Instinct, conscience, and morals prompted me to search for a good nan who can be trusted at all times and be a faithful, loyal, and honest steward that has a mark of credibility. I searched all through, and found one. I found this silent achiever in the history of Nigeria, a country with seemingly good leaders.
Boss Mustapha Gidahyel, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), is the man I found to be a perfect example of a good leader. The formation of the All Progressives Congress, APC, following the merger of some political parties in 2014, was when Boss Mustapha became the egg yoke of the party and remains so to date.
Boss Mustapha was first appointed as the Director General of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) by the then President Muhammadu Buhari. He held this position for about two years, in the first term of the Buhari administration.
In his second year in office, destiny beckoned on Boss Mustapha when there was an opening of who will be the next SGF to replace Engineer Babachir David Lawal. Boss Mustapha was tipped and today it is history; the ever-tall and standing man ended his tenure well on May 29, 2023, with his boss, President Buhari.
I find the former SGF a plaudit politician who has steady steps and straddled pass through the heated crucible and excruciating journey if I can recall his records since 1992. Yet, it can be said of Boss Mustapha to be one Nigerian who is reliable at all times.
In his journey with former President Buhari as SGF, Boss Mustapha was firm and brave, giving his best. Buhari reposed utmost confidence in him and gave him many committees of national interest to handle. Home and away, any time any moment, Boss proved his mettle, giving excellent results in all the assignments he was given by the president.
Sir, you have raced to the clear finish line
In the labyrinth of Nigeria’s unsteady political miasma, without a doubt. You are a good man, a dependable ally, who cannot chicken out for against your boss, no matter what. To us your supporters and admirers, it is thumbs up because you have all made us proud by racing to the finishing line untainted.
You are an avid follower of Buhari’s leadership principles. Yes, you redoubled the confidence he reposed in you. You recreated a new version of the sincerity you are reputed for. You laced the office of SGF with another model of hard work you are being testified of. And nobody will ever question your loyalty to Buhari, your master.
To me, sir, you are a good runner. You successfully ran to the finishing line of the Buhari administration. I have found this Bible passage as a succinct description of your loyalty to that administration:
“You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give you at that day — 2 Timothy 4:8.
I am one of your ardent loyalists. Over the years, I saw how you persevered through a renewed faith in the Buhari government of APC. You faced daunting challenges, riding through administration’s bumpy road.
Sir, you demonstrated good stewardship, having been tested and trusted to the touch line of a successful government. You served with utmost sincerity, dedication and hardwork in a very refined manner.
While handling the clerical affairs of the nation, you gave the people great hope that the Nigeria is capable of producing good leaders whose mission is for the good of all. Your service to the nation gives assurance to the young generation that they still have leaders with selfless agenda who are neither nepotistic nor corrupt.
Thanks to Buhari’s foresight and wisdom for assigning the office of the SGF to Boss Mustapha, a portfolio that many interest groups and individuals crave for because of its enormous opportunities. The decision Buhari took in favour of Boss is indeed commendable. Mr former President Sir, I can’t thank you enough for this.
Thank you Mr Boss Mustapha for making us proud by serving our dear nation selflessly. Thank you Sir for allowing me to closely work with you as one of your media supporters.
Congratulations for a good race you ran in the interest of our dear nation. Thank you once again for just doing that for all.
Tom Garba (B.Tech, MA. FIMC, FBDFM, SPSP). Is a Journalist, a political analyst, and an opinion writer. He writes from Yola, Adamawa state via [email protected], 08172570959
