Simon Bako Lalong: Where Are The 400 Deutz Fahr Tractors? (1)

By: Balami Lazarus

As young schoolboys in Zaria, we were privileged to spend our time interacting with our peers within and around the academic environment of Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U.) main campus at Samaru. This period gave my peers and me a wide range of exposure to various facilities, faculties, departments, schools, colleges, and units of the university. Being boys full of life, adventures, and events, we were not bored with their academic programs but more interested in their social and practical activities.

Institute of Agricultural Research (I.A.R.), Division of Agricultural Colleges (D.A.C.), and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and other related units are where we were more attracted to because of their implements/tools and equipment. The tractors and their components, like harrows, ploughshares, and harvesters, have awakened the aspirations of some of us to be agricultural experts, farmers, and university dons in agricultural sciences, and others as researchers.

Agricultural tractors have been one of the most important machines in the cultivation of commercial and mechanized farmland, providing food/cash crops and agro-allied raw materials for industries and factories, hence the economic development of Nigeria.

Therefore, tractors like Massey Ferguson, John Deere, Ford, Fiat, and Styre were common sights for us.

  When I decided to do some investigations on the whereabouts, or to say disappearances, of the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors belonging to the state government and the people of Plateau State. It was really not easy for me because individuals who were in the stream of affairs, past and present, are not willing to speak on this matter. And I began to suspect there was connivance/conspiracy in the disappearances of these tractors by some collective individuals.

 Questions are being asked over and over by the citizens of Plateau State about the 400 Duetz Fahr model tractors made in Germany, which were procured by the state government during the administration of former Governor Simon Bako Lalong (2015-2023), whose tenure was nothing to write home about except for his poor performance in governance. Unlike the beginning of the good governance of the present administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

In the course of my investigations and findings, I was told that the one and only person who had asked questions severally and was still speaking on the matter was one Ehis Akugnonu of JFM 101.9 FM. Jos (aka Osama), whom I met on this matter, our discussions lacked adjectives to qualify the disappearance of the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors on the Plateau, a state blessed with fertile land for farming and productionof food and cash crops in all seasons.

Agricultural programs have always been the priority of the government, both state and federal. Institutions of learning—universities, institutes, and other research centers—are not left out of the scheme of agricultural activities. Individual and organized private sectors are also playing significant roles in the development of the nation’s agricultural economy, adding value to the agricultural food chain.

   Former Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State procured the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors to boost agriculture to enable farmers to cultivate more farmland through the utilization of these tractors. Surprisingly, they were never distributed to farmers in the 17 local government areas. Sources within Government House Little Rayfield Jos told this writer that "there was a clandestine arrangement that played out in the disappearance of the 400 Duetz Fahr'. In simple arithmetic, if and only if these tractors were distributed to the 17 local government areas, each would have gotten 23, leaving 9 tractors for other purposes, but the disappearance has dampened the spirit of the state farmers. "No single individual is happy about this matter.". We will continue to ask questions until these tractors are brought back to us'. Said a concerned citizen.

 Recently, the Executive Governor of the State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in his good governance programs, procured 200 new tractors of the Massey Ferguson model that were immediately, without delay, distributed to organized farmers' groups across the 17 local government areas. This gave hope, wiping away tears on the faces of small and medium-scale farmers on the Plateau.

 In tidying up this write-up, I was informed that the disappearance of the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors paved

way that saw the carting away in a thievery manner and the gleaning of government house items at Little Rayfield Jos. While fingers are pointing to Senator Simon Bako Lalong on the whereabouts of the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors worth hundreds of millions of naira, which could have changed the agricultural landscape of Plateau State.

Balami, a Publisher/Columnist

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Simon Bako Lalong: Where Are The 400 Deutz Fahr Tractors? (1)

My Binoculars: A tribute to a former Controller of customs Borno state Joshua Angbalaga

By: Sam Kayode

Indeed Angbalaga was a reporter’s delight. Firm yet welcoming. His demise is a sudden blow to some of us who have basked in his warmth and detribalized nature. He was of a different make from the generality of uniformed personnel some of us are used to, sharp witty with a strong ability to interface from one generation to another. He was a trained sociologist from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria where he graduated in 1984. Taught for sometime at the FCT which gave him the unique ability to understand his generation and all the ones after his.

