Draft:Umar Buba Jibril

Umar Buba Jibril

Umar Buba Jibril (22 November 1960 - 30 March 2018) was a Nigerian politician who served three terms as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency. He attained the position of Deputy Majority Leader before his sudden demise in 2018.

Honourable Umar Buba Jibril
Deputy House Leader, Nigeria
Former
Deputy House Leader, 13 June 2015 - 30 March 2018 Chairman, House of Reps Committee On Information, National Orientation 1June 2011 - June 2015 Chairman, House of Reps Committee On Capital Market and Financial Institutions June 2007 - June 2011
Personal details
Born	Umar Buba Jibri 22 November 1960 Kabawa, Lokoja, Nigeria
Chieftaincy Title	Madawkin Koton-Karfe Dama of Lokoja
Died	30 March 2018
Spouses	Hajiya Maryam Umar Jibril Hajiya Ramatu Umar Jibril Hajiya Hadiza Umar Jibril
Education	Master of Architecture
Alma mater	University of Jos
Occupation	Politician businessman

Early Life and Education

Early Life and Education

Umar Buba Jibril was born on 22 November 1960 in the village of Kabawa, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. His parents were Alhaji Jibril Ndamasa and Mallama Salamatu Jibril.

Jibril had his early education at L.E.A Primary School Kabawa from 1969 to 1974. He then proceeded to the prestigious Government Secondary School Koton-Karfe from 1974 to 1979, where he excelled academically and emerged as the Head Boy in his final year.

After secondary school, Jibril studied Architecture at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in 1985 and a Master's degree in 1990, both in Architecture. During his university days, he was an active member of the Muslim Students’ Society and Abdullahi Fodio Society. He graduated with a Second-Class Upper degree.

Career and Professional Life

After completing his university education, Jibril did his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State from 1986 to 1987.

After NYSC, he was appointed to the Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State as a Principal Architect and HTO (Building) from 1986 to 1999. He contributed to the design and construction of many buildings and facilities on the university campus.

Later on, in 1999, Jibril left academia and went into private business. He became the manager of his brother's Oando filling station in Lokoja, a position he occupied until he ventured into politics in 2003. Under his management, the filling station expanded with more pump installations to meet growing demands.

Political Career

Jibril's political career began in 2003 when he contested and won a seat in the Kogi State House of Assembly on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He represented Lokoja I State Constituency.

In the Assembly, Jibril made history by becoming the first Speaker of the House from the PDP. As Speaker from 2003 to 2005, he presided over the passage of several landmark bills including the Kogi State University Amendment Bill and the Local Government Operations Bill. He also oversaw the standardization of the House Rules for effective legislative duties.

In 2007, Jibril contested for a seat in the House of Representatives and won under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He was representing the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency.

During his first term in the House of Reps from 2007-2011, Jibril was appointed Chairman of the pivotal Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions. He sponsored bills like the National Eye Centre Act Amendment Bill and the Peace Commission Establishment Bill.

The politician later decamped to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) under which he contested and won reelection to the House of Reps in 2011 and also become

In the buildup to the 2015 general elections, Jibril moved to the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) which had just been formed from a merger of CPC, ACN, ANPP and other parties. He won his reelection bid to return to the House of Reps for a third term.

Following his reelection, Jibril was appointed Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara. This made him the first representative from Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency to attain such an elevated position. Jibril played a pivotal role in resolving the initial crisis that trailed Dogara's election as Speaker. He leveraged his close relationships with key lawmakers across party lines to stabilize the House.

As Deputy Majority Leader from 2015 to 2018, Jibril sponsored other crucial bills like the Repeal and Re-enactment of Nigerian Film Corporation Bill, Ministers Statutory Powers Amendment Bill, and Local Industry Patronage Bill among others. The last bill he sponsored before his death was the popular and controversial bill titled Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Commission Bill seeks to establish a federal agency responsible for the supervision, coordination, and monitoring of Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria.

He was also very vocal in plenary sessions, moving several motions on matters like flooding, youth empowerment, and erosion control. Jibril served as a stabilizing force in the House of Representatives throughout his time as Deputy Majority Leader.

