It is incredible how time flies. It is, as if it were yesterday that a giant in the political landscape of Kogi state, Senator A.T. Ahmed passed on to the beyond.
Time by nature is an inhibition to all human endeavours. With all the wealth in this world, one will still require long life to enjoy same to his heart desire. Likewise, no matter how lofty a struggle is, it requires time for successful manifestation to the fullest.
The above inadequacy of time was what manifested in the life of our illustrious son and Kogi Political Legend, Late Senator A.T Ahmed, who bade farewell to this sinful earth, on Saturday 10th June, 2006, in a ghastly auto-crash on Abuja-Lokoja road, thus fulfilling the two sides of the coins of life; time to be born and time to be dead.
There is nothing more grieve, frustrating and disappointing, for one to be approaching ones desired destination, in a sweatful struggle, only to be called to glory by time frame, in obedience to God’s divine designed timetable for all living beings.
The death of Senator A.T Ahmed, no doubt, came as a rude shock; it was a shock especially to those who respect and admire him and appreciate his forthrightness, honesty, simplicity and above all, his political ideology.
Since the sad event of dark June 10, 2006, which is one of the worst forms of demise in the history of the land, the political class, has never been the same in Ebiraland. In fact, the solidified and promising A.T camp, as usually referred to, had the worst causality; got disorganized, taken over by intruders, wanting to be buried without invocation, while ardent ones were left as orphans of no direction. Leader, as we normally call you as our political master, we never believed you are dead hence your spirit is bountifully alive, we still look upon you to intervene and right the wrongs in our political misgivings.
At every stage in the history of Ebira polity, some citizens had made very great contribution in either building, unifying, salvaging or rather motivating others in promoting good political values and principles in the land.
On this note, history had depicted men like Chief George Ohikere, Alhaji Adamu Attah, Alhaji Usman Abatemi, Dr. John Lawani and others like them, as catalysts, gad romped into martyrdom by paying supreme prices of losing their lives in a struggle to build virile political dynasty for Ebira people. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace, Ameen.
With gratitude to Almighty Allah, Senator A.T. Ahmed’s struggle to liberate the minority ethnic groups in Kogi State from the political oppressors, was after-all not in vain as God’s intervention crowned his kinsman, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, Two-term elected Executive Governor of the state.
In this category of high-flying political juggernauts, one who has also sacrifice his life for this cause is Senator A.T Ahmed, popularly called by his political admirers as “Rimi”, from day one, distinguished himself as a politician of substance by manner of his entry into politics. Indeed, he had to be spirited into politics by his people for his great accomplishment in human kindness, which he wholly demonstrated when he was Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN.
For a politician as ebullient as Late Senator A.T Ahmed, the road to limelight would never have been too tortuous. After serving in the public sector, he tested his political weight in the third and fourth republics by contesting the election into the Upper House [Senate] of the National Assembly and won convincingly. In the Senate, it took no time for the distinguished senator to identify and team up with the right forces.
His varied experience acquired over time stood him in good stead and enabled him to contribute his best to the progress of his fatherland, Ebiraland, and his state, Kogi in general. His death could not have come at a worse moment, especially at a time when we are engaged the task to regain our lost socio-political glory. His death was a great personal loss to me. He was a most loyal, trustworthy and dependable father (though not biological), who always advise me on my professional callings, journalism.
In him, the poor had solace; in him the afflicted and consolation, and in him, the down-trodden and hopes. He was a good companion to all, irrespective of class or rank. That was A.T Ahmed!
Senator A.T Ahmed, of blessed memory, relished in encountering the devastating marginalization and suppression syndrome of his people and the neighboring district (Kogi West) by government of Kogi State powered by the neighboring ethnic group of Kogi East (The Igalas). He fought tenaciously to attempt to close the gap. This period of his life gave him fillip; courage and all that were required to fight for the common man.
Senator A.T Ahmed, who discovered benighted or crass ignorance of leadership qualities or traits bedeviling the Kogi State, that the only alternative to reposition the corporate image of the good people, was to form Kogi Unity Group (KUG) to champion the validity of all. No doubt, whatsoever, that his struggle to liberate his people politically haunted him to his grave.
