Weekly Trust: How would you describe your father away from public eye?
Maryam Lemu: He is easy going, fun loving and has a great sense of humour. He loves telling us about his childhood stories growing up in the village. One story I will never forget was when they as children wondered into a neighboring village and came across some people eating monkey meat, which was considered taboo in that area. The image I still can’t get out of my mind was, when he laughed as he described a little boy chewing on the money’s tail blissfully. He is also God-conscious and God-fearing. He has never stopped learning. One could describe him as a ‘life learner’, even at age 86. He is firm on discipline and yet very gentle. My father is also a very caring and concerned husband, father and grandfather. He always preaches the importance of good education, good character and family unity. He always looks forward to family gatherings during the weekends and the annual family Eid parties where we tell jokes, play games, share stories and experiences.
WT: How does he unwind?
Lemu: He takes afternoon naps, whenever he is in Minna, after which he sits and chats with one of his two wives over a cup of tea. He then retreats to do dhikr (meditate) and reads the Qur’an until magrib (the sunset prayer). He also enjoys going for walks. He completely relaxes when being given a foot massage by either his children or grandchildren. To this day, as soon as we start the foot massage, within minutes, he drifts off into a deep sleep.
WT: What are your memories of childhood with him?
Lemu: We used to go on picnics to Tagwai Dam in Minna or to Gurara Falls which is a popular rest area with a beautiful waterfall along the Minna-Suleja road and his farm located on the road to Bida. We would also go to the Yankari game reserve which is in Bauchi State and he would swim with us in the warm Wikki Springs. He enjoyed playing badminton with us and table tennis with his wife. He also taught us some Hausa and Nupe songs and would sometimes join us in clapping and dancing to the songs.
WT: What is a habit he has that many don’t know about?
Lemu: Interesting question. He retreats to his room to watch programmes on animals either alone or with family members. He is absolutely fascinated by all animals, birds and insects; they remind him and leave him in awe of Allah’s greatness.
WT: Which aspect of his character or personality did you take after?
Lemu: That’s a tough one. My dad is very focused and passionate on issues. He can be very tenacious about any cause he strongly believes in. He also believes in the power of prayers and he consults associates and loved ones on important matters. I have been told I am like him in this regard. He has nicknamed me ‘Giwan Mata’ implying ‘leader of women.’
WT: What reaction of his did you dread if you were naughty?
Lemu: Oh, his eyes. He had a terrifying glare which was sometimes followed by a spanking when necessary. My father was firm on discipline and still is. An incident I vividly remember was when we played truant in primary school. My brothers and I left school to go watch a movie at a neighbour’s house and didn’t return home until around six in the evening. We had everybody worried because we were not at school and a search team went out looking for us and couldn’t find us. We knew we were in serious trouble. We sheepishly entered the house hoping for a miracle. With a glance of his fiery flashing eyes, we knew we were done for. I ran straight to my room and fortified my butt with school books. I tied them with my wrapper hoping against hope that he would not notice the square shaped behind. The books were spared and the legs got the whipping instead. To be honest with you, even at 42, I still dread that glare.
WT: What did he enjoy the most about his office?
Lemu: Fulfilling what he considers to be his purpose in life. As an Islamic scholar and educator, he was always and still is advocating the importance of seeking knowledge towards improving ones capacity to make a positive influence in this world. He emphasizes the significance of Muslims not only knowing but practicing true Islam. He is always promoting mutual respect, understanding and peaceful co-existence between the various ethnicities and faiths.
WT: As his children, did you see him as Grand Kadi or simply dad?
Lemu: When he was Kadi we simply saw him as Baba. He rarely brought work home and strongly discouraged people who had cases before him coming to see him at home.
WT: How has being his daughter influenced you?
Lemu: Oh my; by his teachings and his actions. In understanding the importance of worthwhile work that leaves a lasting legacy. My Father once told us to see ourselves as ‘Gardeners in God’s Farm.’ Our role is to plant the seeds, remove the weeds and nurture the soil by adding value to what we do. He told us to always be patient because even when we do not see the plants bearing fruit during our lifetime, the reward waiting in the hereafter is the sweetest.
WT: What are his philosophies about life?
Lemu: His tries to model the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) to the best of his ability. He is concerned about fairness, truth, justice and forgiveness. His mantra is ‘return evil with good’ which is a verse taken from Chapter 41:34 of the Holy Qur’an
WT: Were there times you were angry with him?
Lemu: Well, as I said earlier, I admire his tenacity. However, he can be quite stubborn which at times, can be stressful. I understand this is a common trait in leaders. But I guess it’s because I am just as stubborn. Stubborn people always believe others are more stubborn.
WT: What do you admire about him?
Lemu: Goodness, a lot! His strong faith, his stamina, his intellect and his patriotism. Also his vision and what he has been able to accomplish in the area of education and inter-faith dialogue. His commitment to the betterment of humanity. He has lived a full life especially considering his humble beginnings as a village boy from Lemu and the only child of his mother.
WT: What was he like before becoming the Grand Kadi?
Lemu: I was three years old when he became Grand Kadi so I can’t say much. However, in 1969 he, my mother and the late Alh. Sani Ashafa felt it necessary to establish the Islamic Education Trust as a means of reaching out and educating Muslims and non-Muslims about true Islam, assisting the needy, establishing high quality schools, and encouraging and supporting sister organizations to do likewise all towards attaining the set objectives of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence
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