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Umaru Dikko
Umaru Dikko.jpg
Minister for Transportation
In office
1979–1983
President Shehu Shagari
Personal details
Born 31 December 1936
Wamba, Kaduna, British Nigeria
Died 1 July 2014(2014-07-01) (aged 77)
London, England
Political party Solidarity Group of Nigeria (SGN)
United Democratic Party
Education University of London

Umaru Abdulrahman Dikko (born December 31, 1936 – died July 1, 2014) was an important Nigerian politician. He worked as an adviser to President Shehu Shagari. He also served as the Minister for transportation from 1979 to 1983.

Umaru Dikko's Early Life

Umaru Dikko was born in a small village called Wamba. This village is located near Zaria in northern Nigeria. He went to school in Zaria when he was young. Later, he earned a science degree from the University of London. Before he became a politician, he worked for the BBC's Hausa service. He became a well-known voice in northern Nigeria.

His Political Journey

Umaru Dikko began his role in Nigeria's government in 1967. He was chosen as a commissioner in the North Central State of Nigeria, which is now Kaduna State. He also helped unite people in the North after a major change in government in 1966.

In 1979, he became the campaign manager for Shehu Shagari. Shagari was running for president with the National Party of Nigeria. Umaru Dikko helped him win the election. During Nigeria's Second Republic (a period of democratic rule), he was a very important person. He served as the Minister for Transportation. He also led a special team focused on rice supply for the country.

Changes in Government

On December 31, 1983, the government of President Shagari was overthrown by the military. Umaru Dikko and some other ministers left Nigeria. They went to live in London. The new military government accused him of misusing public funds while he was in office.

The Dikko Affair

On July 5, 1984, Umaru Dikko was involved in a very unusual event. He was found inside a large wooden box at London Stansted Airport. This box was being sent to Lagos, Nigeria. It seemed like an attempt to secretly bring him back to Nigeria. This event became known as the "Dikko Affair."

Later Political Activities

Umaru Dikko later became the leader of a group called the Solidarity Group of Nigeria (SGN). This group joined with another party during the time of Sani Abacha's government. In the Fourth Republic (another period of democratic rule), he started his own party called the United Democratic Party (UDP). In 2013, he was chosen to lead a special committee for his political party.

Umaru Dikko passed away in London in 2014. He was 77 years old.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Umaru Dikko para niños

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