TJ Yusuf: Celebratory homecoming for resourceful Lawmaker

By Bolaji Afolabi

For people of my generation particularly those in their early teens in the ’80s, the name “Shalamar” will strike a chord. Formed in 1976 in Alabama, United States, it was one of the most successful rhythm and blues music groups of yore which churned out hit tunes after hits, in its time. It dominated the charts, ruled the airwaves, and sold millions of albums world-wide. The group won numerous awards and nominations including Grammys, American, Soul Train, and Black Music. Amongst Shalamar’s greatest classics, was “A Night to Remember.” Jeffrey Daniels, the resourceful dancer-member of the musical trio took permanent residence in Abuja in 2000. That evergreen song resonated in my mind while working on this.

December 26, 2023, “Boxing Day” in the Christian calendar was indeed “A Day To Remember” for the people of Kabba, a historic town in Kogi State. It would indeed be for years ahead. Indigenous constituents, settlers, and visitors to the ancient town, organised a civic reception and grand homecoming for an illustrious son Tajudeen Yusuf. “TJ Yusuf” or “Honourable TJ” as he is variously called, was deemed to have served his people excellently as representative of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives. Yusuf served in the lower federal parliament for three consecutive terms between 2011 and 2023. To this extent, he is the first lawmaker from his constituency, and Okunland to have served for three successive terms in the national legislature. His grateful constituents therefore decided to honour him on “Boxing Day” for his worthy, responsible, resourceful, and responsive service through his 12 years as their “chief servant.”

The Kabba Development Union, (KDU), the umbrella sociocultural body of Yusuf’s traditional homestead defied the pervading gloom and despondency in the land to celebrate their own. Unfortunate ethno-cultural schisms in Plateau and Taraba states, country-wide poverty, overarching disillusionment, and national penury have denominated the national space in recent months and years. Yusuf’s people will, however, not be deterred from honouring their own. The reception took place at the “Kabba Civic Centre.” Instructively, the on-going project and first of it’s kind in Kogi State, was envisioned and facilitated by the celebrant while in office.

The atmosphere was festive, even electrifying. Yuletide decorations aesthetically sequenced, added style and beauty to the event. Attendance was high profile. The calibre of dignitaries and attendees from different backgrounds, affinities, and persuasions confirmed Yusuf’s status as the true “man of the people,” to borrow the title of one of the classics authored by Chinua Achebe, Africa’s foremost novelist. The 3,000-capacity main hall of the civic centre was filled by an enthusiastic crowd who thronged the epoch making event to express their love and appreciation to their “home-boy” and pride of the community.

Aside guests from communities in Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu local government areas which make up the federal constituency, there were also attendees from other Okun-speaking local government areas. The event equally attracted settler groups like the Igbos, Ebiras, Igalas, Hausas, Fulanis, Tivs, and others who have made Kabba their home for years. Kabba, by the way is home to the Federal College of Agriculture, (affiliated to the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU)) and the recently established Kogi State University, (KSU). To a large extent, therefore, Kabba in its unassuming sleepiness is a cosmopolitan hub.

Indeed as headquarters of Kogi West senatorial district, it is the ancestral home of many distinguished Nigerians including Air Vice Marshal Femi John Femi (Rtd), former Air Chief during late General Sani Abacha’s government and John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Catholic Bishop of Abuja Diocese. Vice Admiral (Rtd) Joseph Ajayi, former Chief of Defence Intelligence; Dr. Jaiyeola Lewu, foremost, respected diplomat and Prof. Olatunji Dare, an accomplished communications professor, are distinguished Nigerians from Kabba. Education remains the major industry of Kabba as it is across the entire Okun country. Research findings have established a minimum of 300 professors from the five local government areas which make up Okunland, which is most probably higher than what is obtainable in many other states and geopolitical zones put together. Kabba is a competent contributor to this aggregate.

