Education: The only thing 5 children of Yar’Adua’s driver, who died in convoy crash, want
From NWAGBO NNENYELIKE, Ilorin
Saturday, March 22, 2008

•Five children of the late Suleiman with their mother Photo: THE SUN PUBLISHING

Living index

What was uppermost in the mind of late Adebayo Aminu Suleiman, the body guard driver to the presidency when he was alive was the education of his children. He did not realise this ambition before he died in the convoy of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The sad incident occurred when the convoy of President Yar’Adua was going to the Villa from the airport as Mr. President returned from the United States of
America. The car Suleiman drove had a burst tyre.

He quickly drove out of the motorcade at a speed the car would not maintain its balance and there was a sommersault. He later died in the State House Clinic. Before his death, he promised his children that he would give them adequate education.

The question the family asks now is: “now our father is no more can we still get education?’’ In the same vein their mother is appealing to the government that “none of the children is a graduate. Their father promised all of them that he must send them to school. So let the government offer help to me to do that.’’ Saturday Sun visited the family and the five children bared their minds. They are all clamouring for education.

Mohammed Jamiu Suleiman
First son said I have National Diploma (ND) in Public Administration from Kwara Polytechnic. I am preparing to write Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) exam in Zaria in February. My ambition is to become a soldier. I feel very sad about the death of my father. My father promised me that he would make sure I am a graduate.

When I became interested in being a soldier he was happy because he was aware that graduating from NDA was equivalent to B.Sc. He was looking forward to my NDA exam. He signed all the documents with happiness. But it is a pity he died before I would even write the exam. Now I am seeking assistance from the Federal Government. All I ask for is both financial and moral support for me to start school in NDA, finish and become a soldier.

Aishat Folake Suleiman (22)
I am a first year Education/Mathematics student at the University of Jos. It is very sad that our father died at the time we needed him most. The death is too sudden and painful. It is an irreparable loss. If God accepts my prayer I want to become a lecturer. This is because I like to impart knowledge to people. I believe that God will let this materialize. God will not come down from heaven to assist us. He will do it through someone; our family is a poor one. I am not expecting financial assistance from the family. The only way assistance can come is from the Federal Government because I know if my father were still alive, he would fulfill his promise to us. He insisted that all his children will get good education. But since he died serving the Federal Government, it is the government I put my hope in. If the FG would assist, all I need is scholarship to complete my university education.

Suleiman Tunji Suleiman (19)
I have SSSCE. I am about to write UME, and would like to go to the University of Ilorin. I want to study Business Administration. My father insisted that I should study the course. But it is a pity he is not alive anymore. He swore to see me through. My intention is that after the course I would establish a business. I appeal to the Federal Government for scholarship. The truth is that the death of my father is very painful. Any time I remember him, I still weep, especially if I see his picture.

Abubakar Suleiman, 13
I am in JSS 2; my father kept telling me that he must make sure I become the best doctor in Nigeria. He has died. I do not know how I can become a doctor without him. So I am appealing to President Yar’Adua to give me scholarship.

Musa Suleiman, 10
I am in primary five. I appeal to President Yar’Adua to establish a good business for my mummy. I want him also to help my grandma. I love my mummy and I love my grandma. My dad loved my mummy and grandma. He loved all his children. Let Yar’Adua do all the things daddy promised to do for us. I want to be a lawyer, let the president help me to become a lawyer. He should remember that my daddy worked in the Presidency.