By Musa Tanimu
The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from goodwill and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humble if necessity compels him to humble another;… who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honour is sacred and virtue safe – John Walter Wayland (Virginia Omicron 1899)
The people of Lokoja Emirate council woke up on WEDNESDAY 28th September 2022 to the dreadful news of the demise of one of Kogi longest reigning monarchs, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Kabir Maikarfi 111,OON,. He reigned with reverence and exceptional tact like his late father, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammadu Maikarfi 11, to the admiration of all his Talakawas.
John Walter Wayland’s generous choice of words in painting the picture of a true gentleman could easily go as a metaphor for His Royal Highest, late MUHAMMADU KABIR MAIKARFI 111OON. His life of service to his Subjects which spanned a record-breaking 30 years, that saw 4 governors of Kogi State, was laced with finesse, candour, admirable character, Peaceful co-existence amongst religions and genuine compassion. He was to the people of Lokoja Emirate council what the Hindus would call ‘Pukka Sahib’ – a true gentleman.
Kabir’s life was as humble as his personality. Born in 1943 to the family of His Royal Highest, Late Alhaji Yahaya Muhammadu Maikarfi 11, (1955- 31st March 1992) grandson of Mallam Muhammadu Maikarfi 1, who reigned
He was educated at Lokoja Native Authority (N.A), Holy trinity school Lokoja and finally earned his Professional skills at Kaduna Polytechnic and Ahmadu Bello university, Zaria.
He started his working career as a teacher in 1959, later joined the local government administration which ushered him into a career that made him traversing many villages and towns within the then Lokoja native Authority.
To be continued