Coming from a community blessed with such rich human resources, Yusuf, from inception had his work cut out. Being the very first from Kabba to make it to the national assembly in 2011, he was bound to perform. Cognisant of popular expectations and leveraging on his previous experiences and networks as a former student union leader, Yusuf hit the ground running. He was the fearless and proactive national secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) in his days at the University of Jos. Beyond his immediate constituents there, alumni from his alma mater looked forward to Yusuf making them proud.
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To underscore his commitment to legislative duties, Yusuf alongside Bimbo Daramola from Ekiti state, and another lawmaker from the North West became the movers of the “first successful motions” at the inaugural plenary sitting of the 7th House of Representatives. His motion on “averting the planned strike by electricity workers” saved the nation from total blackout and embarrassment. Ever driven by quest for national development through meaningful and realistic legislation, Yusuf has to his credit over 80 successful motions. His unwavering passion and unapologetic commitment to community development culminated in his facilitation of numerous projects, programmes and initiatives to the constituency. From education to healthcare, power, agriculture, roads, water and other sectors, his outstanding achievements are visible in all the 30 Wards of the constituency.

His commitment to human capital development culminated in his enabling about 100 employments at the federal level and the private sector. He equally organised various skill acquisition and entrepreneurial training programmes, as well as constituency empowerment and development initiatives. He assisted many of his indigent folks with the regular payment of school fees and scholarship awards. His pioneering role to this effect in his constituency inspired many of his colleagues and politicians which has led to healthy, positive competition amongst elected and appointed government officials.

As a firm believer in the unity and development of Okun nation, Yusuf extended projects and programmes to communities outside his constituency. Courtesy of this and regular communication with elders, leaders, and major stakeholders from the Kogi sub-division, he has built excellent and enduring relationships with many people. It is to his credit that during his time at the “Green Chamber” two former Speakers; Aminu Tambuwal, and Yakubu Dogara, in 2012 and 2016 respectively visited Kabba precisely not for political meetings but commissioning of projects facilitated by him. On each occasion, they respectively acknowledged his immense contributions to legislative development, and commended the community, and the Okun Nation for giving Nigeria such rare, brilliant, and selfless personality.

For Yusuf, loyalty to friendship, group cause, party interest, and adherence to terms of mutual agreement is unequivocal and unambiguous. There is no middle-position or shifting of goalpost. In playing his part, no sacrifice is too big towards ensuring the achievement of set objectives, a virtue alien among politicians and uncommon in this clime. Not your regular politician, Yusuf had in times taken the bullet for collective interest. In his political odyssey thus far, he has suffered betrayals. Despite such untoward incidents, he has always forged ahead. At the ninth assembly of the House of Representatives, he turned down the offer of nomination as “Minority Whip.” He had been baited with the offer to procure him to work against his party’s directive on “opposition leaders choices.”

He was expected to enlist with “another group” of PDP lawmakers allegedly in cahoots with the leadership of the parliament. For obeying PDP’s decision to support Umar Bago (now Niger state Governor) for the Speakership position, Yusuf was allegedly denied the chairmanship or deputy of any committee by the House leadership. Yusuf refused to be demoralised. His credo has always been: “Integrity, honour, and reputation come at a price, provided my decisions comes from personal conviction, respect for regulation, and high moral values I will follow this route.”

In recognition and endorsement of his 12 years of excellent and exceptional achievements in Nigeria’s foremost parliament, the KDU led by its National President, Engr. Emmanuel Ajibero decided to not just honour Yusuf, but to welcome him home. The former lawmaker in every official and political responsibility he handled, effectively and efficiently emerged a well-groomed, and appropriately-mannered homeboy. He emerged the pride of the community and Okun nation who shone brightly in national political space. He probably pioneered the concept of regular interface with Okun leaders and public servants from Okunland in general, in Abuja. At every such forum, Yusuf canvassed collaboration between civil servants and the legislature. He urged them to ensure free flow of intelligence and information on projects beneficial to Okunland as identified by civil servants in specific ministries and departments, requiring parliamentary push.

