True Leadership Is Defending What Is Right, Not Wielding Power — Uba Sani Hails Dangiwa Umar at 76

September 26, 2025 September 26, 2025

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has described retired Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar as one of Nigeria’s finest examples of principled leadership, stressing that true leadership is not about wielding power but standing firm in defence of what is right, even at great personal cost.

In a statement marking the 76th birthday of the former military governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani praised Colonel Umar as a soldier, statesman, and enduring moral conscience of the nation.

He recalled that during the turbulence that followed the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, when many in positions of influence opted for silence or self-preservation, Umar boldly spoke out in defence of Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate.

“Colonel Umar stands tall among Nigeria’s most principled voices; his courage in challenging injustice at the peak of his military career showed us that leadership is not about wielding power, but about sacrifice and defending what is right, even at great personal risk,” Governor Sani said.

The governor noted that Umar’s decision to resign from the Nigerian Army at a time he was poised for greater elevation remains one of the most courageous acts in Nigeria’s political history. He added that, as a young civil rights activist during that period, he personally drew inspiration from Umar’s bravery and moral clarity.

Uba Sani also praised Umar’s tenure as military governor of Kaduna State, describing it as a reference point for fairness, inclusivity, and peacebuilding in a diverse society. According to him, the retired colonel’s ability to transcend ethnic and religious divides while remaining rooted in his Fulani and Islamic identity continues to inspire generations.

The governor further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring Umar with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award, saying it was a fitting recognition of his service and legacy.

“Happy 76th birthday to our highly revered Colonel Dangiwa Umar. May your legacy of courage and integrity continue to inspire Nigeria for generations to come,” he concluded.

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