By Emmanuel Iriogbe, Abuja
My dear people of Katagum,
Assalamu Alaikum Wa RahmatuLLah,
“There is a time to be born and a time to die. In between is a previlege to live, to live to the glory of your Creator and to live to the glory of humanity.” – Late James Haruna Danladi Audu
Today, 18th August, 2024 marks the end of my stint as Caretaker Chairman, and you now have a newly elected Chairman sworn-in.
I want to use this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to my boss, His Excellency Senator Bala AbdulKadir Mohammed, CON for the opportunity he gave me to connect with you very closely.
My connection with you was quite eventful. It gave me experiences such that I felt like a primary school pupil admitted into university. The biggest and most valuable experience I gained with you, which I will live to cherish is that, the vast majority of people appreciate goodness. I learned that one of the major reasons for discontent between leader and the led is the inability of the leader to be good to the led, their own way. And that it takes absolutely nothing to be good to the people. The atmosphere of closeness and openness I had with you was quite a fulfilment.
I want to appreciate each and everyone of you for the enduring partnership, harmonious coexistence, steadfastness, sincere love and above all, your patience with me in my temperamental moments, and with my failings as a human. You are indeed amazing people!
Equally worthy of my deep appreciation and sincere gratitude is the Emir Katagum, my dear father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Umar Farouk II, OON for standing with me through thick and thin. If I am to write about all the favours I enjoyed from him, it will be a book of many folds. But, outstandingly, was his guidance and counselling. He never left me alone, or on my own.
To my leaders and stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Katagum, particularly the Chairman of Stakeholders Forum of the party Alhaji Falalu Attah, I cannot thank them enough for the support and cooperation I enjoyed from them throughout.
I want specially appreciate my deputy, Hon. AbdulHamid Datti Madara, a very loyal and committed person. He was always passionate about the job. I enjoyed my association with him.
To my Council members, Honourable Ahmed Bashir Aliyu, Honourable Mohammed Bello Mustapha, Honourable Ahmed Umar Dagaro and Honourable Maryam S. Fawa. These are amazing people who gave me all that I needed to run my office smoothly.
To the entire members of staff of Katagum Local Government, I salute your dedication, commitment and loyalty. I have learned immeasurably from you, especially the Local Government Senior Management Committee.
I will not conclude this farewell message without mentioning my Confidential Secretaries, Ibrahim Inuwa Yayu (aka Kanal) and Hafsat Bala Gaye. They always made sure that I finished treating every single mail and file every morning before anything else. Shanya Ahmadu, the cleaner that used to make my table and chair looked as neat as new, and my office very tidy, is also worthy of mention.. May Allah bless them all.
I want to humbly call on you to give my brother Hon. Yusuf Babayo Zaki all the support he needs to succeed. Remember that, Katagum should always be your first priority.
Finally, I want to use this opportunity to ask for forgiveness from all of you; for as humans, we offend one another knowingly or unknowingly. But the spirit of forgiveness makes us better humans.
Thank you very much, Katagum!
Musa Azare
18/08/2024