September 17th 2006 was a black Sunday in Nigeria as she lost 10 of her finest General’s in a fatal military plane crash. That was the day the 2 Division of the Nigerian army lost a chief tiger, the Gumel Emirate lost its Sarkin Fada and the good people of Kano State lost an illustrious son. And for me, that was the day I lost my father, General Nuhu Bamalli.
When the news about his death was finally confirmed to us at our family house at Yakasai Quarters in Kano in the evening of September 17th, it remained unbelievable for a while that Abba was gone. Not until the next morning while driving to the family house in company of friends that my eyes saw the Daily Trust headline that froze me: ‘Bamalli, 9 other generals perish in military plane crash’.
Abba, as we fondly called him, literally was a man of many names. It is already 10 years since his demise, but the pain of losing him is still fresh. I wanted to write a eulogy but the words refused to flow, because I feel I wouldn’t do justice to his love and sacrifice.
I owe Abba my entire life, everything I am today, the love he offered me in all areas of my life, right from the cradle. He provided for us and never allowed us to lack anything, and fought gallantly to save our country from ruin. He was a teacher of many disciplines and he embraced this trait even in his relationships with his children. He did not only teach us about school, but most importantly, he taught us about life and all it entails.
At quite a young age, Abba settled down to family life when most of his peers where trying to get their bearings, and he was a phenomenal dad whose life was filled with unquestionable faith, undiluted love, a dazzling career and a happy family. I guess it was his lifetime of experiences that allowed him to raise us as well as he did.
Abba’s career started with and ended in the military (NDA’s 14th Regular Course). This surprised everyone, as he was known to be painfully shy when young and very courteous later in life. I couldn’t imagine a better life for him. He was a true patriot, loyal to his country and faithful to God. I know he was very proud to have served and protect the sovereignty of Nigeria. He had many great memories with his military comrades based on trust and loyalty. As fate will have it, they perished together, serving their fatherland.
Over the years, I have seen Abba working hard to help people, and I admired his ability to empathize. Helping was among his greatest pleasures in life. He also loved culture and nature, with a healthy sense of pride for his roots. Growing up, I am flooded with memories of us visiting relatives. He also had the habit of taking us to the grave of his father, Malam Muhammdu Bamalli, to pray for him whenever he comes to Kano. He told us to do same for him when he is no more.
Dear Abba, know that I kept my promise. Since the very day you left us, there wasn’t a time I skipped praying for you in the five regular daily prayers. On top of that, I allocated some days within the week to specially pray for you; Mondays and Thursdays inclusive. Your grandkids have also joined in the tradition, as well.
When seen through my teenage eyes much of whom he was and what he did was incomprehensible. On a superficial level he was a father doing what father’s did, fathering. Beyond that, despite there being enormous differences between his kind of work and the career of many, Abba always humbled himself when dealing with us.
That’s just Abba, our father, flesh and blood. Our example of persistence, courage, service, faith, hope and the ongoing quest for truth.
I have Abba’s hunger – and respect – for knowledge, and his legacy has just begun and his efforts are not in vain, as my younger siblings have kept the flag flying by topping their classes, both Western and Islamic. The hindsight of passing years and growing maturity has slowly revealed his real value. I look now and I am humbled. I see the enormity of raising us all as kids. I marvel at the strength of will and determination that kept him going, unrelenting. This brings to fore the incident that ensued between us just a week to his demise. My lovely wife delivered our first child Nuhu (named after Abba). I sent him a message to humbly inform him of our decision and also seek his permission to name our child after him but he should choose a second name in which the child should be called, Abba called immediately and I could detect the excitement in his voice and he thanked us profusely saying that he will Insha Allah come over to Kano to see his namesake after their retreat in Obudu.
Abba later sent me a text, thanking us personally by saying: “I really appreciate you naming my grandson after me, you and your wife should feel free to choose any second name. I’m really proud of you. Allah yayi muku albarka (God bless you, in Hausa). My regards to Sa’a.” That was Abba’s last message to me in life and it has been saved and stored with me now for a decade.
As I mature, I find myself growing more and more like you, Abba. I think this quality has also driven me to persevere throughout many challenges, even when I feel like giving up. I’m so fortunate and grateful that I had a father so capable of expressing his love for family. Abba found peace with the Creator, and that thought is what made us get through the experience of losing our father.
Whenever you think of Abba, kindly think of all the sacrifices he made to his family, nation, and his faith in his Creator, and please say a silent prayer for his soul to continue resting in Paradise. I’m sure that would be the best tribute Abba would want. Although he will be forever missed, I feel comforted knowing that he accomplished more than he could have dreamed in life. I’ll hold you in my heart forever, and may Allah (SWT) grant you Jannatul Firdaus. Till we meet to part no more.
Bamalli, the Sarkin Fadar Gumel, wrote in from Farm Centre, Kano.
