By: Inuwa Bwala
In a few hours time, my duty tour of Hawul Local Government as Transition Committee Chairman will come to an end.
For the past six months. I had the previledge to oversee the affairs of over three hundred thousand people, in one of the most sophisticated Area councils in Borno State: perhaps in the entire country.
It has been an admixture of challenges and triumphs, for which I give God the glory, having arrived at this point.
Coming in at the peak of political campaigns for the 2023 general elections, I must confess that, it was intriguing, challenging and perhaps suspenseful, but equally fulfilling and gratifying, that I delivered.
That period was pensive and it came with pressures, betrayals, blackmails and open antagonism: all of which combined to make the job rather interestingly furastrating.
I may have added foes, just as I might have made new friends and aquintances.
Leaving the office today, perhaps never to return after the Sallah break, or with a possibility of renewal of the tenure was a moment of overflowing emotions.
As I left Azare, the Local Government Headquarters today, the entire staff of the council converged on the office to bid me farewell and to pray for me. I was at the verge of tears, listening to the encomiums they poured on me.
Two times I exited the office to leave and twice I was dragged back into the office to listen to the different verdicts from people over my stewardship.
On each occasion I fought back tears over the seeming flattery, and the open display of love amongst staff. I was conscious of the mood amongst others, to the effect that my departure was a huge relief and welcome development, even as I also know that the drama in my office earlier captures the mood of the greater majority.
And I told them, “I am concious of the fact that the period of my regency is six months and the expiration of that tenure has come to a close”.
It is quite probable that, for the time we have been together, there might have arisen moments of friction. And as perhaps you all know that I could often times be nonsensically temperamental, I seek for the the forgiveness of all, where I might have faltered.
On my own part. I love you all, and the depth of my love for you has stripped me of the right to take offence over anything anybody might have done to me”.
” I therefore leave you with a very clear mind that, none has done me any wrong in Hawul, that I cannot forgive. You are all my brothers and sisters and I hope to meet all of you again, when we shall hug and smile to each other.”
It is well if I do not come back for a renewed tenure and it is equally ok if I return. Whichever be the case, I must thank you all for the love, support and interactions we have had together. Please, accord whoever may come after me greater love and support, so that we shall together make Hawul the envy of others.
Good bye for now. Once more I love you all.
I did not give room for further speeches, as doing so could lead to more fragile emotional expressions. I quickly took my exit, to await the formal announcement of the dissolution.
As I bow out, I wish all my Muslim brothers a happy Eid Mauloud celebrations.
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