Politics 24

  By Abba Anwar   I deliberately coined Barauism as a concept being inspired by values and principles of the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, suggesting his philosophy, movement and ideology for hastening the process of development in Kano, other parts of Northern Nigeria and the nation by extension.  Let me start by congratulating, not DSP Barau for now, but the process for the selection of his scholarship beneficiaries, numbering 70. Out of this number, 65 are males, while the remaining 5 are females. Due diligence, merit, clear vision and above all, independence of the process and procedures, from start to finish, were the bedrock of the political will, which brought the successful candidates into limelight.  The first time, to my knowledge, in Northern Nigeria, probably the South also, except in rare case(s) if that existed, when an individual political office holder and/or elected representative, provided similar scholarship for the study of these carefull...

By Suhaib Auwal  The Arewa Youth Concerned Forum has expressed strong disapproval over the recent statements by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, in which he accused former Senate President Bukola Saraki of betrayal. Ndume's allegations, made during an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW) Hausa service, detailed his suspension from the 8th Senate and removal as Chief Whip in the 10th Senate, attributing these actions to his commitment to "speaking the truth."  In response, the Arewa Youth Concerned Forum led by Salisu Usman criticized Ndume's public airing of grievances, suggesting that such disputes should be resolved through internal party mechanisms rather than in the media.  The group emphasized the importance of unity and constructive dialogue among Northern political leaders to effectively address the region's challenges. The Forum also highlighted the need for political figures to focus on policies that improve the welfare of the masses, a...

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has revealed that the 2025 federal budget allocates over ₦585 billion to the Northwest Development Commission (NDC), a figure exceeding the budget presented by the Kano State governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Senator Barau disclosed this during a send-off ceremony for 70 youths sponsored by his foundation to pursue master’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics Engineering, and other advanced fields in India. Speaking at the event, Senator Barau underscored his commitment to restructuring the Northwest region, focusing on critical sectors such as education, security, infrastructure, and healthcare.  He explained that the substantial allocation to the NDC is part of a broader vision to address the region’s developmental challenges. "This allocation reflects our resolve to uplift the Northwest and lay the foundation for sustainable progress. Education and skill development are central to this mission."  Senator Barau praised th...

By Suhaib Auwal  The Nigerian Presidential Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed allegations made by Niger's army chief, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, accusing Nigeria and France of arming bandits and setting up camps to destabilize Niger. General Tchiani made the claims during an interview published on Niger’s official website, alleging that these camps were part of a conspiracy to overthrow his regime. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Malam Ribadu refuted the allegations as baseless and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with Niger.  “These accusations are unfounded. Nigeria will never sabotage Niger or allow any disaster to befall it.” Ribadu also addressed historical context, noting, “Even England, which ruled Nigeria, never deployed its troops here without proper agreement. The same applied to France in Niger. We have always respected sovereignty, so these accusations are uncalled for.” Regarding claims that Nigeria provided Frenc...

In a display of unity and goodwill, the Northwest Youth and Students Forum has extended a warm and joyful Christmas message to Christians across the region and beyond.  The message, signed by the National Chairman of the forum, Comrade Isyaku Abubakar Balan, highlighted the importance of peace, togetherness, and hope during the festive season. Comrade Isyaku Abubakar Balan, conveyed the forum's appreciation for the contributions of Nigerian youth and students in fostering harmony and national development.  He urged the good people of Nigeria to use the holiday as an opportunity to reflect on the values of love, charity, and resilience. "This season reminds us of the importance of unity and the shared humanity that binds us as a nation."  "As we celebrate, let us continue to pray for the progress of our country, the well-being of our families, and the future of our youth." The National chairman of the Northwest Youth and Students Forum called on leaders and stake...

A new youth-focused political forum, the APC Kano Youths and Sports Forum, has been unveiled in Kano State, with the aim of uniting youths across the state and fostering their active participation in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. The forum, led by the former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Sports to the Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Muazzam Madaki, is poised to create a platform for the youth to engage, strategize, and reposition the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a formidable opposition party in Kano State. Speaking to journalists, Madaki emphasized the need for fresh approaches in political engagement, stating, "As an opposition party, we need new modalities and strategic plans to play our politics effectively in Kano. The APC Kano Youths and Sports Forum is committed to bringing out innovative ways of opposing the current administration and advocating for the interests of the people." The forum seeks to leverage the energy and creativity of Kano's ...

  In a bid to improve the health and wellbeing of its residents, the Nassarawa Local Government has announced a free eye care program.  According to Hon. Amb Yusuf Ogan Boye, The Nassarawa Local Government Chairman, expert eye doctors will conduct comprehensive eye examinations for residents with eye problems. The program is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 21, at the Gwagwarwa Primary Health Care Hospital, from 9 am until evening. Services will include general check-ups for all eye conditions, as well as training and free cataract surgeries for those in need. To participate, residents are required to obtain a registration card from their district heads.  This initiative is a welcome development, especially considering the importance of regular eye examinations in preventing visual impairment.