His training as a customs official since 1988 had taken him to many States including the commercial capital of Nigeria Lagos and many other cities. Controller Joshua Angbalaga was easy going and kept an open door for most of us journalists who came into contact with him through exclusive interviews. He was open minded and was ready to tolerate most of our young colleagues who sometimes displayed slight intolerance for uniforms at news conferences because of the insurgents lurking around.

In Controller Joshua Angbalaga buried today in lafia nasarawa state, I have a personal loss of a man who was an exemplary news maker. He was a public figure who had immense knowledge about the weaknesses and strengths of the gentlemen of the pen. He was a good representative of his controller General. He understood the body languages of most of our intolerant younger colleagues and gave his subordinates in the office then a standing directive that any time any of us comes to see him, we must not be kept waiting unnecessarily if he is free. He was far different from previous controllers who had come and treated reporters like condemned criminals who should never be allowed to come close to the controllers office upstairs.

Some of them in sister agencies especially the ones in the immigration service gave standing orders that journalists should be turned away from the gate as if we were insurgents. This was because some of them were never financially transparent as we learnt from their boys so we understood why they were so vehement at stopping journalists from conducting their constitutional activities. A lot of Angbalaga’s paramilitary colleagues marveled at his dexterity with the gentlemen of the fourth estate.

Our paths met in April 2017 when he reported to Maiduguri as controller and Borno/Yobe area Commander of the Nigerian customs. That was three years after I reported in Maiduguri as correspondent of the nation newspaper.
From then on we continued to work together with him and his entire management team in making expected progresses within the war theatre.
We had several news conferences with him especially on how he had been able to make tremendous progress in turning things around in spite of the insurgency which was at its peak by then. Angbalaga was a rare news maker in uniform because of his belief that none of his officers were too rotten to resist reforms. They were all in sync with his policies to make the state better than he met it. When it was time to go, he left maiduguri on transfer to Abuja where he later retired in 2020. He was involved in stopping a lot of contrabands including hard drugs which is the main fuel keeping insurgents at alert.

On retirement, we kept our communication intact and friendly. Oga Angbalaga was a very studious officer who had already prepared himself for leadership roles by completing his master in public administration in 2000. Feeling a bit bored and not tired in retirement, he went back to school for his PhD program in University of Abuja. He told me recently that he was close to finishing his course work and was kicking to go to the next challenge as God directs. We bantered on the phone while I wondered if he was going back to teaching but he laughed and asked for Gods will to be done. We had a one hour call last year with an invitation to me to visit him during the last yuletide 2024. So with a promise that I would be in lafia to see him for the yuletide, we rounded the call. But due to certain conditions not under my control, that was the last time we would talk as friends. I missed the trip due to I’ll health. Controller Angbalaga is no more as the Lord wills. He has answered the solemn call of nature which sends all mortals back to their creator regardless of age, status, character, race or creed. Death has shown that it’s a leveler of all mankind and my friend oga Angbalaga as I used to call him lived a forthright life before bowing to immortality. May the Lord console his friends at Mount St Gabriel Makurdi, St John Bosco Doma, the entire family of the Nigerian customs service, immediate family and the entire eggon nation where the Lord used him to touch several souls before his passage.
Have a nice sleep oga Angbalaga. From Biodun as you used to call me.

My Binoculars: A tribute to a former Controller of customs Borno state Joshua Angbalaga

Senator Kaka Shehu: When Lawyers in Borno Honor Their Own

By: Dr. James Bwala

In the realm of legal professionalism, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan emerges as a quintessential example of excellence and recognition within Borno State’s legal community. I felt obligated to state that his recent elevation and the subsequent acknowledgment by his peers underscore the significance of professional merit and dedicated service. And I believed the legal fraternity in Borno state has demonstrated a commendable tradition of honoring individuals who exemplify outstanding commitment to jurisprudence and public service.

