Darius Ishaku

Early Life and Background

Darius Dickson Ishaku was born on July 30, 1954, in Lupwe, a community located within the Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. Hailing from the Kuteb ethnic group, he grew up in a region rich in cultural heritage but also characterized by the challenges common to rural areas in post-independence Nigeria. His early life was shaped by the values of hard work, community service, and academic pursuit, which were instilled in him by his family and immediate environment. Ishaku's formative years provided him with a deep understanding of the socio-economic realities and cultural dynamics of Taraba State, experiences that would profoundly influence his later political career and governance philosophy. His background as an indigene of the state gave him an intimate perspective on the needs and aspirations of its diverse populace.

Education

Ishaku's educational journey began at St. Bartholomew's Primary School in Wusasa, Zaria, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He then proceeded to the prestigious Federal Government College, Kaduna, attending from 1969 to 1971, where he completed his secondary education and earned his West African School Certificate. Demonstrating a keen intellect and a strong aptitude for the sciences and arts, he gained admission to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, one of Nigeria's premier institutions of higher learning. At Ahmadu Bello University, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, successfully completing the program and graduating in 1976. Not content with just an undergraduate degree, Ishaku continued his studies at the same university, earning a Master of Science degree in Architecture in 1979. His extensive architectural training provided him with a disciplined approach to problem-solving, planning, and execution, skills that proved invaluable throughout his career in both the private and public sectors.

Career

Upon completing his master's degree, Darius Ishaku embarked on a distinguished career as a professional architect. He gained significant experience working with various architectural firms before establishing his own successful practice, Ishaku & Partners. Through his private practice, he was involved in the design and execution of numerous projects across Nigeria, building a reputation for excellence, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. His architectural background provided him with a unique perspective on urban planning, infrastructure development, and project management, which would later be critical in his public service roles.

Ishaku's foray into national politics began with his appointment to key ministerial positions under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. From 2010 to 2011, he served as the Minister of State for Power. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in the federal government's efforts to reform and stabilize Nigeria's often-troubled power sector, contributing to policy formulation and project oversight aimed at improving electricity generation and distribution across the nation. In 2014, he was appointed Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, where he focused on addressing the developmental challenges and socio-economic issues prevalent in the oil-rich but underdeveloped Niger Delta region. During the same year, he briefly served as the Supervising Minister for Environment, demonstrating his versatility and capacity to handle diverse portfolios. Later in 2014, he was re-appointed as the Minister of State for Power, a position he held until May 2015, just before his successful bid for the governorship of Taraba State.

His political trajectory culminated in his election as the Executive Governor of Taraba State. After a keenly contested election in April 2015, which included a re-run due to initial irregularities, Ishaku emerged victorious under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was sworn into office on May 29, 2015, embarking on what he termed his 'Rescue Mission' agenda for the state. This agenda prioritized peace, security, infrastructure development, education, health, and human capital development. His administration faced significant challenges, including persistent ethno-religious conflicts and farmer-herder clashes. Despite these hurdles, he sought to implement his vision for a more peaceful and prosperous Taraba. His performance in his first term earned him widespread support, leading to his re-election in March 2019 for a second four-year term. He successfully completed his second term as Governor on May 29, 2023, leaving behind a mixed but impactful legacy.

Major Achievements

During his two terms as Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku implemented several initiatives and completed projects that significantly impacted the state. A cornerstone of his administration was the relentless pursuit of peace and security. Recognizing the devastating effects of inter-communal and farmer-herder conflicts, he established various peace committees, promoted dialogue among warring factions, and implemented measures to foster coexistence, though these challenges remained persistent throughout his tenure. He was a vocal advocate for ranching as a solution to farmer-herder clashes.

In infrastructure development, Ishaku's administration made significant strides. Notable projects include the dualization of major roads within the state capital, Jalingo, which eased traffic flow and enhanced urban aesthetics. His government also initiated and completed critical road networks connecting rural communities to urban centers, such as the Mararaba-Baissa-Abong Road, which facilitated trade and movement of goods and people. Several bridges were constructed or rehabilitated to improve connectivity across the state's challenging terrain.

The education sector received considerable attention, with efforts focused on revitalizing primary and secondary education through renovation of school infrastructure, provision of learning materials, and recruitment of qualified teachers. His administration also took on the responsibility of paying examination fees for indigenes sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO), thereby reducing the financial burden on families and encouraging academic pursuit. A significant achievement was the establishment of the Taraba State University Teaching Hospital, which not only boosted medical education but also improved healthcare services.

In the health sector, beyond the teaching hospital, general hospitals across the state were upgraded and equipped to provide better healthcare services. His government launched various public health campaigns, particularly against prevalent diseases like malaria, and worked to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Agriculture was another key focus area, given Taraba State's agrarian potential. Ishaku's administration promoted rice production through various support programs for farmers. He also championed the revitalization of tea production on the Mambilla Plateau, supporting the Mambilla Beverages Company and aiming to harness the region's agricultural advantages for economic growth and job creation.

Personal Life

Darius Dickson Ishaku is married to Barrister Anna Darius Ishaku, who served as the First Lady of Taraba State during his governorship. Barrister Anna Ishaku is known for her advocacy work, particularly in areas concerning women's rights, gender-based violence, and child welfare. She spearheaded various initiatives aimed at empowering women and vulnerable populations within Taraba State, complementing her husband's governance efforts. Together, they are known to be a private family, with details about their children not widely publicized in the public domain, a common practice among many Nigerian public figures. Ishaku is a devout Christian, and his faith is understood to have played a significant role in shaping his moral compass and leadership style, often referencing divine guidance in his public speeches and policy decisions.

Controversies

While his administration recorded notable achievements, Darius Ishaku's second term as Governor was marked by a significant controversy surrounding his prolonged absence from Taraba State due to health reasons. From late 2019 through much of 2020, Governor Ishaku spent several months outside the state, primarily in Abuja and abroad, seeking medical treatment for an undisclosed ailment. This extended absence sparked considerable public outcry and political tension within Taraba State. Opposition parties and civil society groups called for his impeachment, citing constitutional provisions regarding a governor's inability to discharge duties. Critics argued that his absence created a leadership vacuum, hampered governance, and stalled crucial state affairs. Despite the pressure, his deputy, Haruna Manu, continued to act in his stead, and Ishaku eventually returned to the state to complete his term, though the controversy highlighted the challenges of leadership continuity in the face of health emergencies for public officials.

Legacy

Darius Dickson Ishaku's legacy as the Governor of Taraba State is largely defined by his unwavering commitment to his 'Rescue Mission' agenda, which sought to bring peace, development, and good governance to a state often plagued by internal conflicts and underdevelopment. He will be remembered for his persistent efforts to foster inter-communal harmony and address the root causes of farmer-herder clashes, an issue of national significance in Nigeria. His administration's focus on infrastructure development, particularly in road networks and urban renewal in Jalingo, significantly improved connectivity and living standards for many. The strides made in the education and health sectors, including the establishment of the Taraba State University Teaching Hospital and support for student examinations, underscore his belief in human capital development as a cornerstone of progress. While facing the challenges of an ethnically diverse state with limited resources, Ishaku’s tenure laid foundations in several critical areas, aiming to position Taraba State on a path of sustainable growth and stability. His architectural background often informed his methodical and structural approach to governance, leaving behind tangible projects and policy frameworks intended for long-term benefit for the people of Taraba State.