By Dahiru Samaila Mafara
Most of newspaper headlines about the parsonality of late Hon. Bello Dankande Gamji, (Walin Bakura) coined him as a very active ‘APC chieftain’.
As his close ally, I regard late Dankande as a political giant of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Zamfara state who was also known for his philanthropism
My relationship with him started when he was the chairman of Bakura Local Government Council, at the same time I was a zonal correspondent of the Legacy newspaper.
The relationship between us waxed much more when he was appointed as the Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs when I was also the Director General in charge of ONLINE MEDIA.
He involved me in almost all the activities of his ministry, especially on issues concerning the general public. In fact, I was like a unofficial Public Relations Officer of the ministry.
After the controversial judgement on the 2019 general elections in Zamfara state, the relationship blossomed and we became like a one family to the extent that, we used to have regular contact.
In December 2020 Zamfara state House of Assembly bye election for Bakura Local Government Seat in which Dankande emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC. I was opportune to rally round all the 10 Wards of Bakura Local Government.
The experience I gathered during the electioneering campaign was not a new thing to me because of my previous knowledge and involvement in his activities for a long time.
After his demise, I was among the Hundreds of relatives that attended the three day mourning which was led by Hon. Muhammad Muttaka Rini who was appointed by the leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, His Excellency Hon. Dr. Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar to led the three day mourning.
People across all political parties have attended his funeral prayers at his home, Gamji in Bakura Local Government.
The event which was attended by thousands of people across the state showcased the diginity of late Hon. Bello Dankande Gamji and portrayed him as not only a mere politician, but an icon of nation building, a philanthropist and indeed a servant of his people.
Most of the revelations from people across the state were not only centred to his political relevance but his sacrifice, dedication and commitment to issues related to the overall development of his people.
One among many thing that touches my heart during the three days mourning was that a remark by a farmer in his immediate environment that, the last activity of late Dankande Gamji was his annual distribution of seed in which he said, he normally distribute nothing less than 100 bags of various seeds ranging from millet, guinea corn, maize among others.
Another less privileged resident confirmed that, every year Dankande used to dash out
500 or more bags of different food items to less privileged and orphans as Zakkat in Bakura alone.
A farmer at Damri said, his presence at his farmland along Damri axis has given them a courage to come out and farm this year because he was such a fearless public figure who chose to die in the course of protecting his people.
Reports confirmed that, there were several attacks allegedly targeted at him in his home town, Gamji despite which did not stop him from coming to spend days in the mist of his people.
A reliable source has similarly confirmed that Dankande single handedly used to settle the monthly electricity bill to the residents of Gamji for a long time.
The mamoth crowd that attended his funeral prayers has no doubt testify his societal relevance and a testimony of his philanthropic position in the society.
My deepest sympathy goes to his family, friends, Bakura community, his Excellency, the former Governor of Zamfara state, Hon. Dr Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, (Shatiman Zamfara) for this great loss of his link mind and brain behind the success and achievements recorded during his tenure as the executive Governor of Zamfara state.
Some of the projects he vigorously parsued as a commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs include, local government headquarters township roads, construction of over 300 jumuat mosques solar motorized boreholes and indeed uncompromised stand in fighting the deadly bandits through the local vigilantee also known as ‘yan Sakai.
May Allah grant him eternal race and give his family the courage to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu Hon Bello Dankande Gamji, ( Walin Bakura).
Dahiru Samaila Mafara is a member of the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara state and a close associate of late Hon. Bello Dankande Gamji.
