On Thursday, the Yobe State House of Assembly came together to celebrate Malam Bulama Ari from Jumbam ward in Tarmuwa Local Government, Yobe State.
Malam Ari received an invitation from the Honorable House to join the Speaker and other esteemed Members in recognition of his honesty.
Arriving at the Honorable House on Wednesday, Malam Ari was accompanied by elders from his ward, Chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association in Yobe State, Malam Umar Barau, friends, and family members.
During the gathering, one of the elders, Alhaji Bukar Madu Jumbam, who is also a former Permanent Secretary and Member of the Yobe State Civil Service Commission, introduced Malam Ari to the House.
He shared the story of how Malam Ari discovered a significant amount of money, totaling 9.3 Million Naira, and chose to return it.
The money had been forgotten by a passenger (a trader) on a market day in Dapchi while traveling in Malam Ari’s tricycle.
Alhaji Bukar Madu Jumbam emphasized that Malam Ari’s sincerity in returning the money, despite economic challenges, showcased his bold and wise decision-making.
He highlighted that Malam Ari was just a hired rider, known as “Soja,” for a few hours on that particular day when the incident occurred.
The Majority leader, Honorable Nasiru Hassan Yusuf, and the Chief Whip, Honorable Mohammed Isa Bello, praised Malam Ari’s character, emphasizing that his actions reflected the fear of Allah within him.
Speaker Honorable Chiroma Buba Mashio commended Malam Ari for his maturity, fidelity, and sincerity.
He expressed that individuals like Malam Ari deserve celebration and urged others to emulate such virtuous behavior in line with their Islamic beliefs.
A significant moment of the event was the Speaker presenting Malam Ari with a cash gift of 500,000 Naira on behalf of the entire House Membership.
Expressing his gratitude in Kanuri Language, Malam Ari thanked the Speaker and the entire House Membership for the recognition and the generous cash gift. “Thank you, thank you,” said Ari.