Shinkafi: Exit of a Top Intelligence Expert and Seasoned Politician

candidate in the AD-APP alliance. But Falae lost to Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Born in Shinkafi village in the present day Zamfara State in 1937, although his father, Ali Bisije, was said to have hailed from Gashua in Yobe State, he preferred to identify with Shinkafi as his hometown.

He attended Sokoto Middle School, and later Barewa College, Zaria, before joining the Nigeria Police in 1953. He rose through the rank to become a Commissioner of Police in old Oyo State. While in service, he proceeded to the University of Lagos to study Law and obtained LLB in 1973. He thereafter proceeded to the Nigeria Law School and was called to the bar in 1974. He held a notable chieftaincy title, Marafan Sokoto.

Eulogies

Since his passage, encomiums and eulogies have continued to pour in for the late police officer turned politician. Prominent among them came from President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, described Shinkafi as an expert whose contributions to the development of the security architecture of Nigeria remained indelible

He recalled his roles as the former Federal Commissioner for Internal Affairs and the head of the NSO and other notable activities leading to the eventual return and enthronement of democracy in the country.

Buhari called on family members, friends and associates of the deceased to take solace in the fact that he played the roles assigned to him diligently, conscientiously and patriotically as he enjoined them to emulate the good virtues that he left behind. He prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

In the same vein, Senate President Bukola Saraki lamented the passage of Shinkafi, saying he died at the time his experience, frank disposition, wise counsel and political sagacity were most needed by a nation faced with several challenges.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late Marafan Sokoto, as an accomplished public servant being a top ranking policeman, a leading political light who contributed so much to the political programmes that led to the birth of the present republic, a professional who did well as a legal practitioner and a former Minister of Internal Affairs and head of the nation’s former secret service, then known as NSO.

“The Marafan Sokoto was a consummate politician who had large followership across the country. He was a bridge builder. He was revered by his supporters and opponents. A man who will always say the truth at every point. He helped in mentoring many political office holders now occupying top positions in government at various levels. He was also a man who embodied the tradition of his people and that is why he held the important title of Marafa in the Sultan’s council.

“With his diverse and extensive experience in the area of security, his advice would have been useful in tackling the different security issues confronting our country at this point. Incidentally, Alhaji Shinkafi was not a man who shied away from contributing to issues of national development.

“His absence will be sorely missed by all and sundry. I pray that Almighty Allah grant him a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant members of his immediate family, his political family, the people and government of Zamfara and Sokoto States the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Saraki stated.