Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, has described the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Suleiman Usman as a very smart person, dedicated, ardent and devout.
He made the observation when he hosted a State Dinner in honour of the Commissioner at the Presidential Lodge, on Wednesday.
According to him, the trajectory of Usman’s career has been “successful, remarkable and impactful over his 20 years of service both in public and private sectors.”
Expressing gratitude to God, Tambuwal further described the Attorney-General “as someone who has lots of intellectual prowess, committed, passionate and has the fear of God.”
The governor said since he first met Usman in 1991, he found it convenient to bring him closer and he never regretted doing so, despite the fact that “we sometimes have disagreements as persons and politicians.
“But we always iron out the issues. We have come a long way,” he emphasized, because of the mutual respect they have for one another.
Noting that he is not surprised with his brilliant achievements in life, the Governor who said he made him the first Special Adviser on Legal Matters when he was just three years into his service, and was his referee severally, “because he has the capacity,” nonetheless urged him to “take advantage of the celebration” to take an introspective look at himself, identify his lapses and appraise himself generally.
“You have done so well,” Governor Tambuwal remarked, giving him a distinction as a Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, just as he assured that “our journey will continue together by the grace of God.”
In a similar vein, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Muhammad Sifawa, who had known the Commissioner since 1999, congratulated him on behalf of the state Judiciary.
According to him, since he first met the celebrant as a law student way back in 1999, “my impression was that he will one day serve the state diligently.
“Now, I am sure you will agree with me that he has done just that and more. In six years he has become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a Life Bencher,” Justice Sifawa said.
He recalled a trip they embarked upon abroad two years ago where the Commissioner left an indelible mark in the minds of foreigners of being a distinguished learned man, who can play any role assigned to him with distinction.
“I’m sure His Excellency (Gov. Tambuwal), has not made the wrong choice,” he said, explaining that the quality of laws so far made by the state under Hon. Usman, has set it apart and made it a role model for other states.”
Sifawa added that with the due diligence put in place in crafting the Child Protection Bill currently under consideration, it is certainly going to generate curious superlative attention because of the outstanding performance of Hon. Usman.
He said the credit of the Governor honoring the recipient in such a befitting way “is ours (the Judiciary), not that of the executive.”
Justice Sifawa, who listed many projects being executed by the Governor under the judicial arm of government, said: “for the first time in the history of the state we have a Governor that is Judiciary-friendly.”
Representing the private bar in the state at the dinner, Barrister Jibril Uwadiae (ESQ), thanked Tambuwal for deeming it fit to celebrate Usman, who he described as trustworthy, brilliant and articulate.
“It shows that you have respect for the bar,” Barrister Uwadiae told Tambuwal, who he noted “is quick to celebrate members of the bar and bench everywhere in Nigeria.
In his vote of thanks, Usman (SAN) said he is extremely delighted, humbled and honoured to mark 20 years as a legal practitioner.
He said apart from God and his late parents, “nobody has impacted on my life like Governor Tambuwal.”
He said throughout his career the Governor has been supportive. “His Excellency (Gov. Tambuwal), has been there right from the beginning. In legal practice, politics and private life, His Excellency, has been a pillar of support to me,” he said.
He prayed that: “May Allah continue to strengthen our brotherhood.”
