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Opinion

Between Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, Late Shaykh Umar Balarabe & the Kannywood of the Immediate Future

Published

5 years ago

on

Ibrahim A Waziri

 

 

Ibraheem A. Waziri

 

Sometimes on July 16, 2020, friends and well-wishers residents of Arewa Facebook Community (AFC) gathered around my wall, to mourn with me on a thread of tribute I wrote over the loss of my elder cousin, Shaykh Umar Balarabe Ibraheem. Part of the aspect of the tribute that attracted the attention of many was the reference to the deceased articulated Fatwa [legal position] that mirrors the recent Fatwa issued by Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar about divorce discharged in fictional drama. Dr. Bashir’s has caught the attention of many a pundit residents of AFC, since 9th January 2021, when a Hausa online newspaper reechoed his Fatwas obtained from an already extant video clip!

 

Then in my July 2020 piece, I wrote of Shaykh Umaru Balarabe, that part of his Fatwas while alive was: “Marriages pronounced in fictional drama (wasan kwaikwayo) are not valid because of lack therein, of complete conditions of marriages, according to the jurisprudential canons in use in this part of the world. But divorces in them are valid.  Meaning if one is not legally married to the person they impliedly divorce in their fictional dramas then the divorcing words will automatically apply to their own spouses in real life. When asked why he used to answer that all the canons conclude that there is no joke in the affairs of divorce. Once it is uttered it has to fall real on something and that should be the real spouse at home – of the actor if he is married – outside the purported drama.”

 

I have had cause to reflect about this position for years. Shaykh Umar Balarabe used to quote from Mukhtasaral Khalil, the clause, “wa jadduhu wa hazluhu sawaun”, meaning in the affairs of divorce seriousness or seriousness (joke) doesn’t matter and stop there asking any disputant to show any nass(text) from Qur’an, Hadith or any of the Maliki/Ashariy canons in use here is West Africa nay Hausaland, Northern Nigeria, that explicitly contradict his assertion.

 

Here we are today where Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar is repeating the arguments of late Shaykh Umaru Balarabe – whom I used to think was a loner in this – point by point, Qur’an and Hadith. The only difference is the slight leeway Shaykh Bashir is able to provide where Shaykh Umaru Balarabe would not. Shaykh Umar maintained that even when a man in a movie point at another actress projected to be his wife and pronounced divorce upon her and owing to the fact that he is not legally married to her, then the divorce falls on his legal real wife if he is married. His argument used to be that,  an adult person under any circumstances must not refer to himself as divorcing his wife, if he is not intending so since there is no room for jest in matters of divorce in Sharia and no matter the situation. So if one should ever mention divorcing his wife then the words will fall on his actual real wife.

Encomiums On Talban Zazzau Abdulkadir Iya Pate and Iyan Zazzau Bashari Aminu

Whereas Shaykh Bashir gives space for accommodation in terms of wordings and exact pointers and specifiers; he believes where an adult person refers to self, divorcing wife and without using appropriate specifiers in a movie scene only then the wordings will extensively apply to his real family outside the drama. He then cited Ibn Qasim with his Maliki largely regarded fringe Fatwa which differs from him and suggests that a context even without appropriate specifiers may not lead to unwarranted implications on a real marriage.

 

SOME THOUGHTS

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Islam attaches so much premium to words spoken. In fact, one becomes a Muslim or non-Muslim, that is, belonging or not, to the universal brotherhood, instantly, and without causing any to doubt them by what they say in a brief period as in a second. Thus in all Muslim cultures, from the smallest unit of a society, which is family, have their foundations in the clarity and efficacy or otherwise of words spoken. It is the exactitude of words told that seal marriage contracts. Words to or from parents recklessly – as is believed – can open gates to multiple forms of spiritual and physical adversities and narrow the quantum of prosperity index for a child in their entire life. In the same vein, words spoken can ruin family or marital relationship, within a blink of an eye. This tends to foist a distinct form of awareness and unique character in any Muslim society when pursuing socio-cultural discourses and at any time. Muslims everywhere seem to concentrate too much on what and how things are said or not!

 

It is with this kind of mind-frame that the Muslim societies received cinema and cinematography, additional forms of operationalizing productive social dialogue, whose development to current form and practice was largely achieved, within late 19th century to the present, and by a civilization that does not place the same premium on words uttered as a Muslim civilization. In the West, a parent can say anything no matter how nasty to a child or vice versa without posing or attracting to themselves any supposed type of spiritual danger or provoking a general feeling of group-wide cultural impropriety.

Similarly, institutions of marriage are not endangered by careless whispers in an instant. Thus a film in the West does not pay attention to any perceived spiritual bearing the words of an actor can have on themselves, in their real life, no matter how they are spoken in as much as it is within the logical structure or particular thread of an outlined fiction.

