Remembering MD Yusufu’s contributions, legacies, 2 years after
A book titled, Muhammad Dikko Yusuf: 1931-2015, jointly published by the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT) and the Abdullahi Smith Centre for Historical Research (ASCHR), was compiled, published and presented to the public barely 40 days of Alhaji MD Yusufu’s demise. Dr. Abubakar Saddique Muhammad, who introduced the book on behalf of […]
A book titled, Muhammad Dikko Yusuf: 1931-2015, jointly published by the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT) and the Abdullahi Smith Centre for Historical Research (ASCHR), was compiled, published and presented to the public barely 40 days of Alhaji MD Yusufu’s demise.
Dr. Abubakar Saddique Muhammad, who introduced the book on behalf of the two centres, explained that they laboured within the 40 days to gather relevant write- ups and condolences published in the media, which they used in producing the book.
It was truly observed that the write-ups, newspaper editorials and the numerous condolences published in the local and international media were unprecedented in the history of tributes and condolences in this country. The write-ups emanated from people who knew him very well, who lived with him, who worked with him and narrated their experiences. Some of the narratives were not known until after his death. This reflected his policy as he often said, “The history of a man should be told after his death.”
Anybody who had any contact with him will tell you that Alhaji MD Yusufu was a great personality who had good intentions and ideas that benefitted the society, and throughout his life he always insisted in putting knowledge and ideas into actions. He made sure any good idea that came to him was translated into reality and in practicable terms.
MD Yusufu was a strong advocate of a one united and indivisible nation. This is why the contributions he gave in uniting the country and ensuring that it did not disintegrate during the civil war was next to none.
In the area of national security and intelligence, the former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, had this to say during the launch of the biography of Alhaji MD Yusufu titled: Garkiya Nagartar Namiji, which was launched in Arewa House, Kaduna on December 11, 2014. The contribution he gave during the Nigerian civil war helped in reducing bloodshed, and brought about the speedy cessation of hostilities that helped in bringing the war to an end. He had many sources of receiving intelligence reports. While soldiers were at the battlefield, he and his boys were busy gathering relevant information and planning how to bring an end to the war. He was among the people of Niger Delta who knew him and had tremendous respect for him. They always acknowledged his contributions towards their development.
In some tributary contributions that appeared in a book titled: Tributes to a Man of Many Worlds, it was mentioned that France was about to announce its support for Biafra, which would have made many European countries to also recognise it. That action could have resulted to the division of Nigeria into two countries, or at least prolonged the war. It was MD Yusufu who initiated and led a powerful delegation to France and lobbied the government against the decision. The French parliament under the regime of Charles de Gualle was about to sit and pass the motion of recognition when the team led by Yusufu successfully intervened.
His strong objection to the breakup of nations on selfish grounds led him to play some roles in preventing the breakup of Lebanon in the Middle East. He once told his writer that, “We were in Egypt when we heard the news that Lebanon was about to be split into two, and those planning the breakup had succeeded in reaching out to the American Legislature which was about to cast votes on the issue. And other nations would have followed suit. We strongly objected to that, did our own part; and we thank God that Lebanon is still intact as one indivisible nation.’’
In the book, contributors like Patrick Wilmot, Lindsay Barret, Owei Lakemfa, Saidu Adamu, Abubakar Siddique Muhammad and Alkasim Abba, explained how his efforts helped in charting a course for Nigeria. He closely monitored the strict implementation of the plan that led to the achievement of independence success. That effort led to the establishment of a news magazine, Afri Scope, where the late Uche Chukwumerije served as editor. This goes to show how MD Yusufu interacted with people and his influence upon them. Chukwumerije was the Biafran chief propagandist advocating Nigeria’s breakup. But he later worked under Yusufu for the freedom of South African citizens. It was through Yusufu’s plan that some African nations achieved independence. African nationalism and patriotism was boosted for African development in the heart of all Africans. The love for African continent was at its peak.
The writers narrated how MD Yusufu guided the Murtala Muhammad administration in convincing African nations that had come of age not to allow themselves to be dictated for or subjugated.
Indeed, MD Yusufu contributed a lot to the development of Nigeria, Africa and the world. His contributions cannot be exhausted in this small writer-up. It is clear that anytime anybody is writing about him, you are bound to come across new narratives.
He once told this writer that, “Most of the work and efforts executed during the Nigerian civil war and the struggle for the emancipation of Africa and its people, which led to the independence of some countries, were done with the assistance of Ambassador Aminu Sanusi, the Chiroman Kano at that time. He happened to be the father of the current Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.”
MD Yusufu was very passionate about documenting historical record for future generation. It was because of that passion that he devoted a lot of time and resources to establish the Yusuf Bala Usman Historical Documentation Centre, popularly known as CEDDERT in Zaria, Kaduna State. The centre has a large collection of historical books and documents, which the late Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman took many years to gather. It also has many renowned scholars under its services.
He initiated and encouraged the establishment of MD Yusufu Research and Documentation Centre, which had already secured a plot of land in Katsina. Presently, there is a large collection of historical documents, journals, newspapers and magazines that took MD Yusufu more than 60 years to personally gather. Dr Siddique is of the opinion that there is hardly any single person. He entrusted the project to the care of Sardaunan Katsina, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Coomassie when the former was alive.
Yusufu had developed special interest in youth empowerment and development. In 2001 he established the Katsina Vocational Skills Centre, where lectures on self reliance and purposeful living are obtained. He used to tell this writer: “Let us start something that will be exemplary with significant impact.” At the inception of the programme, trainees were even given allowances to encourage them.
The programmes of the centre proved to be useful and exemplary, which made some politicians and state governments to copy the system. The Katsina State Government has been supporting the initiative since its inception.
Before his death, Alhaji MD Yusufu wrote a letter to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, appointing him as the chairman of the centre. While reading the printed copy of the letter before signing it, he remarked, “The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II is a noble and patriotic personality. As chairman he will never let the centre suffer or fold up.”
He advocated the establishment of a democratic government with strong opposition parties that would check the excesses of the ruling party. In his school days he was involved in student unionism. The first political party he joined in 1951 was the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU). In 1979, he joined the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). May Allah bless his soul and make his contributions and legacies highly beneficial to all.