BY EDMOND ODOK – The immediate past Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Alhaji Mohammed Kari has been made the new Waziri of Bauchi by the Emir of Bauchi, His Royal Highness, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu (CFR).
From a well-respected and reputable family in Bauchi, Kari is considered an excellent administrator who has managed some of Nigeria’s biggest and most successful companies.
An elder statesman with a great track record in insurance and finance management, the traditional title is not only an additional feather to his cap but also proof of dedication and commitment to serving his fatherland.
Before his appointment as Wazirin Bauchi, Alhaji Kari held the prestigious traditional title of Garkuwa of Bauchi after being appointed to replace his father Alhaji Amadun Kari in 2004.
The title of Waziri in any emirate council in Northern Nigeria is indeed a powerful title second to that of an Emir. The Waziri is a senior member of the Emirate council, a close confidant, and a Chief Adviser of the Emir.
Kari was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as NAICOM’s Chief Executive for a term of four years on July 31, 2015. He stepped down in 2019 after the Federal Government refused to renew his tenure.
He started his career with Royal Exchange Assurance in 1979 and later worked with Yankari Insurance Company until 1989 when he was appointed Executive Director of Niger Insurance Plc.
In January 1992, he became the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, a position he held until March 1993 when he was appointed Managing Director of NICON Insurance Corporation.
After resigning from the position in January 2000, Kari returned to insurance management in 2007 as the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Unity Kapital Assurance Plc, where he served for four years. In his duty tour, the Chartered Insurer and Professional IT Consultant also served as the Deputy Commissioner (Technical) of NAICOM.
Meanwhile, Forefront News gathered that Alhaji Kari replaces another Elder Statesman, Muhammadu Bello Kirfi who was removed as the Wazirin Bauchi by the Bauchi Emirate Council on the orders of Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir of Bauchi State.
The sack letter, with reference number, BEC/ADM/20/VOL.XV from the Bauchi Emirate Council and dated 3rd January 2023, was addressed to Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Bello Kirfi GRA, Bauchi with the title; ‘Removal From Office as a Council Member and Traditional Title of Wazirin Bauchi.’
The terse letter sacking the 90-year-old Kirfi was signed by the Emirate Council Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Mudi Muhammad, and read thus; “I am directed to refer to a letter received from the Ministry of Local Government Affairs of reference No: MLG/LG/S/72/T dated 30th December 2022.
“The content of the said letter indicated your disloyalty and disrespect to the Executive Governor of the State and the government. It is therefore directed for your removal with immediate effect.
“In view of the above, you are hereby removed from office as Wazirin Bauchi and also as a Council Member of Bauchi Emirate. I wish you the best in all your future endeavours.”
