Opinions
Dr. Abubakar Kagu: Why Yobe must allow water to flow through its channels

Dr. Abubakar Kagu: Why Yobe must allow water to flow through its channels
By JOE Hemba.
It’s been a long-standing tradition in Yobe politics that strong representation has been sacrificed at the expense of family members, friends, and oligarchs especially from the legislative arm of the government.
Representatives who have made a lasting impression on the polity risk appearing haughty. Both sides will be judged fairly, they claim. A few skilled hands that may have changed the situation in their time have been smothered under the weight of mediocrity. The few will always follow the crowd.
What would have been the result of experience has instead resulted in a suffocating and exclusive political family arrangement that does not include the majority of people. On one hand, it amounts to nothing more than an outright theft of the voting rights of the entire population, and on the other, it is a flagrant breach of the law.
Those in power in Yobe are either royalists or oligarchs who have risen through a corrosive process known as consensus to their positions. Because of this, the system has instead chokes competence and competitiveness, rather than encouraging excellence in the name of family or friends.
After more than three decades of stagnation, the political sphere is finally waking up to the energy of a brand new era. There are less doubts when the right people emerge to support both the system and the process. Governor Mai Mala Buni became governor of Yobe State in 2019 due to an emergency.
Gov. Buni’s emergence has unquestionably given the system a much-needed breath of fresh air. The state’s geriatric politicians have been set against the state’s vibrant young residents because of his deliberate selection of young and capable persons to take critical positions in his government.
There is an emerging political force in the state poised to overthrow any old structures that stand in the way of the new order, like a northeast windstorm. A bold declaration was made in the history books when Dr. Abubakar Kagu declared his intention to seek for a House of Representatives seat to serve his constituents in the federal constituency of Nguru, Machina, Karasunwa, and Yusufari.
With pomp and scene, as well as widespread support from those who feel that fresh blood and competence should take over the system and start working immediately as a shift from the old normal, this was a historic ceremony.
Unprecedented numbers of people, from border peasants to residents deep in the heart of municipalities, endorsed the candidate. Nguru, Machina, Karasuwa, and Yusafari all had a sea of supporters shouting and cheering for Mattawalen Machina and his lengthy convoy of cars, most of them young men, when he arrived.
He is a well-educated scholar who is deeply rooted in tradition and culture, which has gained him the respect and adoration of his people, Dr. Abubakar Kagu. Master’s and PhD degrees from Sussex University in the UK are held by the traditional prince of the Machina emirates. Chief Magistrate of Yobe State before becoming a law lecturer at State University in the Yobe State University system.
In recognition of his extensive knowledge of Constitutional Law, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria appointed him as a Special Adviser on Legislative and Legal Matters.
It wasn’t until I was one of a few journalists invited to his announcement on the day that I fell in love with him even more. Young, good-looking, well-dressed, with a refined sense of style. His gift of oratory is something else for which I have a lot of admiration for.
When it comes to supporting political causes, I believe that young people should do so. I believe that Yobe must now let water find its channel because I support politicians like Kagu who do exploits in politics.
When Dr. Babatude Tikare first met Kagu 30 years ago, he was impressed by the young man’s dedication to his people.
Dr. Tikare praised his longtime friend on Facebook after he announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives, stating in part:
“…The Federal Constituency of Nguru-Machina-Karasuwa-Yusufari is a place where Dr. Kagu Abubakar has decided to rekindle hope and regeneration.”
“Knowing the learned guy for over 30 years has been an emotional trip for me. I’ve seen him grow and mature as a person.
“Our tactic has been to remain armchair commentators behind the protection and anonymity of social media for some of us who are more cautious.”
“However, Dr. Kagu is wired a little differently than the others.
“It’s very uncommon for people like him to sit through speeches in order to elicit more thoughtful responses.
“If you’re good at public speaking, why not flaunt it?
“Also, if you can, push the bounds and frontiers of governance and development.”
“It’s an honor to call him “my brother, friend.” I’m really proud of you and happy for you right now. As exciting as it is to be welcomed and accepted by your people, it also serves as a cautionary tale about what lies ahead.
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“I hope for your safety as you set off on this journey.
“Keep your feet firmly placed on the sands of justice, fairness, and humility when the tide threatens to engulf you.
“This is the Matawallen Machina. As I used to tell you during our late-night phone calls. As the saying goes, ‘To whom much is given, much is required’.
“May the hopes and dreams you have for yourself, never be shattered.”
“A Youths Project for the Missed Political Dividends” was how Mohammed Musa Gasma, a Karasuwa Local Government constituent, characterized Dr. Kagu’s declaration.
In a Facebook post, Gasma wrote that Kagu’s arrival marks the end of a twenty-year period of inadequate leadership by prior lawmakers in the region.
The following is what he wrote on Facebook, unaltered:
“For the past 20 years, there has been a constant clamor in the aforementioned area in the federal house of representatives, and God willing, that time is now over.”
“They have bemoaned and anguished for years, but because of the inept leadership and extraordinary political acumen displayed in the green chamber, their plight is now politically contentious.
“The people of Karasuwa, Nguru, Machina, and Yusufari Federal Constituency have languished because of the incumbent member’s ineptitude and paralyzed leadership.
“I am using this medium to call on my dear youths to strengthen their support beyond political sentiment and give the young chap a chance who has track records of leadership and good governance to salvage the people from their overdue outcry of the poor and total disconnection from electorates after the election”
If you raise your hand on the House floor, you’ll be ignored even if you’re trying to make a point about an issue. I, on the other hand, believe that Dr. Kagu’s zeal, education, and experience, as well as his ability to fight on a wide range of current and historical problems, will have a profound impact on his colleagues and the leadership of the green chambers. His personality will no doubt be infectious on his colleagues
As the APC in Yobe prepares for primary elections, I would like to encourage the delegates to pause and reflect. Lawmaking is about having a powerful voice and enacting laws that will have a long-term influence on the lives of the people, not some carrot and stick interventions from subservient members in the name of a hoax called ‘constituency project,” they say. Abubakar Kagu is an excellent choice for the Green Chambers, in my opinion.
This is the right time for Yobe to allow water to follow through her Channel!
*JOE Hemba is a freelance journalist and public commentator based in Damaturu, Yobe State
Dr. Abubakar Kagu: Why Yobe must allow water to flow through its channels
Opinions
My Public Servant Journey

