Tribute: A constitutional review without Tahir

Dr Ibrahim Tahir (PhD) was an encyclopaedia of knowledge and a fountain of speeches and lectures that many students of his as well as the general public attest to. A university don, a great politician, a lover and promoter of tradition and its values, he had found himself with opportunities to serve humanity in a […]

Dr Ibrahim Tahir (PhD) was an encyclopaedia of knowledge and a fountain of speeches and lectures that many students of his as well as the general public attest to. A university don, a great politician, a lover and promoter of tradition and its values, he had found himself with opportunities to serve humanity in a unique way. When he died, the daily newspapers were continuously awash with accolades and tributes from great individuals and leaders in Nigeria who knew him closely and held him in great esteem.

He was nominated to the 1978 Constituent Assembly for the drafting of the 1979 Constitution and he was in the 1994/95 Constitutional Conference along with the likes of Etsu of Nupe. He was in the 2005 constitutional review committee during the failed third term campaigns. His contributions and inputs in the building and drafting, as well as reviews, of Nigeria’s constitutions are, of course, immeasurable. Today, Nigeria goes back to the drawing board in making amendments to the 1999 Constitution as situations in our national existence make it imperative to view those laws that need to be amended for our peaceful coexistence.

One wonders, what would Tahir have said? What would have been his opinion and in what capacity would he have served us? One would want to know how daring would he be as the nation finds itself in very troubling times, especially over security issues. His contribution, as usual, would have been unique and effective.

Adieu Baba Talba. May Allah grant you eternal peace and Jannah.

Tahir Ibrahim Tahir, the current Talba of Bauchi and son of the late Talba, sent this from Bauchi.