By Abba Anwar

Global citizenship and His Excellency, Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, are more or less, like two sides of a coin. Destined to be together for the overall benefit of the society. He started from the scratch, as a political learner, who believes in genuine democratic survival and political development. Hence his promotion to become an icon in politics.

Being an ardent and true democrat, his pedigree sounds decades of hardwork, genuine commitment, rancour-free engagement and civilized cohesion with relevant stakeholders. He specializes in human management and love for human advancement.

Just recently, DSP has been visible on regional and global fora, advancing partnership, integration and self development for our region and the continent. His appearances recently, on such platforms, gave more meaning to his global citizenship position. Yes he is representing Kano North, as his primary constituency, coupled with his position as the Deputy Senate President, but his role at the regional and global arena, showcase his global capacity.

During the 2026 First Extraordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament (ECOWAS Parliament), which was backed by the 2026 Parliamentary Seminar themed “Deepening regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Opportunities and challenges for expanding intra-community trade within the ECOWAS region,” in Abuja, he got more accolades than expected. His genuine commitment to ECOWAS protocols is rare among regional leaders.

Enlisting the core idea behind the event he said, “During today’s session, we considered and adopted the draft resolutions of the parliament on the African Continental Trade Free Area (AfCFTA). We also adopted a comprehensive work plan of the parliament for the 2026 legislative year.”

In his effort in taming insecurity plaguing some parts of our country, DSP clearly understands the global connection to the menace. Hence he highlighted on peace promotion at the regional event. Apart from behind the scene efforts he makes. Both in Nigeria and beyond. During the ECOWAS programme he said, “As the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, the people’s parliament, we will continue to promote democracy, PEACE (emphasis mine), unity, and integration in our sub-region, the cardinal objectives of the parliament.”

It was evidently clear that, Distinguished Senator was among the few hands who put extra effort in taming some pockets of bandit attacks few months back in some border towns in Kano state. Who were said to be infiltrated from neighboring states.

Coincidentally, some of the attacks, though, very insignificant, occurred around his Kano North constituency. The nature of contributions of operational vehicles, and other logistics he gave to our security agencies, around that axis, aided security agents in crushing the challenge head on.

Not only in his constituency, he donated, other operational vehicles to Kano state Police Command, alongside hundreds of motorcycles for police operations across all the 44 local governments of the state. Some of his interventions are not for public consumption, because of their nature, being security related.

Coming back to his good attachment with other global bodies, as a global citizen, he participanted recently at 2026 Commonwealth Day Commemoration, themed “Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous commonwealth,” at the National Assembly, Abuja. He was there as an important guest and a critical stakeholder.

The event was organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). DSP Jibrin delivered one of the most significant speeches there. In his speech he acknowledged that, “This year’s theme is both timely and inspiring. It calls on us to strengthen collaboration across borders, institutions, and generations to create a future defined not by limitations but by shared prosperity.”

One of his major concerns as a global citizen who believes in peaceful coexistence and global partnership is his contribution towards national peace and cohesion. As well as regional cooperation and global partnership against insecurity. All these are based on the premise of his clear understanding of global concepts and meaning.

As this can vividly be understood in his remark during the Commonwealth Day, when he said, “For Nigeria and indeed Africa, the Commonwealth represents more than a historical association. It is a dynamic platform for cooperation, learning, and collective progress.” This shows how insightful and informed he is when it comes to global citizenship and clear action.

Distinguished Senator Jibrin’s understanding of the need for strengthening of institutions through proper legislation, across the board, on the global arena, he takes the same understanding and called on other global bodies to take that seriously. At the Commonwealth Day he made it categorically clear that, “As legislators, we bear a solemn responsibility to build institutions that expand opportunities for education, innovation, enterprise and leadership for our young people. When we unlock such opportunities, we unlock the true potential of our societies.”

As a matter of fact, the Deputy Senate President’s love for peace and development to reign, does not stop at the local communities, or within the shores of Nigeria, he makes it an item on his shopping list, to wherever he goes or whoever he meets. He reminded all participants at the Commonwealth Day, that, “In my additional capacity as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, I wish to emphasise that regional and global cooperation are no longer optional – they are essential. The challenges of our time-economic transformation, climate change, technological disruption, and peacebuilding-require collective solutions and shared vision.” This is leader with a vision!

Peace, peace and peace, anywhere he goes. His interventions as contributions to our security agencies, here in Kano state, are enough indices to tell you who the Senator is. When it comes to fighting insurgency and other nefarious activities.

To further appreciate the fact that, youth are an integral part in the future of our continent and other global communities, he said, in his speech, “I am particularly delighted that today’s event brings together students from schools within the Federal Capital Territory. The Commonwealth strongly believes in youth participation because the future of governance, diplomacy, and global cooperation rests squarely in their hands.”

This gives more explanation to the confidence he reposed in our younger ones. As he, at the same time, believes in their capacity, when equipped effectively and efficiently to serve their individual societies. His genuine investment in our youth, back home, on behalf of the entire state, is an excellent move against insecurity. He fights, with vigor, youth restlessness and unemployment. Shielding them from involving in nefarious activities.

The Senate President, himself, His Excellency, Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, fully believes in Senator Jibrin’s capacity and capability in governance and special interest in global community, he (Akpabio) sent DSP to represent him at an ECOWAS extraordinary session.

During the opening ceremony of 2026 First Extraordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament (ECOWAS Parliament), recently in Abuja. The session commenced with a Parliamentary seminar themed “Deepening regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Opportunities and challenges for expanding intra-community trade within the ECOWAS region.”

