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In this season of politics, many, especially closer home, have deliberately chosen to misunderstand Imam. But as Ralph Waldo Emerson said decades ago, “Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.”
With time, people will understand the fact that Imam is indeed a role model for all those seeking to understand how to make impact with their lives.
Two years ago, 6 young Lokoja local government indigenes gain admission into KSU, ABU, UDUSOK, and Federal University Lokoja and were on the verge of missing admission into there various school due to lack of finances. Over dinner, it was mentioned to the then Speaker of the 6th assembly, Hon Umar Ahmed Imam, of the dire situation the young ones were in and how their dreams of going to school was getting away by the hour. Without asking who they were, he directed one Bako from my area Kabawa and other to contact them. Few days later, he not only paid for all they required, he ensured each of them got a pocket money to aide their studies.
The interesting aspect of this story is that few days ago, I encountered one of them in Abuja and while thanking me for intervening by leading them to a pin point at a very critical period in their lives, he expressed disappointment that none of them was able to meet with Imam to thank him collectively and individually for his dream-saving gesture.
Why am I telling this story today? The lesson here is simple: some people are attracted to those who need help because it feels good to be of help at critical times. Whenever someone is hurting or suffering in some ways, kind-hearted individuals deliberately come forward to help without even wanting to be praised. This is where Imam comes in.
I am sure the lesson in this encounter is not lost on Imam himself. This is because his life does not lend itself to embellishments – it is an inspirational and captivating study of the triumph of mind over matter.
As we mark his birthday in advance today, we will all meditate on this lesson, and draw the positives that will continue to illuminate paths in our relationship with others.
Rt. Hon Umar Ahmed Imam is, a trained, urbane and avid believer in the integrity of hard work and merit in public service, has lived a life of selflessness and sacrifice for the good of the greater society.
While as Speaker of the state assembly, he was reputed to have visited nearly all the country homes of his colleagues in the House who had milestones to celebrate. He has a super knack for listening, which makes it easy for him to accommodate all shades of opinions and leanings. Forever in pursuit of knowledge, Imam believes that it is in the maze of the exchange of ideas, convictions and discussions that the best in people and issues can sprout.
His quest for and pursuit of the general good has benefited immensely from his forgiving heart. This was most tested during his election to the position of his then Speaker of the House . It was a very fractious campaign that called to question his personal security at many times and pitched him against his colleague from Okene. Once the election was over, Imam let go of all acrimonies, choosing instead to rally everyone, including all those who opposed him, together for the common good – a united and forward looking House of assembly under his watched.
Imam has an enduring disposition to the welfare of the poor and needy in the society. This has informed his charity works and contributions over the years and personal sacrifices for the education of the poor and underprivileged in the society. No person with need ever leaves his presence without receiving some form of succour. Many indigene of Lokoja and constituents have set up flourishing businesses and schooling as a result of his benevolence.
He is a man of high integrity. His word is his honour. He is fearless in the face of intimidation and threat to personal safety.
His public life has been driven by a quest for a society where the wealthy and strong must use their expertise and strength to ensure a system where the weak can find space and encouragement to excel. Imam has been an example in the service of humanity. It was these believes that led to his decision to present himself for service as a member of the 6th assembly
By 2015, he became the vice Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, he was until his election as speaker, chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. He was also a member of Several Committees which include the House Services, selection Committee, Education, Youth and Sports, and Culture and Tourism Committee. from which positions he rallied and mobilised his colleagues into the strongest legislative bar. His rare leadership qualities were acknowledged by his colleagues as equal to none.
By then, his integrity, knowledge of the rules and procedure of the House had made him an asset to his colleagues and the legislative activities of the House. It was therefore not surprising that when the time came to impeached and elect a new speaker for the House, Imam was the preferred candidate of some of his colleagues. His patriotic vision, his leadership by consensus, and his popularity with people across party, religion and ethnic lines, had earned him their trust to lead the 6th assembly as Speaker.
Undeterred by the rancour of the campaign that characterised his election as Speaker and the sometimes man made pits that were sponsored and dug by the leadership of his own party, Imam went on to supervise a very successful state assembly under his leadership, devoid of the controversies, jostling for power.
Imam’s approach to leadership is defined by the vision to build people and enduring structures like the assembly complex that can stand the test of time. While most are admired because they move others to follow their example, Imam belongs to the category of a few who are special enough to encourage others to find their own unique path. Just by being who he is, he has sparked many to be who they want to be. Through thoughtful leadership, great vision and sincerity, all parts of the Lokoja | state constituency have felt the positive impact of his activities. And for that, if for nothing else, he deserves to be called a leader who inspires.
Imam has raised the ante of purposeful leadership and good representation by a magic of work, ethics and sincerity of purpose, his representation has prioritized areas whose importance will continue to have enduring impact on the life of the constituents. Such areas include education, women and youth empowerment, poverty eradication which is named HAISAEP
In the last 3 years, Imam has left no one in doubt about his capacity for fair and equitable representation. Over the years, he has demonstrated ability to meet with the needs and demands of the people that he encountered. His profound achievements even while as speaker have drawn praises, honour and recognition from far and near.
However, on this momentous belated of his birthday, I thank him for his service, and wish him a happy birthday in advance.
– Abbas Yahaya
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