Hon. Usman Bello Kumo: A Radiant Beacon In The Savannah

Exceptional political figures often carry distinctive qualities that elevate them above their contemporaries; rare wisdom, remarkable patience, deep humility, a clear sense of direction, bold courage, and unwavering sincerity.

A brief glance at history’s most influential leaders shows that these traits appear in extraordinary abundance among them.

Mahatma Gandhi championed nonviolent resistance and led India to independence.
Nelson Mandela embodied resilience and a steadfast pursuit of justice and racial harmony.
Winston Churchill inspired confidence with his resolute wartime leadership and powerful speeches.
Abraham Lincoln guided a divided nation through civil war and preserved its unity.
And so many others stand as examples of leadership at its finest.

Nigeria too has produced towering figures whose contributions shaped the country’s political evolution:

Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, masterfully fused traditional authority with reformist politics, blending Islamic values with Western education and nationalist ideals.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister.
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a founding pillar of Nigerian nationalism and the first and only indigenous Governor-General of the Nation.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, renowned as the nation’s foremost federalist and a visionary administrator.

In today’s political landscape, leaders such as:

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is widely regarded as a strategic thinker and disciplined reformer stands out. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, an influential military and civilian leader deeply involved in diplomacy.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua remembered for his honesty and clarity of purpose. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, known for humility and his historic commitment to peaceful elections.
Muhammadu Buhari the man who transitioned from military rule to two democratic terms, all represent important chapters in Nigeria’s contemporary governance.

Among the Northern delegates at the 13th National Convention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) held at ABU Kongo Campus in 1995, one individual drew unusual attention; a tall, fair-skinned (the type Yoruba people call “Oyinbo”), eloquent and energetic young man who played a decisive role in shaping the voting direction of Zone A, the core northern bloc. I later discovered he was the President of the Bayero University Kano Students’ Union.

That young leader was Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, popularly called Kumo, an exceptionally charismatic and influential student figure in his active days. Beyond serving as Students’ Union President at BUK, he was elected Deputy Senate President of NANS, the highest office zoned to the core north at the Kongo Convention. I myself contested for NANS President in that same election but controversially lost to Comrade Baba Kazalla of UNIMAID.

The Kongo Convention became the defining launchpad of Hon. Kumo’s national political journey. As Deputy Senate President of NANS, his natural leadership ability became unmistakable.

After his graduation as a law student, he completed the mandatory one-year Law School program and was called to the Bar in 2001, after which he ventured into private legal practice.

In 2003, he was appointed Secretary of the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission.
By 2006, he had been elected Chairman of Akko Local Government Area, where he demonstrated a unique bond with grassroots communities. Through regular empowerment programs, youth development initiatives, sports activities, and educational support, he strengthened human capital development across Akko.

His excellent performance earned him re-election as Chairman of the Akko local government council in 2008.

As the saying goes, the reward for good work is more work. It was little surprise when Hon. Kumo was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011, where he served until 2015 and chaired the House Committee on Police Affairs. He returned to the House in 2019 and retained the same chairmanship.

In 2023, he secured a third term in the National Assembly, placing him among the elite ranks of highly experienced lawmakers. He now serves as the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives.

His contributions in both legislative and executive leadership are numerous, yet a brief highlight of his National Assembly years gives a clear picture of his impact.

In the health sector, federal investments in primary healthcare began rising in 2021. To support this goal, Hon. Kumo undertook the construction, renovation, and equipping of over twenty primary healthcare centers in his constituency including facilities in Badara, Kembo, and Kumo, this aligned with global efforts by DFID, UNICEF, and WHO to strengthen primary health systems.

He has also facilitated secondary healthcare delivery by supporting the establishment of hospitals across the constituency.

In support of agricultural development, he constructed crucial feeder roads including the 30 km Kidda-to-Panda road linking farms to markets across several villages. Additionally, he empowered over 200 youths with vehicles to support small-scale transportation and income generation.

His housing initiative provided affordable homes for more than 250 youths, further boosting local development.

Access to potable water has long been a challenge in areas such as Pindiga, especially during dry seasons. Hon. Kumo addressed this by constructing boreholes that meet UNICEF standards, improving sanitation and reducing disease outbreaks.

He has also built twenty primary and secondary schools to enhance educational infrastructure, and he awards scholarships to deserving students.

In the religious sphere, Hon. Kumo is known for inclusiveness, supporting both Christian and Muslim constituents, sponsoring pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Mecca.

Without doubt, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo stands as a true shining star in the Savannah.

Otunba Wole Badmus writes from Abuja.