Senator A.T Ahmed (Leader), as we used to call him, whenever he needed for media consultation at his Wuse II residence, always emphasize that it was through political participation rather than armchair or fence-sitting approach would make one change unhealthy system along with others who held same view. Leader, your exemplary life has taught us that “from the cradle to the grey days is a war, do not rest on your oars in your effort towards a greater height in life”. This theory, no doubt, will inspire us further to pursue your cause to logical conclusion.
It is unfortunate that the late Senator, who had good intention for his people and beyond could not be fortunate enough to fulfill his life aspiration; to totally liberate the oppressed ethnic groups (Okun and Ebiras) from socio-political slavery of the power domineering. He was also unfortunate to also be unable to pick his successive leadership from his supposed political apostles. This minus scenarios may have resulted in the recent plugging of the community into political disarray and incessant crises; leaving the followers in the wilderness, wandering in the political desert. What a pity?
Late Senator A.T Ahmed, no doubt, is an epitome of leadership; social justice, equity and truthfulness, was the doyen of politics who tempted to encourage his disciples by nurturing them, towards being useful to the society. Unfortunately after his demise, they (the apostles) translated his political ideology into unhealthy political moment that would only suite their political desire and inordinate ambition.
Late Senator A.T Ahmed (Leader), is an elixir, no doubt, a humanist and a paragon without a pair, he was the voice of the oppressed. On this crusade, he was unwavering and finally died for this cause as a “Hero”.
It is no easy task to attempt to do honour in a written tribute to a man one does not personally acquainted with, except through records and deeds. Throughout his life, A.T Ahmed set for himself extremely high standard of personal performances and stuck to them against the greatest odds. Perhaps the light level of success, which he achieved in this regard, tended to blind him to the fact that not every person is endowed with the same measure of energy, enthusiasm and ability as he was blessed with. He found it extremely difficult to tolerate lapses of performance and moral turpitude in others and this may well account for the fact that he made some enemies especially among those who believe in contrary.
One of the greatest essayists from Scotland, Carlye Thomas, once said that “No great man lives in vain, for the history of the world is the history of great men”. These words actually capture the late Senator Ahmed Tijjani Ahmed, (AT), though of Blessed Memory, but whose footprints in the precious sands of tie and the golden pages of history continue to stand him out, years after his exit from earth.
Senator A.T.med, are dead in soul and not in spirit, good people of Ebiraland and Kogi State in general, will continue to remember your steadfast and doggedness in the Political scene at both local and national levels. Its fifteen [15] years now that your ancestors took you away from our midst at when we needed you most to complete your untiring liberation mission, this will continue to remain fresh in our memory, while we shall continue from where you stopped until its realized.
We pray Allah to continue to grant you eternal and peaceful rest.
Condolence Messages from some Personalities, his Political Associates and Family, is as follows:
1. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s condolence tribute on the late Senator is quoted below:
“Senator Ahmed’s death at this time represents a most painful and unexpected demise of a significant leader of the Political class during a most challenging period of transition in our nation’s development. His departure has left a vacuum which would be difficult to fill in the affairs of his primary constituency, Ebiraland, Kogi State, and Nigeria in general. The reality of his demise is the fact that Ebira politics can never be the same again”.
“Senator Ahmed will be long remembered for his meritorious service to the nation as a public servant, notably in the aviation industry before his foray into politics where he left a prominent mark as a distinguished legislator of the Federal Republic; a revered community and respected party elder. Until his death, he was an active contender for higher Political office, a man who demonstrated an enthusiastic readiness to lead by serving his community and State.
2. His condolence message also on the Late Political Pathfinder, the former Vice President and 2019 presidential candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar remarked as follows:
“By his death, Nigeria has lost one of its most dynamic and charismatic politicians and a great mobilizer of people. In Kogi State, particularly the Central Senatorial Zone where he built up over the years a formidable throng of ardent supporters. Senator Ahmed was a power-broker and perhaps highly principled, focused and tenacious politician whose main propelling force was the socio-economic upliftment of his people”.
“Senator Ahmed would be remembered for his substantial contributions to the growth and development of the aviation industry as an aerodrome engineer and manager of the nation’s airports. He came into partisan politics with the wealth of experience and goodwill he had gathered over the years as a humane administrator”.
“As a two-team Senator, he worked tirelessly with other patriots to enrich the legislative process in our young democracy and to promote the interest of his people. For his constituency and enthusiastic involvement in the building and running of democratic institutions, Senator Ahmed would go down in history as one of the heroes of our democracy. All of us who have known and worked closely with him in the past two decades to lay a firm foundation for democracy in Nigeria will surely miss him”.
3. Prof. Jerry Gana in his condolence message, remarked that:
“That the Late Senator A.T Ahmed lived a life worthy, and was greatly loved by all those who knew him as a principled and distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We want to assure you that our prayers of goodwill remain with you and the entire Ahmed family over this painful and irreparable loss. His death occurred at a time when the nation needed him most. It is however our prayer that the good Lord will grant his soul eternal rest. Amen.
4. Mrs. Halima Ahmed in Her Condolence Tribute on her Husband.
The Funtua-born wife of late A.T Ahmed described her husband as a man in a class of his own. He was a non-conformist and that was cleared from the very first time they met. Further stated that:
“Senator Ahmed, my husband, was a man of humanity; love for his family, our marital life together was a total life experience – filled with unique adventures that invariably led to somber and happy moments. But by Allah’s infinite mercy, the happy moments far outweighed the somber ones”. “To me, he was giant who enabled me to see further by allowing me to stand on his shoulders of wisdom. It is almost impossible to express the extent and benefit of his love and guidance, and the positive influence he has had on my life”.
“My great husband was a great lover of his people when he realized his lifelong objective of serving his people, he approached his goal like he did everything else wholeheartedly with unflinching determination and focus. Even in the very difficult times, Tijjani would always remain optimistic about the future. Politics took a lot out of him and the family and it was sometimes hard for the family to understand his unwavering determination and the immense sacrifices amidst all the difficulties. We often felt that Tijjani’s lifestyle and character were at variances with partisan politics, especially as he was a very private person. However, when I realized that it was his lifelong ambition to assist his people in a broader way than he had been doing as a civil servant, the family and I accepted and supported him to the best of our abilities”.
“Tijjani was innately democratic. He never distinguished based on class, clan, gender, district, or religion. Because, he had such noble goals, he played the game of politics to the best of his ability and probably could not have done a better job than he did. To him, it was a means to an end and partisan differences never extended beyond the realms of politics. On some occasions, his opponents will approach us for assistance and he would never hesitate in encouraging me to oblige them. Tijjani was of the view that the highest praise enjoyed by any leader consisted of a strong fight from the opposition. Although he was extremely confident, he was never arrogant. When the children would ask him whether or not he felt he would win the elections, he would always respond with something like ‘come 2007, someone will win and someone will lose”.
“Senator Ahmed was a dogged fighter; he believes that in life, what matters is not conquering but fighting well and everyone will testify to the fact that he fought well, long and hard. Tijjani’s approach to life in general was that “one could only see small things from peaks and great things from valleys and in order to get the true meaning of life, one had to combine the two, the peaks and the valleys. His commitment to the cause of his people was selfless and total. His love for his family and the children was immeasurable. And that love remained steadfast through a lifetime of peaks and valleys”.
“He showed his love by encouraging me professionally and giving me the freedom and support I needed in my career. He encouraged independence and was always very trusting of me and my abilities. His trust was a source of tremendous inspiration for me”.
“Although, Tijjani was unable to achieve his objective of liberating his people from the shackles of poverty and underdevelopment, he fought a great fight. To me, he is a winner. I hear the children talk about their father and express how proud they are for having the father they did. I could not have wished for a better husband.
May Allah grant him everlasting rest, Ameen!
By: Idris Isah Itopa
of Arewa Trust Newspaper, Abuja