It’s a blessing being a Nigerian – Chief Isaac Shaahu

Chief Isaac Shaahu, a veteran politician from the First Republic, shared his memories with Weekend Trust. Born in 1935, he attended the Tiv Native Authority Primary School and Katsina-Ala Provincial Secondary School. It was at Katsina-Ala that he learned about politics from his teacher, J.S. Tarka. Tarka introduced him to politics and helped form the United Middle Belt Congress.

Shaahu served as a commissioner in various ministries under the old Benue-Plateau State between 1967 and 1973. After the return of politics, he became a minister of commerce and communication under President Shehu Shagari. He was also a founder of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and an active participant in the formation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Shaahu reminisced about his time as a minority leader in the Northern House of Assembly, where he stood up to the elderly members. He described Shagari as a good man and expressed his admiration for his leadership. When Tarka passed away, Shaahu became the leader of the movement. He attempted to become the governor of Benue State but couldn't hold both positions as a minister and governor simultaneously.

Shaahu attributed the decline in Nigeria's leadership to a growing obsession with money rather than a genuine commitment to governance. He expressed his lack of regret for not becoming the governor of Benue State, emphasizing that he remained free-handed wherever he went. When discussing Nigeria's current state, Shaahu acknowledged that it would take time to address the issues plaguing the country due to the pervasive love for money in leadership.