 

This, of course, will pose a challenge to the Muslim societies who on one hand are beginning to come to terms with the utility and relevance of film making as an effective instrument of social engineering, cultural dialogue, and conscientization; and on the other,  if not handled or managed carefully, could breed unpleasant social mutations in society,  lead to non-conscious alteration of moral categories in favor of what the societies in their current form may consider detestable social and personal conceptions, thereby diluting the whole essence of Muslim societies and civilization. It is this similar concern as is clear from the two separate video clips by Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, which informs his much-discussed Fatwa.

 

Therefore the implications drawn from these could be that movie directors, producers, and actors in Kannywood, must be extra careful in how they frame up and participate or present scenes and couch dialogues involving the Divine lest they shoot themselves out of the favor of their most precious Islam. While any other form of the depiction of other aspects of our social life might easily be accommodated attributing them to sole intention to dramatize, others relating to marriage and family life should be threaded with an extra layer of caution due to the reasons from the Qur’an, Hadith and the entire body of Maliki/Ashariy jurisprudence that is operational here as an ethical framework and a source of values for centuries as late Shaykh Umar Balarabe Ibraheem would mention.

 

This is not an exercise that seeks to nullify and invalidate the profession and practice of film making is this milieu as Hajiya Hamida Koguna , would want to say; but an effort to further pristinely purify the practice for it to serve our society upon its ordained chosen paradigm of social engagement. To some of us, it is better to borrow the modern social technology of entertainment and bend it to suit what is a local requirement of engagement, than to borrow it as it is, and then make our own ordained social order bend to its foreign requirements by sourcing for Fatwas out of our inherited ethical framework to achieve that.

 

Kannywood industry has been doing fairly well over the years. The government of Kano State, its host, has done better over the years by inaugurating a censorship board that oversees its activities and ensures compatibility of its output to the supreme but unwritten cultural constitution of these societies and the legal constitution of the land. To this end we have seen how a whole drama series spanning years could be run, keeping the interest of its national international audience nonstop, without men and women making body contact in ways that violate our sacred tradition in social engagement. Therefore couching film dialogues in divorce scenes that will not violate our traditional codes can never be harmful in any way and cannot affect the quality of an actor, director, or producer or affect their marketability and prosperity indices going upward in their profession. We also don’t necessarily need the extended hand of a Maliki fringe Fatwa, like that of Ibnal Qasim to execute this function satisfactorily.

 

Allah Ya jikan Shaykh Umar Balarabe Ibraheem da sauran magabata; Allah Ya tsare, Ya albarkaci Shaykh Bashir Aliyu Umaru damu baki daya!

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Opinion

Nigeria’s CNG Transition: Practical Solution or Strategic Illusion?

Published

6 hours ago

on

July 1, 2026

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By Aminu Mubaraq

The recent increase in petrol prices following the removal of fuel subsidy has changed the way Nigerians think about transportation and energy consumption. In cities like Abuja and Lagos, where transportation costs have become a major concern for many citizens, the search for a cheaper and more sustainable alternative has become necessary. One solution that has gained public attention is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Considering Nigeria’s large natural gas reserves, the introduction of CNG appears to be a reasonable step. However, the major question remains whether the initiative is truly solving Nigeria’s energy challenges or whether it is an idea that still requires more preparation before Nigerians can fully benefit from it.

CNG agencies, especially the Presidential CNG Initiative, were created to encourage Nigerians to move away from complete dependence on petrol and diesel. Their responsibilities include promoting awareness, supporting vehicle conversion programmes, developing CNG infrastructure, and training technicians who can handle the conversion and maintenance of CNG-powered vehicles. These activities are important because the success of any energy transition does not depend only on introducing a new system but also on convincing people to trust and adopt it.

From a strategic communication perspective, the way these agencies communicate with the public is one of the most important factors determining the success of the programme. Many Nigerians are interested in cheaper fuel options because of the pressure caused by high transportation costs. However, some people still have concerns about safety, availability, and whether CNG will actually provide long-term benefits. This means that government agencies must go beyond announcements and create continuous communication channels where citizens can ask questions, receive accurate information, and understand the realistic advantages and limitations of CNG.

Another important area of CNG activities is partnership with different stakeholders. Government bodies, private investors, transport unions, and vehicle owners all have roles to play in making the transition successful. Expanding conversion centres and increasing access to refuelling stations require cooperation between these groups. Public awareness campaigns through traditional media, social media platforms, and community engagement can also help Nigerians understand how CNG works and why it is being promoted.

