Loyalty, many would say, entails being faithful to someone or something, and supporting him or her/it at the same time. That is the clearest definition, but there is none better to match it than the name Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, the governor of Kaduna State. He defines loyalty in every sense.
Nigerian politics stands miles apart with loyalty. We need no proof, but in case we do, check the number of Deputy Governors impeached so far since 1999 (three, in my State Abia), check the number of politicians that have switched political parties since 1999, and the number of times they have done that(four times, for my governor) and check the extent of back-biting that goes on among politicians(so much, in my state). But the reverse has been the case in Kaduna, presently.
Born in 1948, the governor has had lots of achievements before he was made the Deputy Governor by Ahmed Markarfi. Due to his unflinching support and loyalty, he was also retained by Makarfi’s successor Namadi Sambo. Not a few people dismissed him as lacking ambition, being a coward and being too cool. Why? He didn’t want to aim higher and be the governor. Three years on, what is he?
If Nigerian politicians do not believe in loyalty, which they do not, they have been taught a lesson, which they wouldn’t learn anyway. But the issue remains that Yakowa’s position is as a result of loyalty. What makes it more wonderful for him and Kaduna people is that he has continued from where his boss left. The new Government House being built by his predecessor has been completed and he still retains his boss’ structure. What goes best for him is that he has put the best people around him, who would always tell him the right things. I say this bearing the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief A.G Haruna, in mind. The Magajin Geri Adara is not just a popular figure in the State because of his title, but the former Transition Chairman of Kachia Local Government is a big philanthropist.
One thing is sure, with this attitude by Yakowa, he would continue to be the governor after the next election, and that is no more than Nigerian politics need, even if it doesn’t deserve it. I hope other politicians would learn!