By Shehu Bello
28th august 2008 will remain fresh in the minds of the people of Magama constituency and the family of late honourable Usman Bahago Nasko,member representing magama constituency in the Niger state house of assembly,who along with two other state officials lost their lives in a boat mishap at the river Mariga in Mariga local government area of Niger state.
The unfortunate incident that took the lives of the Hon. Usman,Alh. Yusuf muazu and Alh. Isah Lapai occurred when the government officials were returning from Bangi along with the state governor Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu,where the governor commissioned a General Hospital built by the government following an appeal by the community at a Jama’a forum (peoples parliament) on the need for government to build a hospital for the community and its environs. It was on this journey of hope that Hon. Usman being the chairman house committee on health lost his life.
Family,friends and foes alike,have described Hon. Usman’s life as a life well lived,and spent in the service of Niger state. A philanthropist and bridge builder amongst his people, Hon. Usman was known to be in the forefront of sponsoring and backing legislations that changed the lives of a lot of people in the state, most especially those within his Magama constituency. His passion for bringing salvation to the masses was what made him a very willing participant in the Jama’a forum that was created to serve as an easy means for the masses to gain access to the government.
Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu in his speech tearfully delivered during the valedictory session held in the Niger state house of assembly in honour of the late law maker,promised to assist and cater for the welfare of the late law maker’s family. The promise though made publicly,has remained only a promise because the governor has since then abandoned those promises tearfully made. Not only did he refuse to honour his promises made to the family of the lawmaker who died serving his state,the governor severed all relationships with the family.
Though heaven and earth were promised to the family of late Hon. Usman, it will surprise the reader to learn that none of the late lawmaker’s off springs has been able to secure a job in Niger state,though qualified.
This medium was used because all efforts by the family to reach the governor have proved abortive. We call on the Executive governor of Niger state Dr. Babangida Aliyu to remember his pledge made to the family of the deceased law maker and the two officials who died serving Niger state. We urge him to remember that honourable men are bond by their words. His excellency should also remember that from God we came and to him we shall return.
Shehu Bello wrote from Minna:m.nas06@yahoo.com
