From ESV Saliu Abdullahi Osuko, Giza

The former Governor of Nasarawa State and Senator who represented Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Senator Umar Tanko Almakura, has always been at the forefront of Nasarawa State political affairs. He has done so much for the State and it's people and mostly the less privileged and those living with disabilities.

He said “I chose to be with this category of people I have passion for and always advocate for, as an inspiration to raise their hopes and brighten their future. “Apart from giving them education, we would be monitoring the progress of the status of their disabilities to see the support and assistance we can give.

We shall be providing glasses for those with partial visual impairment, hearing aids for the hard of hearing, as well as wheelchairs and the like to those requiring certain mobility aids”, Almakura said, assuring that his administration had put adequate structures in place to ensure that the school was sustained beyond his tenure in office. That was in 2018.

Fast-forward to 2021, several years later, the Governor Abdullahi Sule administration has kept Almakura assurances, just as the former governor has not only kept his tradition of being there for the children, but also continues to support them with wheel chairs and other supportive aids. To cap up the 2021 edition, the Senator equally donated a motorised wheelchair to Miss Charity Angu, a young lady who settled in Nasarawa after her National Youth Service in 2020, to appreciate her for her commitment to helping the challenged children despite her own physical challenge. It was a sight to behold.

“Wherever I go, whatever position I hold, you would be one of my primary concerns. I pray God to continue to give the leadership in our society the wisdom, the focus to promote and develop these kind of schools, so that the vulnerable, the people who have these kind of challenges will have a bright future”, Almakura told the Comprehensive Special School community.

But the philanthropic and humane side of the Senator is just one of those qualities that stand him out as a leader innately inclined to the masses and the downtrodden. He was elected into the 1988/1989 Constituent Assembly to work out a new constitution for the country preparatory to the handing over of reigns of power to the civilians by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration, which eventually did not materialise following the annulment of the June 12 1992 presidential election.

Almakura equally served as the Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) from 1990 to 1992 in the old Plateau State in the ill-fated Babangida transition programme and later became a staunch and founding member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) when General Sani Abacha’s became Head of State and swept away the old order.

It is noteworthy that the Abacha regime had created Nasarawa out of Plateau State in 1996 before his demise. When that era ended, the political fervour and party financier in Almakura did not wane as he also became one of the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the General Abdulsalami Abubakar transition to civil rule programme.

However, his ambition to lead Nasarawa on the platform of the PDP, which they built into the most popular and entrenched party in the state failed under questionable circumstances. Nevertheless, he supported the candidacy and administration of Aliyu Doma, who was the then choice of the outgoing Abdullahi Adamu, notwithstanding the fact that Doma actually was the main challenger of the PDP in the 1999 and 2003 elections on the platform of the All Peoples Party.

Almakura challenged the incumbent governor (Doma) for the PDP ticket in 2011, but was maneuvered out in yet another clear questionable circumstances. In the wider interest of the state, the Almakura Campaign Organisation moved to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), vowing: “We cannot fold our arms and watch while the state is drifting into a bottomless pit. We want to rise up now to get him (Doma) out of office through a popular mandate”.

Although it appeared a mission impossible given the depth of PDP’s entrenchment in Nasarawa, coupled with the power of incumbency at the state and federal levels, Almakura got the job done though popular support. He trounced Doma by over 73,000 votes, thereby recording a remarkable upstage that would alter the politics of Nasarawa State till date.

At the time of the merger negotiations towards the formation of the APC, Nasarawa as the only CPC controlled state and Al-Makura as the only CPC governor not only strengthened CPC and Muhammadu Buhari’s hand as the party’s leader. Today, it is doubtful that the story of APC and Buhari’s victory in 2015 could be told without a mention of the Nasarawa and a game changer known as Almakura.

But the quite hurricane, Almakura, was not yet done with dismantling the PDP in Nasarawa State. In 2019 and for the very first time, PDP lost the presidential election in Nasarawa. It equally lost all the three senatorial seats in the state to the APC. And of course, he ensured the popular election of the man he believed had what it takes to carry on with his legacies, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, as governor in the 2019 election.

Unsurprisingly, for all his accomplishments and humble dispositions in it all, Almakura is a prophet highly honoured like a king among his people, a privilege not many prophets enjoy at home. Also, unlike in other states where ex-governors and the successors they installed are engaged in cat and mouse relationship, Almakura and Governor Sule have continued to work amicably for the development of their state and peace of the APC. Nasarawa APC is just one of the few states without crises and parallel congresses.

Meanwhile, to drive home their love for the man Almakura, the people of Nasarawa trouped out en-masse in March this year to turban the Sarduana of Gwandara. The import of that honour, which came about two years after he vacated office, is not lost on watchers of political events in the country. they see it as a further confirmation of how far he went in touching the lives of the people.

To underscore this, the Secretary of the Publicity Committee of that event, Shuiabu Madaki, described Almakura as an “endlessly affectionate and consummate leader, whose preoccupation, is to see how he takes Nasarawa State and her people, as well the country at large, to the next level of development”.

He described him as defender of the cause of the poor, recalling how his home remained a kind of Mecca for the poor. Perhaps, it was at that event that Governor Sule bared his mind on Almakura’s style of leadership for the umpteenth time, recalling his selflessness and patriotism. He said but for Almakura’s sense of justice, fairness and unity, he could not have picked and supported him to succeed him as governor.

“I wasn’t a member of the CPC. I wasn’t his commissioner or adviser. I was even appointed by the late Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma as Chairman of the state investment company and when he came. He removed me. But when it was time for Al-Makura to go, he put the development of the state ahead of personal and partisan interest to pick him as his successor.

“I’m committed to building upon and exceeding the foundations laid by Senator Almakura, not because I’m better than him, but to justify his trust in my capacity,” Sule told the crowd and eminent Nigerians, who gathered to honour his predecessor.

Meanwhile, Almakura’s attributes have not gone unnoticed not only among the APC stalwarts, but also the everyday party faithful, starting from his home state where even his governor believes he is best positioned to rebuild and reposition the APC.

Recently, a group, the All Progressives Congress Coalition for Credible Leadership in a statement also urged the party to look in his direction as the party’s next national chairman. They argued that he would have “a calming effect on the party’s storms, given his peaceful, and humble, cosmopolitan nature”.

The group believes that “Almakura has what it takes to reconcile the contesting interests, boost the party’s national popularity

ahead of the 2023 elections, given his far-reaching goodwill within and outside the party”. As the distinguished Senator basks in the euphoria of his new age, he no doubt deserves all the encomiums coming his way and confidence reposed in him by his people, party faithful and leaders.

Perhaps, one of the most telling demonstrations of a leader’s abilities comes at a time of crisis. Accordingly, Almakura at the wheel of Nasarawa State's political affairs has not disappointed his admirers nay rivals in the State and country’s gloomy political landscape. For, rather than retreating behind closed doors in the face of the seemingly endless assaults at harming his hard earned status, the scion of the famed Almakura Dynasty of the Gwandaras has consistently shown leadership at the forefront, assessing situations, evaluating options, and encouraging citizens in different political parties in the State to work together for a stable, fair and just society.

Although traits are quite developed for natural leadership, certain individuals are, without doubt, born natural leaders. Senator Umar Tanko Almakura falls in the latter category. Balancing on his self-assurance and privileged position as the most powerful man in Nasarawa State leadership front, Almakura stands tall amongst leaders who acknowledge the present reality of the state and country, have been very proactive working on problem-solving ideas, managing change and responding effectively to complex, open-ended opportunities, and challenges as they come. Convincingly, at the legislative corner where he holds court, he does not gloss over problems in hope that they’ll just go away.

This hints on development leadership, a leadership that expands the capacity of fellow citizens to excel in their respective leadership positions within the state, and ultimately achieve results. It speaks simply of Almakura as a servant and transformational leader.

It is of relevance to also note that, in the heat of his case at the EFCC premised on alleged false corruption charges by his enemies in the State, Almakura had worked silently in consonance with like minds to combat corruption in a style that will have profound effects on transparency and ethics of the public service.

