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Suffering OF MSME’S Survival Fund Beneficiaries

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Hashim Abdallah

 

By Hashim Abdallah

In order to be fair, let me start with the commendation of the govt for some initiatives regarding her programmes meant to lessen the hardship being undergone.

 

One wonders always when the government claims initiatives like never before in spite of the itching living standards. Yes, its undeniable fact that most of them none of the past governments ever did similarly.

 

The contenders too are right, if not for they think one government did it or even did it better, for the fact that those benefits do not reach the targeted citizens. The government too is right in its claim as I can emphasise without a stark contradiction, but only if I may borrow an African maxim, Rijiya ta ba da ruwa, guga ya hana, which, beside failure of the government’s dividends to reach citizens,  may literally mean, the well approves water, the container refused lifting it out.

 

Beside that wisdom of the African rhetorics in the said Hausa adage as translated, one may now see my overt meaning or begin to see it at least, especially, if we would reflect the occurrences sequel to the #EndSars rebellion, whence the citizens all over the country plunder their respective sates’ warehouses to reclaim the hidden palliatives meant for them during the Corona Virus scourge to survive the starvation experiences.

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When the Humanitarian Minister claimed the distribution to all states, she was called and or renamed a number of names censurably and angrily, like the one Hausa notorious idiophone that sounds to mean the greatest liar, Zubaida just like they later reverted to call her with the one Hausa-borrowed Arabic word/name Saddiqa that means truthful, with the discovery of the hidden palliatives confirming the veracity of her claim. Some of the angry critics mostly on social media apologetically colloquially, we mistook her for Zubaida, but she is Saddiqa. We thought she is the greatest liar, but she is truthful.

 

 

I am happy now that we discovered something about it with/out being judgemental on who is right or wrong, but what had transpired is valuable experience which has never been wasted like all other human experiences. Let put the experience in a prudent way to avoid repetition of the bad one, let us nip something bad in the bud as patriots.

There has been an ongoing distribution of one of the palliative programmes meant for the benefit of small and medium business owners as Survival Funds.

 

It is already all about discrepancies observed on the said programme I pick this pen. I would talk on those issues which if considered and addressed, they would be of good for the nation if we really are all responsible, ideal and sincere. I will like to draw the attention of the stakeholders and the concerned ones.

The MSME Survival Fund programme is to assist the suffered business owners that Covid-19 ordeal almost smothered to death due to the lockdown, like school proprietors, merchants and traders, etc.

 

 

Nigerians welcomed more than other programmes. They even considered it the best for being not only interest/profit-oriented but also free money benefit. The programme has already gone far expected to culminate and accomplished this December 2020. Unfortunately, grouse already started due to the fear that the other palliatives’ similar treatment might be repeated.

The MSME Survival Fund is a programme which instructed that all prospective beneficiary business owners must have CAC, Corporate Affairs Commission’s register, evidence of voucher paid to the staff of the business, bank details of the owner and the staff too who must not exceed 10 in number per business name.

 

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This is according to the guidelines that will qualify a business to benefit from the support. The programme targets 500,000 business owners as beneficiaries across the nation.

The problem began to arise when the programme claimed to have paid more than half of the beneficiaries, with all the unfortunate issues of irregularities here and there.

 

 

For example, one beneficiary told me that he does not think they could keep up to their promise because, he or his staff has not been called for an interview while many other business owners already received their first and second payments as the December is fast becoming outgoing, a month they promised to complete all the three to all the beneficiaries.

 

 

The irregularities also left many with questions with nowhere to lodge a complaint for none FAQ can cover answering all questions and no website info can give all the info a visitor may find in anticipation of all his quests.

The main problem as according to one Twitter user is their non-replying attitude when contacted via their Twitter handle. The same person insisted that he tried the same inquiry method via email but they are to respond after more than a month

One business owner also complained that he and all of his 5 staff received their first payment but one, and as the one were awaiting her first payment for about 10 days, three more staff received their second payments while he, the defaulted first payment receiver and one more staff not yet receive the second payment.

 

 

The same person complained that he is confused that he received 30 thousand naira as the business head instead of 50 as they do pay any head.

 

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While another business owner said he is confused that she received 30k, her staff received that 50k for the head, another business entrepreneur laments he is giving up because, he is among those who submitted the requirements and were verified as accurate as they were, but yet to receive anything either interview or payment.

