*Photo: Abubakar *
“The first test of a true leader is his humility” – John Rustin
The immediate past Chief of Air Staff , Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, served the Nigerian state with distinction and to the admiration of millions of people and to the glory of Almighty Allah. His contributions to his country and humanity cannot be overemphasised by virtue of his humility and exemplary life. Air Marshal Abubakar has displayed leadership qualities and has proven without doubt that he can be trusted with positions where people benefit. His emergence as the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate during the party’s primaries in Bauchi State in March 2022 has not only attested that he is a man so much loved by his people but has provided another opportunity for the retired Air Chief to bring glad tidings to his people through democracy.
Air Marshal Abubakar is a great man of valour who attaches importance to education. Born on April 8, 1960, in Azare Emirate Bauchi State, he had his Primary Education at Saint Paul’s Primary School Bauchi from 1967 to 1973 and later proceeded to Government Secondary School Bauchi and joined the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Cadet Military Training Course CMTC 5 in November 1979. Having known education as a great instrument for social engineering and development, he went further to obtain a Diploma in Public Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree (Second Class Upper Division) in Public Administration.
He also holds Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies from University of Ibadan. Abubakar has a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Helicopters with Instrument Rating and has flown a total of 7 aircraft types: Bulldog, Piper Warrior, Enstrom, Bell 206, BO-105, Mi-35P and Mi- 17. Abubakar was a member of the Cadet Military Training and the Primary Flying Wing (CPLTW) from 1980 to December 1981 where he came out with flying colours as the best all-round student and the best in flying Cadet Course. His previous appointments include, Chief of Standards and Evaluation, NAF Headquarters, Chief of Defence Communications and Air Officer Commanding, NAF Training Command. He served as Chief of Administration, NAF Headquarters prior to his appointment as Chief of Air Staff
It was the legendary Jerry Goodfellow, who said, “The height great men and women reached were not attained by sudden flight when they were busy burning the midnight candle, others were sleeping”. Abubakar is a great team player who inspires others to greatness in line as was seen during his days at the helms of affairs as the head of Nigeria Air Force (NAF).
A leader with vision and conviction, Air Marshal Abubakar possesses the pedigree, the character, the tenacity and the commitment to take Bauchi to greater heights in terms of governance and deliver democratic dividends to Bauchi people if elected governor in 2023. His background and connection will in no measure will secure Bauchi and the entire North East being plagued by terrorist attacks and will also bring socio-economic development, political prosperity and transformation taking Bauchi State from a pedestrian state to a land of fulfillment.
In recognition of his invaluable and immeasurable contributions to nation building as a great apostle of national unity and integration, the former Chief of Air Staff was bestowed with the following honours and awards. Best officer of the Year (1997), Chief of Air Staff letter of commendation for good leadership and prudent management of resources by his former boss, retired Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal O. O. Petirin.
As the race for Bauchi 2023 governorship gathers momentum, it is time for the people of Bauchi to rise up to the occasion and do the needful and queue behind Abubakar on his road to the Bauchi State Government House. With Abubakar at the helms of affairs in Bauchi in 2023, the much desire in paradigm shift in human capital and infrastructural development, the revolutionisation of the education for the growth and development of every son and daughter of Bauchi State from primary to university level will be guaranteed. Also his desire of given traditional institutions their pride of place thereby contributing to governance as the closest to the grassroots for accelerated development at that level will be achieved.
Air Marshal Abubakar in his quest of clinching the Bauchi governorship seat should have at the back of his mind the words of Sidney Brewer who said, “No tyranny of circumstances that can permanently imprison a determined mind, because where there is a will, there must always be a way.”
*Ibrahim can be reached via fataiib5@ gmail.com*
