If it feels like just yesterday when Sam Nda-Isaiah, the founder of LEADERSHIP newspaper, passed away, it’s because his presence endures in ways that make it feel as though he never left. But if you’re still looking for him in the places where he used to be—at his desk, in his office, or in his favorite corner with a passionate debate—then you might be missing the larger picture.

His Lasting Presence

Perhaps the most striking reminder of Sam is his unyielding commitment to the written word. Sam, who passed away five years ago, continues to live on in the ideas and conversations he left behind, especially through his weekly column, The Last Word, which he penned for many years. Even now, his words feel fresh, as though they were written yesterday. His work transcended the physical space, and in the world of ideas and journalism, he remains deeply embedded in our collective consciousness.

I often find myself reading his articles and feeling like I’m engaged in a conversation with him from just a moment ago. Take, for instance, The PDP Civil War, a column where Sam dissected the internal struggles of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His sharp criticisms of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his dissection of the PDP’s inner workings remain as relevant as ever. Even though time has passed, his words still ring true as we continue to watch the party struggle with internal crises.

Sam’s Deep Critique of Politics

Sam was never one to shy away from bold opinions. His disdain for the PDP, which he once called a “criminal organization,” was evident throughout his writing. In 2010, ahead of the party’s primary elections, Sam predicted that the PDP would implode, a warning that, though dismissed by some at the time, now seems prescient. His writings were a call to action, urging Nigerians to critically examine the political system that continued to falter under the weight of corruption and self-interest.

The same foresight was evident in his analysis of Nigeria’s security issues, particularly with Boko Haram. In 2010, he warned of the growing threat of terrorism in the country, even before the group had reached the level of destruction it has since wreaked across Nigeria. His words echoed a stark reality that many, at the time, failed to acknowledge. Today, we see the consequences of ignoring such warnings, as terrorism and banditry continue to ravage the country.

Sam’s Uncompromising Fight Against Injustice

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Sam’s character was his intolerance for injustice and impunity. He once penned a piece in 2008 entitled Is Nigeria Worth Dying For?, calling for a national reckoning over the treatment of Nuhu Ribadu, the former EFCC chairman. Ribadu’s relentless pursuit of corruption had made him a target of the political elite, and Sam, with his usual fervor, demanded that the government take action to protect Ribadu and others who dared challenge the status quo.

In a broader sense, Sam’s writings were always a call to challenge the injustice that permeated Nigerian society, from corrupt politicians to the systemic failures that left millions in poverty and fear. His disdain for impunity was matched only by his belief in the power of the people to demand better governance, even when it seemed like the fight was impossible.

Atiku and the North: A Glimpse Into Political Decline

Sam’s insights into Nigerian politics were never more evident than in his analysis of political figures like Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President. Sam’s famous line, “Atiku is finished,” captured the uncertainty and tumult of Nigerian politics at the time. While Atiku’s political career has seen many twists and turns, Sam’s commentary was more than just about one man; it was a reflection on the broader political decay in the North and the struggles of a generation to navigate through a system entrenched in corruption and poor leadership.

Sam’s reflections on the Political Decline of the North resonate now, more than ever, as the region continues to grapple with the devastating effects of poor governance and political fragmentation.

Sam’s Wit and Legacy

Despite his serious critiques of the system, Sam was also known for his wit and humor. I can almost hear his laughter as he reads this. “Dam’bura,” he would say, laughing at me as I debated with him over politics. And then, as always, the familiar chuckle would follow: “You’re very stupid, Azu!” But that was Sam—blunt, irreverent, but always engaging with ideas, with a deep love for his country and its potential.

Five years after his passing, Sam Nda-Isaiah’s legacy continues to inspire critical conversations about the state of Nigeria. His words, ideas, and bold critiques remain a part of the ongoing dialogue about the country’s future.

He may no longer be with us physically, but in the realm of ideas, he is still very much alive—urging us to think more deeply, challenge the status quo, and believe in the possibility of a better future.