Those at the top are not always ogres, as this writer finds out. Bosses are human, too. I first met Chairman, as we fondly called Sam Nda-Isaiah (the late publisher of Leadership newspapers) as a young, energetic lad, freshly out of NYSC and trying to navigate myself around the political climate of Nigeria, while seeking to expand my educational qualifications – coming from an academic background, my dad prodded me towards concluding my Ph.D. before clocking 30. While my foster dad, Professor Sheikh Abdullah, a showering pride in the ivory tower, represented a mark of the excellence of the noble profession and wanted nothing short for me.
I grew up reading dozens of African pre-independence and post-independence political books in my dad’s library and profoundly admired the art of politicking. I got influenced by them but had zero chance of having a grip on this dynamic game, until providence came my way, via a call from Mustapha Sheikh Abdullah, intimating me of a meeting with a certain presidential aspirant from the yet to be registered All Progressives Congress, APC. The negotiation birthing the coalition merger was still in progress even though Chairman was of the Congress for Progressives Change, CPC bloc. I had to dash out from Zaria to Abuja, telling my dad I’d be back in the evening of the same day; that never happened. It was late 2014 and Chairman was having a press conference to announce his intention to run for president. I had no idea what to expect when we attended.
Before the presidential primaries, a bond was signed among the five presidential aspirants, noting that whoever wins the primaries, everyone would collapse his structure and support the victor. The then General Muhammadu Buhari emerged victoriously. Thus, Sam Nda-Isaiah, Alh Atiku Abubakar, Senator Rochas Okorocha, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankoso, all collapsed their structures and assets and handed them to the winner.
Chairman nominated us, more or fewer rookies, to join the media directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council, which included media linchpins such as Garba Shehu, Dele Alake, Niyi Akinsiju, Barrister Aliyu Abdullahi, Laureata Onoche, Dr Chidia Maduakwe, Susan Henshaw, Abubakar Usman Sidiq, Gloria Adgbon, Seye Adebayo, Ayobami Oyalowo, Chukwudi Enekwechi, Paul Ibe, to mention but a few.
We once accompanied him on a visit to the then Presidential Candidate of the APC at Buhari’s private residence at Aso Drive; there we met many of the current kitchen cabinet members. On sighting the current Presidential Spox, Mallam Garba Shehu, but then Director of Communications for the campaign council, Chairman motioned towards him and handed Ahmed Sidi and me to him saying “these are now your boys”. When he went in to see the Presidential candidate, he asked that we join him and again introduced us, stating that these were the young “chaps” who ran my digital campaign; the General seemed impressed. We were star-struck as that was the first time we had ever come close to the people’s General—this is who Chairman was, he went all out for his kins, he was one of a kind.
This reality was aptly captured in the President’s tribute when he noted that he had lost a “friend and ally”. Facts only.
Chairman was a nationalist to the core and an incurable optimist in the greatness of Nigeria, he never bothered about your creed but rather was interested in what you brought to the table; indeed his motto was: “For God And Country.” His ringtone was the Nigerian national anthem, his email read “SamofNigeria,” he prided so much in Nigeria; he was an ambassador at large, now lost to the cold hands of death.
Chairman was a serial entrepreneur, whose tradecraft was top-tier. We always marveled at his unassuming posture yet ingenious mien. This is our collective loss, and we take solace in the fact that Chairman lived an impactful life and the certainty that he is in a better place.
I remember when I first saw Chairman, he initiated the conversation by extending his hand and said “Hi! I am Sam.” His handshake was firm and strong. He spoke with confidence and charisma. He reminded me so much of the “king of all kings” in the Hong Kong movies I’ve seen, walking into a room and making heads turn. As time went by, I began to know him better and what he valued the most: people. To him, his employees were like his family. He made it clearly known that everyone plays an important role.
“Don’t work for me. Work with me.” Those words still ring in my ears today. He did his best to pull everyone together to build the team and make everyone feel a sense of ownership. The saying “Work is like a marriage” has some truth to it. There have to be elements of respect, trust, commitment, and reasonable expectations. When it doesn’t work out, people quit.
Chairman departed without an announcement, leaving us still young and volatile; but personally, I feel so blessed that I had worked with one of the best bosses in the world. I have learned priceless lessons from him. I have learned the import of loyalty, which shall never depart me until I breathe my last breath.
Adieu Chairman, indeed, a formidable backbone is gone – we are grateful for the opportunities you gave us, and our thoughts and prayers are with your lovely wife, Zainab Nda-Isiah, kids, the Nda-Isaiah clan, praying God gives mama the strength to handle this. I still fervently remember your dance with her on your birthday. It is with a heavy and broken heart that I pen this tribute. Until we meet again, be rest assured that the marathon continues as you smile at us, Chairman.
Your legacy would forever remain deep inside our hearts. Thank you for being a great leader and friend.