My Public Servant Journey
By Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji-Abba
Every journey begins with a single step, and mine into public service began on 22nd October 1990, when I took up an appointment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). At that time, I was a young man—full of ambition and determination—eager to contribute my quota to the growth of my community and my country. What I did not realize then was that this path would not only shape my career, but also mold my character, values, and outlook on life.
The Early Days
The early days were not easy. I started from the basics—handling routine administrative tasks, learning the intricacies of record-keeping, and adapting to the demanding environment of public service. It was a period that taught me patience, discipline, and humility. I quickly learned that in public service, dedication and accountability are not optional—they are the very foundation upon which trust is built.
I recall working long hours to ensure that essential records were accurate and supplies were properly managed. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it was crucial. Hospitals rely heavily on efficiency behind the scenes. Every file I handled and every item I documented could impact the quality of care delivered to patients in need.
As the years passed, I rose through the ranks. Promotions came not just as recognition, but as greater calls to commitment. Moving into supervisory and later managerial roles meant I was no longer responsible only for myself, but also for the performance and welfare of others.
Becoming Head of Department (Stores) was a defining milestone in my journey. I was entrusted with ensuring the availability and proper management of critical medical supplies. This role demanded a careful balance—ensuring accountability, minimizing wastage, and making decisions guided by both policy and ethics. It was during this phase that I fully grasped the weight of stewardship. Public service is about managing resources as if they were your own—because in truth, they belong to the people.