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Despite the potential benefits, the CNG transition still faces several challenges. The number of available refuelling stations remains limited compared to petrol stations, and the cost of
converting vehicles can be expensive for many Nigerians, especially commercial drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily income. There is also a need for more public education because some citizens still have doubts about the safety and reliability of using gas-powered vehicles. These challenges show that introducing CNG is not enough; proper planning and effective communication are required to make the initiative successful.

The possible impact of CNG adoption in Nigeria is significant. Economically, it can help reduce transportation expenses by providing a cheaper alternative to petrol. This could reduce the financial burden on commercial drivers, businesses, and commuters. Environmentally, CNG produces fewer harmful emissions compared to traditional fuels, making it a cleaner energy option. However, these benefits can only be achieved if the necessary infrastructure is developed and citizens have confidence in the system.

The importance of CNG agencies goes beyond providing another fuel source. The initiative represents an opportunity for Nigeria to take advantage of its natural resources, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and improve energy security. It can also create employment opportunities in areas such as vehicle conversion, gas distribution, equipment maintenance, and technical services. For strategic communication professionals, the CNG programme highlights the importance of public relations, transparency, and maintaining a strong relationship between government institutions and citizens.

Although CNG is not a perfect solution to Nigeria’s energy problems, it remains a valuable step towards achieving a more affordable and sustainable energy system. The programme should continue, but improvements are necessary. More investment in infrastructure, better public awareness, and clearer communication strategies will determine whether CNG becomes a practical solution or another government initiative that fails to reach ordinary Nigerians.

In conclusion, the success of Nigeria’s CNG transition depends on more than the availability of natural gas. It depends on effective planning, public trust, and the ability of relevant agencies to communicate their goals clearly. If properly managed, CNG can contribute significantly to reducing energy costs and improving Nigeria’s transportation system. However, without addressing current challenges, the initiative may struggle to achieve the impact it promises.

Aminu Mubaraq Asuku

Department of development and strategic communication
University of Abuja

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Opinion

APC’s “Change”: Delivered, Delayed, or Denied?

Published

1 day ago

on

June 30, 2026

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By ELAIGWU SOLOMON
June 25th, 2026.

The All Progressives Congress, popularly called APC, is one of the major political parties in Nigeria. It was formed in 2013 through a merger of several opposition parties that wanted to challenge the then-ruling PDP (People’s Democratic Party). The party was created by the merger of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), part of APGA and the nPDP faction of PDP politicians. The ultimate goal was to unite the opposition into one strong political force. APC became important when they made history in the 2015 Nigerian presidential election when its candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, defeated then-president Goodluck Jonathan.
That was the first time an opposition party peacefully defeated a ruling party in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Today, APC remains the ruling party in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

When the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power in 2015, millions of Nigerians believed the party would bring major transformation to the country. Campaigning with the slogan “Change,” the APC promised to improve security, fight corruption, revive the economy, and provide better governance. These were their core reforms for the country, and over a decade later, opinions remain divided over whether those promises were fulfilled or not.

One of the strongest promises made by the APC was the fight against insecurity, especially Boko Haram insurgency in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. At the beginning of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the military recorded several victories against Boko Haram, reclaiming territories once controlled by bandits. Some kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls were also rescued during the administration.
However, despite these achievements, insecurity continued to spread across different parts of the country. Kidnapping, banditry, and attacks by armed groups increased in many northern states, while clashes between farmers and herders remained a challenge. Many Nigerians therefore believe the government only achieved partial success in the area of security.

The APC government also promised economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. While the administration embarked on several infrastructure projects, including railway modernization, road construction, and bridge development, economic hardship continued to affect millions of Nigerians.
Nigeria experienced economic recessions during the APC administration, while inflation and unemployment rates rose significantly. The value of the naira weakened against foreign currencies, leading to increased prices of goods and services.

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The recent removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in May 2023 further increased transportation costs and living expenses across the country. The policy was introduced to stop the drain on government budget and redirect funds to other sectors. In response, the government announced palliatives, CNG buses, and wage adjustments to cushion the effect on citizens. However, many citizens continue to struggle with the rising cost of food, transport, and other essentials. Although government officials insist the policy is necessary for long-term economic stability, the immediate impact shows change delivered in policy boldness, but delayed in relieving citizens.
Economic analysts say that despite visible infrastructural projects, the average Nigerian has not fully experienced the economic “change” promised during the 2015 campaigns.

The fight against corruption was another major pillar of APC’s campaign. During its tenure, anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC intensified investigations into corruption-related cases, while the whistleblower policy led to the recovery of some stolen public funds.
However, critics accused the government of selective justice, claiming that corruption allegations were pursued more aggressively against opposition figures than members of the ruling party. Several corruption scandals involving government officials also weakened public confidence in the anti-corruption campaign.
Political observers argue that although efforts were made to address corruption, the problem remains deeply rooted within the nation’s political system.