Constituency Projects and Empowerment

Jibril was known as a grassroots politician who maintained close connections with his constituents. Throughout his time in the National Assembly from 2003 to 2018, he facilitated numerous constituency projects focused on improving lives and promoting development in Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency.

Some of his major projects included:

• Construction of over 40 solar-powered boreholes in various communities to increase clean water access
• Donation of over 18 electricity transformers to connect communities to the national grid
• Installation of solar-powered streetlights in 13 urban and rural communities across the constituency
• Construction of over 4 new classroom blocks and supply of furniture at 7 public schools across Lokoja and Koton-karfe
• Building an ultra-modern fish market in Lokoja with 55 stalls, cold rooms, and smoking kilns to support the fishing industry
• Skills acquisition programs to empower over 100 women, training them in soap making, fish farming, food processing etc.
• Medical outreach offering free treatments to over 3000 constituents with critical health conditions
• ICT training and supply of laptops to over 200 youths to enable them to start technology-based ventures
• Facilitating employment opportunities for over 100 constituents in Federal MDAs
• Distribution of cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, and grinding machines to empower constituents
• Jibril also embarked on outreach programs to get feedback from constituents on their needs and concerns. His philanthropic activities earned him the appellation of "the people's representative."

Death and Legacy

Umar Buba Jibril died on 30 March 2018 at the age of 58 years after a brief illness. His sudden demise was mourned across Kogi State and Nigeria.

Many tributes poured in praising Jibril's astute political leadership, grassroots development initiatives and uncommon commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

The Kogi State chapter of the University of Jos Alumni Association described Jibril as "an uncommon democrat who played politics with all sense of decency and great commitment to creating a just society." The association noted that Nigeria had lost a leader at a critical moment when his wealth of legislative experience was needed.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, gave a tearful tribute remembering Jibril's selfless service and principled stands on issues. He described him as a humble, vibrant and patriotic legislator.

Senate President Bukola Saraki also mourned Jibril, calling him a "seasoned legislator and champion of the common man." Other lawmakers pointed out Jibril's calmness, truthfulness and bridge-building efforts in the House.

President Muhammadu Buhari expressed sadness over Jibril's death, describing him as "the humble and vibrant national legislator." He condoled Jibril's family, the House of Representatives and the people of Kogi State over the loss.

Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoiza Bello described Jibril as a man who "lived in the hearts of his people." He noted that Jibril's life was an inspiration for aspiring leaders and that his death left a vacuum that would be hard to fill.

Beyond politics, ordinary citizens also remembered Jibril's generosity and how he positively touched many lives through his projects and philanthropic deeds. Imams and clergymen prayed for the repose of his soul during special funeral prayers attended by thousands.

Jibril's death triggered a by-election to fill his vacant seat in the House of Representatives. His family expressed interest in fielding a candidate to replace him and carry on his legacy. The family forwarded four names, including the name of his brother, Isah Yahaya, to the governor of the state and leader of the party (APC) in the state, Governor Yahaya Adoiza Bello to consider.

Umar Buba Jibril was survived by three wives - Hajiya Maryam Umar Jibril, Hajiya Ramatu Umar Jibril and Hajiya Hadiza Umar Jibril - and many children. He was buried in his hometown of Kabawa, Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State according to Islamic rites. Many top Kogi politicians and National Assembly members attended his funeral.

Jibril left behind a legacy of astute grassroots political leadership, selfless constituency development and principled stands on issues of national importance throughout his State Assembly and House of Reps career from 2003 to 2018.

