by Mal Gambo Hamza

Nothing accurately describes the recent attack on the person of Mal Musa Umar Yashi, the Executive Director, Humanitarian Affairs of the North East Development Commission, NEDC by one Sanusi Muhammad more than a desperate attempt and smear campaign intended to tarnish his image and bring his hard earned reputation to ridicule. Sadly for the promoters and sponsors of that campaign of columny, we can convincingly tell them their inglorious effort is dead on arrival because it is lacking in any logical reason of conviction. Infact, no serious and patriotic Nigerian will take their message serious as it is full of pettiness, innuendos, sheer jealous and moral bankruptcy rather than any hard fact or truth.

Such diabolical attack can only thrive in an insane and chaotic society where hard work, honesty and transparency is not the yardstick for judging a character but not in Nigeria. Above all, it smacks of a hatchet job sponsored most probably by those invisible forces afraid of Mal Yashi’s unmatched and intimidating credentials as well as unbreakable record of service which ultimately puts him as the leading light of the NEDC. Till date, he remains a living legend, untainted moral standard bearer and the only Executive Director to be so appointed three times to serve on the Management Board of the NEDC which may be a source of envy from within and outside the organization.

For how can anyone even attempt to question or challenge his enviable record of service and his global standing as the most outstanding Humanitarian Person so globally recognized based on his immense contributions to the mitigation of humanitarian crisis in the North East region in the last 5 years?

We can all re-call the catastrophic effect and colossal damage the Boko Haram insurgency has caused the region resulting in the the destruction of thousands of homes, hospitals, schools, markets, roads and bridges as well as the displacement of millions of people from their ancestral home towns. Experts have estimated the cost of this humanitarian crisis at billions of Naira.

It was the meticulous thinking and planning by Mal Yashi as the Executive Director Humanitarian Affairs of the NEDC that gradually brought the situation under control with succour and relief provided to victims in the troubled region. If anything, he should be commended and hailed as a hero and champion of the masses rather than being attacked. To his credit, thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs from across the region who were scattered around and taking shelter at various IDP Camps, were resettled in their various Communities and have since resumed their normal lives. Statistically, nearly over a million people have so far been resettled in their original places of abode while the process continues.

More importantly, Mallam Yashi under whose portfolio the responsibilities of managing the affairs of thousands of displaced persons in the zone directly fall, similarly engaged in a speedy reintegration of victims of the insurgency into society. So far, many of the repentant Boko Haram members who have surrendered, have undergone rigorous training and have now re-integrated into society courtesy of the well laid out policy of Mal Yashi.

In addition to this effort, the Humanitarian Affairs Department has been able to offer series of humanitarian assistance and support to millions of people in the region to help cushion the effect of the current hardship been experienced in the country. It is to be noted that no Community in the region that was in need of support was ever neglected by Mal Yashi’s Department which constantly evolves different forms of support and assistance. The numerous commendations, accolades and testimonies of the benefitting Communities and their respective Governors, are enough confirmation of the impact of the humanitarian services rendered by Mal Musa Yashi. What else does anyone expect from this consummate administrator and God fearing man who has continued to touch the lives of thousands of people whom he has not even met or seen in his life?

Within and outside the NEDC, he is regarded as a true leader, workaholic, an upright and transparent leader who never compromised on issues of welfare and well being of the people.

He was first appointed in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, (GCFR) and he served faithfully offering humanitarian services to people and communities affected by the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency and this helped tremendously to transform as well as restore the region to the path of growth and prosperity.

Although the NEDC has three different Departments, the Humanitarian Affairs Directorate which falls under the purview of Mal Yashi, is regarded as the pillar and engine room of the organisation as it executes the most strategic activities of the organization.

It was in recognition of these achievements that President Bola Tinubu reappointed Mal Musa Yashi along with other Directors to serve on the Management Board of the NEDC and so far, so good. Mal Yashi is performing well and has and will NOT disappoint anyone in the performance of his duties..

Mal Gambo Hamza writes from Jos, Plateau State