Now, infrastructure development is one of the promises that is majorly credited to the APC administration by political analysts. Significant projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan railway completed in 2021, the Second Niger Bridge commissioned in 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, and major highway constructions were completed and rapidly modernized. These projects improved connectivity and reduced travel time for Nigerians. However, other shortcomings such as maintenance challenges and slow progress on rural roads hindered this success.

Although APC is still in office till today, we journey towards the 2027 elections and there is a big question surrounding the future of APC, which is: Has the promised “change” since 2015 actually materialized?

Over a decade later, APC’s change can best be described as delayed and partial. Security improved against Boko Haram but threats like banditry and kidnapping continued . The fight against corruption began with recoveries and policies, yet selective justice claims weakened trust. Infrastructure grew with rail, bridges, and roads, but economic hardship and rising cost of living hit citizens hard. The promise of change started and some results are visible, but full delivery is still pending as Nigeria moves toward 2027.

By ELAIGWU SOLOMON wrote from University of Abuja

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Opinion

NELFUND: Lifeline or Test of Sustainability?

Published

2 days ago

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June 29, 2026

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By Ibrahim Maryam Queen

For many Nigerian students, securing admission into a tertiary institution is only the beginning of another struggle—finding the money to stay in school. Rising tuition fees, accommodation costs and the increasing cost of living have made higher education difficult to afford for many families. In response to these challenges, the Federal Government introduced the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a scheme intended to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent qualified students from completing their education.
The response has been remarkable. According to official NELFUND reports, more than one million students have applied for the loan, while hundreds of tertiary institutions have been onboarded onto the platform. These figures reflect not only the popularity of the programme but also the growing financial pressure faced by students across the country.
For one University of Abuja student, who requested anonymity, the loan meant the difference between remaining in school and dropping out.

“My father lost his job and my family could no longer afford my fees. I had already missed lectures, and I feared my education would end. The loan gave me another chance,” she said.

Her story illustrates the reality faced by many students. With household incomes under pressure and youth unemployment still a concern, financing higher education has become increasingly difficult. For many families, student loans provide immediate relief from a burden that might otherwise end a student’s academic journey.

However, the growing number of applications also raises important questions. If demand continues to increase, can the programme remain financially sustainable? While the scheme has attracted widespread interest, Nigeria has millions of students enrolled in tertiary institutions, suggesting that many eligible students may still not have access because of limited awareness, documentation challenges or difficulties with the application process.

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Another concern is repayment. Although the loans are designed to ease financial barriers to education, their long-term success depends on graduates’ ability to secure stable employment. Where unemployment or underemployment persists, repayment may become difficult, potentially affecting the sustainability of the scheme. This suggests that student loans cannot be viewed in isolation from broader economic realities.

Experiences from other countries provide useful lessons. A 2017 study by Nicholas Barr, Bruce Chapman, Lorraine Dearden and Susan Dynarski of the Centre for Global Higher Education, University of Oxford, found that poorly designed repayment systems can place heavy financial burdens on graduates. Examining the United States student loan system, the researchers observed that decades of accumulated debt and repayment challenges underscored the importance of creating fair and sustainable loan policies. While Nigeria’s scheme differs from the American model, the study highlights the need for careful implementation and continuous review.

Transparency and public confidence will also determine whether the programme succeeds. Regular publication of data on applications, disbursements, beneficiaries and repayment performance will help strengthen accountability. At the same time, expanding awareness campaigns, particularly in underserved communities, could ensure that eligible students are not excluded simply because they lack information about the scheme.

NELFUND has already provided hope to many students who might otherwise have abandoned their education. Yet its long-term impact will depend not only on the number of loans disbursed but also on sound management, transparent administration and an economy capable of creating opportunities for graduates. Without these, even the most ambitious education financing programme may struggle to achieve its objectives.

Student loans are more than financial assistance; they are an investment in human capital and national development. Whether NELFUND ultimately becomes a lasting lifeline for Nigerian students or a test of sustainable higher education financing will depend on the choices made today by policymakers, institutions and all stakeholders responsible for its implementation.

Sources
Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Official Reports.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Labour Force Survey.
Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024.
Barr, N., Chapman, B., Dearden, L., & Dynarski, S. (2017). Student Loan Design. Centre for Global Higher Education, University of Oxford.
Vanguard Newspaper.
Punch Newspaper.
Interview with an anonymous University of Abuja student (June 2026).

Ibrahim maryam queen
200level student of the department of Development and strategic communication university of Abuja.

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