Today marks exactly one year since a great leader, a philanthropist par excellence, an astute politician who can only be defeated by death and a man of the people Rt. Hon Umar Buba Jibril left us.
It is hard to fill the vacuum you left, it is difficult to find who will play the role like you, we still cannot find a leader like you who can organize the people, who command your kind followership and who is well respected like you.
Honorable Buba was a consummate humanist and a patriotic Nigeria who is passionate about bringing succor to his people and everyone that cross his path.
Your stay on earth was short but quite impactful. You touched so many lives while on earth regardless of sex, religion and status in the society.
I remember when your corpse was wheeled out from your Abuja home into a waiting ambulance, How the mai-guards in your neighborhood abandoned their duty post to pay you last respect, they wept profusely and lamented how you have been so generous to them. They sit and dine with you on the same mat during Ramadan and anytime you’re available.
I remember the women group in Lokoja especially the one that used to prepare cat fish for us each time I accompany you to Lokoja how they cried uncontrollably as if all their hope on earth has vanished right in front of them, I remember your little best friend Ba-Bello, I remember how politicians, artisans, market women and people of all walks of life cried like babies. Your home became a mecca of sort, mourners, sympathisers thronged your Family House.
One year after your demise, we still cannot get over you, it is as fresh as yesterday but we are console by your legacies and the numerous impacts you made while in earth . We remember you today and we will always do.
Continue to Rest In Peace Our leader, Rt. Hon Umar Buba Jibril.
– Opeyemi Adetayo Duke
