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Robust Achievements Of Shehu Kangiwa Former Governor Of Old Sokoto State

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By Engineer Aminu Gada

Alh Shehu kangiwa was the first elected governor of sokoto state holding office from October 1979 to November 1981, representing National Party of Nigeria NPN in the second republic. Shehu kangiwa’s administration was short lived but his successes by far out weighed his short term in office.

In his effort to make sokoto state centre of hospitality and attract tourism. He established Giginya five star hotels in sokoto metropolis. When Giginya Hotel was completed in 1981 it was the first of it’s kind in North western Nigeria and among the best hotels in the country. In order to develop and promote Argungu Fishing Festival and also make it attractive and colorful, kangiwa established Grand fishing hotel in Argungu town. To this date it is the only standard hotel built by any administration for the purpose of annual grand fishing Festival.

Shehu kangiwa also established Gusau Hotels to promote growing number of business in zamfara region as a result of textile industries and other agricultural products coming from bakalori dam irrigation facilities.

Shehu kangiwa recognizes the need for development of technical education in sokoto state. To this end he established and equipped four technical colleges in Runjin sambo, Durbawa, Gusau and Mafara. He also Establish four Vocational Training centers in Bunza, Ambursa, Wasagu and Tondi Yauri. It is sad to mentioned that none of these vocational training schools is functional today.

Shehu kangiwa maintains a free education policy for all sokoto state indigenes. Our Primary and secondary schools were well equipped with expatriates teaching staff in some schools. Boarding schools were full of sporting events and competitions. The state government ensures Students were given everything including uniforms to textbooks. Students were given transport fare to their various local governments during holidays.

As a Governor, kangiwa was not known for throwing money on the streets for his praise singers to pick, nor was he known for junketing around the country in chattered aircraft at the expense of state meager resources. Rather he was known for his humility, financial discipline and ability to deliver on his campaign promises

In the promotion and development of commercial activities kangiwa established sokoto investment company and sokoto cooperative bank. He also built and equipped sokoto state library with updated educational resource materials. Today both Investment company and cooperative bank are non existent, while the state library is left with outdated, archaic and dilapidated infrastructures.

In the area of environmental sanitation and hygiene, kangiwa discourage and work to eradicate open defecation by building nineteen public toilets in sokoto metropolis. Today there is not a single public convenience in sokoto. It is therefore very common to see people defecating openly in the city centre because of the absence of public toilets.

In order to promote local industries which raw materials are directly sourced within sokoto state, and also provide jobs for the youth, kangiwa established sokoto rice mill, sokoto foam factory, Tamba Animal feeds, sokoto modern bakeries, sokoto ceramic factory and sokoto tannery.

All these companies were fully operational during the administration of shehu kangiwa. The companies were making profits and generating employment for the greater benefits of the people of sokoto state. Today none of these companies is working. They are all History.

It was shehu kangiwa who established government printing press, where exercise books were printed and distributed free for all students in the primary and secondary schools. All these achievements was recorded within two years of shehu kangiwa’s administration.

You begin to imagine what sokoto state would have became if kangiwa had spent eight years as the governor.

For the people of sokoto state the death of shehu kangiwa was a double tragedy. First we lost a governor with a plan and a political will to develop the state. Then we failed to find his replacement thirty nine years after his death.

Within twenty years of democratic rule, the old sokoto state, which comprises kebbi, sokoto and zamfara has produced ten elected governors. Four in zamfara, three in sokoto and three in kebbi state. Yet all of them could not equal the achievements of shehu kangiwa. The duo of them, brazen as they are cannot deny it. Leaving us with a situation, where one is greater than ten.

We now have charlatans in office whose greatest achievement as Elected governors, is their ability to pay civil servants their monthly salaries.

I was in in Form Two at Government college sokoto now Nagarta College in 1980, when one afternoon during our lunch time we saw our no nonsense Principal Haliru Sarki running towards the cafeteria with his cap on hand. The news quickly spread across that governor kangiwa was coming to have lunch with the students. As we fall in line to collect our meals, I noticed the Governor was standing directly behind me wearing a track suite. He collected his meal, sat with the students and eat.

That day the dining hall which use to be noisy was as quite as a grave yard, because everybody was afraid of the Principal and not the Governor.

The Principal was visibly nervous when the Governor started interacting with senior students asking them questions. Such was his style. He moves around the state freely monitoring and supervising the activities of every Ministry. The present Governor of Borno state Professor Umara Zulum is a replica of shehu kangiwa’s style of leadership.

On 17th November 1981 sokoto lost one of its finest politician during a polo game in Kaduna.

We remembered him today not only for the development he brought to bear in our dear state but also for the difference he made.

Kangiwa became a yardstick for measuring successive administration in sokoto state.

As he Continue to rest in peace the miracle of his two years administration is still here with Us.

It was late Sani Aliyu Dandawo who said it all in his song. “sokoto duk gwamnatin da an kayi. Anyi tane kawai. Ba a yi irin ta kangiwa ba. In sokoto no administration is comparable to that of kangiwa.

Engr Aminu Ganda
Writes from sokoto.

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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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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Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: Politicians Who Accepted Defeat Without Going to Court Since 2003

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Dr,Goodluck Jonathan,Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Dr Kayode Fayemi

 

Abbas Yushau Yusuf, Political Editor

As Nigeria’s Fourth Republic marks 24 years, elections were held in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and most recently, in 2023 for the offices of councillors, LG Chairman, State Assemblies, Governors, National Assembly, and the office of the President.

By the time the Independent Electoral Commission concludes the process, litigation follows.

Only in 1999 was there very negligible litigation at the courts. The presidential candidate of the joint defunct APP and AD alliance, Chief Samuel Olu Falae, challenged the victory of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, but the courts dismissed his appeal.

The 1999 General elections were conducted by the military administration of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

By 2003, civilians started to conduct elections, and litigations continued to follow unabated.

Analysts opined that the election season in Nigeria with the highest number of litigations is the recent 2023 general elections.

It is said that 95 percent of the defeated politicians are still in the courts.

Below are some of the prominent Nigerian politicians who congratulated their opponents without going to court or their political parties in 20 years.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Former Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, is the first Nigerian presidential candidate who did not go to court to challenge his victory after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared his opponent, Muhammad Buhari of the APC, in the March 28 General elections.

Even before the final collation of results, he congratulated former President Muhammadu Buhari. Goodluck Jonathan was Nigeria’s President from May 6, 2010, to May 29, 2015.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was Governor of Kano state from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2003. He is the only Kano politician who congratulated his opponent since the 2003 election, even though as an incumbent Governor.

Kwankwaso was defeated by Malam Ibrahim Shekarau of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party. Kwankwaso did not only stop at that; he visited the Governor-elect at the residence with his cabinet and congratulated Malam Shekarau.

Kwankwaso staged a surprise comeback in 2011 after 8 years; he concluded his second tenure on May 29, 2015.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Dr. Kayode Fayemi was Governor of Ekiti state from 2010 to 2014 after the Supreme Court sacked Segun Oni of the People’s Democratic Party.

Ekiti state is one of the Nigerian states where off-season elections take place. During the 2014 Governorship election, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of APC was defeated by Peter Ayodele Fayose of the People’s Democratic Party.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi went ahead to congratulate the winner and did not also go to court. Like Kwankwaso of Kano, Dr. Kayode Fayemi also contested in the 2018 election and won, concluding his second term in the year 2022.”

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