unique training of his Lordship in Islamic and western education positioned him to carry out his duties as the Galadima of Katsina and District Head of Malumfashi.

Being a man ever ready to serve his country, His Lordship, even after his active years of service in the judiciary, continued to serve the country in several other notable capacities.

Chapter five as aptly so titled, is a description of Mamman Nasir “In the Eyes of the People” and here, the authors bring together what prominent Nigerians have said about His Lordship.

Chapter six chronicles selected speeches of His Lordship delivered at different fora. Of particular note is the one at the valedictory session that was held at all the division of the courts of Appeal marking the voluntary but premature retirement of His Lordship.

Chapter seven demonstrates that His Lordship is equally committed to promoting rural development, social well being, support and encouragement for health and educational development. These among others largely represent the aims and objectives of the Gidauniyar Jihar katsina (Kstsina State Development Fund), a philanthropic organization. This chapter reveals the active involvement of His Lordship in this organization in terms of his time, energy, commitment and the position he occupied in it. The book finally concludes with chapter eight

The account given of His Lordship in this book indeed presents him as he truly is; a nationalist, “an Institution in his own right”, a legal icon, a man who has served his fatherland, the longest serving president of the Court of Appeal etc. This man no doubt is a NIGERIAN STAR, not just a northern star. Herein lies the irony of the title, which if literally construed, would be reducing His Lordship and his nationalist strides and outlook to a mere sectional leader. This observation however can be refuted if the authors deliberately punned on the phrase purely to suggest that His Lordship is as constant as the Northern Star. Yet, the connotation on the title as reflective on the cover page and page (iii) are different.

Aside from this, the minor editorial errors noticed in the book, particularly the back cover page are insignificant and do not affect the quality or content of the book. It is hoped that in the second edition or reprinting of the book, such would be taken care of.

Other than these few observations, the book really makes a good reading. It represents a good documentation of history both for the present and future generation. It is my honour and privilege to recommend it for lawyers, judges, students, historians, journalists as well as the entire public to read.