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How Kwankwaso Fought Phone Snatchers And Thugs In Kano

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By Ibrahim Adam

 

In 2011 when Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso returned as the Executive Governor of Kano State, he met a frightening rise of drug abuse, thuggery, and joblessness among the youths in the state.

 

The youths were only used as political thugs by politicians and many were mingling as political touts and beggars at government offices.

 

Right at the premises of the Government House then, there was a permanent base of political thugs where they abused drugs and praise-sing, or even harass, visitors and officials to get money.

 

Worried by the ugly and socially dangerous condition, then governor Kwankwaso formed a high powered task force committee that fought illicit drug dealers and drug abusers in Kano. The committee was given all the financial and moral support to discharge its duties effectively and efficiently.

 

The government made effort in regulating the Yanmagani traders in Sabon Gari market, by ejecting them out of the market and forcing them to strictly adhere to all the regulations guiding the sales of drugs to the public. All of which is aimed at curtailing easy access to illicit drugs by the youth.

 

Also, Governor Kwankwaso established a Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru Local Government and Corporate Security Institute in Gabasawa Local Government all with the aim of curtailing drug abuse, thuggery, and joblessness of the uneducated and undereducated youth in Kano State.

 

Kano Reformatory Institute was established with the sole intention of rehabilitating and building the capacities of drug addicts so that they can become responsible and productive citizens. This in turn will ultimately reduce drug abuse and the attendant high rate of crimes in Kano.

 

In the institute, the students were medically and psychologically rehabilitated as well as given training on vocational skills such as leather works, garment production, metal works and fabrication, and many more. The goal is to make them self-reliant and productive.

 

 

Upon graduation, the then government of Kwankwaso empowered them with capital to start up their businesses.

 

Hundreds of these youths are now prosperous business owners taking care of their families and contributing their quota to the development of the state and the nation in general as responsible and productive citizens.

 

On the other hand, at the Corporate Security Institute, the many jobless youths that would otherwise be nuisance were trained on modern security techniques and —like their counterparts at the reformatory Institute— were certified upon graduation.

 

This makes them professional security service providers fit to be employed as security guards by both government and private organizations.

 

A substantial number of them were absorbed by KAROTA as its staff.

 

Rather than use them as political thugs for sinister political deals as is common with many political leaders in Nigeria, Governor Kwankwaso considered them as his sons and daughters. And therefore, as a responsible father, he ensured that they were rehabilitated and empowered.

 

He took them off the streets and offices where they roam about as thugs wasting their lives and disturbing the peace of the society. They were no more liabilities to society. They became self-defendant and real people.

 

Undoubtedly, this has put smiles on the faces of many parents, spouses, relatives, and children of the reformed youth, having been converted from socio-security time bombs to the productive and responsible populace.

 

Through these initiatives, the state witnessed significant socio-economic and security improvements. As a result, people go about their daily activities hitch-free without any fear of intimidation or harassment by jobless youth. Peace and tranquility reigned.

 

It is sad that today in Kano despite all these efforts made by Kwankwaso’s administration from 2011 to 2015, there is the return of thuggery, thievery, and brutal attacks on unsuspecting passersby in our streets. Just a few days ago, a promising young man was stabbed to death by phone snatchers.

 

One will ask, what is the present government doing to bring an end to all these illicit and dangerous activities? Are they empowering the youths in order to discourage them from all these dangerous activities? Is the Kano Reformatory Institute still in existence? What is the fate of the School of Entrepreneurship Studies that was established by Kwankwaso at Dawakin-Tofa? I heard it has been closed by the current Ganduje-led administration.

Are the speculations that the government is using the youths as political dogs to attack opposition the reason why the government is leasing out the School of Tourism and Hospitality that was established by Kwankwaso (former Daula) for the purpose of building a mall?

 

Could it be that it is as a result of the ‘I don’t care attitude’ of the Government that the Corporate Security Institute was also closed?  Only those in government can answer these pertinent questions.

 

While waiting for the answers, it is good to remind those in power that history and posterity will not be fair to them if they allow Kano State through acts of omission or commission to slip back to the ugly state it was before Kwankwaso’s return in 2011 or even worse in terms of thuggery and drug abuse.

 

 

Furthermore, they should also bear in mind that those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Nobody knows who the next victim(s) will be. Power is transient. Everybody becomes a ‘nobody’ ultimately.

 

We seriously don’t feel safe anymore!

 

Ibrahim Adam

PA to former Kano PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in the 2019 elections Engr. Abba K. Yusuf wrote from Kano.

 

Politics

Gov. Gida-Gida and Ganduje: The Firing of Unwarranted Political Salvos-Adamu Aminu

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Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Successor Abba Kabir Yusuf

 

By Adamu Aminu.

It is extremely disheartening to see how recently our two elder statesmen, the Kano state Governor, His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusif, politically known as Abba Gida-Gida, and his immediate predecessor, the ex-Kano and present APC National chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are busy exchanging salvos directly at each other.

The exchanges of verbal brawls through their spokesmen emanated shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusif inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate cases of misappropriation of public property, political violence, and missing persons from 2015 to 2019 to 2023.

