Between Shettima and his Political Doppelgänger: A Story of Inspiration and Appreciation
By Lawan Bukar Maigana
A United States congressman, Major Owens once said, ‘I have a great deal of respect and admiration for people who put themselves on the line.’
Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s political doppelgänger, Awana Alhaji Gana, often describe him as an exemplary leader because, according to him, he was taught as a child in Islamic school that a leader is a servant of the people and a loyal servant sacrifices his life to protect his masters – the people.
Indeed, this was justified by Shettima when he was Governor of Borno State. He stood his ground to protect his people and never ran away from battle, putting his life on the line and confronting the monsters called Boko Haram. He mobilised the police, rallied soldiers, and established the Civilian JTF – a group of patriotic young people who are always ready to sacrifice their lives for their country – which helped to stem the tide of the insurgency.
The fear in Maiduguri in 2014 was so intense that some notable persons, politicians, and non-politicians had to relocate their families to Abuja. Shettima, who was abroad at that time, canceled the assignment, returned home, and mobilised residents to rise in defense of their ancestry. They succeeded in pushing the enemies back. That was the time when everybody thought the cursed elements had hoisted their flags in the city of Maiduguri.
Based on the sleepless nights he had endured in the latter part of his first tenure – moving from one shooting or bombing scene to the other and liaising with the federal government to protect Borno people – most observers actually thought he would just chicken out and not bother to seek a second term in office. But he contested, won, and sustained the fight against the enemies.
VP Shettima has always attracted the best brains to himself, being a first-rate intellectual as well. This why it wasn’t difficult for him and this remarkable look-alike to find each other and connect.
Unlike other politicians who only read articles written by their admirers and watch activities done by others in their names without appreciation, Shettima keeps his eagle eyes around, following everything that involves his name and showing appreciation. He doesn’t look down on people, which is why his political network is full of diverse people of all classes.
This reminds me of the first time he called to appreciate me when I wrote an article titled “Kashim Shettima: Courage, Conviction Cannot Kill a Man,” in 2022 which was published in many national dailies across the country.
Interestingly, when VP Shettima met Alhaji Gana, who politically mimics him, he observed the striking similarities between himself and the latter.
Kashim Shettima is known for visiting his friends, honouring their special invitations, and standing with them during trying times. These quintessential traits have been maintained by his political doppelgänger whose friends work with him. Awana attends marriages, condoles with people who lost their loved ones, and organises a caricature of every political event the VP has attends.
VP Shettima once again showed the humane side of him recently when he posted on Facebook that: “On Tuesday, I paid a condolence visit to the family of my brother, friend, and colleague at Zenith Bank, Chief Kester Christopher Kenechuku Ogualili, who passed away on May 3, 2024. Kester and I have come a long way, and now that he is no more, we will step in to fill the vacuum created by his demise.”
Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Borno and can be reached via email: [email protected]
