Emir Jokolo, Atiku and 53 suit cases saga

Abba Dukawa’s article that was published by the Desert Herald on the issue of the 53 suit cases that involved Emir Jokolo and his late father, the 18th Emir of Gwandu  during the Buhari military regime, appeared to have steered a debate and generated response from Emir Jokolo himself and others, including one Maiwada Danmallam. The article is seen to have again raised the question and the truth of the allegations that many thought had been cleared. Emir Jokolo of course spewed venom upon hearing the matter raised again, and at a time campaigns and election matters had beclouded the country.

Except if one is not a Nigerian or does not live in Nigeria, otherwise, it would have been clear to all by now, even without the court pronouncement after Emir Jokolo sued AIT, and the court ruled in his favor and maintained that the 53 suit cases claim was false. Time itself has revealed and made such fact clear; in several interviews, commentaries and articles in newspapers from 2002 to date, the issue had repeatedly come up and been cleared by different personalities and at a point even Atiku himself.

Emir Jokolo’s reaction to Abba Dukawa may have been harsh there is no doubt. However, everyone knows Emir Jokolo. Emir Jokolo is not the type that barges into what does not concern him; and does not get into political issues, and never issues statements that are not factual. Emir Jokolo does not get entangled in small gossips and is in any case not petty. Emir Jokolo’s voice is mostly only heard on national issues and issues that pertain to the good or what affects the country or its leadership. Many attest to the fact of his patriotism, discipline and intellect.

Emir Jokolo is definitely irascible, fiery or brusque and as a soldier these are common traits, especially if one feels disparaged. He is not known to look for trouble but if by any mistake one courts his trouble, he might not find it easy with him. Those that know Emir Jokolo will also attest to the fact that despite his tendency to get angry easily; he is also easy going, forgiving, compassionate and understanding. These values are clear if one reads how the Emir closed his short response to Abba Dukawa that was all over the social media. The Emir offered an advice to Atiku, and ended his response with the words ;”Peace and God Knows Best”. Here one can see a remorseful Jokolo [Emir], after saying all he had in his mind to show his disapproval of anything involving his ancestors and their prestige, honor and dignity.

Emir Jokolo’s anger is precipitated by the fact this is an issue in which the name of his father, a respected Northern traditional figure always comes up. In Islamic tradition, the dead are only mentioned or remembered  only on matters related to their good works and must not be associated with any other issue, and becomes a source of concern when the dead are brought into contentious matters, and even then wrongly. The 53 suit cases issue has been made clear times without number, including one that was made through court verdict and so one will find totally crazy that it is being brought up again and at such a wrong time. Emir Jokolo might perhaps felt that some people have found it easy to play politics in the name of his father, and therefore found it intolerable.

It is consideration of the reasons above that one finds Maiwada Dammalam’s defense of Emir Jokolo reasonable. Although it is difficult also to determine if Atiku was actually aware or responsible for Abba Dukawa piece that Desert Herald published. Emir Jokolo’s conclusion may have been justified by the timing; at election and campaign times and the actors involved. Both Emir Jokolo and Atiku are prominent figures in this country and as such any issue that concerns anyone of them will certainly generate reactions from the public.

If anything, what Emir Jokolo’s reaction tells us is that Abba Dukawa’a assertion on the suit cases saga is untrue and has been proven in the court of law and Abba Dukawa should by this fact withdraw all that he has said and tender an apology to Emir Jokolo and to the general public for a misleading information. Abba Dukawa should also state clearly if Atiku was aware or if anyone had instructed him to do so on behalf of Atiku, and if not, Atiku, as a politician should give a ring and enquire as to what is going on and tell his Highness that he was not aware at all. This is because even if Atiku was not aware, whatever Abba did, was done to further his cause and political fortune and means it was done in his name. And for His Highness, a large heart is what leaders are known for as indicated at the end of his response to Abba Dukawa. ‘Allah ya huci ran Sarki’.

Gamawa wrote this piece from Bauchi