He was one chairman of a local govt that embraced humility to almost an extreme level at a time politicians are demanding to be worshipped. He was not capable of keeping malice and he apologised profusely when he was wrong.
I knew Hon Zimbo when we met in his last year as chairman at my usual hideout anytime I was in Kaduna. Unaware that he was also a guest, I heard a gentle knock and asked the knocker to come in, thinking it was s room service staff. My eyes met his as he opened the door and entered.
He had previously missed our appointment in his office some months back after security exigencies delayed him beyond the time allocated He would call to tender apologies later. Meeting him for the first time as the Chairman of Zangon Kataf LG, Zimbo gave me an opportunity yo have a synopsis of his character. He was never a disagreeable character, but a truly public servant who wished for others peace and progress.
Unlike others who deployed their positions in oppressing others, Hon Zimbo was willing to share with others to alleviate the suffering of others. He cultivated friendship across the ethnic groups that make up the local govt. In life, Zimbo has this unique simplicity that made him accessible to people. His life is a manual for how best to deal with the electorate. Due to his humanitarian disposition, he carried many retired politicians, including many indigent people, on his shoulders through monthly stipends to survive the pangs of deprivation.
He was a great leader of monumental empathy whose philanthropy was never in doubt.
Yes, I slightly disagree with his style of lightening the burdens of suffering for out-of-favoured politicians, but he did such in line with his kind heartedness and not for some whimsical benefits. His struggle for a comeback for a second term led to some understandable departures in the process, but my respect for his type of person was unshakeable.
His passage today recalls his political quintessense of his humane leadership qualities that provided quality service to the people he was elected to serve. For all the years to come, Zimbo will be remembered as a public servant who refused to be carried away by the clouds of political success.
Good night, Hon. Zimbo. May your bad deeds be soaked in the blood of the Lamb, knowing that your good deeds has opened the streets of gold of a city not made by man. Take your rest Gallant Soul. May your death be a lesson and may your footprints serve as a warning and an inspiration to present and future leaders. May the Almighty God grant your family and your political associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss that is personal to me.