 

“I think I am forgotten, because those who submitted their details long after I submitted received interviews and subsequently their first payment at least”, he said. Really, people complained that nobody knows how does it work at all. It is not first to come first to serve, not state by state or region by region. Neither they do batch by batch payment nor bank by bank payment. It all seems random as opposed to systematic and organized, especially if the allotted time (December) is really needed to meet which seems not possible since only more than half payment only attained so far at the end of the stipulated all payment completion month.

Sequel to this, people are suspicious. “I smell a rat that hidden palliatives treatment may be repeated,” complained one block making place staff lacking confidence in the MSME Survival Fund.

Finally, I will like to urge, the main issue which must be addressed is the lack of information which everybody knows brings about speculation. It is high time they explain the situation to calm people in darkness down. All in the darkness, it is always the fear of the unseen and unknown make people uncomfortable in the nights.

This is a call on the government and or the stakeholders on the scheme to look into this with a view to rectifying the problem.

Nigerians have to be informed and their queries be addressed by explaining and mending the discrepancies, gaps, questions, irregularities, disparities and imbalances observed.  An explanation is enough for sure.

 

 

Hashim Abdallah Wrote This From Malam Madori In Jigawa State.

Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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I hope this letter finds you well Your Excellency. As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, I write to you today as a concerned and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, compelled by the urgency of our nation’s challenges and aware of your unwavering determination to steer it unto the path of greatness.

But a united front is indispensable in achieving your grand plan for the nations success. Internal party crisis in my dear state, threatens the very foundation upon which your vision lies – unity – and this I write to you today, eager spark meaningful dialogue and constructive action on your part.

Mr. President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leader of our party, your urgent intervention is crucial to address the pressing issues at hand. If left unattended, it may escalate into a crisis that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the party, making it challenging to manage. Your timely action would help mitigate this risk and ensure the party’s stability.

In Kano, it is generally acknowledged that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor and current National Chairman, leads our party. Members have consistently shown loyalty to his leadership since day one.

You will also recall that Dr. Ganduje actively supported your presidential bid, demonstrating a pure, genuine and unmixed commitment to your cause during both the presidential primaries and general elections. However, some individuals now seek to drive a wedge between you and the Chairman, feeling threatened by his influential position as the National Chairman of our great party.

Mr President sir, It is imperative to hold the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin accountable for plunging the All Progressives Congress into an avoidable crisis since taking office. As a seasoned politician and senator representing Kano North since 2015, his actions have significant implications. Barau Jibrin’s leadership has sparked division within the party, necessitating urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

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Due to the recent removal of Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo as Minister, the All Progressives Congress is facing an unprecedented crisis in Kano North, a stronghold of the party since 2015. This division, fueled by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin’s actions, threatens the party’s stability. As a leader, Mr. President, it’s crucial to address this issue sustainably.

Barau Jibrin’s political strategy and human relations have been questionable, yet his influence led to the sacking of a loyal minister, Gwarzo. This decision was disheartening, considering Gwarzo’s impressive track record as a generous, humble, and grassroots politician. The people of Kano are upset, and rightfully so.

It’s essential to recognize Barau Jibrin’s intentions. He’s only loyal to you, Mr. President, because of your current position. History shows he’ll turn against you once you’re no longer in office. His self-serving nature is evident in his interactions with grassroots politicians.

To pacify the people and resolve the ongoing crisis, reappointing Gwarzo is imperative. This move will demonstrate your commitment to loyalty and fairness. The APC’s future in Kano North depends on it.

Mr. President, to ensure the party is back on track, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration with loyalists and consider the input of key stakeholders in Kano. This means moving away from decision-making that caters to a single individual who claims control over Kano North. Instead, foster an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives and promotes unity within the party.

By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen the party’s foundation but also demonstrate your commitment to fairness and representation. This approach will help prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure that the party’s interests are truly served. It’s essential to recognize that the party’s success relies on collective efforts, not individual interests.

For your information Mr President, Barau’s electoral successes can be attributed to the popularity of the House of Representatives candidates from his Senatorial District. These individuals are widely admired and respected by their constituents. However, rather than leveraging his own strengths, Barau has consistently relied on the goodwill and reputation of these candidates to secure his own victories, essentially seeking shelter under their umbrella.

It’s not yet too late for the President to do the needful for the interest of Kano State and the party at large. With the weight of history and the hopes of a generation on your shoulders, I urge you to confront the harsh realities that threaten our collective progress.

Nabahani Yusuf Gogori writes from Gogori town in Bagwai

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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