Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar

Early Life and Background

Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar was born on July 22, 1935, in Gwandu, within what was then the Northern Nigeria Protectorate, now part of Kebbi State, Nigeria. His birth placed him directly within the esteemed royal lineage of the Gwandu Emirate, one of the two principal successor states of the Sokoto Caliphate, founded by Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio in the early 19th century. He is a direct descendant of Sheikh Abdullahi Dan Fodio, the first Emir of Gwandu and younger brother of the Caliph. His father was Alhaji Haruna Rasheed, who reigned as the 17th Emir of Gwandu. Growing up in the palace environment, young Muhammadu Iliyasu was immersed in the rich Islamic scholarly tradition and the intricate customs of Hausa-Fulani royalty. This upbringing instilled in him a profound understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, the history of the Caliphate, and the responsibilities inherent in traditional leadership. The Gwandu Emirate historically served as the Western flank of the Sokoto Caliphate, exercising significant religious and military authority over a vast territory, a legacy that continues to imbue its Emirs with considerable spiritual and cultural influence.

Education

Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar's educational journey reflects a blend of traditional Islamic learning and modern Western education, a common trajectory for the Northern Nigerian elite of his generation. He commenced his formal education at Gwandu Elementary School, where he studied from 1943 to 1947. Subsequently, he proceeded to Sokoto Middle School, completing his studies there from 1947 to 1950. His pursuit of higher Western education led him to the prestigious Kaduna College, which later became the renowned Barewa College in Zaria, a premier institution that has produced an extraordinary number of Nigeria's leaders. He attended Barewa College from 1950 to 1954, where he acquired a solid foundation in modern academic disciplines. Recognizing the need for administrative expertise, he further honed his skills at the Institute of Administration, Zaria, attending various specialized courses in public administration throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His commitment to professional development also saw him attend several local government administration courses in the United Kingdom, equipping him with contemporary administrative practices and a broader understanding of governance.

Career

Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar's career prior to his enthronement as Emir was marked by a long and distinguished tenure in the Nigerian civil service, spanning over four decades. Upon completing his education, he began his public service as a teacher, a foundational role that often served as an entry point into the Native Authority (NA) system in Northern Nigeria. He swiftly transitioned into administrative roles, serving as an administrative officer within the NA system. This period provided him with invaluable grassroots experience in local governance, community engagement, and the implementation of colonial and post-colonial policies. He rose through the ranks, serving as a Divisional Officer (DO) in various parts of the Northern Region, a critical position responsible for overseeing local administration, maintaining law and order, and facilitating development projects at the district level. These roles exposed him to the diverse socio-economic challenges and cultural nuances of the region.

With the creation of states in Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar's career progressed into the state civil service. He served as a Permanent Secretary in several key ministries within the North Western State and later Sokoto State (from which Kebbi State was carved out). These ministries included Health, Agriculture, Works, and Education. As a Permanent Secretary, he was the highest-ranking career civil servant in a ministry, responsible for policy implementation, financial management, and providing expert, non-partisan advice to political officeholders. His extensive experience culminated in his appointment as the Secretary to the Military Government and Head of Service of Sokoto State, a pivotal position that placed him at the apex of the state's administrative machinery during a period of significant political transitions under military rule. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity and efficiency of government operations, advising the military administration, and managing the entire state civil service.

His long and exemplary civil service career came to an end with his appointment as the 19th Emir of Gwandu on November 13, 1995. This ascension, however, was steeped in controversy. He succeeded his elder brother, Alhaji Mustapha Haruna Jokolo, who had been controversially deposed by the then military administrator of Kebbi State, Colonel Salihu Tunde Bello. The circumstances of this deposition and Bashar's subsequent enthronement led to a protracted legal battle that continued for many years, casting a shadow of contention over his reign, despite the stability he sought to maintain.

Major Achievements

Throughout his extensive career, both in public service and as a traditional ruler, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar has achieved significant milestones. In his civil service capacity, he was known for his administrative acumen, integrity, and dedication to public service. He contributed significantly to policy formulation and implementation across various sectors, laying foundations for development in the North Western and Sokoto States during his tenure as Permanent Secretary and Head of Service. His leadership helped streamline administrative processes and enhance service delivery in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

As the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar has focused on maintaining peace and stability within his emirate, a particularly challenging task given the contentious nature of his enthronement. He has successfully navigated the complex interplay between traditional authority and modern governance, serving as a bridge between the government and his people. He is a staunch advocate for Islamic education and the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Gwandu people, actively promoting religious scholarship and traditional values. He serves as the Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, a significant role where he provides counsel to the state government on customary and religious matters, and mediates disputes among various communities. Nationally, he holds the esteemed position of Vice President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), an influential body that addresses religious affairs, promotes inter-faith harmony, and contributes to national development from an Islamic perspective. His reign has seen efforts to encourage modern education, improve healthcare access, and promote sustainable agricultural practices within the Gwandu Emirate, balancing tradition with the demands of contemporary development.

Personal Life

Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar is a respected patriarch within the Gwandu royal family, married with many children, a common practice among traditional rulers in the region. While specific details about his wives and children are not extensively publicized, his family plays a crucial role in supporting his traditional duties and maintaining the prestige of the emirate. He is known for his calm demeanor, sagacity, and deep piety, embodying the virtues expected of a traditional and religious leader. His public persona is one of quiet authority and wisdom, often emphasizing consensus-building and community welfare. His commitment to his faith and the welfare of his people is a defining characteristic of his personal life. He has been recognized with national honors, including the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), and holds an honorary Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) degree from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, acknowledging his contributions to public service and traditional leadership.

Legacy

Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar's legacy is multifaceted, marked by a distinguished career in public service and a long, impactful reign as Emir of Gwandu. His tenure as a high-ranking civil servant laid the groundwork for effective administration in Northern Nigeria, demonstrating a blend of professionalism and commitment to development. As Emir, he has successfully maintained stability and traditional order in the Gwandu Emirate, despite the persistent legal and political challenges surrounding his ascension. The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in 2023, upheld the lower courts' rulings that the deposition of his predecessor, Alhaji Mustapha Haruna Jokolo, was unlawful. However, the Kebbi State Government has not reinstated Jokolo, citing security concerns and the passage of time, leaving Bashar on the throne. This ongoing situation is a significant part of his complex legacy, highlighting the delicate balance between judicial pronouncements, political realities, and traditional authority in modern Nigeria.

His leadership as Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs and Vice President of the NSCIA underscores his broader influence beyond his emirate, contributing to religious harmony and traditional governance at state and national levels. Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar represents a generation of traditional rulers who seamlessly transitioned from modern administrative roles back into ancestral leadership, bringing a unique blend of contemporary governance skills and deep traditional wisdom to their thrones. His enduring presence on the Gwandu throne, amidst historical precedent and legal challenges, will be remembered as a period characterized by quiet resilience, a steadfast commitment to his people, and the continuity of one of Nigeria's most significant traditional institutions.