Garlands to Speaker Dogara @ 49

FORTY-nine years ago today, a humble child was born in the back waters of what is today northeastern Nigeria. That child, against all odds, is today  one of Nigeria’s shining stars, a beacon of hope, icon of transparency and progressive leader- Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who by the special grace of God occupies the seat of the Speaker of the House of Representatives- The people’s chamber.

Dogara, a determined go-getter, an embodiment of moral rectitude; epitome of humility and repository of knowledge is a child of destiny.

Coming from a very humble background, bred in the rural community of Tafawa-Balewa, Bauchi State, Dogara is living up to the expectations of the people. Here is a man, who after excelling in the university, was sought after and offered automatic lucrative jobs in multinational oil companies but declined because he strongly believed that there is more to life than money and rather opted to practise law with all the attendant consequences and uncertainties, which permeates our society.

Propelled and motivated by the urge and the desire to help and offer selfless service to mankind; he took his destiny into his hands knowing that men are the masters of their fate. That singular decision, not to be lured by lucre; even in a society whose values are measured in how much material possession one garners, reveals the inner man, thoughts, traits, personality and the selfless character of Dogara.

His incorruptible character came to bear in the 6th Assembly, while serving as the chairman of the Customs and Excise Committee; he rejected a $5 million bribe offered in a desperate move to thwart investigation into the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service by some inept, corrupt and unpatriotic contractors and their collaborators within the service then.

Again, in the wake of his defection from the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), N500 million and an automatic return ticket was offered to him if he returned to the PDP, yet he declined the offer and moved on. The ability and courage to resist mouth-watering and tempting offers of that nature and magnitude; not because he had gathered enough but for the fear of God and the love of country is what defines the personae and character of Dogara as a patriotic and incorruptible leader.

He believes and practices politics of give and take, consensus building and compromise-accommodating both friends and foes-putting aside that which is personal for the collective interests of the Nigerian people.

The Speaker strongly believes in dialogue, negotiation and consensus building, which are the cardinal pillars of his leadership. His quality of being peaceful and one who strongly believes in building bridges of friendship and love across the divides has in no small way, helped in bringing the desired stability in the House. He has continued to enjoy enormous support and loyalty from his colleagues, who acknowledge his transparency and open-door policy.

No wonder, the House in just one and half years has achieved many firsts and surpassed records sets by all previous assemblies put together. In 18 months of its tenure, the House has passed into law about 150 bills some of which have either been signed into law or are awaiting Senate’s concurrence.

Speaker Dogara, though just 49, is already passionate about the coming generation and the need to build the future. The Speaker is at the forefront of campaign to pass the #NotTooYoungToRun bill aimed at reducing the minimum age required by law to stand for elections in Nigeria. Already, the bill has scaled second reading.

Also for the first time, over 100 students from over 100 public and private Nigerian Universities on the invitation of the Speaker converged on Abuja- the National Assembly in specific where he interacted with them for two days. Gave them insight into the running and activities of the parliament and answered their questions- a similar meeting is in the offing for Polytechnic students which is unprecedented.

On the political front, the House under Dogara, is stable and at peace with itself-busy discharging its roles and responsibilities to the electorate, thanks to his political sagacity and leadership prowess.

Dogara believes that justice is needed in building a civil society and that for societies to grow, leaders must understand the workings of justice which is necessary in any democracy for equality to thrive.

At every opportunity, he emphasises that the primary interest of leaders at all levels should be the people and not their ego or power tussle.

The Speaker’s honesty, patriotism, sterling leadership qualities and political sagacity are being recognised, commended, thus earning him awards and honours. In March this year, Dogara was honoured by the Royal Commonwealth Society for leading the House to pass an unprecedented 130 bills in one legislative sitting, which they acknowledged is no small feat. The Speaker also received the Zik Leadership Award for Public Service 2015, Leadership Newspapers Group Politician of the Year 2015 and has just been named the Sun Newspaper Group Political Icon of the Year 2016.

What more can one say about such an unassuming personality, master tactician, progressive, vibrant politician, erudite scholar of high repute and lawyer per excellence, who has achieved these feats and greatness through hard work, honesty, and fear of God as is required of leaders in these trying times in Nigeria. It was Josiah Gilbert Holland who aptly cried unto God to give us men like this.  “Men with strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands. Men who the lust of office does not kill. Men who the spoils of office cannot buy. Men who possess opinions and a will. Men who have honor…” Happy 49th birthday Mr. Speaker.

• Hassan is the Special Adviser Media & Public Affairs to the Rt. Hon. Speaker