Tribute
Mohammed Isa: How not to log out
By Ola Awoniyi
You may not realise how difficult it can be to write a tribute about a departed colleague, until you sadly have to do it. Emotions do choke the written words, as they do the spoken ones. The situation becomes even worse when the departed was very much more than a colleague. Mohammed Abdulkadir Isa was a friend I was blessed to meet at my workplace.
On 16th July, 2021, I received an unusual WhatsApp post. It was an old press statement signed exactly two years earlier announcing my appointment. It was signed by Mohammed Isa, the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan. Before I began to wonder why he was sending me an old statement, I received a text from Mohammed: “Sir, this is just to remind you that it is exactly two years today that you were appointed as the Special Adviser on Media to the Senate President.” Then he prayed for me again. It was a simple act for Mohammed. But for me, it was thought provoking. It took me into a moment of reflections.
Two years earlier, I had received a call from an unknown number with the caller informing me that he had just announced my appointment. The caller later identified himself as Mohammed Isa. That was how the gentleman from Katsina State became my first contact at my present workplace.
When I reported to assume duty about a week later, I met Mohammed for the first time waiting for me at the main entrance to the new wing of the Senate building. I had told him that I was coming and we met as agreed. He then accompanied me to my office. Although I wasn’t a total stranger to the National Assembly, Mohammed made himself my guide on my first day at work, taking me to the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Dr. Babagana M. Aji, and from there to meet the staff in the Office of the Senate President. That was how our journey as colleagues began. And we soon became close friends. But sadly, it ended too soon.
I spoke twice with Mohammed on Monday, 7th November, 2022. That was the day after he was involved in the accident that eventually claimed his life and that of his friend, Danladi Ndayebo.
Even in his distress in his hospital bed, Mohammed remained a reporter. So when he heard my voice on the phone, he immediately set about narrating how, when and where the crash occured. But I noticed that he was apparently struggling to speak. So I told him there would be ample time to tell the story after his discharge from the hospital. Noticing too my concern about his condition, he assured me that he was responding well to treatment.
On the second time we spoke that evening, he broke the sad news that his friend, Danladi, had just passed on. They were together in the auto crash along the Minna-Abuja road. Mohammed and Danladi, a former Editor of Leadership Newspapers and former Commissioner for Information in Niger State, were inseparable in life. And now, sadly so too in death.
The day after our first conversations, I called Mohammed again about his immediate needs that might require urgent intervention from the office. He was confident that he would make it.
It turned out to be my last direct conversation with Mohammed. The next day, I realised that his doctors had cancelled his access to the telephone.
The day before our last direct conversation, he posted a vague message on his Facebook wall: “Logging Out for Now, So Long.” That was precisely at 6.05am, the day after the accident. But on his third day in the hospital, he was back on his wall with another post: “Let me take this opportunity to thank all of you that sent a goodwill and condolence message over our accident and the eventual death of my friend and brother, Danladi Ndayebo. I appreciate all of you and assure you that I’m in a stable condition and recording daily improvement.”
You could therefore imagine my utter shock on the evening of Friday, in far away Yobe State where I was on official trip, when I received a phone call from another fellow staff, also a journalist colleague. The sobbing caller merely managed to break the shocking news of Mohammed’s passage. The news left me dumbfounded. That Mohammed has truly “logged out.” Forever. It still seems to me surreal.
Mohammed was a jolly good fellow and I found him great to work with. Besides, I had good reason to maintain my closeness with him having been conversant with the bureaucracy at the National Assembly. He had worked as a political appointee of Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal when he was Speaker of House of Representatives. He was later appointed as Special Assistant on Public Affairs during the tenure of Bukola Saraki as Senate President. So he already understood the bureaucratic nuances of the National Assembly before I came on board.
As the Special Assistant on Media in the Office of the Senate President, he had an office but rarely used it, preferring to work from my own office. I enjoyed his company a great deal too. Lively and likeable, there was never a dull moment with him around. In my official assignment, he was a reliable and dependable source of information because he had his ears to the ground. He also had a full grasp of contemporary politics and a brilliant memory.
For the more than three years that we worked together, we never had a dispute, which is unique in a public service and political environment. Mohammed took corrections in good faith and was ever eager to learn more about the job, despite his vast experience.
Mohammed was the restless type, difficult to confine to a space for long. He always had to move around, for which he jocularly nicknamed himself a nomadic journalist.
Mohammed was also compassionate almost to a fault. He would always reach out to anyone he thought needed to be comforted. It was therefore no surprise to me when I was told that he and his friend were on a mission to Minna to empathise with a family whose child was missing when they were involved in the accident.
Mohammed’s memory will linger among his former colleagues and vast network of friends. I definitely will remember him always.
Adieu, Mohammed Abdulkadir Isa.