It was unfortunate; all the accusations and counter-accusations from both sides were riddled with harsh and demeaning words, deemed unrepeatable and unworthy to come from our respected leaders who are beating chests of leading Kano, the state that has reached the zenith of political maturity in the whole nation.

I was automatically dumbfounded by how the exchanged salvos and political sarcasm were randomly so directed at each other, without revisiting the fact that history never lies; someday, posterity will judge them.

This comes at a time when the warring parties should set aside their differences and make Kano their concern and priority, but they resorted to opening the doors of all blackmailing arsenals at their disposal, overtly directed at each other, without knowing that their utterances and accusations are doing more harm than good to Kano state in general.

This came at a time when our counterpart States in the South, like Lagos, Rivers, and others, have already set politics aside and deeply engaged in the execution of developmental projects for their people, but Kano, a state of whole-tenure politics, is dragging feet towards the fulfillment of promises during electioneering campaigns.

At this time when most Kano industries are not functional, there is no portable water, unemployment, poverty, hunger, and thuggery clogging the wheels of Kano’s economic development, instead, they resorted to engaged in trading bitter words and pointing accusing fingers at themselves.

I think it’s time for our Excellency, the state governor Abba Kabir Yusif, and his predecessor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to wake up from their slumbers and stop demeaning themselves politically.

Trading accusations of one’s incompetence, docility, and another’s accusation of land grabbing and rat-like behavior is not the utmost priority for Kano populace.

It’s time to stop deceiving ourselves with the longstanding Kano praise “Kano Tumbin Giwa, Ko dame Kazo An Fika,” which means Kano, the melting pot, whatever you came along with, you’re far left behind. Kano state in this modern era deserves to be far from where it is now.

I do hope and pray that Governor Abba and his predecessor Ganduje make Kano and Kanawas their utmost priority. They are our role models, exchanging incendiary remarks with each other will show that politics isn’t only a dirty game, it’s a dirty war of raining curses and abuses.

They should know that someday around this time, they will be no more; only their legacies will make them immortal in the memory of Kano populace.

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Politics

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Is The Head of All Political Parties in Kano-Dala

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In a surprising turn of events following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, Anas Abba Dala, a former APC chieftain and a devoted supporter of the Governor, has declared that Governor Yusuf is now the de facto head of all political parties in Kano. This assertion includes the APC, the NNPP, and the PDP.

Speaking exclusively to Kano based radio station Freedom Radio, Anas Abba Dala expressed his conviction that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Supreme Court triumph has positioned him as a unifying figure transcending party lines. Dala, who was once a prominent member of the APC, emphasized the significance of the Governor’s victory in unifying Kano’s political landscape.

In the interview, Dala highlighted the historical context of Governor Yusuf’s political journey, acknowledging the Governor’s ability to garner support across party lines. He commended the Supreme Court’s decision, declaring it a victory for not only the PDP but for all political parties in Kano.

Anas Abba Dala’s statement reflects a shifting political narrative, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership is perceived as a unifying force that transcends partisan affiliations. The Supreme Court’s validation of the Governor’s victory serves as a catalyst for a renewed sense of political collaboration and cooperation in Kano.

While this declaration is likely to stir conversations within the political sphere, it underlines the potential for a more inclusive and cooperative political landscape in Kano under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership. As the news of this assertion spreads, it will be interesting to observe how political dynamics in Kano evolve in response to this declaration of unity across party lines.

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Politics

Non-indigenes in Kano Unite in Prayer for Dr Nasir Gawuna’s Success at Supreme Court

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Honourable Seyi Olorunsola, a prominent APC stalwart and Opinion Leader in Kano, has mobilized the non-indigenous Christian community to fervently pray for the success of Dr Nasir Gawuna, the APC candidate, in an impending Supreme Court hearing. This legal battle arises from the NNPC’s appeal, led by Governor Abna Yusuf, challenging the results of the March 18, 2023, Gubernatorial elections in Kano State.

At a prayer conference organized by Honourable Seyi, the non-indigenous Christian community gathered to intercede for Dr Nasir Gawuna, seeking divine intervention in the pursuit of reclaiming his mandate. Honourable Seyi urged attendees to persevere in prayer until victory is secured and cautioned against potential interference, notably mentioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the need to remain unaffected by NNPP propaganda aiming to undermine the APC administration.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, Honourable Seyi emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring justice. He encouraged them to remain vigilant until justice is unequivocally served, highlighting the commitment to a fair and impartial legal process, free from external influences.

Addressing NNPP concerns about the legitimacy of the APC victory, Honourable Seyi reassured the public of the APC’s commitment to the democratic process. The call for prayers from the non-indigenous Christian community not only testifies to their faith but also demonstrates solidarity with Dr Nasir Gawuna.

The prayer conference also included appeals for peace and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria at large, emphasizing a broader vision for a united and flourishing nation. The collective hopes extend beyond the immediate political context, envisioning a Kano and Nigeria where peace prevails, prosperity thrives, and democratic principles are upheld.

Honourable Seyi Olorunsola’s call for a prayer conference reflects not just the intensity of the political situation in Kano but also underscores the significance of faith and unity during times of uncertainty.

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