The Human Condition... Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago was a friend of my late father, Alhaji Tijjani Usman Bulldozer (APC Party Chairman of Suleja LGA). Even after my father passed away, I continued to stay in touch with him regularly. Every Friday, I would greet him because he was a cheerful person with a great sense of humor. I really enjoyed talking with him. Even after he won his primary elections, we still spoke often. I called to congratulate him. At one point, I told him I was interested in getting a job with the Nigeria Customs Service, and he asked me to send him my slip, saying Insha Allah he would try to help. But around that time, he became busy with the governorship campaign, so I had to let the matter go. After he became governor, we spoke one last time. He told me that from then on I should text him instead — you know, being a governor is no small responsibility. Later, after he became governor, destiny made us meet again in Bida. It happened because his security team and I were staying at the same hotel. My colleagues and I had traveled from Lagos for work on behalf of our company. We met the governor, and he recognized me. He welcomed me warmly, introduced me to some people, and was genuinely happy to see me. I was very happy too. Then he called the guy whose picture I circled — his name is “Kolo.” He told him to collect my phone number and said that whenever I wanted to see him, I should contact Kolo. He also instructed them to give me some money, and afterward I returned to Lagos. After I completed my NYSC, I messaged Kolo, but he claimed he didn’t know me. I sent him this picture, and he admitted it was indeed him, but he still acted like he didn’t recognize me. I tried everything I could, but he refused to help me make any connection. Eventually, I just left the matter alone and said to myself that if it is destined, Allah will create another opportunity for us to meet again. What still confuses me is why he refused to connect me with the governor. The only thing I would have asked for was a job. But he completely refused. Still, I believe that if it is meant to be, one day I will meet the governor again — whether he likes it or not. ~ El-Muaz
