Our Reporter
Former APC 2019 Presidential Candidate and IT Expert, Adamu Garba II in a recent tribute to Late Prof. Ali Muhammad Garba speaks on profounding memories of the deceased as he promised to remember him forever.
In a recent statement, Adamu described Garba as a good listener, strategist, and a patriotic father figure who believes so much in a united Nigeria.
“When I was on a campaign trail running up to 2019 election, my cardinal message was that Nigeria should be seen and operated as a economic entity than a political entity as the case maybe.
“I argued that since the cultural and ideological differences between the North and the South was inherently fundamental, the best way is to have different political structures while we pay attention to economic integration of the regions.
“I suggested 9 Geo-Economic zones to be created for the regions, abolishing the 6 geo-political zones. I further suggested Nigeria should be triangulated around Energy Angle, Market Angle and Industrial Angle. However, it is difficult to connect the dots and present a comprehensive strategic blueprint without an ardent strategist with deep background and political-economic-social strategic imprint.
“From within our campaign team, a senior member, Ayodele Adio, who incidentally happened to be a student at Dangote Business School knew of a resounding professor, who would not just connect the dots, but also present it in such a way that the whole world would see genuine reason why this should be considered.
“He suggested Prof. Ali Mohammed Garba. I was like what? I must talk to him right away if possible. I was determined to do all I could to present this argument and convince the audience.
“A call was made to him, he picked. We spoke. While I started explaining a little about our points, he cuts shut and start connecting the dots in the most eloquent, somewhat mathematical and magical fashion. Right there, I told him that we are coming to Kano to see him.
“Boom, we are in Kano, BUK and then Dangote Business School. By the time of our arrival, he picked a cardboard paper and connected the geographical, economic, political, social and cultural reason why this is the only way for Nigeria to function in peace and harmony. Immediately afterwards, I felt like I was working with the spirit of Prof. Ali Garba.
“It felt like he was waiting for that moment because he was super ready to be present this argument more than I ever imagined it to be. I sat there and learned more, keenly observing how is all the pieces together and created a functional practical model of presentation and practice. I was blown away.
“We agreed to create a team of university professors to push this argument within the academia, then media, public domain and policy makers.
“While I was leaving, Prof. Ali Mohammed Garba told me the truth. He said that it is difficult to achieve this success within this campaign season, due to time constraints but we can put the pieces and start advancing this ideology for the next campaign. I thank him very much as a teacher, a father and valued intellectual.
“He lifted his hands up and prayed for me deeply. I was so emotional. Then he told me that if our northern leaders have thought around this line all these while, the north and indeed Nigeria would not have found itself in the position we are today, the poverty, confusion, hatred, destruction of lives, common humanity, culture and values of our societies wouldn’t have happened.
“He said that indeed, Nigeria was a proud place in the comity of nations due to our economic value. Upholding economic above politics is the surest way to our collective salvation.
“We were still standing in his office, he then said, I pray Allah spare my life to see this to reality soon, but I am glad that we are having people like you in our country with such a simple solution to the issue that often appeared so complex to solve. Please whatever the challenges, whatever the consequences, keep fight and do not be discouraged or stopped.
“He said I should not mind that fact that we are so very few, he quoted a verse from the Qur’an ‘often times were few who unite and win over many, Allah is surely with those who patiently persevere’.
“I thank him so very much and proceeded to my hotel, pack my things together with my friend and we headed to Airport for Abuja.
“If anyone among many thinks they missed Prof. Ali Garba, I think they should not be more than me. I lived and longed for us to work together and implement a blueprint that will put Nigeria into its proper place. Alas, he is no more, But Allah knows more than we know and we must all submit to Allah’s will and His plans.
“May Allah continue to rest the soul of Prof. Ali Mohammed Garba in peace and harmony, may Jannatul Firdaus be his final abode, May he be among those that will meet Prophet Muhammad SAW in Janna.
“And I, Adamu Garba II promised to keep him alive in my spirit and remember him forever insha Allahu,” he said.
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