‘Even as Etsu Nupe, dad is always there for us’

Weekly Trust: How would you describe your father away from the public eye?
Abubakar Yahaya Abubakar: He is a loving and caring parent, always there to save the day, by providing for the necessities of the entire family. He is the type who takes on responsibilities both within and outside family boundaries. His ways of training are more like ‘watch and learn.’ When one goes wrong, he corrects. When you do right he praises with expressions. I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect father.
WT: How does he unwind?
Abubakar: He cracks jokes with us, especially the youngest of us. He goes out to play golf and almost never comes home without a trophy. He often would want to take us along as kids. Most times we went into hiding because of the stress of looking for the golf ball.  He would eventually find us and take us along. When we wanted to add our own fun, we went along with Bingo, our dog who was more than happy to fetch the balls. He also loves to farm and loves animals and nature. He keeps ostriches, camels, horses, tortoises, fish, antelopes, pigeons and some others.
WT: What is it about childhood with him you wish didn’t end?
Abubakar: Birthday times! The love, care and awesome gifts, were so pleasing that we all always looked forward to those times of the year when we received the gifts we desired. The family holiday outings and the snacks were so yummy I can almost feel it right now. There were times when he would swim with us on his back at Yankari Park. We were wowed by how easily he did it. Time flies so fast. I remember these with nostalgia. I remember his little treats of ice cream in cones and Nasco wafers. I have memories of shopping at Leventis and Bata stores with him.
WT: What is a habit he has that many don’t know about him?
Abubakar: This one is definitely a JAMB question.  His habit is all but in a glass. Just as the golden fish has no place of hiding. What he is on the outside is definitely what he remains on the inside with absolutely nothing to hide.
WT: What about him did you take after?
Abubakar: Oh my goodness, I am one confused breed. However, I think I inherited his spirit of giving and caring for others and being sincere to the best of my ability. I have his nose and lips. The nose however, gives us away always. Someone takes a glance at me and will immediately say…’yeah I can see the resemblance…’ and in mind I say, ‘yeah right, the nose.’
WT: Growing up, when you are naughty, what reaction of his did you dread the most?
Abubakar: (Laughter) No, not this question. His disciplinary ways are meant for the age in which the offences were carried out. If I got naughty, I knew in my gut that I would be dealt with. Once I climbed up a pawpaw tree and behold dad was returning from work wearing his dark glasses. So I hid using the leaves of the tree forgetting I was wearing red and was easily identifiable. All he did was come to the backyard and said a nice hello to me with some strong cane lashes. After that, all I did was admire ripe pawpaw from afar.
WT: What did/does he enjoy the most about his being in office and his being a royal father?
Abubakar: It gives him a lot of joy after giving a listening ear to anyone seeking his help and he is actually able to satisfy that person’s needs. This, by the way, started a long time ago and has always been a part of his character.
WT: As his children, did you see him as royalty or simply dad?
Abubakar: Well, we knew our history well and noted we were royalties but never thought it could come to be him someday on the throne. We saw him as dad then and we still see him as dad now. This is because daddy-wise, he is always there.
WT: How has being his son influenced you?
Abubakar: It has actually made me view life on a broader perspective such as trying to be as educated as he is. To be humble, gentle and content as he is, as well as striving to be independent and respectful to people from all walks of life. He influenced me to push beyond boundaries I have set for myself.
WT: What are his philosophies about life?
Abubakar: Do not rush life, take things easy, one step at a time. What is yours none can take away, and what is not yours none can give. To also be true to one’s self, don’t imitate, don’t envy, just do your best and pray through the rest.
WT: What topics does he enjoy chatting about?
Abubakar: He likes updates on technology and gadgets and won’t let anyone with such knowledge leave his sight until he has learned from the person. He also likes to ask much about how one is coping with life and tries to know the challenges we are having and proffers solutions to them. He loves agriculture and is amazed by how much can be done if only people can understand the angle he is coming from.
WT: What about catching him unawares or surprising him?
Abubakar: He is a father with so much experience and knowledge, he possesses the ability to know what you can and cannot do. It’s Just that when you do what he knows you are capable of, he gives you a nod. But surprising him, I am definitely still working on that (laughs).
WT: Were there times you were angry with him?
Abubakar: No one feels happy after being lashed. In the past when he was in the military, I had no option even if I were angry at him; all I could do was grumble. The culture sets in here as we believe elders are never wrong.
WT: What do you admire about him?
Abubakar: I admire how he stands for the truth no matter the consequences.
WT: What was he like before becoming the Etsu?
Abubakar: He has always been an attentive father and upright in whatever he does. Being a military officer and knowing that discipline and obedience is key, we also had to fall ine line to become very obedient and disciplined in all we do. His ascending the throne actually made him closer as we relate more on social, religious and educational subjects.