MAHMOUD wrote this piece
The debate over employment opportunities in Gombe State has once again brought back memories of an important episode during the tenure of Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, popularly known as Sardauna, when he served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO). The incident remains one of the defining moments in discussions about leadership, loyalty and the responsibility of public office.
At the time, KEDCO embarked on a recruitment exercise that generated controversy among some influential stakeholders in Kano. They accused Sardauna of giving employment opportunities to many qualified indigenes of Gombe State instead of favouring Kano applicants.
The complaints eventually reached the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, who invited Sardauna to explain the rationale behind the recruitment exercise. Many observers believed the meeting could determine his future at KEDCO, while others hoped it would lead to his removal from office.
For those who witnessed the encounter, it was a tense moment. Some believed powerful interests wanted to use the recruitment issue as an opportunity to force Sardauna out of office. The atmosphere surrounding the meeting reflected the political and regional sensitivities attached to public appointments.
Despite the pressure, Sardauna reportedly entered the Emir’s palace with humility and respect.
He greeted the late monarch warmly, observed all traditional courtesies and listened attentively as the Emir explained the concerns brought before him.
The Emir was said to have asked why the recruitment exercise appeared to favour indigenes of Gombe State. Rather than becoming defensive or confrontational, Sardauna reportedly smiled respectfully before responding.
According to those familiar with the meeting, Sardauna explained that every leader naturally seeks opportunities to improve the lives of his people whenever such opportunities arise. He reportedly told the Emir that if he were in his position as Managing Director, he would likely make similar decisions for his own people.
He further explained that leadership is also about remembering one’s roots and creating opportunities whenever possible without abandoning competence and merit. In his view, the opportunity entrusted to him by Allah was one he intended to use responsibly for the benefit of society.
His calm and respectful response reportedly changed the atmosphere of the meeting. Instead of escalating the disagreement, it encouraged a more constructive conversation between the Emir and the KEDCO chief executive.
Those who recall the incident say the late Emir Ado Bayero appreciated both Sardauna’s honesty and the respectful manner in which he defended his decisions. Rather than rebuking him, the Emir was said to have acknowledged his leadership approach.
Supporters of Sardauna often point to this episode as evidence of his humility under pressure. They argue that he remained composed even when facing criticism from influential figures and never abandoned respect for traditional institutions.
Many also describe the incident as proof that leadership requires courage to defend difficult decisions while maintaining courtesy and dignity. To them, the meeting demonstrated that firmness and respect can exist side by side.
Years later, the story continues to feature in political discussions in Gombe State, particularly as debates over leadership qualities and governance intensify ahead of future elections.
Some political observers believe the episode reflects Sardauna’s long-standing commitment to expanding employment opportunities for Gombe indigenes whenever he occupied positions of responsibility.
Supporters argue that his record shows he consistently kept Gombe State in mind throughout his public service career. They maintain that his actions were driven by a desire to empower qualified young people from his home state.
Veteran journalists I, MAHMOUD who covered politics during that period say the recruitment controversy remains one of the most memorable moments of Sardauna’s career because it tested both his CHARACTER and LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY.
Some commentators have also drawn comparisons between Sardauna and former Minister of Communications, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, suggesting that any public official placed in a similar position might naturally seek to create opportunities for people from their own state, provided merit is respected.
According to this view, the lesson from the KEDCO episode is less about political rivalry and more about understanding the difficult decisions leaders face when balancing national responsibilities with expectations from their communities.
As political conversations continue across Gombe State, many believe that assessing any aspiring leader should be based on experience, competence, integrity and their record of service rather than political rhetoric alone.
For supporters of Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, the encounter with the late Emir Ado Bayero remains a lasting reminder that respectful leadership, confidence in one’s convictions and commitment to one’s people are qualities that continue to shape public perceptions of his leadership today.
MAHMOUD Abdullah Muhammad is a member of the media team of Dr. Jamilu Gwamna also representing The Northern Star online newspapers, Kan base POLITICAL ANALYST
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