The expression that says as leaders, we prove our capacity when we gain the ability to focus despite distractions, luckily, is not lost on Senator Almakura. Distraction seems to have become a standard but one that natural born leaders are fortunate to be well equipped to duck. Their worry is buried in a memo of the late legendary success author, Napoleon Hill, which he called ‘The Magnificent Obsession.’ In the letter, Hill demonstrates that natural leaders avoid the cultural norm of being disconnected from their goals. They do not allow trivialities to become urgencies in their affairs. The author also imparts that leaders set targets and keep trying until they hit the marks.

Beyond the mere rhetoric of master-slave bond, Almakura, in fulfillment of his electioneering campaign promise, regularly encourages entrepreneurship by empowering women and youths in his primary constituency, Nasarawa State, in his urge to make his people economically self-reliant. Studies show that empowerment materials worth N250 million are doled out to thousands of less-endowed Nasarawas every year, apart from cash gifts to support businesses and individuals. Also, recently, the good Senator unveiled an empowerment scheme that will benefit 40,000 Nasarawa youth.

Considering the massive support from Nasarawas during the attack by Alakyo debacle, the Almakura challenge has shown that the ‘Nasarawa Accord’ has come too far to be broken by nocturnal politics and no matter the weight of external aggression and gang-up, Nasarawa State cannot be disintegrated along politics line.

Like every good leader, Senator Umar Tanko Almakura's opponents are plotting to destabilize his leadership. However, in all areas of life, leaders have struggled with the balance of being feared and loved. Remarkably, Almakura is proving beyond doubts his prowess as a likable leader who is very concerned with every individual, thus he is attracting more ‘likes’ even beyond his loyal camp. This accounts for his penchant for shutting off his emotions in order to push others up the success ladder.

It is obvious the journey has not been

easy for Almakura but he has so far shown a lot of good qualities of an effective leader in the presence of adversity, which explains the success being recorded by him on every front.

Hear earing Almakura speak closely; you will know what a kind, sincere and diligent man he is. Senator Umar Tanko Almakura looks calm, collected and cool, in fact, he looks like someone who doesn’t talk, but believe me; he is a great conversationalist. He is loaded with wisdom, records and events. His diction, choice of words and command of English will tell you that Intelligence is class.

I was perplexed when the former Governor came and called me out for a private meeting which lasted for about an hour. Did I even mention that I was the youngest amongst those sitting comfortably waiting on the Senator? Well, just like how he was picked by Allah as a young man to Govern Nasarawa state, that’s how he singled me out, called me by my tribal name. The conversation started like a father and son conversation which later catapulted into a full-blown lecture on politics, life and power.

But you know our elders na, they always ask you some personal questions; I wasn’t an exception because I was asked too and I gave the right answer. The Senator went back memory lane for the conversation to flow, he spoke from when he was working with his father in the family business. It might interest you to know that he then became a Governor after all that. That year Senator Umar Tanko Almakura became the best democratically elected Governor in the history of Nasarawa State, probably northeast.

His administration which was adjudged to be the best administration because of its policies, reforms and infrastructural developments. It is worthy to note that under his administration, Law students who went to Law school were paid N300,000 each, Medical Students were also being paid while Police Cadets collected N500,000 each. Due to the welfare magnanimity of his administration, over 5000 teachers benefitted from state governments car loans, they were also trained and retrained regularly.

Because of him, our parents occupying government owned quarters became house owners when he approved owner occupier, some are still occupying the houses he built for civil servants while he was Governor. He has not only left a robust economy when he left but Nasarawa State was debt free. In fact, he initiated and laid the foundation for a refund, where the state has recovered about 40 Billion Naira. He was able to block all leakages as well as run the most disciplined government, which improved the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.

Senator Almakura is a man of principle, a passionate and committed Muslim who has modelled Nasarawa State into what is becoming now, he has proved his worth and steadfastness. He has shown the dynamics of Governance and has used his passion and dream to build the Nasarawa State of today by maximizing the use of power for the use of the people.

