By ABBA DUKAWA

Great public servants are defined by a clear vision, compelling goals, and an unwavering commitment to lasting impact. Their leadership is grounded in courage, integrity, focus, perseverance, and humility. These very qualities defined the life and legacy of Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya—a true servant of the people and a symbol of transformative change.

As a former parliamentarian, Hon. Gaya embodied these ideals throughout his tenure. During his two terms in the Green Chamber, he championed impactful projects that improved lives and raised the bar for political representation in his constituency.

Hon. Gaya was not just a representative—he was a devoted advocate for his people. He remained accessible and engaged, listening attentively to individuals and communities alike. Through legislative advocacy, he pushed for policies that brought tangible improvements, leaving behind a legacy that few could rival.

Before his election in 2015, the Ajingi, Albasu, and Gaya Federal Constituency had endured years of neglect. From 1999 to 2015, none of his predecessors established even a single constituency office—an alarming sign of disconnected and ineffective representation.

Hon. Gaya’s emergence marked a pivotal shift. Staying true to his campaign promises, he opened constituency offices in each LGA headquarters, creating consistent and direct channels between the electorate and their representative. He introduced pre-budget consultations, empowering citizens to take part in development planning. Annual town hall meetings became institutionalized, fostering transparency and accountability in the execution of people-centered projects.

Hon. Gaya’s legislative journey began in 2015 when he was elected to represent Ajingi, Albasu, and Gaya in the House of Representatives. In the 8th National Assembly, he quickly gained a reputation for inclusive and responsive representation. Despite inheriting a constituency with significant infrastructural deficits, Hon. Gaya worked tirelessly to reverse nearly two decades of stagnation. His interventions spanned several key sectors: Education: Constructed and rehabilitated numerous schools, providing essential learning materials.Healthcare: Built and renovated health centers across all three LGAs, significantly increasing access to medical services.

Water & Energy: Installed hundreds of hand pumps, motorized boreholes, and solar-powered streetlights.Agriculture: Promoted irrigation farming by distributing water pump generators and overseeing the construction of an earth dam in Falankawa (Ajingi) and the Panda-Albasu road. Employment: Facilitated job placements for youth in institutions such as the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, FRSC, FIRS, CBN, KEDCO, NNPC, and other federal and state agencies.

In the 8th Assembly, Hon. Gaya chaired an Ad Hoc Committee that investigated over N500 billion owed to the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) by oil marketers. The committee's work led to the recovery of hundreds of billions of naira for the federal government. His competence also earned him a seat on the 16-member “Wise Men” Tactical Committee on Economic Recession Recovery, which engaged with government agencies, manufacturers, labor unions, and civil society organizations to design strategic responses to the economic crisis.

During the 9th Assembly, Hon. Gaya served as Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). He led effo’ts to address the Nigeria’ Customs Service’s restrictions on petroleum product discharges in border towns. His oversight extended to a forensic investigation of the NNPC’s graduate recruitment process and visits to dormant refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri, helping to identify viable paths for their revitalization.

One of his most significant contributions was his active role in the successful passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)—a legislative breakthrough that had eluded previous administrations. Signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) replaced over 16 fragmented and outdated laws, some dating back more than 50 years. This new framework brought clarity, efficiency, and modern governance to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Hon. Gaya’s role in its passage reflects his national relevance and commitment to reform.

Despite losing his re-election bid, Hon. Gaya remained steadfast in his service. Just weeks after the election, he personally supervised a final empowerment initiative, distributing over 200 motorcycles and hundreds of solar streetlights throughout his constituency.

This act of service stands in stark contrast to the unfortunate trend of outgoing politicians withholding development projects as a form of retribution. Hon. Gaya’s actions reaffirmed his integrity and genuine commitment to the people.

His tenure remains a benchmark for effective representation. He earned bipartisan respect not just as a legislator, but as a genuine advocate for the people of Ajingi, Albasu, and Gaya.

In comparison, the current representative has faced widespread criticism for inaccessibility and indifference. The constituency is now feeling the consequences of ineffective leadership.

By all measures, Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya’s legacy is one of purposeful, people-first representation. His work continues to resonate—a reminder that when done right, public service can truly transform lives. To the people of Ajingi, Albasu, and Gaya, he is more than a former lawmaker; he is remembered as a compassionate leader who consistently put their needs first.

Hon. Gaya is known for his ability to solve complex challenges with ease. His selfless nature, combined with confidence and extensive experience, has earned him numerous public appointments. He is meticulous, articulate, visionary, and highly skilled in both organizational management and human resources.

Born on September 24, 1963, to Malam Mahmud Ismailia Abdullah Maje Karofi and Hajiya Nafisat Mahmud, Hon. Gaya began his education with Quranic and Islamic studies in Gaya town. He later obtained his First School Leaving Certificate from Gaya Central Primary School and attended the prestigious Barewa College in Zaria.

He pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Abuja. His professional career began at Afribank (now Polaris Bank), where he rose to the position of Principal Manager. He later served as Kano State’s Commissioner of Finance, where he demonstrated strong financial acumen and unwavering commitment to public service.

Hon. Gaya’s post-legislative career reflects ongoing recognition of his competence and leadership. Under the Tinubu administration, he was appointed: Independent Non-Executive Director, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Non-Executive Director (Asset Liability), Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO) These appointments underscore his respected track record and enduring national relevance.

May the years ahead be ever more purposeful in service to humanity.

•Dukawa writes from Kano and can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com