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MALA KACHALLAH: A DECADE OF TEARS FOR A STATESMAN.

Published

9 years ago

April 12, 2017

BY: Inuwa Bwala
Ten years ago; precisely on April 18th, 2007; just a few days to the Governorship elections, fate dealt a terrible blow on me, when death snatched my mentor, my father and my friend, former Governor of Borno state, Mala Abdulsalam Kachallah. Each year since his demise, I tried to cope with having to live without the man who was the virtual oracle in my life. The birthday of my son, whom I named after him has been a constant reminder to me that time is passing and his memory is fast fading from the minds of so many people.
I try to seek solace in mentioning him in the best way I could by writing tributes, but even that one is losing its bite. I am supposed to sign out of this annual ritual, but I am being propelled to continue by those who know the value of the little things I do to remember my mentor. Besides, I am still full of nostalgia and people are still yearning for a reminder about Mala Kachallah and his passage.
Every time the month of April approaches and I begin to contemplate how to remember Mala Kachallah, I recast the day of his departure looking in my mind’s eyes the mammoth crowd that turned out to bid Mala Kachallah farewell, in the choking heat of the April sun in 2007. Many of them no longer remember the political differences of that era. All we remember today were his good works for the people of Borno state.
To me, and to others who cherish him, it is as if it happened only yesterday. The memories are still fresh with many, and very often, his days recur as a subject of discussions amongst us. For me in particular, whenever I look back at my days under his tutelage I recall how Kachallah displayed rare statesmanship by conceding defeat at the polls even as the incumbent, with many clues of how to manipulate the events. I recall when he was prodded to accept a deal offer that would have turned the results in his favour, but refused.
In their own small ways, some people do things each year for the past ten years to celebrate Mala Kachallah, yet I personally feel that he deserves more than is being done. His family members go to the Gwange cemetery each year to clear the shrubs and re-arrange the stones around his tomb as a mark of reverence to his soul. Borno state Government was magnanimous in naming a model school after him in the heart of Maiduguri; as a mark of its own appreciation for what he did while alive. Clerics mark the day with prayers for the continued repose of his gentle soul. The general attitude has however been that Mala Kachallah may have been forgotten even by those who benefitted most from his magnanimity.
I am often pleased with the calls I receive from members of the family and especially Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima, who despite our frosty relationship encourages me to continue paying homage to Mala Kachallah’s memory. I am even more determined to keep the name of Mala Kachallah alive, by the avalanche of people who appreciate the annual tribute. Next year is another year, if we are well and alive.
Mala’s knack for peaceful co existence has earned him the soubriquet,“Captain of Peace”. He may have been pained to see how the state he so loved has degenerated into a killing field. Watching unfolding events from yonder, Mala Kachallah may have turned a million times over in his tomb, seeing that the generation he left have grown into adults faced with a bleak future, occasioned by the near collapse of values. To me the best anniversary gift for Mala Kachallah would have been the return to peace to Borno.
It is true that Mala Kachallah died at a time there was still a semblance of dignity in leadership. He died when Borno, the state he loved with so much passion had not been convulsed in this senseless war of attrition, with brothers taking up arms against each other. Mala Kachallah died without a single enemy known to me and those around him. He epitomized humility, peace and honesty. That the people of Borno still look back to his tenure with nostalgia, is a clear testimony of how he distinguished himself as a leader per excellence.
During his time citizens of Borno went to sleep with both eyes closed, In fact, people sleep with doors ajar, while youths sleeping outside their gates were common scenes. No one was judged by his faith or his ethnic or sectional background. That Borno actually earned her own sobriquet as the ‘Home Of Peace” during Kachallah’s era has never been in doubt. It is lamentable that those cherished values which gave the state a unique place in Nigeria’s history have now disappeared in the face of current events.
Every time I perform the annual rite of writing a tribute to Mala kachallah, I am always convinced that he remains one candidate for aljana’ah fridaus, who even the devil, will not oppose. I am often overwhelmed by the nostalgia of his life and times to the effect that, he was so kind and tender hearted, so humane and religious, so forthright and pragmatic, indeed Mala Kachallah was too true to God and humanity, than one finds in other leaders. I always imagine what he could have done differently from others, about the situation Borno state found herself in today.
Any time I close my eyes, I recollect that frozen smile on his face even in death, which left no clues for of what he may have passed through in the last minutes. Those who knew what he stood for may not be pleased with how the fortunes of Borno have been squandered by citizens who the world hitherto regards as most peaceful. The lives of citizens have lost essence, the legacy of peace he built and left has caved in to war, the population has been growing in reverse order, and morality have taken flight from the average citizen. The land he so adore has been converted to killing fields and the children he planned to nurture as future leaders have taken up arms against their parents and other citizens.
The joy Kachallah left on the faces of people have given way to despair, and tears now wet our cheeks. We have cried to high heavens and to the spirits of our fore fathers for an end to this curse. I will always lament the plunder of his cherished values, ten years after he left the scene. If he were to be around, he may be tempted to ask, is it the failure of leadership or the signs of the end time, that, hitherto peaceful people have become violent, and life seems to have lost its value?
At the risk of repeating this phrase each year, I wish to again state that, every time I pass by the Gwange cemetery, where Mala Kachallah was laid to rest, I tremble, knowing that we may not remember him again very soon. This makes it even more pertinent to extend the period of my tributes beyond the ten years I initially planned. I look in all directions, hopping that I will catch a glimpse of Kachallah’s tomb, even to lay a wreath, but have always been confused as it remains unmarked amongst the multitude of tombs at that mighty cemetery in Gwange. I have learnt to take solace in continual prayers for Allah to grant him Aljannah firdaus. I know that many peop[le are praying today for the continued repose of his soul. May the mercies of God locate him even for being merciful to others?
Even those who did not quite admire him, it remains a fact that Mala Kachallah was a benefactor, a mentor and more importantly a role model to so many people. Even the worst ingrates, who enjoyed him most, but deserted him immediately he left office, still discuss him with reverence. The world too knows that Mala was loved for his simplicity, adored for his honesty, cherished for his humility and revered for his Godliness. Everybody who encountered him while he was around have something good to say about him.
Bwala was the S A Media to the late Mala Kachallah.

