Encomiums as Ex-Kwara Speaker, Ahmad, Marks 59th Birthday in Grand Style

By Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The ancient town of Ilorin, Kwara state capital recently went agog as the political associates, families, friends and well wishers of the immediate past Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Professor Ali Ahmad eulogised him on his 59th birthday.

Ahmad, a former House of Representatives member and Constitutional Lawyer rolled out drums to mark the occasion.

The former lawmaker who is popularly called “Ali Dodo” remains one of the loyal members of the Saraki political dynasty in the state.

Born November 23, 1965. His academic career started in 1990 at Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria, and included positions at Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the University of Ilorin, and Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria.

He has practiced law in Nigeria and New York City, United States. Currently, he is a professor of law at the University of Abuja, Nigeria.

Ahmad’s political career started as a special assistant to the then Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in 2005. He was elected to Nigeria’s 7th House of Representatives in 2011, representing Ilorin East/Ilorin South Federal Constituency. He moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 and was appointed a member of the Governing Council of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in 2012.

Ahmad also played a key role in the moulding and establishment of the Kwara State University, Malete, during the administration of Governor Saraki in his capacity as Secretary of the Feasibility Committee as well as Secretary of the Planning Committee and the Steering Committee in 2009.

In 2015, Ahmad was elected into the Kwara State House of Assembly to represent Ilorin South. His colleagues unanimously elected him Speaker to lead the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly.

The Assembly was the first to debate and pass the constitutional amendment dubbed the Not-too-young-to-rule Bill, meant to reduce the age limit for running for elective offices in Nigeria.

He became an Ambassador to the movement for the passage of the Bill, which has now become law. He led the Assembly to maintain a robust relationship with the Administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

At the same time, he demonstrated commitment to upholding the principle of power separation, resisting overtures of the executive in appropriate circumstances, and always deferring to the Constitution of Nigeria even where situations warranted wider legislative-executive confrontation.

The erudite scholar has left no one in doubt as a true bred political icon that has used all his political positions to alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged people in Ilorin Emirate and also contribute to the growth of political dynasty of late Dr. Olusola Saraki and former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki since his debut in the political space of Ilorin and the country.

His political assignments in the various areas of the state’s representations have helped him to garner necessary political experience that may serves as an impetus to lead in another higher position in the state in the nearest future.

The occasion was also used to honour the erudite scholar by the Ilorin based Islamic-based organisation, Abu Sheriff International Islamic Dawah Organisation with the conferment of the title of ‘Sarki Malami Asiido Worldwide.’

Sheikh Abu Sheriff, who is also the leader of the Assido Worldwide movement in his remarks at the event extolled the former speaker for his kindheartedness and love for community and faith-based engagements, describing him as a true lover of the grassroots.

He said the former lawmaker has remained accessible to the people in the grassroots despite being out of office, urging other prominent individuals in the society to emulate the kind nature.

Also, at the special prayers organised at his country home, along Ahmadu Bello way, GRA, Ilorin, the cleric, Sheikh Abdulmu’umin Hanafy Ayara Al-adaby, who led the prayers session eulogised the celebrant for making Ilorin Emirate proud in view of his commitment and affection to the growth of the society and Ilorin Emirate in particular.

The cleric, Sheikh Ayara Adaby expressed his admiration for the former speaker, whom he described as an intellectual gentleman with the passion for Islamic and western education.

He further noted that the presence of the former lawmaker in the congregation was a true testament to his love and passion for the community and grassroots development.

However, paying tribute to the legal luminary, an associate, Hon. Moshood Mustapha, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal constituency described former Attorney-General of the state, Hon. Ahmad as a true patriot that has used all his enviable political positions to add more value to the social wellbeing of the people, especially in Ilorin Emirate.

Mustapha, who is also Walin of Ilorin, described Hon. Ahmad as a beacon of hope for Kwara in view of his love by the people.

He said Hon. Ahmad had remained a humble politician that had used available positions to better the lot of the people.

Hon. Mustapha therefore prayed Almighty Allah to grant him long life and prosperity in service to humanity.

For Engineer Kawu Agaka, the Dan Iya Geri of Ilorin Emirate, he noted that the experienced lawmaker, who exemplifies utmost dedication to public service “has left an indelible mark on the legal reforms in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the advancement of democracy, rule of law and good governance.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its tribute described the Professor of Law and Legislative studies as a “symbol of loyalty, integrity and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the PDP and the Saraki political family.”

The party in a statement issued by the publicity secretary, Hon. Adewara Olusola, stated that the former speaker remains an embodiment of good personality in making life more bearable for his people.

Also, Hon. Saheed Popoola, a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, who represented the Ojomu/Balogun State Constituency, extended his birthday wishes to the Professor of Law, describing him as an exceptional character very rare to match.

He prayed God Almighty continues to preserve, protect and guide him and his household.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sobi101.9FM, Mallam Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha (LOM), congratulated Prof. Ali Ahmad on the occasion of his 59th birthday anniversary, noting that he is an excellent academic, a compassionate leader and a true inspiration to everyone who knows him.

This is contained in a statement issued through the Rebirth Media Team.

The Rebirth Captain, in his message, said, “I want to join other well-wishers to celebrate with my brother, a friend, and our Dean at Baze University, Abuja.

“Your remarkable contributions to academia, governance, and the legal profession are a reflection of your dedication to excellence and integrity.

“Your achievements highlight a life of purpose and vision. As a friend and mentor, your influence has touched countless lives, including mine, during my academic sojourn as a law student at Baze University,” he added.

Mustapha enjoined the celebrant to continue on the path of selfless service to humanity while praying for good tidings for the celebrant.

Also, the President of Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), Alhaji Mohammed Uthman Jagunmo, noted the ability of Professor Ali Ahmad in connecting with people from all walks of life without any biases or sentiments.

The community youth based group, therefore, “prayed to Almighty Allah to continue to bless him with good health, wisdom and strength to keep serving humanity.

In another outpouring felicitation messages, the members of The Ali Ahmad Foundation (TAAF), joined millions of well-wishers in celebrating their founder, asking Allah to strengthen him and grant his innermost heart desires.

Meanwhile, the celebrant, Prof. Ahmad, thanked all the people that attended the occasion saying,”I am highly elated for the honour extended to me on my birthday and I promise to reciprocate the honour whenever I find myself in any position for the socio economic development of the society and humankind”.

The 59th birthday of the erudite legal icon cum politician has come and gone but the contributions of the former speaker have created indelible mark in the hearts of the people of Ilorin Emirate and nation in general. No doubt, his service to Kwara and humanity will serve as launchpad to greater service to the state in the nearest future.