By Abba Anwar

In preparation for the celebration of the second year anniversary for the 10th Assembly/Senate in the current dispensation, Opinion Poll experts under the aegis of Media-Legislative Engagement for Democracy (M-Len4D) issued an official statement today, Wednesday, unveiling the result of the poll, they conducted in the last two years, across 19 Northern states, as Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has emerged as the most visible Legislator in the media, from North.

A report signed by the National Coordinator of the platform, James Audu Dogo, reveals that, “At whatever length, the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, appears to be the most visible and responsive Senator in both the Nigerian media and African media respectively.”

His globally acknowledged position as the Deputy Speaker of the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, they argued,”… and his effort in sub-regional integration, makes him visible in the media nationally and on the African continent.”

Back home, poll experts disclose that, the Distinguished Senator, presented dozens of Bills, to his credit, to the floor of the red chamber. Many were passed. As others are at different legislative stages.

Out of the total Northern Senators included in the process, DSP scores above 95 percent. When it comes to public presentation towards his primary constituency. As he becomes frequent visitor to his primary constituency. Where he briefs electorate as and when due. Not a seat-warmer legislator.

Which, they revealed that, ” Nigerians clearly understand the quality of all the Bills he started, laboured, nurtured and, with the help of other Distinguished Senators, gave birth to many of them as Laws currently.”

The result shows that, Distinguished Jibrin, faces reality whenever he presides over plenary sessions. Most often than not, according to the opinion poll, the Senator’s brilliance, know-how, good human relations, gentleman approach to issues as well as sophistication of legislative work, after being encapsulated by dedication, patriotism and political will, all centred around producing a courageous and reserved Senator of global repute and standard. Da ka gan shi ka ga nutsattse.

Many, according to the result of the poll, believe that the Distinguished Senator, enjoys the good support of his colleagues as the Deputy Senate President. That, they argued, “Makes more room for harmony to take centre-stage during plenary sessions, discussions, arguments and lobbying aspect of legislative power play.”

With such opinion polls, it has become glaringly clear that, Senator Jibrin has become one of the leading voices of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country.

Though, I stand to be corrected, up to this time, almost two years of the existence of the 10th Assembly, no Senator or Member of House of Representatives, welcomes politicians from other divide. The way he does. Not minding where such defectors come from. But largely from New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), as Kano state government being controlled by NNPP. So also from other opposition parties. Not only from Kano, but from across other states. It is there everywhere in the media.

As reflected recently by the Deputy Editor of The Nation newspaper, Mr Emmanuel Oladesu, of 2nd May, 2025, in page 27, under the caption “Barau and APC membership drive in Kano.”

What is most striking in that piece is where Oladesu quoted Distinguished Senator Jibrin, to have said, during one of the occasions marking the exit of some hundreds of members of the opposition parties to APC, “APC is a party of inclusion, where every member enjoys equal rights to contest elections and contribute to nation-building.

When this government came into power under the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there were a lot of problems on the ground. But after two years, we have started to see that these economic policies are yielding some fruits.”

The Deputy Editor’s account gives out a straight-jacket analysis of how impactful and powerful are DSP’s commitment for the expansion, survival and strengthening process of the ruling party, the APC. I am yet to see other legislators doing something closer to Senator Jibrin’s.

This and other accounts from different observers, help to genuinely authenticate the result of this opinion poll rating DSP as the most visible Senator in the entire North. Exaggeration? Rule it out! Still stand to be corrected, anyway.

It is indeed worthy of note, to understand how critical DSP’s contributions to human development in his primary constituency (Kano North), Kano state and across the entire North West region. All geared towards his patriotic intent for national development. And promotion of peace and tranquility.

Not to talk of politics or political engagement, just examine his greater concern for education of our people, youth and women particularly. His Scholarship Scheme speaks volume around that area. The choice of fields of study, in both indigenous and foreign institutions of higher learning, tells much about his foresight as a global citizen.

Courses that are globally recognized with modern touches, like Software Engineering, Robotic Engineering, Forensic Engineering, among many other global fields of study. That are raining profusely across nations, continents and world at large.

This is foresight, hard earned capacity, illustrative engagements, encouraging philanthropy, enduring public responsibility, political maturity and sagacity, interwoven interests (his and society’s), high level patriotism and clear understanding of worldview.

I concur with an inexcusable determination that, DSP’s interventions in many areas, like creation of young Millionaires through his well designed agricultural project, – also for food security purpose – scholarship schemes, his indelible mark in easing transport system in Kano North, with the introduction of Kano North Transport Service with over 100 vehicles and how his generous touch being trickled down to many ‘long abandoned grassroot politicians,’ when he remembered hundreds of past and present party leaders, at all levels in the state, among others, provide all corridors for media attention, media scrutiny and increased public interest.

