When technocrats become royal

Last week, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai was appointed as the new Turaki Fika, becoming a senior traditional title-holder among the five people recently appointed by the Fika Emirate Council, in Yobe State. The council had last week announced Bomai’s appointment together with three other individuals as traditional title-holders for the emirate. The turbanning ceremony will be held at a later date. Though all of them merited their appointments, it is believed that the title of Turaki Fika has been given to an individual who is regarded as a goal-getter and a silent achiever.

The appointment of Bomai, who is a veteran accountant and the former Director of Treasury (DOT) of the FCTA, is like a homecoming for him due to his pedigree and antecedents as a renowned philanthropist and community development enthusiast. Bomai took over from Ibrahim Alkali, a former governor who is now the new Dallatun Fika. Alkali took over from Malam Adamu Chiroma.

Many people will share the view that the Turaki title fits Bomai because of his ability to always face the truth head-on no matter the situation he finds himself. A colleague who has watched Bomai at a close range since 2005 has described him as a courageous individual who does not suffer fools gladly. He has a large dose of patriotism, discipline, frugality and respect for due process which are the attributes required for an effective Turakin Fika especially in this difficult period. 

Bomai’s hard work, generosity and easygoing nature has endeared him to many. He also finds it easy to interact with people and he is a detribalized Nigerian who has made friends from all around. He is a deeply religious man and a leader who takes the plight and conditions of those around him into consideration at all times.

One of my senior colleagues, Emma Agu, recently said this about Bomai. “It is only good and fair to give honour to whom it is due.” I agree. This is because Bomai has showed credibility in his public service life and has demonstrated even greater credibility as the Director of Treasury where he retired successfully more than one year ago. 

Bomai, according to information, has done a lot for his people. This has endeared him to the people of the state and his community as a result of which he has been recognized and honoured with the current traditional title as a mark of his popularity in his state.

The new Turaki has over the years received many commendations from credible and well-grounded institutions and even individuals such as Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Dr. Aliyu Modibo Umar, Senator Adamu Aliero, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Accounting Association of Nigeria, as well as Nigeria Institute of Management, among others.

Bomai holds a masters degree in Accountancy. He is also a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Management and also a fellow as well as a member of many Professional, Accounting and Auditing Associations both within and outside Nigeria. He has also attended many professional courses within and outside Nigeria over the years. He, according to his friends, has the capacity to prove his mettle in this assignment. Royalty has beckoned on him and he has responded appropriately. His uprightness, coupled with his respect for people, as well as prayers, and Allah’s will shall see him through.

Biu sent this from Kuje