No journey is without its trials. The public sector in UMTH is not without its share of bureaucratic bottlenecks, resource constraints, and slow-moving systems. There were moments of frustration—delayed approvals, limited resources, or a lack of recognition.
But I learned to see these challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth. They built in me a sense of resilience, resourcefulness, and purpose. Most importantly, they reminded me that true service is not about personal comfort, but about the collective good.
Looking back, I carry with me timeless lessons that have guided every stage of my career:
- Integrity is priceless. In public service, honesty and transparency are the strongest currencies.
- Service is sacrifice. It means putting the needs of others above personal convenience.
- Leadership is responsibility. Being in charge is not about authority, but about accountability and inspiration.
- Impact is not always visible. The value of one’s work lies in the quiet difference it makes in people’s lives, even when unrecognized.
Now, with 35 years of service behind me, I see this journey as more than just a career—it has been a life of service. A life defined by quiet but meaningful contributions to healthcare delivery, administrative efficiency, and community impact.
It is indeed a remarkable coincidence that on this very date, 22nd October 1990, I began my career in the service of UMTH—and today, 22nd October 2025, I formally retire. Exactly thirty-five (35) years of committed and honorable service.
This symbolic alignment of dates signifies not only the completion of a full circle but also a journey of unwavering dedication, growth, and fulfillment. I am deeply grateful to Almighty Allah (SWT) for His guidance and protection throughout this journey, and for granting me the grace to retire peacefully and honorably.
I am honored and fulfilled by the efforts I made and the contributions I offered—even in the face of challenges. My heartfelt prayers go to those still in service: May Allah (SWT) grant you wisdom, ease, and peace to complete your own journey with honor.
To the Management of UMTH, I offer this parting counsel:
- Treat every member of staff with justice, fairness, and dignity.
- Appointments and promotions should be based on merit and seniority—not favoritism, influence, or eye service.
- Keep your promises and let honesty and transparency guide your decisions.
- Let every staff member feel valued and motivated, and let patients feel the true presence of government through ethical, heartfelt service. Revive the ethical conduct and professionalism that once defined UMTH—a place where patients receive the best care and staff are proud to serve.
In Conclusion
Public service gave me a sense of purpose, pride, and legacy. Service does not end with retirement—it is a lifelong calling. And if I were to begin all over again, I would still choose this noble path.
Because in serving others, we find the truest meaning of life. Thank you.
Comrade Abubakar a distinguished and Meritorious Retiree of the UMTH lives in Maiduguri. He is an Administrative Veteran with Accomplished and legendary Pace setting records.
My Public Servant Journey
Opinions
AND WE WILL WIN!

AND WE WILL WIN!
By: Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez
Fidel Castro Ruz, historic leader and Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution, celebrates his 99th birthday today, in the prime of his life.
I write this in the present tense because that’s how I feel and because that’s how the celebration is unfolding for the beginning of a symbolic year for Cuba and for all those around the world who recognize the significance of his revolutionary leadership.
I’m speaking of the centennial or the eternity of a man who remains alive in time, even when the physical, the material, turned to ashes almost a decade ago and he left it clear that he didn’t want statues or monuments in his memory.
What not even he could decree was the impossible, that is, his oblivion. And there he remains, alive and present as only the eternal is. Because that destiny, as history has proven so many times, is not decided by anyone, only by the enduring power of the ideas of those who have guided hundreds, thousands, millions of human beings to achieve their dreams of emancipation and justice.
Fidel is eternal, not by his own choice or by those of us who try to follow in his footsteps and continue his immense work of social justice. He achieved that status by interpreting, synthesizing, and making his own the magnificent accumulation of Cuban, Latin American, Caribbean, and universal pro-independence, anti-colonial, anti-imperialist, and Marxist ideals that preceded him, placing himself at the forefront for all time.
In his intense public speeches or in his long private conversations, he displayed a total command of that infinite wealth of knowledge, dazzling the most diverse audiences from the first word to the last. But what has truly immortalized him is everything he said that he transformed, every action turned into work.
In these markedly Fidel-inspired days, when each of us displays, in books, videos, traditional media, or social media, the Fidel who accompanies us, we are taking credit for that eternity, to our own heartfelt emotion and that of others who feel the same. Or to the hateful denial of those who cannot bear the dazzling vitality of his ideas.
In my case, as you might imagine, Fidel is not just present. He is a constant: a guide and a challenge. An example and a source of sleeplessness.
I feel he remains at the forefront, as in the Sierra or at Girón. Every time threats grow, when necessity compels, when the blockade seems to close all exits, the question arises spontaneously: What would Fidel do?
The good fortune of having known him, of having seen him act, and of having received his guidance many times, makes the answers easier: they are in the people, in their infinite reserves of dignity and talent. And in the indispensable unity of all revolutionary forces around Martí’s ideal of achieving all justice.
He was supported by those certainties that we understand science and innovation as a pillar of government management. And with the talent, the solid material foundation he created, and the audacity of the country’s men and women of science and thought, which he shaped for the future that is now present, we faced and defeated the pandemic and continue to strive to overcome even seemingly insurmountable obstacles like the blockade and our internal inefficiencies.
In Fidel’s history, from his student years to his undeniable presence today, there is an infinite number of lessons, and they all coincide on one point: he never allowed himself to be defeated by circumstances. Even the greatest blows from his adversary only served to elevate his stature as a leader to a higher level.
Examining each of his battles, one can see the deep motivations that this leader, born from his very core, always awakened in this courageous people, turning setbacks into victory. Then we understand the full meaning of the farewell Che Guevara dedicated exclusively to him before leaving for other lands of the world, which the Cuban people made an irrevocable goal: Until victory, always. Never forgetting the Homeland or Death that makes it possible. Nor the optimism in a word: We will win!
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez
Cuban President, wrote this article on the 99th Posthumous Birthday of Former Cuban President Fidel Castro.
AND WE WILL WIN!
Opinions
VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
By: Dr. James Bwala
Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplified exceptional leadership stewardship in managing the burial process of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Before the burial, Shettima played a pivotal role in expediting the repatriation of Buhari’s remains from the United Kingdom by waiving the standard five-day protocol, enabling their return within 24 hours. This swift action reflected his diplomatic acumen and coordination with international bodies, including the Nigerian High Commission in London.
During the funeral proceedings, Shettima led a high-profile delegation alongside President Bola Tinubu to Daura, Katsina State, where they conducted a solemn and respectful ceremony. The inclusion of military honors and adherence to Islamic burial rites underscored his commitment to honoring Buhari’s legacy with dignity and reverence.
After the burial, Vice President Shettima continued to embody stewardship by ensuring that Buhari’s final wishes for a modest ceremony were fulfilled. His leadership throughout the entire process not only facilitated national unity but also demonstrated respect for cultural and personal values associated with state funerals.
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s execution of assignments as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplifies a rare form of loyalty that underscores the essence of servant leadership. His unwavering commitment to the president’s vision and collective national welfare highlights his prioritization of service over personal ambition, a hallmark trait of true servant leaders. By maintaining unity within the administration and acting as both mentor and strategist, Shettima demonstrates responsibility and dedication that transcend conventional political roles. This steadfastness not only consolidates the administration’s objectives but also fosters trust among stakeholders.

