Opinion: Hon.Ahmed Idris Wase, a quintessential leader

Opinion: Hon.Ahmed Idris Wase, a quintessential leader 

By, Kankimes Al-Ghazali Muh'd 

There is no better time than now to assess the quality of leaders Nigeria has had in the last 50 years of it's independence. The Zik of Africa, whose political razzmatazz and oratorical skills were second to none in the continent, was at his twilight addressed as the Owelle of Onitsha. Zik was reputed for one of his famous quotes that “it is only a fool that fails to change his mind when there is the need to do so” The question remains whether he must have changed his severally in matters of national importance. The Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was the unapologetic founder of modern Northern Nigeria. His classical assertion that he would rather be the Sultan of Sokoto than be the president of Nigeria demonstrated his deep love for his people more than for his country. The last of these great nationalists, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was the best manager of men and resources and also crowned in death as the best president Nigeria never had, as testified to by the late Ikemba of Nnewi. Awo chose to pursue a national interest rather than solidifying his base. This tripod came, led and left their imprints on Nigeria political landscape. History will continue to judge them individually and collectively as to their roles in shaping or failure to mode Nigeria in readiness to a 21st century wonderland. After these remarkable leaders, the country had grappled with both military rulers and their civilian counterpart with little or nothing to show for their efforts, in terms of physical development, institutional growth and economic advancement that commensurate with the large amount of billions of dollars generated from our God given resources.

Amongst the pack however, is one man who stands conspicuously taller than the rest in character, honesty, integrity, dedication, commitment, achievements and personal examples as a leader and as an unassuming team player in the quest for nation building. He is no other person than Hon. Ahmad Idris Wase the current dual Deputy Speaker of House of Representative and Economic Community of West Africa! In politics, he is a household name. 

His meticulous national and international rise became noticeable when he became the Member representing Wase Federal Constituency in 2007. Prior to that, he was the a staff at works department in College of Education Gindiri in Plateau State. What did he do differently? He was arguably the only legislator that neither created room nor condoned corruption in his activities. Contracts were awarded, using a master stroke policy of not given advance mobilisation to contractors in execution of same contacts bided for. Added to that was a no- room variation on contracts during and after execution. With that saintly management style and prudence in a country notorious for corruption, he is  able to attract over 500 projects executed under his strick supervision, from education to infrastructure, health, with meagre constituency allowance at his disposal and from the national treasury.

Whilst the Federal government under Goodluck Jonathan was awarding a one- room classroom for an average of N1.5 million, Wase was doing the same standard of classroom for half a million naira under the Universal Basic Education Programme. That to Wase constituency was a bonus of “three for a price of one” 

His poverty eradication package is one of the best in Nigeria. Apart from securing employment opportunities for thousands of youths in to various Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals some notable ones include CBN, FIRS, NCC, TETFUND, DPR, PPRA, NEXIM BANK among others, he has empowered many indigent persons through the distribution of insecticides, motorized hand pumps, sewing machines, motorcycles, grinding machines and cars worth hundred millions.

Hon. Idris is a renowned philanthropist and humanist. This is evident in the many scholarships he awarded to thousands of indigent students from all over the country. His milk of human kindness is unfathomable from the bridges of friendship he has built across cultures, races, and religions. 

In recognition and appreciation of his selfless service to the country and humanity, he was honoured and given awards by several organizations which are too numerous to outline them here.

His intimidating political profile, stupendous wealth, international connections, acceptability among his fellow politicians, transparent leadership, crusade against social injustice, corruption and inequity and above all, divine anointing are some of the qualities that stand him out.

Hon. Ahmad’s integrity and averse to greed and corruption was also spotted when prominent politicians wanted him as Speaker in the 9th assembly; what did he do? In a country where most people would sell their mother and father, spilt innocent blood and sweat and worship at Okija shrine and other evil alters to get to power, this simple, God fearing leader just went on to reject that position and settled for Deputy Speaker for the interest of his party and national unity. That uncommon tactical rejection dazed many and were determined to pay Wase back at all cost.

At a time when it was fashionable to sell integrity and honour for a paltry some of naira, this adorable man with the help of some compatriots stood their grounds, paid their dues in ensuring that the AC (Action Congress) did not go under water after the political tsunami of 2007 election in the North Central states, where some governors were un-intentionally sold out to Yaradua.

Political historians would have some stories to tell in the nearest future on the emergence of the first successful political merger in Nigeria, the APC, under the able leadership of Business Akande who for all it takes worked day and night with his friends and political associates in given birth to what is slowly killing the biggest political fraud in Africa, the PDP. Little by little, step by step, the once indomitable monster is now a shadow of it old self.

It was not an all sweet journey for Hon.Ahmad Idris , a political associate of the late sage. What he lacks in Nigerian standard of measuring wealth, he has in abundance in good nature, good health, amazing grace, respect, honour, competence, wisdom, peace including good friends, associates and political sons and daughters that would go to war with him without a request for hesitation.

A good leader is not made overnight while charity begins at home. Wase is a product of good marriage, family life and dependable allies, the reason he enjoys peace and supports both at home front and at national level.

It is for these reasons and many more the space and time would not allow one to write that I doff my hat to an iconic leader of all leaders, a political generalissimo and ever smiling, ever loving and ever hard working leader.