- VCs, Provosts, Rectors Hail The ‘R&D Apostle’
By Atinuke Z. Zakariyya
The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu has conferred a traditional title, ‘Jigon Bauchi’ to former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Jonathan who was in Bauchi recently on a one-day working visit to commission a road project executed by Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir which was named after him was conferred the title on Tuesday 6 April 2021 when he paid a courtesy call to the Emir in his palace.
While introducing the former President to the Emir of Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir said: “Your Highness, I am the happiest man today standing here, today history is been made. Somebody who is instrumental in my coming to the limelight in Nigeria is here with you. “He came from Yenogoa in Bayelsa State, somebody I don’t have anything in common with other than the stake of nationalism and ‘Nigerianess’. He made me the Minister of the FCT without knowing me or belonging to the same political party, he has really impacted so much, he gave me responsibility and by so doing he has proven that he is a detribalised Nigerian.
“The way and manner he left government and created impression globally in terms of democracy made me proud that I have a father and a mentor who is the face of democracy in Africa. Today, he is coming to our house, this house that we all respect in Bauchi and in the whole country. This is the house of the Areonakakanfo of the North,” Bala said.
The Emir Rilwanu who spoke on behalf of the traditional council of state commended Jonathan for making Bauchi his home saying that, “this is the fourth time you are visiting this palace officially, we in Bauchi state are proud of you.”
The Emir also commended Goodluck Jonathan for giving Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir the opportunity to serve as the FCT Minister even when he knew little or nothing about him saying that, it has gone to demonstrate that he (Jonathan) is a detribalised Nigerian.
Alhaji Adamu commended the cordial relationship between the traditional rulers and the state government and hailed the Governor for executing laudable projects across the state within his two years in office.
Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan told the Emir that Nigeria is where it is today because of the leadership of family, friends and acquaintances rather than the ability and capability to deliver.
Jonathan said that the tradition in Nigeria is that before one can be appointed to an office or given a responsibility, he must know someone at the top of a development he said has taken the country backwards.
Reacting to the introductory comments made by the Governor, Jonathan said: “Yes, I did not know him (Governor Bala) when I met him and made him the FCT Minister. In Nigeria, we have this tradition where some people feel that some ministries are big and juicy and must be given to a special person or that you have to know someone before you give him a responsible role or put him somewhere. It is not like that with me, it is not my way of doing things.
“Today is a happy day for me because since I left office, this is the first time I am coming to Bauchi, first let me use this rare opportunity that I am before the Emir of Bauchi to thank the people of Bauchi for supporting my dear son, you have done very well to support him. It would have been difficult for him to win the election without your support,” the former president said.
He stressed that “Bala Mohammed is a good younger brother; he is a good son, even when he was the FCT Minister, he worked with commitment and I gave him a free hand to run the affairs of the FCT. I’ve come to visit him and to commission a project and a road that was even named after me.”
In a related development, the recent Coronation of Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as Jenndem Za’ar by The Gung Zaar Abuja, His Royal Highness, Chief Bulus Danjuma, has been described by various personalities in the society, particularly distinguished Scholars across the length and breadth of the country, as one of the best and most well-thought-out and deserving royal appointments and coronation by any royal father in recent times.
The coronation ceremony which took place in the Palace of The Gung Zaar in Abuja was planned to be low key, that was why even the media were not officially invited to cover it, but considering the ‘nectar-type’ attitudes of the Jenndem Za’ar, the event turned out to be a huge one with top government officials, few Heads of Tertiary Institutions, friends and well wishers in attendance.
In his speech, The Gung Zaar who could not hide his joy over Professor Bogoro’s acceptance of the royal title, said the appointment was no doubt a very historic one which he and his Council are truly proud of.
The royal father said Professor Bogoro who is the first recipient of such very Important title in Abuja was considered worthy of the title after careful assessment of his contributions in his immidiate community, state and the country at large.
The Gung Zaar commended the Jenndem Za’ar for making his Community and his state proud due to his unprecedented and transparent achievements in the Education sector.
He encouraged the Jenndem Za’ar not to relent in his efforts in giving exemplary and prudent leadership in his present and future endeavors.
Responding, The Jenndem Za’ar thanked the Gung Zaar for finding him worthy of the title, out of the several illustrious sons and daughters of Tafawa Balewa that are resident in the Federal Capital Territory.
He assured the paramount ruler of his resolve and committment to support the Chiefdom especially in terms of ensuring the provision of developmental project and promotion of peaceful coexistence in the Chiefdom.
In their goodwill messages, the Vice Chancellors, Provosts and Rectors of different institutions unanimously concurred that the appointment and coronation of Professor Bogoro as Jenndem Za’ar is a deserving one.
The Heads of the tertiary institutions prayed to the Almighty Allah to give the new Jenndem Za’ar good health and wisdom to continue to add exceptional values wherever he finds himself now and in the future