Shettima’s ability to remain composed amid provocations reveals a deep-seated character marked by resilience and selflessness. Such conduct frustrates detractors while reinforcing his credibility as a leader who serves with humility and loyalty. Ultimately, the vice president’s approach reflects an exemplary model of servant leadership in contemporary governance, where loyalty is intertwined with accountability and genuine concern for the collective good.
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The participation of Vice President Kashim Shettima in the burial process of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura represents a significant moment of humility and solidarity among Nigeria’s elite. By actively engaging in lowering the remains into the grave, Shettima transcended traditional boundaries often observed by individuals of high status, demonstrating profound respect and unity during a solemn occasion. Such involvement is rare, as prominent figures typically maintain a distance from physically participating in burial rites. However, Shettima’s actions inspired others present to similarly set aside their social ranks and partake collectively in honoring the departed leader.

This event underscores the potential for societal leaders to model empathy and communal values during times of loss. The collective effort at Daura not only paid homage to the former president but also sent a powerful message about national cohesion and shared humanity. It challenges conventional norms regarding status and ritual participation, encouraging greater inclusivity in public mourning practices. Consequently, Shettima’s example may foster broader cultural shifts toward unity across socio-political divides.
At the third day prayers, Vice President Kashim Shettima assumed a distinctly fatherly role that transcended mere political protocol. His engagement with sympathizers was marked by genuine empathy and approachable warmth, fostering a sense of communal solidarity during a period of profound grief. This compassionate demeanor not only comforted attendees but also reinforced social cohesion among mourners who sought solace in shared remembrance.

The Vice President’s interaction with the bereaved family was characterized by carefully chosen words of encouragement and rare personal reflections. These moments provided emotional sustenance and helped to bridge individual sorrow with collective resilience. His address functioned as more than a formal eulogy; it became a sermonic message imbued with wisdom and hope, intended to guide the family through their ongoing journey of mourning.
This paternal engagement by the vice president at such a solemn occasion underscores the vital role of empathetic leadership in times of national loss. The enduring impact of his words is likely to resonate within the family for years to come, serving as both a source of comfort and an ethical compass amid adversity.
Indeed, Vice President Kashim Shettima stands as one of the most exemplary figures in Nigeria’s democratic journey. His leadership is marked by a profound commitment to humanity and an unwavering reverence for ethical governance, qualities that have distinguished him from many of his predecessors. Shettima’s approach reflects a blend of empathy and accountability, fostering trust between the government and the populace. This humane leadership style has been instrumental in addressing socio-political challenges with sensitivity and pragmatism.

Shettima’s governance is deeply rooted in moral principles, often guided by the fear of God, which underpins his decision-making processes. This spiritual foundation enhances his credibility and integrity as a leader who prioritizes national interest over personal gain. Consequently, his tenure will be recorded in history as one characterized by sincere dedication to Nigeria’s progress and stability. Through his exemplary conduct, Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplifies what it means to lead with both compassion and conviction within Nigeria’s democratic experience.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
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