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By Emeka Aginam
TheThe Northern Patriotic  Front, NPF, a socio-cultural-political organization, has in Abuja, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, even as the group commended  the elder statesman, has in Abuja, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, even as the group commended  the elder statesman

While  frowning  at the current situation where some persons are bent on throwing mud on the legacies he has bequeathed the nation, especially in the telecommunications sector, the group  led by its National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Abacha, said that it considered this visit crucial as it is meant to  honour one of the foremost visionary and patriotic Nigerians who symbolizes integrity just as his name evokes discipline, transparency and visionary leadership.

He said that at his age, the fact that the man is still tirelessly working hard, with dedication and fear of God, has provided a legacy  which is worthy of emulation, and for the purpose of living the tradition of the north that rewards hard work, the organization had decided to pay a solidarity visit to tell Alhaji Joda that he has earned its respect and that of all the citizens of the north, and Nigerians in general. “At a point like this when our elder  statesman, and our father, Alhaji Ahmed Joda who at this stage in the tradition of the North should be celebrated is being troubled by an evil storm, it is now sending very dangerous signal”, he said.

In apparent reference to the recent licensing process in the telecom industry,  the NPF said it has made its own findings and concluded that due process was followed and that the matter would have been settled internally, through dialogue as governance is a collective responsibility.

He said the visit is to convey to Alhaji Joda, its due respect and recognition for his legacy of integrity and institutionalization of due process as has been bequeathed by  his former compatriots like Alhaji  Alhmadu Bello, Mallam Aminu Kano and others.

Alhaji Abacha said the organization chose this particular time to visit Alhaji Joda because “a word of encouragement during tribulation is far more than multiples of praise after the crisis”.

“Sir, we are not surprised that the Nigerian Communications Commission under your able chairmanship has continued to be a pride to all Nigerians. For one, the Commission has restored the dignity of man in several ways as we are now closer to each other by way of communications because phones have become commonplace in Nigeria”,

Alhaji Abacha said. “I talk with ease with my grandmother and she too calls me every now and then to tell me how grateful she is to the Almighty Allah for sparing her life to witness the revolution that in communication in this country”, he said.

He said that under him, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe has also performed creditably well and has earned the respect of the entire north and indeed all Nigerians as he has contributed immensely to the development of the north through the introduction of mobile phones and other ICT services, but has also earned the respect of the north through his dedication to duty and excellence in public service while emulating Alhaji Joda.

According to Alhaji Abacha  “while there may not be a perfection as we believe is normal since perfection belongs to the Almighty God, we at the Northern Patriotic Front believe, and fervently too, that the Nigerian Communications Commission has indeed done well under your shadow”.

“Mr. Chairman, and the Vice chairman of NCC, please continue to hold the light. One candle in the dark is more than many candles in the daylight. When we were in the dark, your leadership brought light to the communications world in Nigeria. It has enhanced education, it has enhanced better life, and it has enabled commerce” he said.

Alhaji Joda who responded to the speech said that he felt very appreciated with the solidarity visit to his office. “To know that you are being watched and appreciated by people is something that money and power cannot buy”, he said. While advising the organization to remain steadfast to the national dream, he said from the youngest to the eldest in Nigeria, everybody is a politician, in the sense that we all have abiding faith in the success of this nation, and we must all work hard and together to make it happen.

The EVC of NCC, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe said he was lucky sitting under Alhaji Joda and milking from his fountain of knowledge and experience as a consummate public servant, administrator, businessman, farmer, teacher, broadcaster, journalist among many other things. He said Alhaji Joda is a blessing to the Commission.