Shema and the mourning of Yar’adua in Katsina
Apart from weeping profusely at the death of President Yar’adua on May 5, 2010, Governor Shema declared seven work-free days to mourn the passage of the former governor of Katsina State to the great beyond. As the people observed the work-free days, government offices, banks, markets, and of course, all commercial activities in the state […]
Apart from weeping profusely at the death of President Yar’adua on May 5, 2010, Governor Shema declared seven work-free days to mourn the passage of the former governor of Katsina State to the great beyond. As the people observed the work-free days, government offices, banks, markets, and of course, all commercial activities in the state were halted. It was not convenient for the state government and the people of the state, but I think there is no greater way for the people to pay their last respect to a man who brought about development to Katsina State. Governor Shema tended to understand this principle and observed it to the letter. Indeed, there is no way any indigene of Katsina State would tell the story of the recent infrastructural development of the North-West State without making copious reference to the activities of Yar’adua from 1999 to 2007, a period when Yar’adua held sway in the state.
Among the so-called Yar’adua associates, Shema has distinguished himself as a follower. While others were busy exploiting Yar’adua’s illness to their advantage, Shema remained calm. When others were making inflammatory statements which were seen to have threatened the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria, the governor rather organised prayers for the late president.
The tallies with the assertion of Martin Luther King (Jnr) who said many years ago that, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moment of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of controversy and challenge. The true neighbour will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others. In dangerous parts he will lift some bruised and beaten brother to a higher and more noble life.”
As it were, Shema did not forget the hand that fed him. He has severally acknowledged the fact that it was the late president that appointed him as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Katsina State from 1999 to 2003. For Yar’adua’s second term, despite the fact that he was a principal actor and a member of Yar’adua political think-tank that formulated the strategies for the re-election of Yar’adua in 2003, he declined to be appointed as a commissioner. It was revealed that Shema pleaded with Yar’adua to allow him go back to his thriving private law business. Despite opting out of public appointment in Yar’adua’s administration, Shema volunteered to assemble and led the legal team that defended the election of Yar’adua and got victory for the governor at the time many political observers and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) supporters in Katsina state thought Yar’adua would lose his seat at the tribunal.
How Shema and his legal team that included Chief Wole Olanipekun got victory for Yar’adua at the tribunal could only be explained by them. Despite playing this role, Shema declined a political appointment from Yar’adua at a time other associates were jostling and lobbying for political positions. In June 2005, when the position of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman (North) was zoned to North West and became vacant, Governor Yar’adua insisted that Shema should be the candidate to fill the slot.
Shema position as PDP Deputy National Chairman (North) afforded him a lots of opportunities and influence. In spite ofall these connections and opportunities, Shema did not indicate interest in any elective positions when other Yar’adua associates were struggling for one position or the other. Shema accepted to run for the governorship seat of Katsina state after Yar’adua persuaded him to do so.
When Yar’adua was alive in appreciation of his noble contribution to the development of Katsina State, Governor Shema re-named the newly completed Katsina state University as Umaru Musa Yar’adua University. It is a known fact among Governor Shema’s aides that no matter how urgent a project is, as far as Shema is concerned, it must pass through due process. His probity and accountability in governance is in consonance with the example of Yar’adua. Also, like Yar’adua, despite all the laudable achievements, the governor is not a singing type, Shema has shunned all attempts to blow his trumpet.
No economic development can be sustained in a modern world without a reasonable dose of individual and collective discipline as well as consistent and purposeful commitment. All Nigerian politicians are aware of this reality. Yet, many of them only pay lip service to self-discipline, ignore heartfelt dedication and betray the people’s trust. This is why an objective analyst will show more than a passing interest in a man who departed from an old-fashioned, self-seeking political relevance.
Suleiman contributed this piece from Katsina