Abba Ali Monguno: A man of integrity is no more, by Dr. Aminu Salihu Yakudima
A man of integrity to the core, devotion to religion, and commitment to humanity by both his utterance and action is no more. Alhaji Abba Ali Monguno was a man of integrity, epitome of sincerity, and dedication to duty as per his records of service and history. Yaa Abba, as I often called him, was a Director General (DG).
Later, Permanent Secretary at various ministries and commissions in Borno State, including Ministry of Works and Housing; Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Ministry of Education; civil service commission; local government service commission, etc before his retirement from the civil service. I know late Abba Ali and can attest to his qualities as a man of exemplary leadership, a good administrator, and very humble. Those qualities were clearly exhibited, while I worked with him in various capacities in 1994.
As DG in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Maiduguri, the biggest Ministry of all, Abba Ali assumed office in higher responsibilities, with Directors, Area Engineers, other management cadre and inescapable challenges revolving around him. Going by the organisational structure of a ministry, DG becomes second in the hierarchical order, and the Honourable Commissioner (HC) is placed first.
Each of them with a defined role in accordance with operational procedures and the civil service rules.
Similarly, as obtainable in the civil service reforms of 1984, HC is a political head in a Ministry, an appointee of the Governor, and the approving authority. Hitherto, towards the end of the military rule and in civil administration, politicians were the only categories appointed to such portfolio.
Even among them, it was exclusively for card-carrying members of the ruling political party. A negligible consideration had been accorded to a few members of the opposition and non politicians alike, who were professionals and exceptional in their carriers.
The DG, on the other hand, was an accounting officer and head of administration in the Ministry. The DG not only supervise staff but ensure their participation in proper implementation of policy decisions and strengthen the workforce. Directs and administers smooth running of the Ministry, takes care of staff’s welfare, and maintains discipline. These were parts of the core responsibilities of late Abba Ali Monguno. He discharged them marvellously well without blemishes, to my knowledge.
Even at the early stages of his career, Abba Ali was a hard-working civil servant with versatility. He started as an Agric Assistant on a salary grade 06/2 in 1972-1975. He was promoted to Agric Superintendent on grade 07/2 in 1978 and upgraded to higher Agric Superintendent.
He was senior Agric Superintendent on grade 09/1 in 1979 after additional qualification of HND. Later, Abba Ali obtained a degree of B.Sc. Agric. Economics and changed cadre to an Agric Officer (1) on salary grade 10/4 in 1981.
Abba Ali Monguno’s carrier as a civil servant was marked by a series of transformative journeys that took him to various levels and places in Borno and Yobe States and Abuja. From Chad Basin Development Authority to state, local government, and then back to state and federal service. His professional path was characterised by growth, adaptability, and understanding of the intricacies of public administration.
Several years after retirement, Abba Ali was appointed federal commissioner in the Federal Character Commission, Abuja, in June 2020, during the second tenure of former president Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. He remained in active service of the commission until his sad demise at the age of 72.
Abba Ali’s terminal condition and recent activities can be described as prelude to a departure. For instance, some of us keenly observed that at the time a few enthusiasts have been intensifying efforts to increase visibility in social media, Abba Ali drastically reduced his participation. He left entirely WhatsApp platforms on his own volition some weeks to the inevitable.
I still remember talking to an admin of our group at the time Abba left and insisted on being brought back but to no avail. Undoubtedly, his absences from the group had created a vacuum and shortfalls in many respects. His meaningful contributions, good observations, and guidance are some of the things that will be missed by many people in the group and larger society.
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Another incident was his returns from Saudi Arabia after performing lesser hajj, three days to his death. According to Islamic perspective, this presupposes tremendous blessings, which rarely occur in the life of a Muslim.
Aisha, one of his daughters, further explained that after arrival from Saudi three days ago, on Sunday 26th of January, 2025 her father was hale and hearty, absolutely in good health but only complaint of a leg pains the following day.
Medical reports from a competent hospital in Maiduguri confirmed with accuracy his stable health conditions. He, however, passed away on Tuesday, the 28th of January, 2025.
Abba Ali Monguno was not a politician or a social crusader, but a public servant and a philanthropist who made remarkable achievements dispensing favour and service to humanity. The cosmopolitan people of Maiduguri and those in the hinterland, particularly the people of Monguno, his land of birth will greatly miss him and may cease to benefit from his wonderful gestures.
Other people that will miss late Abba Ali Monguno more greatly are the 32 children he left behind, 21 males and 11 females. Also, the extended family members, friends, and associates like us are going to miss him as well. I’m certain that he will be remembered for his positive contribution, humanitarian service, and keeping good company.
Against this backdrop, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire family, Borno Indigenes Forum Abuja (BIFA), the good people and government of Borno State and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
May Allah SWT forgive the shortcomings of Alhaji Abba Ali Monguno and grant his soul rest in perfect peace. May Allah SWT confirm Aljannah Firdausi as his final abode.
Adieu Abba Ali!
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May his gentle soul continues rest in perfect peace
Ameen.