References

1. "Reps Deputy Majority Leader Buba Jibril Is Dead" - The Guardian Nigeria -https://guardian.ng/news/reps-deputy-majority-leader-buba-jibril-is-dead/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

2. "Buba Jibril, Reps Deputy Majority Leader, Dead" - The Cable - https://www.thecable.ng/buba-jibril-reps-deputy-majority-leader-dead Retrieved 19 November 2023

3. "House of Reps Deputy Majority Leader Dies at 58" - Channels Television - https://www.channelstv.com/2018/03/30/house-of-reps-deputy-majority-leader-dies-at-58/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

4. "APC Mourns Deputy House Leader, Buba Jibril" - Daily Post Nigeria - https://dailypost.ng/2018/03/30/apc-mourns-deputy-house-leader-buba-jibril/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

5. "Opinion: Remembering Rt. Hon. Umar Buba Jibril" - Kogi Reports - https://kogireports.com/opinion-remembering-rt-hon-umar-buba-jibril/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

6. "Buba Jibril: Death of a Silent Stabilizer" - Independent Nigeria - https://independent.ng/buba-jibril-death-of-a-silent-stabilizer/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

7. "Umar Jibril: Kogi Leader, Bello" - The Nation Online - https://thenationonlineng.net/umar-jibril-kogi-leader-bello/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

8.  "Buhari, Saraki, Others Mourn Late Lawmaker, Jibril" - Premium Times Nigeria - https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/263723-buhari-saraki-others-mourn-late-lawmaker-jibril.html?tztc=1 Retrieved 19 November 2023

9. "Umar Buba Jibril: Tribute to a Visionary Pragmatist Leader" - Kogi Reports – https://kogireports.com/umar-buba-jibril-tribute-to-a-visionary-pragmatist-leader/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

10.  "Constituency Report: Buba Jibril Commissions Modern Fish Market in Lokoja" - Kogi Reports - https://kogireports.com/constituency-report-buba-jibril-commissions-modern-fish-market-in-lokoja/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

11.  "Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Africa Region Condolences Passing Away Right Honourable Umar Buba Jibril Executive Member Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region" - Parliament of South Africa – https://www.parliament.gov.za/press-releases/commonwealth-women-parliamentarians-africa-region-condolences-passing-away-right-honourable-umar-buba-jibril-executive-member-commonwealth-parliamentary-association-africa-region Retrieved 19 November 2023

12. "Buba Jibril: In Life, In Death - A Brotherly Advice to Govt and People of Lokoja-Koto Fed Constituency" - Kogi Reports - https://kogireports.com/buba-jibril-in-life-in-death-a-brotherly-advise-to-govt-and-people-of-lokoja-koto-fed-constituency/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

13.  "House of Reps By-Election: Buba Jibril Family Seeks Gov. Bello Support" - Kogi Reports – https://kogireports.com/house-of-reps-by-election-buba-jibril-family-seeks-gov-bello-support/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

14.  "House of Representatives Hold Valedictory Session for Late Buba Jibril" - Kogi Reports –  

https://kogireports.com/house-of-representatives-hold-valedictory-session-for-late-buba-jibril/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

15.  "Gbajabiamila Mourns Death of Buba Jibril" - Kogi Reports - https://kogireports.com/gbajabiamila-mourns-death-of-buba-jibril/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

16.  "Lalong, Okoye, Buba Jibril: Lawmakers Whose Recall Bids Failed - Will Melaye’s Case Be Different?" - Kogi Reports – https://kogireports.com/lalong-okoye-buba-jibril-lawmakers-whose-recall-bids-failed-will-melayes-case-be-different/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

17.  "772 Persons Receive Treatment on Day 1 of Hon Buba Jibril Medical Outreach" - Kogi Reports – https://kogireports.com/772-persons-receive-treatment-on-day-1-of-hon-buba-jibril-medical-outreach/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

18. "Buba Trains 200 Senior Secondary School Students on Desktop Publishing" - Kogi Reports - https://kogireports.com/buba-trains-200-senior-secondary-school-students-on-desktop-publishing/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

19. "Lokoja-Koto: Buba Empower Constituents" - Kogi Reports - https://kogireports.com/lokoja-koto-buba-empower-constituents/ Retrieved 19 November 2023

20. "Kogi State House of Assembly in the Last 30 Years" - Kogi Reports - https://kogireports.com/kogi-state-house-of-assembly-in-the-last-30-years/ Retrieved 19 November 2023