Dickson Reacts as Bandits 'Kill' Former Nigerian Lawmaker Adamu Despite Ransom Payment
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Last night, I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the kidnapping and gruesome murder of my dear friend and ally, Hon. Abba Anas Adamu of Jigawa State.
I was informed that Abba Anas was among those abducted in the worsening wave of insecurity, kidnappings, and killings that continue to plague our country, particularly across Northern Nigeria and even parts of the South. I was told that while travelling with his colleagues, they were kidnapped, and that even after the ransom demanded was paid, he was still brutally killed. The news left me devastated and heartbroken at the tragic and painful manner in which such a good man lost his life.
Hon. Abba Anas Adamu was not just a political associate; he was a friend and brother to me since our days together in the House of Representatives around 2007.
During the political turbulence that followed President Yar’Adua’s illness and the succession crisis, I led a group of patriotic Nigerians in the House of Representatives under the platform of the Nigeria First Forum. For strategic reasons, I appointed Abba Anas to chair the team, and alongside other committed patriots, he worked tirelessly across ethnic and regional lines in the national interest.
Patriots like Hon. Abba Anas defied all odds, inducement, intimidation and blackmail. I arranged another patriot, Hon Dr. Sani Abdu from Bauchi, then of the ANPP, to move the motion for President Jonathan to be made Acting President. Hon. Abba Anas was the one who seconded the motion while I contributed four times on that day. Hon. Dino Melaye's shirt got torn on the floor of the House. Some others involved in that patriotic effort have since gone to be with their Maker, like Hon. Bethel Amadi and Hon. Independence Ogunewe, while others are still alive. Now, Abba Anas has joined them. May God bless their souls.
Together, we fought to ensure the emergence of what later became known as the Doctrine of Necessity, which ultimately paved the way for President Goodluck Jonathan to ascend to the Presidency.
At the time, I had the honour of nominating Abba Anas for a ministerial position, though unfortunately it did not materialise due to local opposition. Because of his principled stand and commitment to that national cause, he lost political support back home and could not return to the House. Yet, throughout the years, our bond only grew stronger.
When I became Governor, Abba Anas remained by my side, and even afterwards, in my service in the Senate, he continued to stand with me until his death. We were truly like brothers.
Even in the formation of the NDC, Abba Anas was among the original members of the team that conceptualised the movement. He was expected to play a leading role in the leadership of the party, but due to political realities and delays, he eventually found himself in the ADC. Despite that, we remained close, worked together continuously, and compared notes regularly.
It was therefore a terrible shock yesterday evening when our mutual friend and colleague, Hon. (Dr.) Sani Abdu, called me in tears to ask if I had heard the news. I was stunned. It was only afterwards that I confirmed the heartbreaking development from numerous callers across the country who called to notify me, knowing our closeness.
On behalf of my family, my constituents, and our wide circle of friends and associates across the country, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, his wives, children, associates, and all who were close to him.
In the passing of Hon. Abba Anas Adamu, Nigeria has lost a patriot. We have lost a friend, a brother, and a committed nationalist. Personally, I have lost a loyal ally, confidant, and brother.
What makes this loss even more painful is the cruel and tragic manner in which he died.
I pray that Almighty God grants his family, loved ones, and all of us the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss, and grant his soul eternal rest.
In the coming days, I intend to join friends and associates in paying a formal condolence visit to his family.
Source: Legit.ng
