“Salus populi suprema lex esto” (“The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law”), Roman maxim
The first part of this series reflected upon the life, character and formative influences that shaped Senator (Dr.) Abdullahi Adamu, CON, Turakin Keffi, into one of the foremost public figures of his generation. It suggested that the enduring measure of leadership lies not in the splendour of the offices one occupies but in the institutions one strengthens, the confidence one inspires and the values one espouses.
It is fitting that this second part should return to the reflections of Edward Gibbon upon old age and public virtue. Gibbon observed that “the feeble and pernicious efforts of old age” exhaust the remains of strength and hasten the decline of life. Elsewhere, he reflected that among the greatest misfortunes of advancing years is old age without the remembrance of virtue. His concern was not merely with longevity but with the moral significance of a life honourably lived.
Such, no doubt, is the ordinary course of nature. But history reminds us that every generation produces a few exceptional individuals whose vigour of mind, steadiness of judgement and unwavering devotion to public service seem almost to transcend the ordinary limitations of advancing years. Senator Abdullahi Adamu belongs to that distinguished company.
