My definition of Zulum is competence, dedication, patriotism, sacrifice, selflessness, honesty, humility, fear of God, incorruptibility, conscience, vision and zeal to serve. He is simply a reliable politician, who dutifully adheres to his oath of office, in the 7th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended).
Kashim Shatima is the Immediate- past Governor of Borno State. He is arguably the brain behind the emergence of Zulum as the Governor of Borno State. He jettisoned his political interest for the good of his people.
I picked special interest in Zulum last year when he celebrated his 1st anniversary with over 300 projects to his credit, when some State Governors could not commission a single project. Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari was in the state to commission more projects. At the moment, he has over 500 projects to his credit in just two (2) years. He achieved this fiat in spite of the security challenges bedeviling the state.
Nigeria is blessed with so many Zulums. They are everywhere, except that they are reserved. Most of them are not politicians. What we are lacking are Shatimas. They are very scarce. The political circle is dominated by the selfish, irresponsible, greedy, insincere, unpatriotic, incompetent, Godless, conscienceless, corrupt and unreliable people.
In due course, I am going to mobilize some like mind to push for the amendment of Section 176 of the Constitution, to provide for the swapping of Governors, so that, if your governor is confused and not performing, you can simply borrow from another state.
I dedicate this piece to all the Zulums and Shatimas wherever they are in this planet earth. It is meant to revive our hope, that in a matter of time, the political space in Nigeria will be dominated by the Zulums and Shatimas, by the Special Grace of Almighty Allah.
Have a blissful break.
Galadi is a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Gusau Branch (covering Zamfara State) & President of Bello Galadi Foundation.
He can be reached on:
[email protected] & [email protected]
26th December, 2021
