Gambo Saleh: A model of public servants in Nigeria needs
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
In the annals of public service, certain individuals distinguish themselves not merely by the offices they occupy, but by the grace, honesty, and humanity with which they carry out their duties. One such rare figure is Gambo Saleh, Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), a man who has, in recent days, found himself the subject of national sympathy following a personal tragedy that has touched many hearts.
It was with deep sorrow that we received the news that Saleh lost three of his brothers’ children in a ghastly motor accident. His brothers’ late children were travelling in the company of their friends when the unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday. The crash was fatal, claiming the lives of three of the youngsters on the spot.
At the time, the NJC Secretary was reportedly out of the country. Yet, the wave of condolence visits that ensued was so overwhelming that one would easily assume he was in town when the tragedy occurred.
From the day the news broke, Saleh’s residence became a convergence point for Nigerians from all walks of life. Senior judges, traditional rulers, clerics, civil servants, politicians across party divides, and even the common man, all came in their numbers.
The throng of sympathisers at his family home was nothing short of extraordinary. In fact, the outpouring of love and sympathy bore a striking resemblance to what one might expect in the home of a prominent political figure. But Gambo Saleh is not a politician. He is a civil servant – a quiet, dutiful public officer who has spent decades working in the shadows, ensuring that justice is administered fairly and professionally in Nigeria’s judicial system.
What, then, explains this unprecedented show of solidarity? It is simply a testament to the type of person Saleh is. Known for his humility, discipline, and transparent handling of responsibilities, Saleh is the embodiment of what a true public servant ought to be. In a nation where many in public office are known more for their extravagance and arrogance than for their public spirit, Saleh has built a reputation for simplicity, integrity and fairness. His door is open to all, regardless of status, tribe, religion or political leaning.
More so, his capacity to treat all politicians, regardless of party affiliation, with the same level of respect and neutrality, speaks volumes about his sense of patriotism. In a political atmosphere often clouded by bias, favouritism, and self-interest, Saleh stands out for his objective, principle-driven approach. He embodies that rare blend of competence and compassion that makes governance truly responsive and people-oriented.
Though not an elected official, the kind of respect and admiration Saleh commands from the people is the sort usually reserved for those who have spent decades cultivating constituencies. But Gambo Saleh has no political office; he has no constituency other than Nigeria. And yet, the people – from high-profile stakeholders in the judiciary to the most ordinary Nigerians – speak of him with warmth and admiration.
It is this deep reservoir of goodwill that poured out in the wake of his family tragedy. The sight of such a cross-section of society mourning with one man was not only moving but deeply symbolic. It showed, beyond words, how loved and respected he is. In a country often weary of its leaders, where trust in public officials is at an all-time low, Saleh has somehow built a bridge of trust and affection across various divides.
And now, as he mourns the untimely death of his family members, our hearts go out to him. No father deserves to experience such pain. The loss of a family member is a grief too heavy for words, but the loss of three in one day is simply unimaginable. Yet, even in mourning, Saleh has remained dignified and composed – again, revealing the strength of his character.
This moment presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reflect on the type of public servants we need. In truth, we need more men like Gambo Saleh – honest, patriotic, approachable, and deeply committed to the service of the nation. His life and career offer a compelling counter-narrative to the cynicism that has come to define public office in Nigeria.
We often complain about the quality of leadership in this country, and rightly so. But when we do find a man of integrity, a man who serves with conscience and who has proven, time and again, that one can occupy high office without compromising one’s principles, we must not fail to acknowledge and commend him. Gambo Saleh is one such man.
As the NJC Secretary rebuilds his life and his family in the aftermath of this painful loss, we pray that the Almighty Allah grants him the strength and fortitude to bear the tragedy. We pray that he finds comfort in the love that surrounds him and the prayers that are with him.
Nigeria is not without hope, and that hope lies in the quiet service and integrity of men like Gambo Saleh. His conduct in and out of office reminds us that good people still exist in public service – people who believe that the welfare of the country and its citizens is a sacred duty.
Let us continue to support and celebrate such individuals, for in doing so, we encourage a new generation of leaders – leaders who will not rule over us with impunity, but serve us with honesty, humility, and compassion.
May the souls of his departed children rest in peace. And may Gambo Saleh find the strength to carry on, knowing that the entire nation stands with him.
Lawal Jet Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano