Seriake Dickson pays tribute to former Jigawa lawmaker who was fatally shot following abduction

Senator Seriake Dickson has expressed profound shock and devastation upon learning of the kidnapping and brutal murder of Abba Anas Adamu, a former member of the House of Representatives from Jigawa State, whom he described as a close friend, ally, and associate.

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Dickson, the former governor of Bayelsa State, made this revelation on his social media handle on Tuesday, stating that he was deeply heartbroken by the tragic circumstances surrounding Adamu's death.

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The senator recounted that he was informed about Adamu's abduction amidst the worsening insecurity, kidnappings, and killings plaguing Nigeria, particularly in Northern Nigeria and parts of the South.

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Adamu's death has left Dickson devastated, and he reflected on their strong bond, which dated back to their time together in the House of Representatives around 2007, when Adamu was not only a political associate but also a friend and brother.

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Dickson led the Nigeria First Forum in the House of Representatives, and for strategic reasons, he appointed Adamu to chair the team, where he worked tirelessly alongside other patriots across ethnic and regional lines in the national interest.

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The senator recalled the political turmoil that followed President Umaru Yar'Adua's illness and the succession crisis, during which patriots like Adamu defied all odds, inducement, intimidation, and blackmail to support the national cause.

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Dickson arranged for Hon. Dr Sani Abdu from Bauchi to move the motion for President Goodluck Jonathan to be made Acting President, which Adamu seconded, while Dickson contributed four times on that day, amidst a tumultuous scene where Hon. Dino Melaye's shirt was torn on the floor of the House.

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Some of the patriots involved in that effort have since passed away, including Hon. Bethel Amadi and Hon. Independence Ogunewe, while others are still alive, and now Adamu has joined them, with Dickson praying that God bless their souls.

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Dickson and Adamu worked together to ensure the emergence of the Doctrine of Necessity, which ultimately paved the way for President Goodluck Jonathan to ascend to the Presidency, with Dickson nominating Adamu for a ministerial position, although it did not materialize due to local opposition.

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Adamu's principled stand and commitment to the national cause led to him losing political support back home and being unable to return to the House, yet his bond with Dickson only grew stronger over the years.

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When Dickson became governor, Adamu remained by his side, and even afterwards, in Dickson's service in the Senate, he continued to stand with him until his death, with Dickson describing them as being like brothers.

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Dickson disclosed that Adamu was among the original members of the team that conceptualized the NDC movement and was expected to play a leading role in the party's leadership but eventually found himself in the ADC due to political realities and delays.

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Despite this, Adamu and Dickson remained close, working together continuously and comparing notes regularly, making it a terrible shock when their mutual friend, Hon. Dr. Sani Abdu, called Dickson in tears to inform him of Adamu's death.

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Dickson was stunned and only confirmed the heartbreaking development from numerous callers across the country who notified him, knowing their closeness, and on behalf of his family, constituents, and friends, he extended deepest condolences to Adamu's family, wives, children, associates, and all who were close to him.

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In Adamu's passing, Nigeria has lost a patriot, and Dickson has lost a loyal ally, confidant, and brother, with the cruel and tragic manner of his death making the loss even more painful.

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Dickson prayed that God would grant Adamu's family, loved ones, and friends the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss and grant his soul eternal rest.

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Until his death, Adamu was an aspirant for the governorship of Jigawa State under the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.