Senator Shehu’s trajectory, from being a state commissioner and attorney general to a distinguished senator, represents a remarkable narrative of professional advancement. Adding to his cap is the appointment as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), which is not merely a personal achievement but a testament to the rigorous standards maintained by the legal profession. This recognition reflects the intellectual rigor and ethical standards that characterize legal practitioners in the region.

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The celebration of Senator Kaka Shehu by his colleagues in Borno state symbolizes a broader institutional culture that values professional excellence, mentorship, and collective recognition. It reinforces the critical role of lawyers in shaping societal governance and maintaining judicial integrity. Such acknowledgments inspire younger legal professionals and contribute to the ongoing development of Nigeria’s legal landscape. 

This culture of recognition not only celebrates individual achievements but also fosters a sense of unity and purpose among legal professionals. This collective acknowledgment of Senator Shehu’s accomplishments serves as an inspiring model for legal communities across Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent and upholding the principles of justice and equity. Such celebrations highlight the profound impact that dedicated legal professionals can have on their communities. 

Also, this acknowledgment not only underscores the individual accomplishments of Senator Shehu but also sets a precedent for honoring legal excellence within the broader Nigerian context. The honoring of Senator Shehu is a reminder that the legal community in Borno is committed to recognizing and uplifting those who embody the values of dedication, service, and excellence. This acknowledgment is particularly significant in a region where the challenges faced by the legal community are as diverse as they are complex. 

In recognizing Senator Shehu, the legal community in Borno not only celebrates his exemplary achievements but also reaffirms its commitment to fostering a robust legal system that can effectively address these challenges. Moreover, it exemplifies how the acknowledgment of legal excellence can serve as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging others to strive for similar heights in their professional endeavors. Such recognition serves not only as a testament to Senator Shehu’s distinguished career but also as an inspiration for emerging legal practitioners to emulate his dedication and integrity. 

It is through such celebrations of legal prowess and ethical standards that the profession continues to thrive. Furthermore, the celebration of Senator Shehu’s contributions underscores the importance of leadership rooted in a deep understanding of legal frameworks and community needs. This event not only highlights his individual achievements but also reinforces the role of legal professionals as pillars of societal development, aligning with the broader vision for progress in Borno and beyond. 

The recognition of Senator Shehu as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) further cements his status as an exemplary figure in the legal community. His journey from serving as Borno State’s Commissioner and Attorney General to becoming a distinguished senator underscores his unwavering dedication to public service and legal excellence. His recent appointment as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) further solidifies his status as a legal luminary, inspiring both seasoned practitioners and aspiring lawyers in the region. 

Putting his influence in the political arena and in the red chamber, he has extended his feathers beyond the legal field, as he actively engages in initiatives that promote educational advancement and social justice within the community and his constituency. His commitment to fostering legal education and mentorship initiatives resonates profoundly within Borno’s legal circles, and his unwavering efforts to give back to his community and constituents are evident in his support for educational initiatives that aim to empower the next generation of leaders. His leadership journey is a testament to the profound impact that dedicated legal professionals can have on their communities, inspiring a renewed commitment to justice and equity. 

His legacy, marked by a relentless pursuit of justice and equality, continues to inspire a culture of integrity and resilience among the legal fraternity in Borno State and beyond. His remarkable achievements serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of dedication and integrity in shaping a more just society. 

As lawyers in Borno gather to honor one of their own, Senator Kaka Shehu’s achievements serve not only as a celebration of his individual success but also as a catalyst for inspiring collective advancement within the legal fraternity. His exemplary career path and dedication to public service underscore the vital role that legal professionals play in driving societal progress and upholding the rule of law. His recognition as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) further solidifies his standing as a distinguished figure in the legal community, reinforcing the importance of dedication and ethical practice in achieving professional excellence.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Senator Kaka Shehu: When Lawyers in Borno Honor Their Own