Every living soul would bear me witness without an iota of doubt or fear of disputing the fact that our political arena is overloaded with all kinds of people, especially in the present dispensation with crocks, chronic deceivers, irrational looters, selfless egocentric bunch, power drunk, uncompassionate souls, blindfolded opportunistic, ritualistic, irresponsible souls, desperados, liars and manipulated souls, nonchalant, greedy that masters keeping in to the circle with mastery of deceiving helpless and malnutrition public that always entrusted them with their collective wealth. But there in their midst abound some tiny few that are real, genuine and burning with extraordinary zeal and determination to live a lasting legacy that would forever be cherished and admire with awe. Unique and difference, whose major occupational is to putting a smile on downtrodden public. An exceptional species that are rare, as such it’s imperative and a matter of necessity to appreciate and pour an accolades to one of such noble few, talking about Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi.
An intellectually endowed personality, Bichi is one of the politicians who keep being relevant in the Kano State political arena where he was conspicuously noticed and counted among the big players since the inception of the current political dispensation. A former DG Campaign of Gawuna-Garo during the last election whose final outcome is still being going through rigorous scrutiny to determine its legitimate winner by the learned judges where their abode becomes a battleground where the fate of the teeming population is still being debated right from lower court, appeal and finally the Supreme Court which would bring the end of the most tedious journey since the declaration of the present illegal government (I stand to be corrected). His contributions in bringing the soon to be installed administration is indeed colossal and unmeasurable.
The man Bichi, like other major players in the state political hemisphere, was previously attached and submissive to the state powerful political block called Kwankwasiyya. Due to his vast experience, glittering and huge political profile, Bichi was graciously chosen and indoctrinated into the fold of Kwankwaso loyalists and political allies. Humble, generous, simple-minded, excessively educated, tactical, devoted, and undeniably political master of the game, his experience in other areas of human endeavour not only made him to be close to the leader of the block or fraternity (apology tendered), but also one of the trusted allies of former Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, whose loyalty is unquestionable. His intellectual acumen and mastery of human nature, not to mention his legally accumulative wealth capped with his humanist tendency, made the then leader to always seek intellectual inputs and directions from him whenever the need of getting things done that are worthy of execution in a intellectually crafted manner and process arose. A treasure to hold in high esteem and Kwankwaso was then shrewd enough to notice the traits and drew him closer to keep tapping from his extraordinary faculty of intellect, the same antidote that solidified his relationship with former Governor Ganduje, now National Chairman of APC.
A year or thereabout to the election proper, Rabi’u Suleiman, to the amusement and bewilderment of political watchers and analysts, decided to liquidize the political bond with his then political leader Dr. Rabi’u Kwankwaso, dump him and join the train of progressive minded political colleagues in the abode of popular Gandujiyya political kingdom. His departure stunned and temporarily paralyzed watching politicians from all parties due to his closeness to the egocentric leader coupled with the power and authority he exercised in the movement.
Those who were dumfounded and shocked over the sudden breakup were left curious and eager to know the bone of contention between the trio that led to such unfortunate scenario. The members of the blocks were not only shocked but thousands shed tears because of the anguish that arose as a result of losing the precious and irreplaceable personality to the opposition APC.
They keep asking: was he not the former Chief Quantity Surveyor at Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), a former Managing Director (MD) of Kano State Planning and Protection Agency (KASEPPA), former Commissioner, Ministry of Land, a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Development Bank, a former Director Campaign for the PDP gubernatorial and other candidates’ elections in 2011, an architect, organizer and major financer of the Kwankwasiyya movement under the PDP, a former Secretary to the Government, vocal, who made our blood go haywire whenever he was on radio interview, an exceptionally gifted and effective mobilizer, a former Chairman, Policy, Strategy and Implementation Committee of the government, a founder of globally recognized Foundation called “CALISEB”, a person who resigned from a lucrative, powerful and juicy position as SSG when crises erupted between the two political gladiators, Kwankwaso and Ganduje? Was he, was he not ? He is indeed!
Then why the breakup ? It’s simply because Bichi wouldn’t allow himself to be in the midst of mere yes-sir followers, where no one’s opinion matters to that of the master on any issue that needs to be analysed and debated, no matter its magnitude. An egocentric leader who perceived and believed that he is an alpha and omega and won’t give room for debate or suggestions. His word is law unto itself and no mortal can dare challenge him. Bich finally realized that he wouldn’t remain in the fold as he is too learned and experienced, one who knows his onions and can’t withstand being teleguided and remote controlled like a mere robot.
He therefore dumped him to avoid such dehumanizing and belittling attitude. A display of an independent mind that won’t let itself be caged and dictated to do or follow suit while his or anyone else’s opinion counts for nothing.
Dignity and self-worth could be a factor that drove him to seek independent and be where his worth and contributions would be acknowledged and respected without belittling and outpouring of undignified directives and utterances.
And when the man decided to be loyal and obedient to his masters, he remains glued and attached to such leaders and his loyalty is always genuine. Therefore, running away from Kwankwaso to the block of dignified personalities who value loyalty and understand individual acumen and God’s gifts shouldn’t surprise anyone. The same individual that sacrificed the exalted seat of SSG to display his loyalty to Kwankwaso, but ironically his rare attributes were considered irrelevant.
His voluntary departure to the APC fold was driven and gingered by a long time relationship he had with then Governor Ganduje whom everyone believed to be a humble, simple-minded person, who cherishes, recognizes and values individuals’ worth and treats people with respect. And his move which a justifiable and commendable yield to positive contributions that is beyond mentioning.
Majority of the followers were left in anguish and feeling the pain of the irreplaceable vacuum he left behind and yet to be replaced because none was like Bichi and his breed are rare. The APC members keep jubilating and rejoicing over the capture of this rare gem who is considered as Kwankwaso’s most cherished follower.
Prior to the previous election, Bichi was appointed to serve as a Campaign Director of Gawuna-Garo, Tinubu-Shettima campaign in Kano State. And the party has a roller-coaster and people-targeted campaign which led to the majority votes cast by the state populace prior to getting entrances to the dubious electoral manipulators by the present government which has few days to vacate the throne in-sha Allah.
How he effectively steered the campaign openly demonstrated an agile mind, effective planner, superb intellectual, with an acumen that led to victory in all fronts is indeed amazing. A sheer courageous, tireless spirit and extraordinary foresight led to astonishing and overwhelming victory at both state and national levels. An exceptional personality with a heart of gold, that is Suleiman Bichi.
* Shariff Aminu Ahlan, a.k.a.Ganduje Gawuna Garo Intellectual Warrior, writes from Kano. Tel.: 08034533848 Email: realahlan0101@gmail.com