  By Suhaib Auwal   Today as we celebrate Bukola Saraki on his birthday, it is an opportunity to not only honor his achievements but also to envision what his leadership could mean for Nigeria in 2027. His dedication to service, ability to unite Nigerians, and commitment to reform make him a beacon of hope in a nation yearning for transformative change As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, discussions about the future of the nation’s leadership are intensifying. Amidst the cacophony of political promises, one name resonates with significant credibility: Dr. Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President and two-term Governor of Kwara State. Saraki's track record and vision for governance position him as a potential catalyst for the much-needed transformative change in Nigeria. A Proven Reformist Bukola Saraki is not a stranger to leadership. As the Governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011, he demonstrated his capacity for reform. His administration is still remember...

 By Suhaib Auwal An elder statesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano and Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President, Hamza Darma, has described the high-profile attendance at the wedding of Senator Barau I. Jibrin’s children as a reflection of his exceptional political prowess and his deep connection with both leaders and the masses. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Darma said the turnout of dignitaries from across Nigeria underscored Senator Barau’s ability to foster unity and goodwill among a diverse range of stakeholders in the country. The wedding, held on Friday at the National Mosque in Abuja, was a significant event that attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, and influential figures. Senator Barau’s son, Jibrin Barau I. Jibrin (Abba), married Maryam Nasir Ado Bayero, while his daughter, Aisha Barau I. Jibrin, tied the knot with Engineer Abubakar Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina.  Among the dignitaries in attendance were President Bola Ahmed T...

By Suhaib Auwal  The Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) has denied reports claiming it is constructing corner shops at Shahuci.  Speaking during a press conference, the agency's Managing Director, Architect Ibrahim Yakubu, clarified the purpose of the ongoing project in the area. Arch. Yakubu explained that the initiative involves the creation of temporary business clusters designed to support small business owners. He noted that the project is part of KNUPDA’s efforts to ease business operations and foster a more enabling environment for entrepreneurs. “There have been misleading claims about this project, we are not building corner shops; rather, we are focused on providing spaces for small businesses to thrive. This is in line with our mandate to enhance urban planning and development.” The managing director also emphasized KNUPDA’s commitment to ensuring compliance with building rules and regulations, reassuring the public that the agency is takin...

  By Suhaib Auwal   The late Yusuf Maitama Sule, fondly referred to as the "Danmasanin Kano," was a man of immense intellect, integrity, and patriotism.  As a diplomat, orator, and elder statesman, his contributions to Nigeria's unity and progress remain etched in history.  Maitama Sule epitomized values that transcend generations, advocating for justice, equity, and national cohesion.  His leadership and commitment to fostering peace made him an icon deserving of everlasting recognition. It is worth noting that the former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, recognized this need for remembrance by renaming the Northwest University, Kano, to Yusuf Maitama Sule University after the elder statesman’s demise in 2017.  The decision was widely celebrated, as it reflected the deep respect and admiration Maitama Sule commanded within and beyond Kano State. However, the recent reversal of this decision by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who restored the univ...

By Suhaib Auwal  The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone A, has expressed its support for a bill sponsored by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, to rename the Federal University of Education, Kano, to Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano. The bill, which successfully passed its first reading in the Senate today, aims to honor the legacy of the late Alhaji Maitama Sule, a prominent Nigerian statesman and advocate for education and social justice. A statement signed by the NANS Zone A Sports Director Comrade Garzali Muhammad Gadanya said the renaming the university after Maitama Sule is a fitting tribute to his significant contributions to Nigeria's development.  The association commended Senator Barau for his initiative and commitment to promoting education and preserving the legacy of great Nigerian leaders. In addition to his efforts to rename the university, NANS also acknowledged Senator Barau's broader contributions to educat...

  Daga Abba Anwar Da farkon farawa tukuna, na san mai karatu zai amince da ni idan na ce, tsohon Kwamishinan Kananan Hukumomi kuma tsohon dan takarar Mataimakin Gwamna a zaben 2023 a Kano, Murtala Sule Garo, ya na daga cikin mutanen da suke sahun gaba wajen ganin cewar jam'iyyar APC a Kano ta samu cikakken hadin kai da karfi tsakankanin 'yan jam'iyyar. Ba wai maganar taimakon 'yan jam'iyya kawai nake ba, a'a ina fara magana ne kan yadda kauna da goyon bayan jam'iyyar yake a wajen jagororin APC a Kano. Kowa ya san Garo ba mutum ne mai surutu ko hayaniya ko zantutttuka na ba gaira ba dalili ba. Shi kawai ya yarda da idan za a yi abu a yi ba sai an yi wani surutu ba. Abinda Turawa ke cewa "Action speaks louder than voice." Ba ra'ayin wannan rubutun ba ne, ya soki wani dan jam'iyyar APC a Kano, daga kananun 'yan jam'iyya har zuwa ga jagorori ba.  Na yarda irin tarbiyyar da Garo ya samu a siyasa daga jagororin tafiyar siyasa, musamman sh...

By Abba Anwar  Part of the objective of this piece, is to look at the trending issue of Tax Reform as enunciated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, legislative innuendo and how, from the scratch, the Executive arm of government, confuses the process with little or no proper communication strategy for the needed engagement of the citizenry. The piece does not intend to go into the nitty gritty areas of the document, Tax Reform Bill, for x-raying the good, the bad and the ugly sides of the document. A lot has been said by tax experts and celebrated economists. I believe such technicalities should be left to technical people. For honest and proper comprehension of the process.  I am not interested in discussing whether Senator Barau was trapped, or what he did was deliberate to give him access to other corridors come 2027. My major concern as a student of media and communication is, where is the missing communication link, that creates all hues and cries?  The ...