The creation of North West Development Commission, alone, looking at the role he played, is more than enough, a reason to always be in the media perpetually.

So all the needed indices are there, factors are there, reasons behind his emergence as the most visible Northern Senator in the media are there, and platforms to corroborate poll’s result are also there, live and direct.

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
14th May, 2025

In a democracy, disagreement is normal—but distortion of facts and personal attacks under the guise of political commentary must not go unchallenged. I am compelled to respond to recent remarks made by Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso at his residence on Miller Road—not out of malice, but out of duty. My purpose is to correct misleading narratives, reaffirm our stance, and, most importantly, clarify whom we stand with.

Let this be clear: The decision by myself and other respected leaders—Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini, Hon. Idrees Dankawu, Rt. Hon. Zubairu Hamza Masu, Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, Hon. Badamasi Ayuba Dambatta, Hon. Nura Muhammad Dankadai, and Rt. Hon. Alassan Abubakar Kibiya—to leave the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was neither hasty nor self-serving. It was a deliberate choice, rooted in the realities on the ground and our commitment to the people we represent.

We are not political ornaments who thrive on social media hype or cult followings. We are grassroots politicians who earned our mandates through years of community service, direct engagement, and trust. The support we received in Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure, and across Kano South during the 2023 elections was not a gift from any individual. It was a vote of confidence in our personal track records—not blind allegiance to a political logo or a one-man brand.

Senator Kwankwaso’s description of our defection as “a political sin” is not only laughable but deeply ironic. This is a man who moved from the PDP to the APC in 2015, returned to the PDP in 2018, and later joined the NNPP in 2022. If political movement is a sin, then Kwankwaso himself has much to confess. The difference is that we moved for progress—not mere political survival.

What is truly disappointing, however, is the tone of his remarks—laced with veiled threats, dismissive language, and a refusal to acknowledge the shifting political tide in Kano. That is not leadership; it is political entitlement. The era of one man dictating the future of many is over.

Let us also recall: This same Senator Kwankwaso, while criticizing others for aligning with the APC, was seen just last year seeking political favors in France—not for the people of Kano, but for his own political survival. Actions speak louder than words, and the people are watching.

Since joining the APC, we have delivered projects to our constituencies, spanning critical sectors such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure. These are tangible results—not empty slogans. We measure progress by what the people experience, not by the volume of rhetoric from a podium.

We urge our supporters to remain calm and focused. Politics must not be reduced to a battle of egos or blind loyalty to personalities. It must remain a vehicle for development, justice, and a better life for all.

We stand firmly with the people of Kano State. We stand for their future.

Signed
Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Air Force
Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency, Kano State
10th May 2025

By Abba Anwar

Amalgamated associations under the banner of Coalition of Kano Indigenes in North East, with Dr Adamu Ahmad, as a Convener, passed a vote of confidence and commit their appreciation to the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, for responsive and responsible representation of his people.

In a Communique issued after their Maiduguri stakeholders meeting at the weekend, signed by Dr Ahmad, they revealed that, with the creation of North West Development Commission, among other developmental strides by the Senator, “With a unified voice, we state that Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin is doing well. As we are observing his efforts in the media. As some of us were in Kano for on the spot assessment. We have the numbers. We have the strategy. The time is now!

Adding that, “This strategic decision reflects our collective confidence in the leadership, vision, and integrity of Senator Barau Jibrin, whose unwavering dedication and practical developmental strides continue to inspire hope across the Northwest and beyond.”

The forum according to the Communique, “… comprises of professionals, elders, youth, women, traders, drivers, artisans, academics, students bodies and grassroots mobilizers. In light of the emerging political realities and the need for visionary leadership in Kano State.”

According to the Communique, the group is going round all the states that made up, North East, to have direct communication with their members, who cut across the entire region. As Maiduguri was the third state in the category they touched.

Their unflinching support for Barau movement, among other representatives holding positions in Abuja, “… is driven by his track record as manifested in his hard work, commitment to good governance, genuine stride and advocacy for the Northwest Development Commission, his brain child, launching impactful initiatives like the Barau Maliya Agriculture Development Programme and championing inclusive policies that uplift all social groups.”

They said they believe in a progressive Kano and a stronger North West under visionary leadership.

“We need very strong leader with a political will, to build a united, empowered, and politically conscious coalition of Kano indigenes that promotes inclusive governance, development, and sustainable progress through visionary leadership. We see all these qualities in Senator Barau,” they insisted.

Part of their mission on DSP, is to mobilize and galvanize support across all sections of Kano indigenes residing in the North East, for him.

Dr Ahmed further revealed that, via the Communique, that they have reached an advance stage, with some strategic plans in the pipeline that are aimed to foster political education and grassroots mobilization across communities. To also bridge the gap between leadership and the people by supporting responsive governance.

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
10th May, 2025