Former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda has officially broken his silence to debunk widespread rumors concerning his health, firmly declaring, “I am alive.” While acknowledging a recent bout of illness, the former governor offered a deeply reflective reassurance to the public, emphasizing that while human health remains fragile and entirely in God’s hands, his well-being has been fully restored.
The false reports triggered widespread alarm, prompting thousands of concerned citizens—particularly from Bauchi State—to flood the former governor’s communication lines to verify if he was still alive.
Speaking over the weekend, Yuguda opened up about his health, disclosing that he had recently undergone surgery for a back-related condition but has since recovered and is responding remarkably well.
“I am alive. I assure you that, being human, one can fall ill at any time. I was indeed ill recently. Of course, our lives are in God’s hands; whether an illness is minor or severe, God can take a life at any moment,” Yuguda stated. “But I assure you, I am in good health. I was ill recently, but God has now restored my health.”
Addressing his current routine, Yuguda explained that he is strictly adhering to his doctors’ orders to rest following the surgery.
“I am mostly at home now because, following back surgery, I was instructed to rest. As one ages, the vertebrae in the back can suffer from friction caused by prolonged sitting. If things go wrong, it could lead to serious complications, including paralysis,” he explained.
Despite the harrowing experience of reading his own premature obituary, the former governor expressed profound gratitude to God for his recovery, maintaining high spirits throughout the ordeal.
Malam Isa Yuguda is a prominent Nigerian politician, economist, and former top-tier banker who built a formidable career in the financial sector before transitioning into public service. He served as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of both Inland Bank and NAL Merchant Bank, later moving to the federal executive level where he served as the Minister of State for Transport, and subsequently, the Federal Minister of Aviation under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
Yuguda famously governed Bauchi State for two consecutive terms, from May 29, 2007, to May 29, 2015. He clinched his historic first gubernatorial victory under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) before defecting to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2009, where he secured his 2011 re-election.
Currently, the seasoned administrator remains a vital force in national politics under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, holding key appointments that include:
- Educational Leadership: Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
- Regional Development: North-East Zonal Coordinator and Ambassador for the Renewed Hope Initiative Committee, spearheading regional alignment with federal policies.
- Party Strategy: Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the APC Professionals Forum.