Senator Jibrin gave the keynote address on behalf of the Senate President. With the theme, “ECOWAS Parliament: Advancing regional integration at a defining moment.” All such engagements by the DSP, are in tandem with the philosophy behind his global citizenship status. Kano North, his primary constituency, is proud to have such an illustrious son, of great substance.

To cap it all, DSP Jibrin’s contributions towards the fight against insecurity and promotion of peaceful coexistence among citizens, are enormous. Due to the security nature of such contributions, members of the public, are only able to see things related to physical infrastructure and equipments. Other areas that are equally critical, also get the attention of the Senator. But cannot be disclosed to the public.

As global as the Senator is, his view on governance, integration and promotion of peace, is globally inclined.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 13th March, 2026

By Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

Fifteen years have passed since I last held my son, Sadiq Modibbo, in my arms. Even now, the memory of his laughter and the warmth of his tiny hand remains vivid in my mind. There was something remarkable about him, a light that shone through even in moments of fear or pain.

I remember the first time I realized how deeply he loved the simple things that connected him to me.

Whenever he cried, I would gently remove my cap, and just like that, his tears would stop. It was as if the gesture spoke to him in a language only he and I shared—a language of love, trust, and comfort.

Sadiq was often unwell, and our visits to the hospital were frequent. Yet, despite his fragile health, he carried himself with an unusual courage. The doctors, nurses, and other caregivers grew to know him well. They would smile at his little jokes, or nod knowingly when he quieted at the sight of me.

In those hospital rooms, I learned to see him not just as my son, but as a symbol of resilience. Every day, I watched him endure injections, treatments, and long hours of discomfort, yet he faced it all with a quiet strength. Even then, the cap—the small, unassuming piece of cloth—became a tool of love, a reminder that he was never alone.

Sadiq’s love for Kwankwasiyya was another remarkable part of his personality. It was a fascination that seemed larger than his years, and it sparked countless conversations between us. I would watch him with wonder, seeing how a young boy could find joy and meaning in something so vibrant, even in the midst of illness.

I often imagined what he would be like today if he were still alive. Would he be arguing with me as passionately as ever? Would his laughter fill our home in the way it did when he was a boy? The “what ifs” are endless, but in my heart, I carry the certainty that his spirit lives on in every memory, every smile, every small gesture of love that he shared.

Birthdays were special for Sadiq. He would light up at the smallest celebration, reminding us all of the beauty in simple joys. Even as a child who faced health struggles, he found light in each day. I can still see him running toward me, his eyes shining, his cap slightly askew from excitement.

Mourning him has been a lifelong journey. The world continued around us, but I learned that grief is a quiet companion. It is in the small moments—the empty chair at the table, the quiet hospital rooms, the cap that no longer needs to be removed to stop tears—that his absence is most felt.

Yet, even in sorrow, there is comfort. I tell myself that Sadiq’s courage, his love, and his laughter have left a lasting imprint. The lessons he taught me—about patience, joy, and unconditional love—remain guiding lights in my life. Every time I see a child comforted by a parent, I am reminded of him.

Today, I remember Sadiq not with despair, but with gratitude. The cap that stopped his tears symbolizes so much more than a simple gesture; it is a testament to the bond between father and son, to the small acts of love that shape a life. May Allah grant him eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire those who knew him—even for just a moment.

Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa is the Director General Media and Spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

By Muhammad Bello, Dutse, Jigawa State

The lingering power tussle between His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero and His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II over the revered throne of the Emir of Kano has continued to generate intense public debate and concern across Northern Nigeria and the country at large. For an institution that has historically commanded immense respect, influence, and cultural significance, the prolonged dispute has unfortunately diminished the prestige and moral authority associated with the Kano Emirate.

The Emirate of Kano is not just a traditional stool; it represents centuries of history, leadership, and cultural identity. As one of the most respected traditional institutions in Nigeria, the stability of the throne is crucial not only for Kano State but also for the broader traditional governance structure in the North.

In view of this reality, urgent and sincere efforts must be made to resolve the crisis in a manner that restores dignity, unity, and respect to the institution.

As part of the Kano First Agenda of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, there is a timely opportunity to take bold and statesmanlike steps toward resolving the impasse. One practical approach would be for the state government to constitute a high-level reconciliation committee made up of respected traditional rulers, eminent Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and elder statesmen from within Kano State and across the country.

Such a committee would carry the moral authority and neutrality required to engage all parties involved and recommend a sustainable solution.

In my humble opinion, the committee should consider the following options:

First, both contending Emirs should be encouraged, in the interest of peace and the preservation of the dignity of the Kano Emirate, to voluntarily step aside by tendering their resignations. While this may appear difficult, history has shown that sacrifices made for peace often preserve institutions for future generations.

Second, the Kano State Government should allow the kingmakers to conduct a fresh and transparent nomination process for a new Emir. Transparency and adherence to tradition will help restore public confidence in the institution.

Third, in order to ensure neutrality and avoid further controversy, both current claimants to the throne should not be part of the new selection process.

The objective of these recommendations is not to undermine any individual but to safeguard the long-term stability, unity, and honour of the Kano Emirate. Institutions of such historic importance must be protected from prolonged political and legal battles that could erode their legitimacy.

Ultimately, wisdom, patience, and a spirit of sacrifice are required from all stakeholders. The people of Kano and indeed Nigerians hope to see a peaceful resolution that restores the dignity of the throne and preserves the rich heritage of the Emirate for generations to come.

May Almighty Allah continue to guide our leaders toward decisions that promote peace, justice, and unity.