Headlines

2027: THE MANY WARS IN PARTIES

Published

2 months ago

June 1, 2026

Our Reporter

☆ ADC, PDP, NDC, LP Tacle APC Amidst Internal Wranglings.
☆ Party primaries trigger godfather vs godson clashes.
By: Our Special Correspondent.

Election periods always make Nigeria a political melting pot. Tensions, intrigues, violence, manipulations and grandstanding have been the order.
2027 may not be an exception, as already, the polity is heating up and political players are up in arms.
Between political parties, battle lines are being drawn.
It is no longer news that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC and former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi of the NDC have secured the presidential tickets for their various political parties, ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Nigerians await the outcome of the presidential primaries for the other parties, it is apparent that the leading dramatis personae of the 2023 presidential election debacle, are set to square it out again in 2027.
But, while most, if not all the opposition political parties are emershed in multi-dimenssional crisis, the stage seems set for dirtier political schemings, in the quest to wrestle power from the ruling APC.
With the apparent collapse of the much talked about coalition, frontline candidates may again go into the election as a divided house, as the parties are further polarized by the attendant crisis arising from the just concluded primaries.
The ruling APC, also faced with similar crisis following the primaries. The primaries of all the parties seem to have sparked internal wranglings
across Edo, Delta, Lagos, Oyo, Kano, Rivers and other states. In most states, the primaries for governorship, Senate and House of Representatives seats have triggered deepening crises between governors, former governors, senators and entrenched party blocs.
While one may regard such disagrerments as normal and could be resolved before the main election, the disagreement between President Tinubu and the opposition may linger.

