By Musa Tanimu Nasidi.
Rt. Hon Ahmed Umar Imam, member representing Lokoja 1, Constituency and former Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, 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.
He has led a revolutionary leadership immediately he mounted the saddle as Speaker of Kogi state House of Assembly before his resignation few months ago. Rt. Hon Ahmed Umar Imam, a highly cosmopolitan Nigerian, he does not discriminate on the grounds of tribe, political affiliation, religion or where you come from.
This manifested as Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly when he selected his immediate aides and staff from all religions, cultures, ethnic groups without bias or tribal sentiment.
As the number three citizen, he was reputed to have visited nearly all the country homes of his colleagues in the House who had milestones to celebrate.
Rt. Hon Imam 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 the stage managed coup against him mastermind by the Executive, which made him resigned as Speaker. It was a very fractious campaign that called to question his personal integrity and security at many times and pitched him against his colleague who sold their concise for a peanuts by supporting the anointed preference of the Executive arm of government, Hon. Mathew Kolawole as Speaker.
As a man full with forgiven spirit, once the intrigues was over, Imam let go of all acrimony, choosing instead to rally everyone, including all those who opposed him, together for the common good – a united and forward looking House of Assembly.
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 decades before he was called upon by the good people of Lokoja 1,Constituency to serve them where they massively voted for him in a keenly contested election.
According to Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar: “no person with need ever leaves Alfa Imam presence without receiving some form of succour. Many Kogites 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 mission has been and is still the defence of the superiority of the law and the social contract to manage for public good, public treasury entrusted to his watch.”
His public life, according to Comrade Ali Yakubu, Chief Press Secretary to the former Speaker: “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 an Aspirant in the forthcoming By- Election to Represent Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, under a Political platform yet to be declare.
As Speaker, his rare leadership qualities were acknowledged by his colleagues as equal to none. Unlike now when the quality of leadership of the House had changed dramatically.
After wide range of consultations with his constituents, Rt. Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam, agreed to contest for the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency under the of platform of a yet to be announced Political Party.
As Speaker then, Imam 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, unlike what is obtained presently where the House was adjudged to be an appendage of Lugard House.
It was therefore not surprising that ten months after Rt. Hon Ahmed Umar exist as Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Imam is still the preferred by his colleagues. His nationalistic vision, his leadership by consensus, and his popularity with people across party, religion and ethnic lines, had earned him our trust to lead the 6th House of Assembly as Speaker, explained a member who doesn’t what his name to mentioned.
Undeterred by the rancour of the campaign that his characterising his aspiration to contest against Alhaji Haruna Isah, the assumed Government anointed candidate and the man made pits that were sponsored and dug by the leadership of his own party, Imam, explained Ali Yakubu, went on commanding a very successful and powerful followers across the federal Constituency ahead of the forthcoming by- election, devoid of controversies, party affiliation or religion deference.
“Imam’s political and public life has been a harvest of awards of excellence and recognition, since in joined the race” he said.
Rt Hon. Ahmed Umar Imam is a top contender to Late Rt. Hon Umar Buba Jibril seat.
The former speaker who vows to contest is yet to announce under the political party platform he will realise his ambition.
