Remembering Garba Gadi

Politics without principles is like a ship without a captain. Most of our politicians lack principles because they are not ready to serve their people diligently; they rather serve their own personal interests.

Late Alhaji Garba Muhammad Gadi (Danburan Katagum) was exceptional among our politicians. He was the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State between 2007 and 2009 under Malam Isa Yuguda. His reputation earned him respect and popularity among the state’s politicians: very straightforward, honest, just and caring.

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During his days as a civil servant, he initiated the construction of Zaki Flour Mills, Azare, which Maj Gen Muhammadu Buhari laid the foundation when he was the Head of State.

Late Gadi’s prestige led him into politics after several calls from patriotic citizens of Katagum to contest for the seat of Bauchi North Senatorial District under the platform of UNCP; which he won. This was short-lived following the change of government. In the Fourth Republic, he contested on the platform of APP but lost to his late Sen Bashir Mustapha (Shettiman Katagum).

In 2007, he became deputy governor to Malam Isa Yuguda who had left the PDP to the ANPP to actualise his dream of becoming governor.

However, trouble started when Mal Yuguda decided to return to PDP but Gadi refused to join him, saying the people voted him in ANPP.

Mal Yuguda was not happy with this decision and introduced measures to punish his deputy. He first relieved him of his commissioner portfolio, but Gadi did not budge.

He was later impeached as deputy governor ostensibly for his refusal to succumb to the governor’s wish to defect to PDP. He took the case to court and won. The case was at the Supreme Court when Gadi died.

May Allah forgive him and grant him Aljannah Firdausi, amin.

Abdullahi Kabir, No 1 Gamawa Road, GRA Azare, Bauchi State