Ex-PDP, PhD and other things about Jibrin, the anti-graft ‘martyr’

Jibrin Abdulmumin, former chairman of the house appropriation committee, is causing ruckus and raising dust in the green chamber of the national assembly.

The man, who came into national prominence as a result of the alleged padding of the 2016 budget, has in the last two weeks managed to hold the public’s attention firmly in his grasp.

Jibrin’s accusation that Yakubu Dogara, the speaker, and some principal officers of the house added N40 billion to the 2016 budget, has turned him into an overnight sensation.

Although Dogara, a former ally of Jibrin, has denied allegations of budget padding, the latter has taken it upon himself to ensure that he proves his claim.

Having made it his priority to open daily can of worms to the public regarding the shady activities of his colleagues, Jibrin now sees himself as the resident anti-corruption champion of the green chamber.

The representative of Kiru-Bebeji federal constituency, in Kano state, says he’s ready to substantiate his allegations against Dogara; Yusuf Lasun, deputy speaker; Alhassan Ado Doguwa, house whip; and Leo Ogor; house minority leader.

Who exactly is Jibrin and what are his antecedents?

Here are five things to know about the 39-year-old lawmaker.

PHD Holder

The man who’s fighting the establishment, holds a bachelor of science degree in political science, obtained from the University of Abuja in 1999 and a PhD in international relations from the same institution in 2009. Jibrin also has a master of science degree from international affairs and diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2003.

He attended London Business School , UK, in 2009, where he obtained certificates in general management and global economy crisis. Subsequently, he proceeded to Harvard Business School, USA, for certificates in negotiation, competitive decision and deal process, and comprehensive leadership development. Between 2012 and 2014, he got an MBA from the Swiss Business School Zurich, Switzerland. Jibrin has certificates in Telecommunications Strategy and Marketing European Institute of Business Administration INSEAD, France and also attended the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the Oxford University, UK. He was the third Nigerian recipient of the French International Visitors Leadership Program since 1989.

CONSTRUCTION BEFORE POLITICS

Jibrin got into the construction industry very early at the age of 19 and after honing his skills, he established his own company Green Forest Investment Limited. Green Forest Group grew to have subsidiaries in investments, construction, engineering, property development, petroleum and gas and agriculture. Jibrin was between 2010 and 2011, the chairman (Nigeria) of Turkish construction giant, TASYAPI, as well as chairman of the Abuja branch of Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce.

GOT INTO POLITICS AT 34

After resigning from Green Forest Group, Jibrin went into politics in 2011, when he contested and was elected into the house of representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party at the age of 34. In his five years of lawmaking, Jibrin has held many positions and headed several committees. During his first term in the house, he was appointed chairman of committee on finance and was later named head of a joint ad-hoc committee on finance, petroleum upstream, petroleum downstream and gas resources. He notably oversaw the investigation of an alleged non-remittance by the NNPC into the federation account, which is in contravention of Section 162 (1) of the 1999 constitution. The investigation eventually unearthed a non-remittance of the sum of N450 billion by the NNPC to the federation account. Jibrin was re-elected in 2015, having defected to the All Progressives Congress, and served as chairman of appropriation committee until his resignation.

PHILANTHROPIST

Jibrin co-founded with his wife, Laila foundation, a charity organisation dedicated to the less-privileged. He reportedly sponsors the reunion event of his alma mater, University of Abuja while he has also donated equipment and carried out renovation of some of the institution’s academic buildings. Jibrin has also instituted awards and makes yearly donation to the National Youth Service Corps. As a result of his philanthropic works, he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow in 2010 and sits on the board of and supports several charity organizations. Jibrin has also been appointed into the board of Ayahay Foundation and he’s a member of Rotary International and Paul Harris Fellow.

AUTHOR/LECTURER

Perhaps his incessant statements since the budget padding scandal came to the fore is an indication of his literary tendencies. Jibrin has written several books and papers, most significantly a book on the foreign policy of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo. He has also lectured free of charge at several universities, including the Nasarawa State University where he taught International Relations.