***Awoniyi is Special Adviser on Media to the Senate President
The Senate on Thursday paid tribute to Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the late nationalist, political activist, and staunch advocate for democracy, who passed away at the age of 96.
The emotional session, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, underscored Adebanjo’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution and his unwavering stance on justice, fairness, and good governance.
The session began with Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East) moving a motion to honor Adebanjo’s legacy. Acknowledging the urgency and importance of the motion, the Senate President granted an exception to the rule limiting urgent motions to one per sitting, allowing the Senate to fully recognize the late statesman’s achievements.
The Ogun senator while presenting his motion indicated that Adebanjo was born on February 10, 1928, in Isoye Ogo, Ogun State, Adding that his journey from journalism to law led him to become a disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a key figure in Nigeria’s early political movements.
His political activism according to Daniel saw him flee to Ghana in 1962 during the treason trial of Awolowo, leading to multiple arrests and detentions over the years.
“He played a crucial role in NADECO (National Democratic Coalition) protests following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, where he, alongside other pro-democracy fighters—including now-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—opposed military rule.
“His relentless push for true federalism and restructuring remained central to his advocacy until his final days.
In the session, multiple senators shared personal reflections on Adebanjo’s life and impact.
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) described him as “a titan of democracy who remained unapologetic in his fight for equity and justice.” He also noted Adebanjo’s deep ties to progressive political movements and his mentorship of younger leaders.
According to him, the death of Adebanjo happens few days before his close ally in Edwin Clark said the duo may still be planning on the other side for a way to better Nigeria
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), recalling the June 12 struggle, emphasized that “our democracy today stands on the sacrifices of men like Pa Adebanjo.”
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) praised his moral integrity, stating, “Adebanjo was never a politician of convenience; he was a leader of principle.”
The Senate unanimously passed three resolutions to honor the late Adebanjo, observing a minute of silence in his honor, Sending a high-powered delegation to condole with his family and the Ogun State government and urging the federal government to immortalize him by naming a national monument after him.
In his closing remarks, Senate President Akpabio urged Nigerians to see Adebanjo’s passing not as a loss but as “a celebration of a life dedicated to the betterment of Nigeria.”
He praised his courage, resilience, and unyielding commitment to the ideals of democracy.
As Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most vocal and fearless advocates, the legacy of Pa Ayo Adebanjo remains a guiding light for those who continue the struggle for justice, equity, and a truly democratic nation.
The Nigerian Senate, on Wednesday, paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Edwin Clark, a towering figure in national politics and Niger Delta advocacy, who passed away on February 17 at the age of 97.
Acknowledging his immense contributions to Nigeria’s development, the Senate called on the Federal Government to immortalize Clark by naming a national monument after him. The lawmakers also resolved to send a high-powered delegation to condole with his family and participate in his funeral rites.
Leading the motion, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC-Delta) described Clark as a fearless nationalist, lawyer, and statesman who fought tirelessly for justice, equity, and the rights of marginalized communities.
“From his early days in Kiagbodo to his legal education in the UK, and later as a political leader, Edwin Clark remained unwavering in his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress,” Thomas noted.
According to him, Clark’s role as the founder of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in 2016 further cemented his legacy as an advocate for regional development and restructuring.
Several senators took turns to eulogize Clark, acknowledging his boldness, wisdom, and dedication to national unity.
Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) said Clark was a fearless voice who never shied away from telling the truth.
Former Governor of Bayelsa state, Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) described Clark’s leadership and commitment to justice as unmatched
Former senate Minority leader
Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) said his legacy as a defender of the oppressed will live on.
Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi) described the late elder statesman as a bridge builder who preached unity across ethnic lines.
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro said, “Clark was a pillar of wisdom, and his voice will be greatly missed.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Clark as a man whose influence transcended generations explaining further his Passion for Nigeria Was Unwavering.
“He fought for the rights of minorities across the country, standing as a symbol of courage and conviction. Even in his 90s, his voice carried weight because it was driven by a deep love for Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.
With the Senate’s call to immortalize him, Chief Edwin Clark’s name is set to be etched in the annals of Nigerian history,a testament to his lifelong struggle for equity, justice, and national cohesion.
The Obidient Movement has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Afenifere chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as an inspirational patriot and a pillar of the envisioned New Nigeria.
In a heartfelt tribute, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, lauded Pa Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and national unity. His leadership in Afenifere and lifelong advocacy for good governance, Tanko noted, have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Extending condolences to Pa Adebanjo’s family, the Afenifere organization, and the people of Ogun State, the Obidient Movement emphasized the need for more leaders who, like him, prioritize national progress above divisions of language, race, or religion.
“With the likes of Pa Adebanjo on a united front, A New Nigeria is Possible,” Tanko affirmed.
He prayed that his soul may rest in peace.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro11 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu