By Musa Tanimu Nasidi.
“Political self-determination, if it is to be worthwhile, and real and not illusory, must go hand in hand with twin brother economic self determination”.
—Chief Obafemi Awolowo
“All pioneers of good things of their time are always regarded as mad people;only for people to come back and worship them”.
—Pa Abraham Adesanya
Let me state upfront that the title of this short tributes was taken from that Obafemi Awolowo University former literature teacher and renowned scholar Prof. Adebayo Williams lecture delivered at Muson Centre, Lagos in March, 2004 to commemorate Chief Obafemi Awolowo 17th posthumous birthday titled: Awolowo and the Longest Goodbye.
Today I would have love to exhume information from my rich memories in a well crafted essay to pay glowing tribute Comrade Tijjani D. Isah, a.k.a SMARTH, the indefatigable chairman of ‘#WARD B FIRST’ who was recently appointed the manager in one of the premier bank, UNITY BANK, in-charge of Lokoja International Market, Lokoja.
He remained true to instructive words of Awolowo and leaders, members and followers of the non political organization # ward B first” that single-handedly gave the ticket to run the affairs of this noble organization in achieving to self goal the leadership needs the unflinching support of the entire followers and politicians from the area.
By successfully mobilizing the people of ward B, irrespective of political or religious affiliation Smart, as he is fondly addressed by his admirers, with other progressive leaders gave a new lease of life and a sense of purpose within the context of the new ward B in the new dispassion, especially with regard to elective positions, which the area suffered political neglect for over a decades.
The organization which consist of Progressives and captains of industries, serving and retired military, is a new revelation on the political scene, especially within and outside Lokoja Local Government in particular and the state in general .
The non-political (# ward B First”), under the leadership of Comrade Tijjani D. Isah (Smart), is highly organized, efficient, cohesive on the prowl, populated with men and women of integrity.
Indeed, it was more like a fighting machine which they called Armoured Personnel Carrier-an infantry fighting vehicle, relentlessly advancing with panache and precision, quickly regrouping when surprised into a retreat and then resuming its remorseless advance.
Its rallying Slogan is ‘#WARD B FIRST’ which suggested permanent political emancipation from the old order and status quo.
With the set goal under the leadership of Smart, giving the needed corporation by all the stakeholders, Smart is no doubt by leading this noble movement has become an asset, a statesman, political strategist, financial wizardry, the last man standing, and warrior, and builder of men.
Love him or hate he has with this movement and his recent appointment as MANAGER,UNITY BANK; LOKOJA INTERNATIONAL MARKET, BRANCH LOKOJA, the comrade has emerged as the leader of the Progressives, common men and the ward B electorates in general.
Congratulations to our ambassador, Comrade Tijjani D. Isah a.k.a SMART for your well deserve appointment.
God Bless Ward B and Lokoja Local Government in general.
