Politics 24

  Assalamu alaikum my dear brother, I am writing you this letter as a brother, as a friend and as someone whose parents and uncles are associated in friendship and camaraderie with yours for decades.  I am also writing as an elder in Kano and one who is passionate about the peace, harmony, and tranquility of our dear state.  Even though I have unfettered access to you and can contact you at any time, I have waived that privilege and decided to make this letter an open one.  I trust an open letter is more realistic and can be subjected to objective and unbiased interpretation. Even though the letter is addressed to you, some aspects of it might be of interest to the general public, especially because you are a public figure. I, therefore, seek your understanding in this regard. Your Royal Highness, I am impressed with your timely decision to cancel your planned Hawan Sallah (traditional horse riding). Whatever your considerations are, the decision is timely just as it...

  By Abba Anwar   Neither Abba Anwar, then Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State, nor Saluhu Tanko Yakasai, then Special Adviser, Media, to the Governor, petitioned the then noise maker, Ibrahim Waiya, who was busy making drum beats, to attract recognition from, the political opponents of the then Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, when Waiya organised a press conference, under the guise of an emotionless group, Renaissance Coalition, describing Anwar and Yakasai, as elements threatening the peace of the state. Over face-off between Ganduje and then Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.  Waiya was the spokesperson of the Coalition then, as reported by Daily Trust newspaper of Tuesday 11th June, 2019, by Richard Ngbokai, when he blamed Anwar and Yakasai of fueling crisis between governor and the then Emir, "... over alleged insensitivity in handling information concerning the lingering crisis between the governor and the emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II." He ma...

  By Suhaib Auwal  The National Sports Commission (NSC) has lauded the Super Eagles for their crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda in a must-win World Cup qualifier in Kigali on Friday.  The win reignites Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot at the global tournament after a challenging start to the qualifiers. Delivering a message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the NSC chairman Malam Dikko commended the team’s resilience and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification bid. "You have done us proud today. You have shown that true Nigerian never-say-die spirit. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Nigerian football faithful, I congratulate you." The NSC, under the leadership of Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, played a pivotal role in ensuring the team’s success.  A special planning committee was set up months in advance in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federat...

By Abba Anwar   It is not the intention of this write - up to x-ray the relevance and effectiveness of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) come 2027 general elections. The idea is not also to discuss the possibility of parties alliances as preparation to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in pre, during and post election periods, with SDP as one of the brain boxes. I only see APC and SDP as opposing political platforms. A ruling party and opposition party eyeing each other's jugular. Political sophistication, organizational stamina and proactive engagements can play critical role in this imminent political face-off.  Coincidentally, just few days after the former Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai defected from APC to SDP, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, punched some deadly blows to SDP. In what appears like uprooting strategy against the party. The first of its kind since El-Rufai's exit from APC.  Just few days back, on Tuesday 18...

  APC youth activist Sadiq Ali Sango has strongly defended Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, against criticisms over his recent Ramadan charity initiative in Northern Nigeria. Speaking at a press conference in Kano, Sango condemned what he described as unjust attacks on Seyi Tinubu’s efforts to provide iftar and distribute foodstuffs to the needy. Sango emphasized that Islam encourages charity, particularly during Ramadan, and questioned why Seyi Tinubu was being singled out for criticism.  “Countless individuals, organizations, and governments engage in similar acts of kindness. Why, then, is Seyi Tinubu being condemned?” He pointed out that the Kano State government had allocated over ₦8 billion for the Ramadan feeding program, which was widely celebrated, yet some detractors criticized Seyi Tinubu’s initiative because he is the President’s son. Sango also cited the example of the Kano Governor’s son, who distributed rice to party members without facing backla...

By Suhaib Auwal  The Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in North West (BIARN) is set to redefine agriculture in the region, providing farmers with resources, training, and financial support. Spearheaded by the Barau Jibrin Foundation (BIJF) and aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the initiative is a bold step toward economic empowerment and food security. In an exclusive interview, Prof. Bashir Muhammad Fagge, Chairman of BIARN, shares insights into its vision, objectives, and long-term impact. A Vision for Agricultural Transformation According to Prof. Fagge, BIARN was founded to address the challenges faced by farmers in the North West while aligning with President Tinubu’s visionary economic policies.  The goal is to modernize agriculture, empower local farmers, and boost food security. He praised Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, for his unwavering commitment to the initiative.  “Senator Barau Jibrin has alw...

From Abba Anwar   Thrilled by the consistent effort of the Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, CFR, in making the All Progressives Congress (APC) waxing stronger across Nigeria, the National Chairman of APC, His Excellency (Dr) Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, decorates the DSP with a title of Political General. As the hall of the event to receive members of the Coalition of Atiku Abubakar Support Groups, from 19 Northern states, into the fold of the ruling APC, roared with standing ovation, the National Chairman continued, "Distinguished Barau I. Jibrin's capacity is beyond his constituency, Kano North or Kano State." Silencing all hues and cries about Barau's role in accepting members of other parties at the local level, Ganduje reminded that, "Initially people thought Distinguished Barau I. Jibrin, representing Kano North Senatorial District, is only working in Kano for receiving members of other political parties to APC in Kano.  But you can see that, he is ...

By Abba Anwar Whether or not those joining All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state, through Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin CFR, are doing that with genuine mind and valid reason, the fact remains, that, political opposition and politicking are becoming lively day in day out, in the state. The recent hues and cries shaping party cross carpeting, with particular reference to the DSP's engagement with Kwankwasiyya followers, Kannywood elements and some identified TikTokers is on increase in the state. Both freedom of expression and freedom of choice at play.  Believe it or not, one cannot separate Barau and APC in this political engagement. Those changing party membership under Barau, are changing to APC ultimately, not to Barau. Because the institution is the party, APC, not Barau. It is clear to all that, Barau is positioning himself against 2027 Kano Project. That in itself isn't a political sin. If his target is Kano, as a political space, his feats achieved withi...

  By Sadiq Ali Sango  The recent defection and return of some Kannywood actors from the Kwankwasiyya movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have sparked criticism against Senator Barau Jibrin.  Many have blamed him for the actors' return to Kwankwasiyya, questioning his political strategy.  However, such criticism is misplaced and fails to recognize the broader political game at play. First, it is important to clarify that Kannywood actors, while influential in shaping public discourse, do not necessarily determine electoral outcomes. Many of them do not even possess voter cards, and their presence at polling units during elections is rare. Their real influence lies in their ability to stir political conversations and shape public opinion, especially on social media. For a seasoned politician like Senator Barau, maintaining political relevance is crucial, especially in a highly competitive environment like Kano. Politics is not only about winning elections; ...