By EMMANUEL ADO

In recent days, a deliberate campaign of misinformation and character assassination has been launched against Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, popularly known as Mai Rago. This effort, spearheaded primarily by Magaji Baba, a self-styled political activist lacking clear ideological grounding, and supported by a handful of other political elements, reflects a troubling misunderstanding or willful disregard of Abubakar’s long-standing service to Kaduna State and his personal sacrifice as the Counselor to Governor Uba Sani, an appointment for which he receives no remuneration.

While it would be easy to conclude that these attacks are driven by fear of his proximity to power, there is also the likely scenario that those leading the attack against Abubakar, who is a perfect gentleman are advancing the unholy interests of their paymasters, who are uncomfortable with his influence over Governor Uba Sani, precisely because Abubakar serves as a barrier to those seeking to mislead or manipulate the administration for their selfish ends.

It’s important to stress that Mai Rago, is not the governor and that has never pretended to be. He only offers his honest advice which the governor is at liberty to accept or reject. He understands the limits of his position. And this fact is lost on his attackers who want to dress him in borrowed robes.

It Is unfortunate but not surprising that in the turbulent waters of Nigerian politics, genuine contributors to progress are often dragged into baseless controversies. The attack on Mai Rago is a textbook example of deliberate mischief.

The derogatory reference to him as “Deputy Governor Abuja” is clearly coined to diminish his relevance and paint his relationship with Governor Uba Sani in a negative light. That he ought not to serve Governor Sani because he is younger than him is laughable a clear distortion of his role and, no doubt, intended to provoke him into abandoning the governor, who deeply appreciates his wealth of experiencee in both the public and private sectors.

Despite Mai Rago, as he is popularly known, not in any way being a liability but an asset to Governor Uba Sani; and whose relationship with the governor Is not driven by personal interest Mai Rago should expect more of such attacks.

It’s important to recall that in 1990, at just 27, he served as Commissioner of Health in Kaduna State, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to public service. He was also Director General of Lands under Brigadier General Lawal Jafaru, a man under whom several southern communities had chiefdoms created for them. Due to his competence, he was later appointed Commissioner of Finance under Col. U. F. Ahmed, an assignment he also performed creditably. Kaduna State public servants can attest to the fact that he normalized the payment of monthly salaries, despite the economic downturn that had made payment a Herculean task.

With the advent of democracy in 1999, he was appointed Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). Before his appointment, few knew about the agency, which was charged with developing the much-needed manpower for the oil industry. It is to the credit of Yusuf Abubakar that the agency was transformed from near obscurity into a respected national institution. For the first time in its history, the PTDF began awarding scholarships and building human capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

After Abubakar’s exit, the PTDF became an agency of choice for politicians. Many preferred it to ministries like Youth and Sports, or Tourism and Culture, because they could relate to the agency’s strategic importance. The thousands of trained professionals and the PTDF headquarters remains a testimony to his leadership and record of service.

Considering his connection with both the elite and the grassroots, and his proven capacity, he was convinced to run against Governor Ahmed Makarfi in 2003. Once he threw his hat into the ring, he committed fully. The name Mai Rago was born out of his generosity during Sallah, when he gave out rams to virtually every local government area which forced the government to match his gesture.

There is no doubt that Abubakar would have given Makarfi a run for his money, due to the support of many elites and of the then Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Eventually, a deal was brokered, and he stepped down and wholeheartedly supported Makarfi’s re-election.

The fact that he stepped aside at the behest of then Vice President Atiku Abubakar is a proof that his ambition was not inordinate,a quality that’s rare in today’s political arena.

Those criticizing his closeness to Governor Uba Sani are either mischievous or as I argued earlier working for vested interests that want him to abandon Governor Sani. His attackers also misunderstand the nature of leadership and the fact that any effective governor must surround himself with trusted confidants people with experience, foresight, and integrity. Mai Rago no doubt plays that critical role as a sounding board and voice of reason, especially in moments when major decisions must be made with utmost caution.

Not many people are aware that Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar encouraged Governor Uba Sani to deepen engagement with the Christian community in Kaduna State. Thankfully, Governor Sani was of the same position. He also supported the governor’s decision to attend the Christmas carol, which sent a powerful message of unity in a state that had been tested by its religious and tribal diversity.

Governor Sani’s attendance at the Christmas carol was a gesture that resonated across communities and promoted peace.

Abubakar is not a “shadow governor,” but a quiet strategist one who works behind the scenes to ensure the administration remains focused, inclusive, and effective. And Kaduna State is better off because of his wise counsel.

This is just one example. Yusuf Abubakar, an unassuming man, deeply religious and a man of peace has made many such interventions, and helping the governor navigate and defuse potential crises. For obvious reasons, most of these contributions cannot be made public due to their sensitive nature.

The people of Kaduna can rest assured that first Mai Rago would ensure that any crisis is averted,but whenever crisis erupts he should be counted to offer his support.

Again having played a crucial role in Governor Uba Sani’s election, it’s only natural that he continues to mobilize his vast networks, and strategic thinking to ensure the administration’s success. Had Yusuf Abubakar returned full-time to managing his businesses, the same people would have accused him of walking away due to unmet expectations.

To those attacking Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, I say: sheath your swords. His only ambition is the success of the Uba Sani administration and the peace and progress of Kaduna State. He will not work against anyone’s interest. Rather than acknowledge his silent contributions to good governance, it’s unfortunate that some people like my good friend Magaji Baba have resorted to mischaracterization. These unfortunate attacks say more about the attackers than the man they seek to tarnish.

Rather than malign him, his traducers should celebrate Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar. Attacking him for being supportive only exposes the desperation of those with nothing constructive to offer. I repeat that all Mai Rago wants is Governor Uba Sani’s success, Kaduna State’s stability, and the upliftment of the people.

History will remember him, not for the unwarranted attacks of his detractors, but for the substance of his contributions.

Those behind the unwarranted attacks have spectacularly misfired, because instead of driving a wedge between him and Governor Sani, they have further solidified their mutual relationship. Kaduna State and Nigeria need people like Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, that are loyal, experienced, tested, and committed to public service.