By Abba Anwar
Before any note on the barbaric Uromi mob action, let me begin with prayer for The Almighty Allah to Bless and Forgive the gentle soul of Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the son of the late Emir of Kano and Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniyya, Sir Muhammadu Sanusi and the father of the Kano State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Abbas.
Whenever I sighted the late Galadiman Kano, my mind naturally recollects the face of his respected and revered father, our Tijjaniyya guide, beacon of hope, an epitome of greatness and scholarship, Sir Sanusi, whom I was privilege to visit in both Azare and Wudil, with my parents, when I was much younger, but not toddling.
We had a tradition back in the family, that the younger ones were included in such visits turn by turn. So I was included in two visits to Azare and two visits to Wudil. Where the blessed hands of Sir Sanusi were on my head full with prayers. Alhamdulillah.
ALLAH YA JIKAN GALADIMAN KANO, ALHAJI ABBAS SANUSI
Coming down to the barbaric incident that affected legitimate hunters, in Uromi, Esan North East of Edo state, where 16 hunters were burned to death, an incident that went viral in both the traditional and the new media, the action was condemned across the nation.
Political leaders, governments and other humane elements were up and doing dismissing the anti-human development as condemnable and animalistic.
While I acknowledge and appreciate the concerns of many, I was personally moved by extra efforts put by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, for moving extra miles and strategizing ways for redress. Responsive and responsible leadership at work.
He immediately condemned the mob action dastardly exhibited when it happened. Then followed by many other well meaning Nigerians. Kudos to all in this direction.
When the Governor of Edo state, H. E. Monday Okpebholo paid a condolence visit to Barau in Abuja, the Deputy Senate President said,
"We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want - all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to, is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I'm also glad you've spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected."
To tell you how concerned Barau is he further stated that, " I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It's a barbaric action, to say the facts.
If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I'm sure, under your watch, this will not happen again."
The Deputy Senate President didn't stop at that, he called the attention of the President and other well meaning Nigerians, including the security agencies, lamenting over the sad development.
Edo state Governor, started with Senator Barau and from there, based on his fruitful discussion with the Deputy Senate President, he was convinced that his coming to Kano, could douse tension and portray him (Edo Governor) as right thinking leader. Of which he attested to that.
Even before he left Senator Barau in Abuja for Kano, the Governor was made to understand the importance of paying condolence visit to the hometown of the slained victims. Which he also complied. A good of him indeed.
So he came to Kano, visited the Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf. From there he proceeded to the see the families of the victims.
What I am trying to portray here is, how the DSP put all the strategies in place for bringing the culprits to book, to douse tension and see ways of giving helping hand to the families of the deceased and to those who sustained injuries.
Governor Okpebholo's first disclosure about his effort in dealing with the situation was first known during his visit to the Deputy Senate President, when he explained that, "It's unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy.
The President is doing something drastic about this. He is not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.
So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a Committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased."
Distinguished Senator Barau did not stop at that, he visited families of the victims who were gathered at At-Taqwa Mosque, Sabon Fegi, Bunkure local government, as all victims came from Bunkure, Rano and Kibiya local governments, Kano state.
To cushion the effect of trauma in those families he gave the sum of One Million Naira (N1m) to each of families of the 16 deceased ones. Making it a total of N16m in all.
During his visit he was quoted to have said, "I was worried when the incident happened. I had to call the Governor, security agencies and all stakeholders involved.
They swung into action. So far apart from the 14 people who have been arrested, two more suspects have been nabbed. The state governor, who visited my house in Abuja, has assured me that the state government will support you.
We will not take it lightly. We will ensure that the culprits are brought to book and face the wrath of the law."
Examining and appreciating Barau's leadership qualities since the occurrence of the ugly incident, the entire families of the deceased commended him through the Chief Imam of the area, Sheikh Zainul Abidina Auwal.
They unequivocally thanked the Senator for his unwavering efforts in ensuring justice, adding that, "Rankai dade Senator you prove to be an excellent representative of your people. You are the leader we so much cherish. Your style of leadership is direly needed for the country’s development."
To compliment his effort with legislative action, DSP Barau assured that when Senate resumes after Sallah holiday, he would sponsor a Bill to look into the activities of Vigilant groups and their modus operandi.
This will go a long way in checkmating their legitimate activities and other nefarious activities allegedly attach to their operations across the country.
His understanding of the situation and his great concern for Nigerians regardless of where they come from, prompts his moves from multi - faceted approach to make sure that Nigeria is safe and developed.
Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
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