- By Emmanuel Ado
The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people (appointees) to do the greatest things.” Unknown
Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s widely publicized public statements commending the “exemplary integrity and dedication to duty” of three Commissioners in his cabinet is worthy of celebration because, in Nigeria, a governor publicly acknowledging the contributions of his political appointees is rare.
In a rare demonstration of true leadership, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto praised Mustapha Mohammed Kofa Marke, the Commissioner of Sports, for “exemplary integrity and dedication to duty and Prof. Ahmed Ladan Ala and Prof. Attahiru Ahmed, the commissioners of Basic and Secondary Education, and of Science and Technology respectively, for their “effective supervision of schools across the state and commitment to revamping education”
This sort of public commendation of political appointees by their principal is positive departure from the norm. The norm is that more often than not, the contributions of appointed officials are hardly acknowledged. In fact, they are often treated with utter contempt by some tin-god emperors masquerading as leaders, who believe that the appointees actually owe them eternal gratitude for their appointments, and as such, are undeserving of any appreciation.
It is public knowledge that, for many governors, giving credits to members of their team is considered beneath them. Nigeria, no doubt, has and would continue to suffer from such tragic mentality of some people in leadership positions who have the erroneous impression that they have the monopoly of knowledge, and who notoriously govern their states based on their whims and caprices.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, apart from being effusively generous in his recognition of the contribution of some of his appointees, is also a firm believer in Constitutionalism. It is an open secret that he treats Idris Muhammad Gobir, the deputy governor of Sokoto State with utmost respect. Again, unlike the situation in some other states, the deputy governor is not a deflated spare tyre,instead , he functions with the full powers of the office of governor whenever the governor is outside the state on official duties. A treatment the governor didn’t receive as deputy governor under Aminu Tambuwal.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, by this singular action, has not only rekindled hope that he represents the crop of new leaders that are urgently needed, that are wholeheartedly committed to good governance,treat appointees with utmost respect, acknowledge their contributions, and consider them as invaluable assets in the transformation journey. This leadership style makes an eloquent statement that governance is basically about teamwork.
Kudos to Governor Aliyu for unashamedly acknowledging that the remarkable progress that his less than two years administration has recorded is attributable to the hard work of his team members, even as he demands more!
Governor Sokoto, by his statement, has doubled the loyalty of his team, because he has in an unmistakable manner reinforced their valuable contributions, stressing that nothing can be accomplished without the joint effort of all team members.
Another message clearly delivered to the team is that they have his full confidence to function effectively.
While praising the three commissioners, Governor Sokoto has also placed the other appointees on notice that, like Big Brother, he is closely watching them and confirming to them that he has his ears to the ground. Otherwise, how did he know that Sports Commissioner Kofar Marke resumes early and closes late? Or the education commissioners are enforcing discipline in schools?
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Governor Sokoto’s demonstration, by words and deeds, that he values the contribution of his appointees is a breath of fresh that further shows the governor as a man that is confident in himself and understands that great leaders mobilize others around a shared vision. And that like a true leader, the captain of a good team, he understands that playing together is key to the desired success, and that the trophy is ultimately handed over to the captain.
But, why did Governor Sokoto, a man of very few words, wholeheartedly commend some of his appointees and what is the overall impact of the effusive praises heaped on them on governance?
In the case of Mustapha Mohammed Kofar Marke, a doctorate degree holder in engineering, Governor Sokoto noted with “extremely deep satisfaction Marke’s sense of responsibility, discipline, and leadership”, by consistently showing up to work early and staying late to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
The governor continues:“This is the kind of leadership we need. Dr. Engr. Mustapha Mohammed Kofar Marke is an example of what every public servant should strive to be—committed, disciplined, and sincere. I am proud of his conduct and I urge everyone here today to take a cue from him. If every member of this council conducts themselves with such integrity, Sokoto State will only continue to move forward.”
Why should the governor be concerned with the punctually to work? First, it is because of the adverse effect of truancy and lack of effective supervision by political heads on service delivery. The truancy of many public servants, including some political appointees, is well known.
What Governor Sokoto is demanding from his appointees with this statement is “kindly provide leadership” in your respective ministries and departments in the overall interest of the people who elected him. If the ministries don’t function, how can the government deliver on its campaign promises?
Clearly, Mustapha Mohammed Kofar Marke is a rare breed of public servant considering that, even as Special Adviser, he had equally distinguished himself with his hard work, discipline, and integrity which might have moved the governor to promote him from the position of adviser to a commissioner. His reward by the governor for his proven commitment to public service is also extremely rare. And going by his steady rise in his stocks with the governor, it won’t be a surprise if he is further rewarded with a more challenging appointment than sports.
Governor Sokoto’s commendation for Prof.Ahmad Ladan Ala and Prof.Attahiru Ahmed Sifawa, commissioners of education basic and secondary education and science and technology for “their effective supervision of schools across the state, unwavering commitment and dedication to duty”, is a confirmation that the governor is indeed a team player. The commendation is also a pat on the back for the turn around educational experts that have justified their appointments in a recent cabinet reshuffle.
Education is one sector that the governor has made very huge investment and has consistently surpassed the 25% UNESCO recommendations for education in line with his 9- Point Smart Agenda of which education is central. In the 2025 budget, education got the lion’s share of the N526.88 billion budget proposals, a clear statement of Governor Sokoto’s commitment beyond intentions.
Clearly, the governor could not disguise his happiness that his investments in education have started yielding the desired results, which, before he assumed office in 2023, faced significant challenges like inadequate funding, dilapidated infrastructure, lack of instructional materials and lack of teachers, all of which contributed to the crisis in the sector.
Governor Sokoto’s massive investment in education is because he fully understands the importance of education as the bedrock of development. Schools have been renovated and new classes constructed, which has led to a significant increase in enrollment of pupils and drastic reduction in the number of out-of-school children. His scholarship scheme has also enabled students to pursue higher education, both within and outside the country.
For the governor that is spending so much on education, the results showing some light at the end of the tunnel has certainly confirmed to him that he is not just throwing money at the sector. And this would further encourage him to do more in terms of the provision of a conducive learning environment, hiring of more qualified teachers and the provision of instructional materials. Why would the governor be spending more money if students and teachers are not punctual to school and no learning is taking place?
By handling the commendation of his three commissioners with tact and diplomacy, Governor Aliyu Sokoto has ensured that the egos of the other appointees are not bruised. And by making it abundantly clear that he would celebrate and reward hard work, he has shown that he has no favorites. Had he handled it badly, it would have led to an unhealthy atmosphere that would be counterproductive to the goals he wants to achieve.
Governor Sokoto, by recognizing and publicly applauding the hard work and commitment to duty of his appointees, has raised the bar and stands to reap numerous benefits by way of improved performance, increased morale and enthusiasm, and stronger sense of teamwork, all of which would help him deliver a prosperous and developed Sokoto State. It’s a known fact that when appointees receive recognition for their hard work, they feel personally appreciated, and that would no doubt improve their confidence and enthusiasm for the job.
Again, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto shows the way worthy of emulation by his peers!