CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF AHMED ADAMS RUFAI, AN EPITOME OF STUDENT ACTIVISM.

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF  AHMED ADAMS RUFAI, AN EPITOME OF STUDENT ACTIVISM.

A nation that does not honour its heroes is not a nation worth dying for, a common quote to drum home, the need to give to Ceasar what belongs to him. If we dream of creating a society of enviable values and principles, then we must thunderously and unanimously agree to eulogize individuals who have beyond the many odds, live in fulfillment of those values and principles.

Today, it is of great ecstasy and extreme gratification, taking some time out of busy schedules to command my pen to dance and ink according to the melodies of gratification in my mind. No amount of words or semantic constructions can represent, completely, my adoration and love for this gentleman call Adams Rufai who I affectionately call "my senior counsel".

I met Adams Rufai far back in my level 100 days in the University of Education, Winneba, Kumasi. We were still young but passionate and pushing hard to fetch a certain body of knowledge that would, as it were, help us to stand and argue with colossal men of the time. Indeed, it was a challenging moment considering that we had met accomplished student activists whose intellectual sagacity was not in question. When I met this gentleman just by Opoku Ware Hall, and introduced myself to him, he was excited meeting me and according to him, he had read and heard about me and was in search for me. We exchanged pleasantries and assured ourselves of contributing our part to the progress of student activism.

Now few days after the meeting, we met in Parliament and I was happy meeting him. For about the three and four times we met in Parliament, he had always sat down silently, smiling, nodding or shaking his head. Lo and behold, the day he rose to speak, the entire house was agog as the young orator dazzled every Hon member in the house. His introduction, which was full of humour, fascinating but flamboyant diction in particular, drew the attention of the House to the gentleman in smock.

 I wish I could quote some of his statements but unfortunately I can now remember only "Mr. Speaker, let me sincerely thank you for this privilege...... Mr. Speaker, I rise to break my Virginity..." There was a thunderous applaud that came "hear!!........hear!!!!!.

Adams made the entire minority caucus panic after he pressed the panic button. His ability to research and integrate credible facts into his submissions, made him almost unstoppable. The minority in many instances had to use heckling to stop him. Sorry to abrogate the narrative of his parliamentary role abruptly so that I don't bore you with a certain "thesis".

Adams Rufai's constitutional knowledge  is amazing. His legal arguments are rich. When he became the Counsel Attorney, many including I, Denis Andaban, said that it could not have been any other person. In all of these enviable attributes, Adams seems to have some unquenchable desire for learning. He engages me all the time and raises several issues and end up by telling me that he has learnt from me. Though sometimes I think his statements about my knowledge is only a flatter or perhaps a motivation to make me feel relevant in a way, it pushes me to learn more to meet his standards should he bring out any issue.

Quite recently, it was gratifying delivering a lecture on student activism alongside Adams Rufai and comrade David A Adingo. Adams has really paid his dues.

Somebody like his persona who stood firmly  on his grounds when it comes to principles and believes, must be put to the limelight. This is an uncommon attribute among contemporary student activists and student leaders because in recent activism, self interest, hypocrisy, inconsistencies, fear and other forms of negative attitudes become the new religion. He is a man and may have his own weaknesses but in the comity of student activists, he has occupied a niche and that is absolutely incontestible.

He owns a powerful voice and fears not when he has to voice. No wonder he is consistent in articulating his views on national and community related issues. He complements this very well through his prolific writings. He has authored many thought provoking articles. It is heart striking reading some of them. I must confess as a writer!!!

I am always motivated by his likes because we still have few in society that can stand up to the ideals, values and principles of society. Should we all emulate his lifestyle, then it would be assuring that the future of this country shall be brighter.

Thankfully, we are soon leaving the corridors of the University walls and going into a more convoluted society with a web of impediments that require substantial commitment, passion and intelligence to solve. It is my hope that his body of knowledge, passion and commitment shall make a tremendous impact in remedising the many developmental predicaments that have contemporarily egulfed our social, political and economic life as a people.

As Adams Rufai celebrates his milestone, I wish to join the loud chorus across different sections of student politics to extend my best wishes and felicitation to him. It is my prayer that the University of Education Winneba, Kumasi shall churn out many more like  Adams Rufai.

I wish my comrade, friend, colleague activist, colleague columnist, my motivator and adorable mentor the best of life.

 May Allah bless your many years of struggle.

Amen


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Denis Andaban
denisandaban@gmail.com