A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots —Marcus Garvey
When we turn away from our history, we lose direction and understanding. History is not only about the past; it guides the present and shapes the future. This is why it is important to look back at those who helped lay the foundation of our democracy, those who were part of the story long before the crowd began to notice them. One of such figures is Engr. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, CON, FNIOB, a man whose journey in public life started long before the spotlight.
The immediate past Honourable Minister of Transportation, Engr. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, did not suddenly appear in politics when he was appointed Minister. His political story began in 1998 when he joined the All People’s Party, APP, which later became the ANPP and eventually the APC we know today. He was among the foundation members of the APP in Taraba State, working closely with the late Governor Danbaba Suntai, who was then the State Chairman. At that time, Chief Obadiah Ando contested for the governorship under the party against Rev. Jolly Nyame of the PDP, who later won.
This shows clearly that the former Minister has been part of Taraba’s political base from the very beginning. He has walked this road for many years, long before most of today’s politicians even left secondary school. When he first contested for Governor in 1998, many of today’s young people were not even born. His involvement at that early stage was not about position or recognition but about service and belief in good governance.
Many people only came to know him when he was appointed Minister, first in the Ministry of Works and Housing as Minister of State, and later as the Minister of Transportation. Yet those who truly know Taraba’s political story understand that he has been around since the rebirth of democracy. During his campaigns in 1998 and again in 2003, he visited all the 16 local government areas of Taraba State, meeting people, listening to them, and sharing his ideas for the growth of the state.
Because he understands Taraba and indeed loves Taraba deeply, he did not waste time with the opportunity that came through the office of the Minister. He used that chance to attract development to the state, especially in the areas of infrastructure and job creation for the teeming youth population. His impact was clear to everyone who cared to see it. Taraba people, from the Central Zone to the Southern and Northern Zones, continue to pray for him, asking God to grant him another opportunity to continue the good work he started. Many were even surprised that President Tinubu did not retain him, despite his rising profile and the excellent work he did as the State Coordinator of the Presidential Campaign Council for Taraba during the last election.
It is also important to note that his relationship with the late President Muhammadu Buhari did not begin in 2021 when he was appointed Minister. As far back as 2003, during the Presidential election, Engr. Sambo served as the Taraba State Collation Centre Agent for the then-presidential candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd). This clearly shows that the late President did not first hear his name in 2021. Rather, Engr. Sambo had long earned his trust and respect through consistent loyalty, dedication, and commitment to national service. His ministerial appointment was not a product of luck, as many might assume, but the reward for decades of steadfast contribution to democracy and love for his fatherland.
Beyond politics, Engr. Sambo’s record in service speaks for itself. Before coming into national prominence, he had already built a strong reputation as an administrator and professional both in public and private sectors. He worked with the Nigerian Ports Authority, Allied Bank, NICON Insurance, and later the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, where he rose to become Lagos Area Manager. His leadership brought several positive changes to the organisation and earned him national awards for excellence and transparency.
His years of experience in engineering and administration prepared him for national service long before his appointment as Minister. When he joined President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet in 2021, he came with a background of over thirty years of consistent work, discipline, and leadership. His time as Minister was therefore not a product of luck but a continuation of his long service to the nation.
For Taraba people who now travel daily on the roads he helped to build, for the youth who found dignity through the employment opportunities he created, for widows and orphans who found reason to smile through his generosity, and for the hundreds of less privileged children whose educational hopes were renewed through his scholarship support, their prayers for him are sincere. Their calls for him to seek elective office are not driven by sentiment but by genuine belief in his proven ability to deliver.
It is necessary to set the record straight for those who may not know his story. Engr. Sambo is not new to politics or governance. He has been part of Taraba’s political growth from the very beginning and has contributed to the state’s development quietly and steadily. His life reminds us that true leadership is not about noise or popularity but about commitment, patience, and service to the people.
This short reflection should remind those who believe he appeared from nowhere that Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has been here all along, working, building, and playing his part in the story of Taraba and Nigeria.
Naseeru Taneemu Annuree writes from Karim Lamido, and can be reached via [email protected] .