On ground to offer solidarity and comradeship with Yusuf were Assistant Inspector-General Idowu Owohunwa, Force CID Annex, Lagos and Assistant Corps Marshal Clement Oladele, FRSC’s Project Implementation Unit. There were also Mrs. Sola Jagboro, Provost, Kogi state College of Education (Technical) Kabba; Chief Hassan Ejibunu, Director, Air Transport Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, Director, Institute of Governance and Development, Federal University Lokoja. Also present were Mr. Raphael Arokoyo, a business mogul and serial entrepreneur; Sir Johnson Jimoh, former Head of Funds, Federal Capital Territory Administration and Prof. Peter Jimoh of the Lagos State University.

In his opening remarks, Ajibero eulogised Yusuf for his indomitable spirit, outstanding bridge-building, and networking capacities. He described him as “a patriot with many brilliant and enviable records of diligent, selfless, sacrificial, and pioneering services for community development and advancement of his constituents. He is a good man, with unique and friendly attributes which endears him to people. His resilient, frontal role in the establishment and siting of the Kogi state University in Kabba, and other achievements confirms his passion and commitment to communal development.”

Leading other traditional rulers and heads of families in Owe (Kabba) Kingdom was Oba Michael Ibinaye, the Obajemu of Oweland, who represented the Obaro of Kabba, and Chairman, Okun Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi who was unavoidably absent. Oba Ibinaye who joyfully called for a standing ovation for Yusuf declared that, “the massive turnout exemplifies our demonstration of love and expression of the community’s gratitude to his capacity, competence, and character in all his excellent contributions to the development of Kabba and other communities around us. Just as I join everybody in celebrating him for being a worthy ambassador of Owe kingdom, I commend him for building bridges of love, peace, unity, and progress across our land and beyond. I pray that God will bless him with more fruitful years of glory, honour and sound health.” On his part, Oba J.J. Oloruntoba, Elesho of Oweland, congratulated Yusuf for “writing his name in gold, and making history not just for himself but Oweland with his unbroken records of achievements.”

Arc. Idris Salman, member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, who took over from Yusuf affirmed that, “the celebrant is exceptionally selfless, and straight with people. He always wants the best for people, and enthusiastically contributes to the success of people not minding their backgrounds or leaning. Our relationship over the years has grown deeper, we are brothers.” For Brigadier-General Bode Ojuoloruntaiye of the Nigeria Army Signals Corps, Lagos, “Kabba, Owe Kingdom has found a leader of impeccable character who has demonstrated integrity, diligence, and selflessness in his service to people.”

Mrs. Grace Omonale, Director in the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture thanked Yusuf for “living an exemplary and inspiring life in and out of office. He is one politician that did not allow position and influence affect his relationship with people. He remains humble, accessible, altruistic, and focused. He is truly a man of honour and nobility whose purposeful and selfless leadership produced enduring legacies that others should emulate.”

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of encomiums, Yusuf could not hide his joy and shock in his emotion-laden remarks. Said he: “I am eternally grateful to everyone who not minding my human imperfections consistently supported my political journey in the past 12 years. I lack appropriate words to express my innermost appreciation to the good people of Kabba for their unwavering support. Let me reiterate that as a proud son of this kingdom, I will always be a good ambassador. I express profound gratitude to the National President, executive, and members of the KDU for this honour. I specially appreciate our Royal Fathers, Elders, Leaders, and everybody for their prayers, love, support, and criticisms which contributed immensely to my modest achievements in and around our federal constituency.”

Yusuf proceeded: “Let me also use this opportunity to thank the entire people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, as well as Okun nation for all their support and prayers these past years. As I thank you all let me further pledge that I shall re-dedicate my energies, goodwill, and time to the peace, unity, love, and development of Kabba, Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency, the Okun nation,at large, and Kogi State in general.” Yusuf must be saluted for the brave and conscientious personality he is. Not many people know or remember that he had quietly nursed the scar of the unfortunate departure of his wife, Titilola, in the last quarter of 2019. An irrepressible Christian, he soldiered through the last years of his parliamentary stewardship with faith in God and equanimity.

BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications Specialist writes from Abuja.