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He was first a friend, before God elevated him, to our great delight, to become an inspirational Boss.
I got to know Pharm. Jamiu Asuku in the trenches of the struggle for an egalitarian Kogi State, the cardinal bedrock of His Excellency’s Governorship in the first place.
HE Alh. Yahaya Bello came with the philosophy of unity, a precondition for ethnic harmony, peace and trust.
Pharm. Mohammed Jamiu Abdulkareem Asuku is an Apostle of this belief, with the whole of his being. There are people who mouth unity. There are people who fake unity. Asuku lives unity.
While we were in that struggle, he displayed the characteristics that got him attracted to His Excellency. He was fair, fearless and frenetic in the pursuit of his ideals.
So it is not a surprise that people of different religions and ethnicities trust him. He has shown that power doesn’t corrupt all, power only corrupt a corrosive mind. He is not a bossy Boss. He listens. He learns. He teaches. He circulates. He leaves you with an impression of a great mind whenever you encounter him. He chastise when he needs to. But he defends you like a noble soldier when he feels convinced. He is a great character, an example of modern leadership. He is a leader you can trust to stand up for you when it matters most.
Away from his leadership to his humanity. No one can be a good leader without first being a good human. Leaders who behave like Emperors are always failed by subordinates who are greater Emperors but made silent by their inferior positions. No leader can succeed without first winning the genuine loyalty and love of his subordinates and people. Asuku is not feared, he is loved. Asuku is not someone who says good and sweet things but do evil. He says less and do good.
Over the years, the Chief of Staff has been a great blessing to humanity. He has given succor to the indigent, used by God to save hundreds from untimely death. He has given food and Healthcare to the people. He didn’t forget his past.
His early years weren’t funny. He faced the riotous rebellion of a society that doesn’t protect the poor. So he was determined to reverse the trend.
He lost his brother in a very painful circumstance many years ago. He is fired up to look after the living and empower the weak.
I see myself as a giver. But I still marvel at the giving spirit of Pharm. Asuku. As Director General of Protocol to the Governor, he had no house of his for many years. He was using all he had to care for the poor. He did it with so much gusto in selflessness.
On his job, he has proven to be a Chief of Staff who makes friends for the Governor. He takes his time to meet those opposed to the Governor to explain the person and programs of the Governor to them.
Today, I dont have to get angry with anyone for insulting the Governor or engaging in destructive criticism anymore. I used to get very emotional and even engage in roforofo fight. That has stopped because Asuku is weathering the rocks.
Boss, as you celebrate your birthday today, I rejoice with you, not just because you are a year older, but also because your footprints on the sand of time are indelible and incredible.
I am doing a book, a fiction which has gone substantially far. The title of it is: The King is Watching. It promises to be an explosive blindside and a mirror through which everyone will check himself or herself ahead of the great festival.
To my mentor, boss and leader, HE Alh. Yahaya Bello, I say, THANK YOU SIR FOR GIVING US AN ASUKU.
Happy birthday to our CoS.
Kingsley Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kogi State
