Obasanjo: Ciroma’s Contribution towards a Better Society invaluable
In a letter to Maryam, the widow of the late Adamu Ciroma, former President Olusegun Obasanjo pays glowing tributes to the historian who later became governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, writes Tobi Soniyi
Two weeks after the death of the former Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor and Minister of Finance, Malam Adamu Ciroma, Nigerians from all walks of life have continued to pay tribute to the historian who later became an expert in finance. The latest tribute to Ciroma came from no less a person than former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who appointed Ciroma as the finance minister in 1999.
Ciroma died on July 5 this year. He would have been 84 in November. He was seen by many as a man of courage who would accept without hesitation any challenge thrown at him. He was among those who diligently and incorruptibly served his country.
In his letter of condolence to those left behind by Ciroma, Obasanjo said while Adamu’s death was a moment of grief for Maryam and the entire family, the former president was quick to add, “but it is also clear that the deep sense of loss over the demise of your beloved husband is shared by many like me.”
According to him, Ciroma made outstanding contributions to the progress of the nation in many capacities. This, he said, explained why many people are eager to mourn with the family.
He described Ciroma’s death as painful.
Obasanjo observed: “He, no doubt, left behind a worthy legacy especially through his working careers as the District Officer, DO, in Mambila when Mambila Plateau was almost inaccessible.
“He worked in the premier’s office and later as the first editor of the New Nigerian Newspaper from where he became the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria between 1975 and 1977. In all of these, he acquitted himself so diligently.”
Obasanjo further noted, among other things, that Ciroma will be remembered as a distinguished public servant and one that was greatly admired by the general public and his peers as a straightforward and complete gentleman.
“Mallam Ciroma deserves all the tributes being paid to him by all his compatriots. Indeed, having had the privilege of close association with your late husband who was a friend and confidant for many years and my Minister of Finance during my administration as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2003, I can attest unreservedly to his being a democrat to the core and a committed patriot who worked tirelessly for the unity of the nation,” Obasanjo added.
The former president also described Ciroma as a seasoned politician noted for his tremendous organisational ability, who demonstrated wisdom, honesty, and good leadership in any assignment given to him.
Writing further, he observed that Ciroma did not limit himself to his ethnic enclave but established friendship, harmony and accommodation among the people of Nigeria.
Obasanjo explained: “As a community leader and a prominent patriot, Mallam Ciroma earned the respect of his people who conferred on him the well deserved title of Madakin Fika by the Emir of Fika which was no doubt a testimony not only of his great commitment that he had for the progress of Fika and the rest of Yobe State but also for his abiding faith in national unity.”
Obasanjo did not forget to mention Ciroma’s leadership qualities which had been attested to by others in their tributes to the late CBN governor, saying: “He exhibited very good leadership qualities, wisdom and wealth of experience which indeed he put to use in the discharge of his responsibility to the Emirate as well as upholding the institution’s tradition of excellence.”
The former president said it was in appreciation of Ciroma’s contribution to Nigeria that he was conferred with a national honour.
“It was quite fitting, therefore, that his invaluable contribution to building a better society was well acknowledged via the conferment on him of the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR,” he pointed out.
Obasanjo admitted that words would hardly be enough to express his sympathy to Ciroma’s wife, he nevertheless urged her: “Take justifiable pride in the fact that your late husband was a statesman who gave of his best to his fatherland. He will be sorely missed by all of us.”
Concluding his letter, the ex-president stated, “I hereby, therefore, extend on behalf of my family and on my own behalf our sincere condolences on the transition of your beloved husband and pray that the Almighty Allah grant you and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Apart from his appointments as the CBN governor and minister of finance, Ciroma also served in other capacities. He was minister of trade and industry and then minister of agriculture.
Two times, he aspired to be the president of Nigeria. First was in the 1977 primary through the National Party of Nigeria which he lost to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who came first while Maitama Sule was second. Ciroma came third.
In 1992, he again sought to be the president on the platform of the National Republican Convention.
Ciroma was born on November 20, 1934 in Potiskum, in Yobe state.
He attended Borno Middle School, Barewa College, Zaria, where he came first in his class, and went on to the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology to prepare for university. He entered the University of Ibadan in 1957 and graduated in 1961.