By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Expectedly, his birth might not have been any different from others. However, his time, so far spent on this planet earth, could best be described as astonishingly positive and impactful.
As the old saying goes, “some names fades with time. While others, becomes etched in the minds of the people, not because of what they say alone but for what they do as well”.
Contextually, Aliyu Mahatakarda Wamakko is without doubt, a name that will continue to remain aglow in the sand of history for several good reasons and etched in the minds of geneations yet unborn.
His life all through the teenage years has been validated by devoted services to humanity. He demonstrated this selfless lifestyle not only to his immediate family or relatives but whichever community he finds himself.
Wamakko, though could be discribed by some as an introvert. A humble man with very few words but loud actions. Especially, when it comes to puting smiles on the faces of human beings.
Little wonder therefore that many in the Seat of the Caliphate state and beyond said they have felt his warmth touch of ensuring the betterment of humanity even when he never thought of joining politics.
These acts of sharing with those in need by Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko in his formative years, gave credence to the age long believe that, truly, the worth of a man is not measured by the affluence he amass but by the lives he has touched positively.
WAMAKKO AS A TEACHER
Having earned the prestigious Teachers Certificate from Sokoto Teachers College, Wamakko began life as a teacher and rose with dedication to become a Head Teacher and later Acting Education Officer.
Being a man who had impacted lives, he was seen by many then as a compendium of intellect. However, the appetite for more knowledge, drove him to further his study at the University of Pittsburgh in tbe United States of America where he obtained both his first and second degrees before returning to Nigeria for the National Youth Service in 1980.
Upon his return Wamakko still derived pleasure and satisfaction in impacting knowledge.This is evidently so, because it takes sound mind, laced with tolerance to completely manage students. But this, Wamakko did with enthusiasm and every sense of fufilment.
Giving testimony of Wamakko as a teacher, one his students at Government Teachers College, Zurmi formerly in Sokoto but now Zamfara State, Ibrahim Dadi Adare said, Wamakko was not just a teacher but a uniquely dependable beacon of hope for them back then.
Recalling with nostalgia how Wamakko treated students with love, Ibrahim Dadi Adare now the Sokoto state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, said, “Wamakko was extremely well. A very good teacher. A complete gentleman. He taught me When I was in form 1 to form 3 in the 80s.
“While at that Government Teachers College, Zurmi, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko was very good to all of us. He was very hard-working and committed to his responsibilities.
“And of course, I learned a lot of grammatical language from my teacher, my father and my mentor, distinguished Senator. I am always proud to be associated with him. and I am always wishing him good.
“I pray to Almighty Allah to continue to guide him, to give him more sound health, to give him many more years in life, so that we will continue to benefit from his gestures”.
While talking about Wamakko as an administrator, Ibrahim Dadi Adare said, the respected Senator served deligently with commitment and rose through the cadre of the apex level of civil service, which is the cherished Permanent Secretary.
WAMAKKO AS A Philanthropists, Victorious PoliticianHaving served the state and rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary, his hospitality and accommodative nature endeared him to many, thus making the name Wamakko a household narrative across the state prior to the 1999 return to democracy.
In the wake of 1999 general election, Wamakko’s popularity laced with humility in Sokoto made him a sought after political bride. This therefore according to pundits, was an added advantage for any politician who secured his support to become governor in the Seat of the Caliphate with ease.
Aware of this marketable trait, the then, Dalhatu Attahiru Bafarawa who sought to become governor of Sokoto under the APP had to pitch tent with Wamakko to become his running mate to actualise his dream.
This singular development of alligning with Wamakko because of his acceptability in all the nooks and cranny in the state according to political analysts was the genesis of Bafarawa’s victory over Alhaji Muhammadu Modi Yabo of the PDP in the 1999 general election.
Having jointly piloted the affairs of the state for nearly six years, sources within the corridors of powers hinted that the governor, Bafarawa became even more jittery and uncomfortable with the soaring popularity of Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko as his deputy, hence the resolve to scout for an easy remote controlled ruber stamped successor aside Wamakko.
In the seventh year of their administration, a plan was hatched to impeach Wamakko who as at then, had expanded his coast in the 23 local government areas as deputy governor and overseer of the ministry for local government.
The impeachment plan was to use the State House of Assembly as the only option of diming the brighntess of wamakko’s properous political light, however couldn’t see the light of the day as Wamakko mysteriously got wind of the venous plot and resigned a day before it could be actualized.
Shortly after that, governor Attahiru Bafarawa’s preference for the then Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Garba Silame, as his likely successor became manifest.
Unfortunately, after naming him the successor of Wamakko, Garba Silame died in a plane crash and Chiso Abdullahi Dantijo was named deputy governor to replace Garba.
The demise of Garba Silame upturned governor Bafarawa’s political calculation hence he quickly settled for his then Secretary to the State Government, (SSG) Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi to become his successor.
Looking at the political relevance of Sokoto state, the then President Olusegun Obasanjo (PDP) was desperate to return the state to his party, hence beaming search light on who has such acceptability and popularity to help him achieve the mission.
Before then, his Minister of Water Resources, Mukhtari Shagari had already been named the PDP governorship candidate for Sokoto. However, after due diligence, President Obasanjo got to discover that only Wamakko who was then the ANPP candiate could defeat Bafarawa and his preferred succesor, Maigari Dyngyadi.
Obasanjo stepped in, advised that Wamakko be given the governorhsip ticket while Shagari run as his deputy for the 2007 April 14th governorhsip election.
The election was contested by 10 candidates, namely Dr Umar Bello, Ahmed Bello Ahmed, Malami Shehu Abdullahi, Abubakar Child Siyaki, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, Aminu Sarah Tauma, Muhammed Maigari Dingyadi and Aliyu Mahatakarda Wamakko who defeated all the condidates to emerge winner.
Though, his victory was contested with series of legal battle leading to a fresh election which Wamakko won again.
After consolidating power, his residence became a mini Mecca sought of for everybody in Sokoto. Then his popularity continue to skyrocket with the SAI ALU slogan.
The SAI ALU political slogan has long gained ground and became a political mileage for any politician intending to contest in Sokoto, the North West and other northern states of Nigeria.
Little wonder that in 2015, Muhammadu Buhari who had contested for office of the presidency severally but couldn’t win, had to appoint Wamakko as his north west campaign coordinator.
This choice paid off, as Wamakko won not only north west but the entire region massively for Buhari. He also won his Senatorial race to become the Senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District. Wamakko equally stood strongly behind him Buhari. This SAI ALU political movement brought Speaker of the 7th National Assembly, Aminu Wazirin Tambuwal as governor of Sokoto state in 2015.
Same SAI ALU political whirlwind also brought current governor Ahmed Aliyu as governor in 2023 till date and was also largely instrumental to the victory of Buhari’s successor, President Bila Ahmed Tinubu same year.
INSIDE THE SAI ALU MOVEMENT IN SOKOTOWhilst most politicians sqaunder their wealth on frivolities, the SAI ALU movement has chosen otherwise.
Wamakko has chosen to deploy his wealth as tool of generosity thereby making making the widows, people with Disability, orphans, destitutes and struggling businessmen and women rebuilding their livelihood through his consistent hearth warming gestures.
Senator Wamakko’s grace at lifting human beings through strategic empowerments, and passion for grassroots development is unprecedented, his intergrity untouched with a profound vision for inclusive progress and an unmatched dedication to Sokoto and Nigeria’s greatness, who always appeal to elected leaders to serve humanity rather than enriching themselves.Author
