A Tribute In Memory Of My Brother, Leader In Many Hearts, Barrister Abba Bello Mohammed By Mansur Mohammed

With a heavy, yet gratified heart, I join multitudes of people. to mourn and celebrate the life and legacy of my great brother, the people’s advocate, Barrister Abba Bello, born on 21st October 1981, his lights eclipsed on 6th January 2023, his memory still fresh in many hearts.

We mourn and celebrate the life of a leader, husband, father, brother and consummate humanitarian, Barrister Abba Bello Mohammed, a man who lived a private life and placed service above self, a devout and fervent Muslim who believed and practiced the teachings and doctrines of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Barrister Abba was a thoroughbred family man. He was an obedient and respectful family member who kept healthy relationships with everyone during his lifetime.

He came from a good home and was survived by his loving family, including two young children, a wife, parents and siblings whom he selflessly put first; always making sure that he used whatever he had to provide for them.

A direct descendant of Mallam Abdullahi Fodio -brother of Sheikh Usman bin Fodio-Abba Bello was of noble bloodline. He was conferred with the traditional title of “Chiroman Ubandoman Gwandu” by the Ubandoman Gwandu of the Gwandu Emirate in Kebbi State, as a testimony to his avowed love for the development of his indigenous community as well as his unrelenting stand for constant peaceful coexistence amongst his people.

Indeed a true statesman, Abba Bello was an inspiration to many, a leader of a youthful and highly motivated generation for he was, in al ramifications, a good man, a mentor and a jolly good fellow. A sterling administrator, thriving entrepreneur, witty lawyer and solicitor par excellence, he lifted so many up and also encouraged others to lift their fellows from the morass of helplessness and despondency into self-fulfillment.

He was loved by all, and many have testified, ‘Abba na kowa ne!’, meaning Abba is for everybody! He was a detribalized individual who wholeheartedly believed in competence and merit over favoritism and nepotism of any sort. It was only when he passed on that the full extent of his deep connections with others was known.

From all walks of life, many came out to mourn and attest to many acts of generosity and kindness he had shown them during his lifetime. We cried at the loss of a kind-hearted soul. He truly was one of a kind, a rare gem.

As a lover of humanity, he constantly gave his all towards rendering a helping hand and was steadfast in his determination to promote human welfare and social reforms. Barrister Abba Bello stood as a great pillar of support to the less privileged, the disabled, widowed, orphaned, the vulnerable and many more.

He found pleasure in extending a helping hand to people in need, such that the person seated next to them would never know, and he believed that to be a blessing to humanity is a gift from the Almighty Allah. Giving was natural to him.

He was a visionary leader who passed on in the struggle to bring the long overdue effective representation to his people. Abba was fully dedicated to serve the good people of Birnin-Kebbi, Kalgo and Bunza Federal Constituency and, by extension, the whole of Kebbi State.

Indeed, he passed on with a full regalia of unvanquished honor. But he also left in the people whose lives he touched a full regalia of his unforgettable humanity with a conviction that they will pass the torch to others. Alas, the people have lost an emphatic leader.

Abba’s legacy lives on because his life made a considerable impact towards the development and growth of individuals. His dream to do more for his people and community through effective, all-inclusive, valid and quality representation must not be allowed to die.

His legacy lives on because his ideas and beliefs remain timeless and must be realized as that will be his true happiness. He led, tutored, mentored, encouraged and inculcated his values to many. In a way, it was as if he knew the task had to be completed regardless.

Indeed, he was a quintessential and selfless leader whose magnanimity and administrative acumen has gone. There’s indeed no gainsaying he would be greatly and sorely missed by all who knew him.

In truth, al men must die but for good men, death cannot kill their names. For, as they say, the only truly dead are those who have been forgotten. Abba Bello Mohammed can never be forgotten, and will never, be forgotten–by God’s will.

Barrister Abba Bello’s Legacy Lives On! Adieu my great brother!

Mansur Mohammed, son of former Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, OFR, writes from Abuja.