I was thoroughly shocked, disarmed, guilty and flabbergasted when an ally called me yesterday to confirm whether it was true that Senator Aisha Jummai is dead. I replied him that I didn’t know. He informed me that the news was trending in the social media. I quickly called Hajiya Zainab, her younger sister who was crying and saying: “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi rajiuna” repeatedly. I condoled with her in Fufulde and became shocked and speechless.
I felt guilty because Hon Ali Sani and Hon Aminu Babale fixed sometimes for us to go and greet her in a private Hospital in Gwarinpa, but due to some engagements I could not meet up. The day I made enquiries to go and greet her I was informed she was flown to Egypt, only to hear of her demise few days later.
It is given to few men and women to become legend in their life time. There would be few in Taraba State and Nigeria who would deny that Hajiya Aisha Jummai a.k.a Mama Taraba is one of the few. From the number of condolences and positive comments on her attributes in the social and conventional media we can readily infer that she has been a golden legend.
I started active politics in 1990, but never knew nor came across Hajiya Aisha Jummai until both of us met at the National Assembly, she was in the Red/Upper Chamber and I was in Green/Lower Chamber in the 7th Assembly. We regularly met at the TY Danjuma House (Taraba Governor’s lodge Asokoro Abuja) with late Governor Danbaba Suntai of blessed memory.
One day the late governor summoned us and pleaded with us members of the National Assembly to contribute our constituency project allocation to renovate the Federal road from Wukari to Takum. Hajiya Aisha was not there. I was mandated to relate the information to her. When I delivered the message to her she told me point blank to tell the Governor she will not be part of that project.
She said to me: “What will I say to my constituents? Those people in the huts and villages across my constituency struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledged our best efforts to help them help themselves not because we seek their votes, but because it is right to do so. If a representative cannot help the many who are poor, he cannot save the few who are rich”. That is Adda Jummai for you. Very blunt and down to earth.
My next encounter with late Hajiya Aisha Jummai was when I paid her a visit at her house in Abuja soliciting her support on my intention to contest for APC State Chairman, she told me, “as a brother I advise you not to go for it. It is dirty and not meant for people like you. You have a bright future in Taraba politics with your education and exposure. But as a politician I will advise you to look for people-delegates and convince them to vote for you. I wish you good luck.”
I can now understand the wisdom of her advising me not to contest. People who are not fit to occupy a pigsty in your life will abuse, lampoon, concoct and spread lies against you without fear of God, all in the name of politics.
Hajiya Aisha Jummai, without doubt, gave life to APC in Taraba State. From New-PDP she joined APC and shaped its activities till the time she left. Like her or hate her she remain a colossus in the political firmament of Taraba State. Whatever difference we had it has now become history. Without her things will never be the same again with many of her followers.
Hajiya Aisha Jummai, we shall miss you. We shall miss your passion for justice and development. Your independence and quality of thought over state issues, your liberal mind, your generosity and geniality, your unfailing courtesy to all and sundry. Above all, we shall miss you and your gift of friendship, your doggedness, and your unflagging and effervescent enthusiasm. Now you belong to history, but you left around a company of admirers and adorers.
It is better to live in accord with the ideals of truth and love than retreat into cynicism, denial and despair. Adieu Adda Jummai.
Finally, on behalf of myself, my family and APC Taraba State, we hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to her children, father, family, PDP, Taraba State citizens and Nigerians for the death of this quintessential political enigma, Hajiya Senator Aisha Jummai.
May Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala grant her eternal rest forgive her short comings and make Aljannah firdaus her final abode. Amin!
Barr. El-Sudi is a former Secretary to the Taraba State Government (SSG) and a former member of the House of Representatives for Gashaka/ Kurmi/ Sardauna federal constituency
