Generally, political appointments are motivated by considerations of eligibility, demonstrated evidence of individual commitments to party affairs, and the need to reward hard work and sacrifices made to promote party activities and fame.
Undoubtedly, the unfolding events in the party and appointments into political offices by the Fintiri administration were intended to reflect the above assumptions. It is obvious and natural that Fintiri may not be perfect in his decisions to satisfy the various interests of the sections of the state. It is equally possible for the decisions of the chief executive to be influenced by subtle enemies and adversaries with deliberate intentions to thwart the good intentions of the government. From whichever prism we look at it, the appointment of Rev. Habila Istifanus as an SSA with other green horns in the political game implies the presence of a manipulating finger of an enemy in the whole process considering the towering credentials and sacrifices of a venerable and high profile politician whose influence cuts across states and national boundaries.
I am not the only one sympathizing with this high-profile Politician. Some youth groups have also raised their voices to such political humiliation to a gentle, humble, and promising political figure who seems to be in control of his community.
A significant member of the Ganye Youths Patriotic Front (GYPF) was quoted as saying that Habila deserves something more than the present appointment owing to his influence, experience, loyalty, and commitment to party sustenance and growth under his territory.
Rev Habila has influenced so many lives across ethnic and religious barriers through his NGO and other welfare projects. As a leader with grassroots support, one would have expected a juicy appointment commensurate to his status and influence instead of being humiliated with an appointment designated for greenhorns and newcomers into the game of politics.
Even though the humble and gentle politician had gladly accepted the offer, his cream of supporters and loyalists seemed to be disenchanted as clearly expressed by one Gagsobso Bumtaren, a leader of the youth movement. He had attributed the humiliation of the high-ranking politician to latent forces of evil within his party, the PDP, with some Ganye LG. influential cabals to frustrate the generosity and good intentions of the Fintiri government.
Rewarding hard work and sacrifices through appointments is an essential ingredient for party stability and progress as it gives no room for dissensions and acrimony.
Perhaps a cursory look at his credentials can be convincing. A humble and peace-loving Rev. Habila M. Istifanus was Born on the 15th of February, 1960 into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Istifanus Seupasi Makanumenso, at Gangkero village in Ganye Local Government of Adamawa State.
SCHOOLS ATTENDED & QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED WITH DATES
SCHOOLS QUALIFICATION DATE
Gurum-Nongvan Pri. Sch. & Wuro-Hausa Primary School – Yola First School Leaving Certificate 1969 – 1975
Govt. Teachers’ College, Jada
Govt. Teachers’ College, Mubi Teacher’s Grade III Certificate
“ “ II Certificate 1975 – 1978
1979 – 1981
Theological College of Northern Nigeria, Bukuru 1. Bachelor of Theology
- Master of Theology 1984 – 1988
1995 – 1997
University of Jos Advanced Diploma in Public Admin 2001 – 2002
Enugu State University of Science & Technology Postgraduate Diploma in Bus. Admin. (PGD Bus. Admin) 2002-2003
Bossey Ecumenical Institute, Switzerland Graduate Certificate in Ecumenical Studies 1997
School of Politics & International Studies: University of Leeds, United Kingdom MA in International Studies
2009 – 2010
University of Basel: World Peace Academy. Master of Advanced Studies in Peace and Conflict Transformation (MAS) 2013 – 2014
PhD Candidate: Theological College of Northern Nigeria/University of Jos PhD Public Theology In Progress - EXPERIENCES: MAJOR SIGNIFICANT SHORT COURSES ATTENDED
PERIOD TITLE OF COURSE PLACE
2 Weeks Conflict Resolution and Peace Building in Africa South Africa, Johannesburg
1 Month Course in Lay Leadership Training Benin Republic
2 weeks Financial Management course Jos-Nigeria
1 Week Training in Programme Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation for Peace Workers Kurve Wustrow Germany
3 weeks Training in Lay Leadership for NGOs Abetifi, Ghana
2 Weeks Alternatives to Violence Project South Africa, Johannesburg - WORK EXPERIENCE
PERIOD POSITION HELD INSTITUTION/ORGANIZATION
1978-1980 Teacher Mani Primary School, Ganye Local Government
1980-1983 Teacher Daksam Junior Day Secondary School, Ganye Local Government
1989-1990 Teacher Gurum Bible School, LCCN
1988-1989 Minister in Charge Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria
1991 – 2002 Director Institute of Church & Society, Northern Area Secretariat, Jos
2002-2003 Local Government Ganye Local Government Council, Adamawa State
2003 – 2006 Executive Chairman Ganye Local Government Council, Adamawa State
2007-2009 Senior Special Adviser Executive Governor< His Excellency Murtala Nyako
2006 – 2019 Programme Director Justice, Peace & Reconciliation Movement (JPRM)
2006 – 2009 West Africa Peace and Conflict Resolution Network Coordinator Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Network of the Association of Christian Lay Centres in African (West African Sub-Region)
2004 – 2008 General Secretary Oikosnet: Africa (Association of Christian Lay Centres in Africa: ACLCA)
2008-date Garkuwan Timdore Ganye Traditional Council, Adamawa State
2012-date Katukan Ganye Ganye Traditional Council - WRITE-UP(S) / PUBLICATIONS
- “The synoptic View of Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage” Bachelor of Theology Degree Project.
- “Women in the Ministry of Jesus: The Gospel According to St. John” M. Th. Project.
- “The Effects of Motivation on Productivity: A case study of the Institute of Church and Society, Jos.” Advance Diploma in Public Admin. Project: University of Jos.
- “The Gospel & Culture” Project of ecumenical study: Bossey/University of Geneva, Switzerland.
- The Catalyst for Church and Society: A biannual Publication of the Institute of Church & Society, Northern Area Secretariat, Jos.
- Our approach to Conflict Resolution and Peace Building in Nigeria: A paper presented at the Evangelische Academy Loccum in Germany at the International Consultation on Conflict Transformation and Peace Building in Africa (Published in Germany).
- Hybridization of Leadership Styles: A search for a new approach to Effective Organizational Management: A case Study of The Justice, Peace & Reconciliation Movement, Gurum-Nongvan. Project Submitted to Enugu State University of Science and Technology).
- Peace and Reconciliation: An African Experience: A paper presented at Vellore Institute Chennai, India at an Afro-Asian International Interfaith Consultation (Published in India).
- The persistence of Ethno-Religious Conflicts and the Emergence of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria [Master of Advance Studies Thesis: 2014 Submitted to the University of Basel/World Peace Academy in Switzerland]
- CURRENT PROJECTS
Peace Orientation and Conference Centre (POCC). It is a Center that is providing short trainings in peace and conflict Transformation, Women Development, Human Right Education, Ecumenical Learning and serving the general public with accommodations and other social services.- By and large, with his wealth of experience and huge political value, the man Habila with such intimidating credentials, has remained glued to his community and a strong pillar to his political party.
Phillip Brandford
(Political Analyst).
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