The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Rt. Hon. Usman S. Bawa (ABG), has described former governor of the state, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, CON, as a statesman whose seven decades of life and service have left enduring footprints in Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Bawa, in a congratulatory message to mark Makarfi’s 70th birthday, said the former governor’s life reflected “vision, humility, intellect” and commitment to unity, justice and good governance.
He commended Makarfi’s eight-year administration as governor of Kaduna State between 1999 and 2007, saying it laid important foundations for the development of the state through investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare.
According to him, Makarfi’s administration also promoted religious harmony and inclusiveness, with emphasis on governance that served citizens irrespective of their ethnic, religious or social backgrounds.
Bawa further highlighted Makarfi’s contributions to national politics, particularly his tenure as chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, describing the period as one in which the former governor demonstrated calmness, political maturity and commitment to democratic institutions.
The PDP candidate said Makarfi’s leadership at the national level helped the party navigate a difficult period, adding that his intervention contributed to restoring confidence and stability within the opposition party.
He described the former governor as a mentor, bridge-builder and voice of reason whose commitment to equity, inclusiveness and the rule of law continued to inspire younger politicians, including himself.
Bawa, who extended the birthday greetings on behalf of his family, supporters across Kaduna State and the PDP family in the state, thanked Almighty Allah for preserving Makarfi to attain the age of 70 and for the impact he had made in the lives of many people.
He prayed for continued sound health, strength, wisdom and many more years of impactful service to Kaduna State, Nigeria and humanity, saying, “May your legacy endure, may your counsel continue to guide us, and may your light never dim.”