The President is fighting hard to ward of attacks over his failed promises which were made in 2023, as campaign issues.
Similarlly, the issue of insecurity, fuel subsidy, pol8cy summersault, and general cost of living have been brought to the front burner, in political discourse.
Tinubu told Nigerians on Friday that subsidy removal and forex reforms have revived investor confidence, lifted market cap to 250,000 points, and drawn new oil and gas investment. He also said security operations have “intensified” against bandits, separatists and insurgents.
But critics insist that Tinubu’s camp is working to cripple opposition parties reminescent of the Abacha-era dark days.
In apparent move to realign forces and reshape 2027, NDC’s Peter Obi has announced Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Obi told a gathering brfore naming Kwankwaso as his running mate, that, the Vice President office under him, will be “an active partner, not ceremonial”. The NDC held a special convention Saturday to affirm Obi as flagbearer where he promised 10,000MW electricity generation. Labour Party has also presented Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate, a lowly rated personality.
At the sub-national level, political players are pulling the strings from different end. Most governors are being accused of imposing their cronies as governorship, senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates.
The national leadership of the APC has been struggling hard to adress the widespread crisis occassioned by the primaries. The APC, in Lagos amidst the internal wars, has picked Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as running mate to Lagos governorship candidate Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. Both are seen as stooges of the governor and by extenssion the President.
In Rivers, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has vowed that, the APC “Rainbow Coalition” will agree on one governorship candidate and that ADC’s Atiku won’t get 10% of Rivers votes. Though the candidate has not yet been named.
Wike also declared “Rivers has no option but to back Tinubu”.
In several states, there have been massive decampments from the APC in particular, because of unfavourable outcomes of the primaries.
All these point to a turbulent outing for the APC, even as the ruling party.
As for the opposition parties, they all have been emasculated, and may not be able to pose much threat to the ruling APC.
While the political wranglings were going on the most serious threat to the APC remains the rising concern over insecurity. The issue seem to have ignited anger across the country, with Federal Workers Forum threatening an indefinite nationwide strike over rising insecurity and unresolved wages. SERAP, has meanwhile urged the UN Secretary-General to invoke Article 99 over Nigeria’s “escalating insecurity—mass abductions, killings, displacements”.

Headlines

“Nigeria Is in a Hurry to Celebrate Victory Over Enemies of the State,” Says Tinubu as He Decorates New Service Chiefs

Published

9 months ago

October 30, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the newly appointed service chiefs to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and renewed commitment, declaring that “Nigeria is in a hurry to celebrate victory over enemies of the state.”

The President made this statement on Thursday during the decoration ceremony of the new service chiefs with their ranks at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Those decorated were General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the newly promoted officers, who joined the President in performing the decorations.

In his address, Tinubu underscored the central role of security in fostering national development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“Security is an essential element without which everything else becomes meaningless,” the President stated. “There can be no sustainable development if this fundamental need is not met. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the dividends of governance.”

The elevation and decoration of the new military chiefs followed their confirmation by the National Assembly on Wednesday, after a closed-door screening session with lawmakers.

It will be recalled that, in a recent overhaul of the nation’s military hierarchy, President Tinubu appointed:

Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff,
Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff,
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff,
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and
Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The new appointments mark a strategic restructuring of Nigeria’s security leadership aimed at strengthening the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to national stability.

Headlines

FG Dismisses Coup Rumour, Reaffirms Confidence in Nigerian Military

Published

9 months ago

October 20, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has dismissed widespread rumours of an alleged military coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, declaring its full confidence in the loyalty and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known in an interview with The Punch on Sunday, insisting that the administration has “no reason whatsoever” to doubt the assurances given by the Defence Headquarters, which had earlier denied reports linking the detention of 16 military officers to a coup attempt.

“The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military on what it has said,” Idris stated.
“We believe the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and strengthening the fight against insecurity. The government commends their sacrifice and will continue to support them in safeguarding the country.”

The minister’s remarks came a day after the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, firmly debunked a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the detention of 16 officers was connected to a failed coup plot and the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade.

Gusau described the publication as “false, mischievous, and deliberately aimed at creating unnecessary tension and public distrust.”

He clarified that the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade was a purely administrative decision — taken to allow President Tinubu attend a key bilateral meeting abroad and to enable military units sustain ongoing counterinsurgency operations nationwide.

On the issue of the detained officers, Gusau said their case was “an internal disciplinary process” and not related to any political matter.

“The investigation involving the 16 officers is routine, aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” he explained. “An investigative panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public in due course.”

Reaffirming the military’s constitutional role and unwavering commitment to civilian rule, Gusau stressed emphatically: