₦airaland Forum

Mr John Jatau Kadiya was a great leader in the history of Nigeria, as he was first appointed as the first minister FCT in 1979 - 1981 and thereafter Minister of Aviation( 1981 - 1982).

He thereafter contested for governor in 1983 under National party of Nigeria ( NPN) he won and was denied his mandate, The NPP then used PRTV then to announce that Solomon Lar won, while The NTA announced John kadiya winner.

The case went up all the way to the Supreme Court. Later years in 2003 the Supreme Court gave final judgment that John kadiya was the authentic winner of the 1983 election that was rigged with Doma votes.

His opponent even called his family to congratulate them, but when Jonah Jang came as a governor many plateau people were expecting then governor Jonah Jang to compensate the family and the people of irigwe and Bassa in recognizing him the way Abisola was recognized as a winner.

Even if it is to name somewhere in his name in order to immortalize him. However that was not to be. John kadiya died in 1997 when Nigeria was warming up for return to democratic government in 1999, as the civilians were to take over from military. It was a very sad moment in Nigeria as we indeed lost an icon. Nigeria and indeed Plateau state owe John kadiya to compensate him of his stolen mandate.

Before you shout, what of the late Ajose Adeogun (1976-1979, here is the fact file: the late Adeogun (who died on Saturday July 1, 2023 at 96) was widely reported as the first Minister of FCT. He wasn’t.

He was actually designated as Minister of Special Duties with additional responsibility to supervise Abuja to from 15B Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos as there was no structure yet on the 8,000 square kilometre FCT then. He was operating from a Field Base in Suleja in Niger State, a border town to the FCT.

All other Ministers appointed since then from the South – from Mark Okoye 1980-1984) through Professor Ikejiani Clark to Jumoke Richard Akinjide have been Ministers of State.

What’s worse, President Muhammadu President Muhammadu Buhari who didn’t care a hoot about federal character in all his appointments for eight years desecrated the Territory as his last two ministers of FCT hail were from the North (Adamawa and Kogi states). In other words, the first organic Minister of FCT was John Jatau Kadiya (1979-1982).

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT SON OF RIGWE LAND
As we remember Late Mr. John Jatau Kadiya (1936–1997), 29 years after his passing, we honour one of the greatest icons Rigwe land has ever produced.

Born in Miango, Bassa LGA of Plateau State, he rose from a humble beginning as a teacher to become the first Minister from the Irigwe people, serving Nigeria as Minister of Aviation and later as the first Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, where the physical development of Abuja began.

He stood tall for Rigwe dignity, competence, and leadership, and his political legacy in Plateau State remains unforgettable. Win hands down the Plateau State Governorship Election though was denied but eventually the courts declared him winner.

Zhwe Yirigwe, today we celebrate our own,
an icon, a trailblazer, and a lasting legacy.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. YIRIGWE ZRUNZRU ♥️ ♥️ ♥️
#copied
Credit - Grace Gye( Facebook )

Racoon:
It is interesting knowing this important piece of our national history. Never knew Plateau gave this nation such a gentleman as first 001 of the FCT. Given that Miango village was some distance from the 3 Armoured Div Barracks.

Sad, that Nigeria happened to him in the governorship mandate robbery. It simply reminds us that electoral robbery and maleficent didnt start today. God rest Mr Kadiya.

OCTAVO:
Short comment no longer work on nairaland?

PulaPower:
Which governorship Robbery? Did you vote for him when he contested for governor?

He thereafter contested for governor in 1983 under National party of Nigeria ( NPN) he won and was denied his mandate, The NPP then used PRTV then to announce that Solomon Lar won, while The NTA announced John kadiya winner.

The case went up all the way to the Supreme Court. Later years in 2003 the Supreme Court gave final judgment that John kadiya was the authentic winner of the 1983 election that was rigged with Doma votes.His opponent even called his family to congratulate them

3seriez:
Among the old timers , only Gen Gado nasko is still alive. Interesting facts..

Racoon:
It is interesting knowing this important piece of our national history. Never knew Plateau gave this nation such a gentleman as first 001 of the FCT. Given that Miango village was some distance from the 3 Armoured Div Barracks.

Sad, that Nigeria happened to him in the governorship mandate robbery. It simply reminds us that electoral robbery and maleficent didnt start today. God rest Mr Kadiya.

tommy589:
Late Alade Aromire look alike. Very hard to tell the difference

Racoon:
Whao! Major General Gado Nasko is still alive? Never knew baba still dey o. He took over from Mamman Vasta.

tommy589:
Late Alade Aromire look alike. Very hard to tell the difference

MufasaLion:
Abuja, one of the very few well structured places in Nigeria.

anonimi:
Lagos was also a relatively structured place when it was the FCT when The Yar' Aduas father was Minister of Lagos Affairs during Nigeria's First Republic.

That was before five indisciplined Majors scattered our democracy and took us down the wrecking path of Pakistan instead of leaving us on the glorious path of India.

Since Tinubu and his Agbero Propaganda Congress, APC took over Lagos in 1999, everything has turned upside down with increasing TAX burden that is not matched by services and utilities provided by well paid civil servants.

MufasaLion:
I'm not interested in your story.

I'm aware of our political history.

Racoon:
Whao! Major General Gado Nasko is still alive? Never knew baba still dey o. He took over from Mamman Vasta.

MufasaLion:
Abuja, one of the very few well structured places in Nigeria.