Senator Almakura is still loved and cherished by all and sundry. He literally built and introduced almost all the things we are enjoying as a state currently. Being a two-time Governor of Nasarawa State, he has demonstrated a sincere attitude that is not in doubt as a champion of national unity, which a party’s national chairman must possess. As a youth friendly leader, while he was Governor, he gave the young people a pride of place in his administration and ensured that all ethnic and religious groups live in peace and harmony. He established the Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Scheme where thousands of youths were engaged to make them productive, earn decent livelihood and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the State.

His cabinet consisted of the major ethnic groups in the country; it included indigenes of the state, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba ethnic nationalities to enhance all-inclusive governance and give the various ethnic groups a true sense of belonging in the scheme of affairs in the state. As Chairman, SUTA would encourage the Executive Leadership to indoctrinate this concept to enhance national cohesion and

inclusiveness in governance; a necessary panacea for sustainable peace, harmony and economic growth and development.

This leading political juggernaut and two-term former Governor of Nasarawa state, has indicated interest to lead APC as its chairman and possesses the requisite skills, experience and the temperament necessary for the office. As an experienced administrator in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy, he has learnt the rudiments of leadership and is fully equipped with the desired pedigree and unimpeachable integrity required for the leadership of a progressive political party like the APC.

As a successful entrepreneur in the private sector, his views on the economy will be useful to enhance policy decisions in governance. He would engage constructively with the Executive Branch, the National Assembly, APC State Governors and other critical stakeholders to galvanize support and implementation of the party manifestos and appropriate policies that would guide the actualization of same and other campaign promises to keep faith with such commitments for the overall economic growth of the country and thereby enable Nigerians reap the desired dividends of democracy.

SUTA would engage with players in the real and organized private sector, as the engine of economic growth. He would do this in collaboration with the relevant Ministries, departments, agencies and other critical stakeholders to articulate policy frameworks that sustains current economic development gains and establish additional trails for the socio-economic prosperity of our people and the nation. He is not known to be arrogant or confrontational, and so would not approach this task with the mindset of an arrogant National Party Chairman. He will discharge his responsibility in a decent and dignified manner with the temperament, humility & respect for the office as well as the desire for value addition and team work to achieve significant results within a short span of time for rapid economic transformation that meets the aspiration of Nigerians.

Senator Tanko Al-Makura is the man of the moment for an unassailable electoral victory in 2023. His crucible of painstaking efforts, commitment and uncommon determination were commendable achievements that provided the fulcrum upon which the CPC gave leverage as one of the parties to the formation of The APC along with other members. This undoubtedly placed the CPC in a unique position to negotiate with the other legacy members towards the successful formation of the APC. He has proven experience at both Executive and Legislative Arms of government. He understands the business of governance and management of human interests. He understands the political ropes and has national appeal and acceptance across the country. He has the knack to stabilize the APC, coming from a very recent rancorous internal crisis.

Senator Tanko Almakura is the type of Party Chairman the APC needs to re-live and re-enact the bootstrap mass mobilization strategy he applied in 2011 that won the hearts of all and enabled him (CPC) uproot the PDP in Nasarawa state by defeating it and winning the election, to the shock of not only the goliath, but many people who never gave the CPC a chance in the first place. PDP is very determined to wrestle power from APC, so sentiments aside, the man to handle the guarantees of successful mass mobilization is Distinguished Senator Umar Tanko Almakura having achieved similar feat under very difficult and challenging circumstances in 2011.

Very few people bear and endure the pain of selflessness and sacrifice more than they can take as demonstrated throughout history, where heroes rise up through difficult and challenging circumstances to become famous and revered phenomena. For Almakura too, the beginning of his Gubernatorial aspiration in 2011 was difficult. He was jettisoned, intimidated, criticized, judged and even condemned; yet by his vision, courage, steadfastness and bootstrap mass mobilization strategy, he remained gallant in the tides of time and pushed through the glass ceilings to climb higher and above the realm of common notion and popular trend by defeating the then incumbent Governor to the shocking surprise and admiration of many people.