Shema is a highly intellectual legal practitioner and a well-polished politician, known for his cosmopolitan wisdom and ability to make informed decisions. He is a considerate, sincere, reliable leader, loving, intelligent, and deeply committed to understanding people and development. His next political move is to dedicate his resources, time, and energy to supporting the success and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Former Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, clocked 68 on September 22, with tributes pouring in to celebrate his disciplined leadership, integrity, and patriotism. Known for his cosmopolitan outlook and intellectual depth, Shema has now revealed his next political move — dedicating his resources, time, and energy to supporting the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Shema on Tinubu: “Pray for the President”
Shema, a respected lawyer and politician, had long foreseen the challenges awaiting whoever succeeded Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
“I pity whoever will take over Nigeria from President Buhari,” he once told close associates.
When Tinubu emerged as president, Shema pledged total support, while urging those around him to consistently pray for the President, recognising the enormity of the task before him. He maintains that Nigerians made the right choice in 2023 and often stresses that Tinubu’s policies, including the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), mirror his own people-centered governance model as Katsina governor.
Governance Legacy in Katsina
During his eight-year tenure (2007–2015), Shema delivered remarkable projects without taking a single loan. His administration built:
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3,000 km of roads
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361 ward-level clinics
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A 250-bed orthopedic hospital
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3,500 housing units
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200 secondary schools
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A 35,000-seat Olympic stadium
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A new Government House
His hallmark was accountability: contracts were awarded only when convinced of value-for-money, and state funds were managed prudently despite limited revenue.
Discipline, Principles, and Family Values
Shema is widely admired for his strict discipline and principled leadership:
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Children had to pass JAMB and gain local admission before qualifying for studies abroad.
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Abroad, they were allowed home visits only at the end of academic sessions.
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His measured generosity ensures support is based on genuine need, not sentiment.
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Even in private life, he practices energy and spending discipline.
Today, his son, Yamani Shema, chairs a multi-sector conglomerate, reflecting the values of hard work and prudence instilled by their father.
Relationship with Tinubu and Katsina Politics
Though not holding public office since 2015, Shema played a crucial role in mobilising support for Tinubu’s victory in 2023 and continues to commend Governor Umar Dikko Radda of Katsina for his leadership.
Tinubu appointed Shema Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in May 2025 — an appointment yet to be inaugurated but one Shema considers a sign of Tinubu’s respect for the rule of law.
Shema often recounts Tinubu’s humane gesture during Buhari’s death and state burial as proof of his sincerity:
“A man who does what President Tinubu did is a good man who deserves support and encouragement.”
The Next Move
As he marks 68, Shema’s focus is clear:
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Backing Tinubu’s reform programmes.
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Promoting grassroots-oriented development policies.
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Advocating national unity and people-driven governance.
His life continues to reflect discipline, probity, and patriotism — qualities that define his enduring influence in Nigerian politics.
“Dear leader, father, brother, friend, and mentor — you are the epitome of probity and accountability. A man who has never betrayed trust. May Almighty God bless you with good health and wisdom. Happy birthday, sir.”
— Oluwabusola Olawale, Head of Media, Office of Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema
