Opinion

Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, A Phoenix Rises

Published

4 years ago

March 13, 2021

By Muhammad Abu Ihsan

The news has just come this morning, of the installation in Sokoto yesterday, of His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Khalifa of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria, after the reign of late Khalifa Isiaka Rabi’u, who had risen to the position after the demise of HH MSII’s grandfather, Sarki Sir Muhammadu Sanusi I. Maasha Allah.

This is a very powerful spiritual and political position. Extremely so. It also comes with serious implications for the new Khalifa, and for governments, as well as for traditional leaderships around the country.

It compounds the Kano problem because Tijjanawa always projects their loyalty to the Tijjaniyya leadership, transcending all political and administrative boundaries. Since Kano is still a home of Tijjaniyya (as it is of Izala, and of Qadiriyya) the ascension of HH MSII to the leadership of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria seriously erodes the influence of Sarkin Kano Aminu Ado Bayero, and of any governor in Kano, as religious and political loyalty now go first to MSII.

Also, nationally, since Tijjaniyya is still the Islamic sect with the largest following in the Muslim North, and certainly the dominant theology in the Yoruba West, the religious and political influence of a dethroned emir, HH MSII, in Nigeria today, has grown substantially larger than it was when he was the Emir of Kano. His dethroned grandfather, Sarki Sir Muhammadu Sanusi I, although the leader of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria during his lifetime, had become ascetic after dethronement in 1963, and restricted himself, until his death, to personal spiritual asceticism without any public activity, even after the PRP government of Abubakar Rimi had made serious attempts to draw him out, after returning him into Kano territory (he chose Wudil) from exile.

However, with MSII active nationally and internationally in general public issues, in religious matters, in academic and intellectual engagements, and incorporate, as well as in multilateral engagements, his very high visibility, despite the limitations dethronement could have imposed on him, has just hit the stratosphere, and this is no exaggeration. For starters, elderly and revered Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, a Tijjaniya behemoth who was in serious rivalry with the late Khalifa Isiaka Rabi’u, has no such issues with the new Khalifa MSII. If anything, HH MSII is regarded as a student and son by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. Similarly, another great Tijjaniyya leader of far-reaching influence all over Africa and the Middle East, Sharif Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh, Nigerian Muslim’s Grand Mufti, plays a father role to HH MSII. It then means that the new Khalifa leads a fully unified Tijjaniya, whose call can pull both the Isiaka Rabi’u and Dahiru Bauchi millions into Kano Race Course, Murtala Square Kaduna, or the Eagle Square in Abuja.

Additionally, HH MSII has over the years, been quite close to the key ulama and followers of the Ahlus Sunnah side (Izala and Salafiyya), such that their continued cooperation and partnership can be taken as guaranteed. His strong disapproval for Shi’a and Shi’ism further enhances this relationship and partnership with the Ahlus Sunnah (Izala and Salafiyya).

It is also worth noting that the investiture of the Khalifa position, instead of holding in Kano, due to current constraints, but could have held in Kaduna, Abuja, Ilorin, or Ibadan, took place instead, in Sokoto. This is highly significant. The support of His Eminence the Sultan, while a boon, creates further problems because Sarkin Kano Aminu Ado, although hierarchically number three in the Sokoto Caliphate, and by protocol number four in Northern Nigeria, the recent butchering and subinfudation of Kano Emirate by Governor Ganduje has substantially diminished the current Emir, while the ascension of MSII to the position of the Khalifa of Tijjanniyya has compounded that problem. The excellent personal relationship between His Eminence the Sultan with MSII, something the dethroned Emir also has with quite a number of senior emirs, obas and obis around the country, all further elevate the status of MSII and unfortunately diminish the current Emir of Kano. This is potentially problematic and must be handled with extreme care.

Yesterday’s event in Sokoto may have been understated and deliberately underreported, but it registers very high on the Nigerian political Richter Scale. Tijjaniyya is a monolithic political force in West Africa, from Yoruba land, through Hausaland, into Ghana, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco. It goes through Algeria, Tunisia, troubled Libya, Egypt, down into Sudan and Chad, and other parts of Muslim East Africa. The prestige and influence of the Khalifa of Tijjaniyya extend into these territories.

14th Emir of Kano set to relocate to Azare

With Buhari’s popularity and support substantially diminished, reinforced by his entry into his lame-duck period before exiting office in 2023, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II may just have emerged as the most powerful, and influential Nigerian, despite his dethronement as Emir of Kano, just a little over a year ago. Again, while this is significantly positive, it can also be quite problematic, unless those problem areas are carefully managed. Tension within Kano and its subinfudated satellites of Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya, and especially with Sarkin Kano Aminu Ado, will continue. Also, for the remainder of his tenure, with Governor Ganduje and his small coterie of contumacious political allies and handlers, one of which, Abbas, is related to MSII.

Constitutionally, HH MSII, like every Nigerian, has the freedom of movement. He can therefore travel and move around freely in any part of Nigeria. He can settle and live in any part of the country. The Constitution guarantees him this fundamental right. But for the moment, without and legal compulsion, he has constrained himself to stay away from Kano. This is understandable. But with his ascension to the position of the Khalifa of Tijjaniyya, a position based in Kano since its creation, and with the inevitable pull on him of Kano’s majority Tijjanawa for frequent presence and leadership, how long can the Khalifa keep himself away from Kano? And can Kano ever quietly receive Khalifa MSII, and not, literally bring out more than ninety percent of the citizens out into the streets to welcome him? “Ba a sarki biyu a gari daya” – there can never be two kings in one city/kingdom – according to an Hausa dictum. Are we going to see that in Kano?

From now on, wherever HH MSII goes in Nigeria and West Africa, he not only attracts bigger welcoming crowds than he did when he was emir, he also gets the reception of a head of state in some of those places. Especially in Ghana, Senegal, Niger, Morocco, and Sudan. Thanks to the spiritual and political power of Tijjaniyya leadership.

HH MSII must therefore ponder his new position, power and influence, and also take into cognisance his peculiar position of a dethroned emir of Kano. He should then evolve an appropriate administrative and protocol regimen that lessen, or ideally eliminate all possible jurisdictional conflicts with other leaders in their territories, most especially in Kano. Similarly, the government and traditional leaderships there should also evolve and adopt administrative and protocol flexibilities, accommodation, and general goodwill, for the sake of the people, and for a general peace, progress and security.

Wishing the new Khalifa of Tijjaniya in Nigeria a very peaceful and progressive reign.

Opinion

The Decline of Journalistic Knowledge and Pronunciation Accuracy

Published

11 hours ago

December 11, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

By Dr Abdullahi Dahiru

In the past, journalists were known for their extensive knowledge and keen awareness of current events. They were avid readers and dedicated listeners of news programs from various stations, including international news channels. As a result, they could easily name the presidents of many nations, identify capitals and major cities, and correctly spell and pronounce a wide range of words.

Today, however, the landscape has shifted. Some of the journalists we have now are among the most uninformed. When a journalist mispronounces “Hague” as “Hagwi,” it is likely they have never heard the correct pronunciation from other news channels. Similarly, pronouncing “paradigm” as “paradijim” indicates a lack of exposure to accurate pronunciations.

This decline in journalistic knowledge and accuracy is concerning. In an era where information is more accessible than ever, it is crucial for journalists to maintain high standards of knowledge and professionalism. Their role as conveyors of information means they bear the responsibility of ensuring that their audience receives accurate and well-pronounced news.

There are several factors contributing to this decline. The digital age has brought about a surge in news sources, many of which prioritize speed over accuracy. This can lead to journalists skimming through information without fully grasping or verifying it. Additionally, the rise of social media has created an environment where sensationalism often trumps accuracy, further diminishing the quality of journalistic standards.

To address this issue, it is essential for journalists to rekindle their commitment to continuous learning and professional development. They should engage with diverse and reputable news sources, practice accurate pronunciation, and strive to deepen their understanding of global affairs. News organizations should also invest in regular training and development programs to equip their journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Ultimately, the integrity of journalism hinges on the dedication of its practitioners to uphold the values of accuracy, knowledge, and professionalism. By taking proactive steps to improve their standards, journalists can restore the public’s trust and confidence in their work, ensuring that they remain credible sources of information in an increasingly complex world.

Dr Abdullahi Dahiru wrote from Kano Northwestern Nigeria

Opinion

Kaduna State Is Blessed To Have His Excellency Senator Uba Sani As Its Executive Governor

Published

4 days ago

December 7, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Kaduna State Is Blessed To Have His Excellency Senator Uba Sani As Its Executive Governor

By Abubakar Saraki

Kaduna is the most historic state in the history of Northern Nigeria been the former Capital of the Northern province and one of the pioneer States created in Nigeria by the Yakubu Gowon Administration in 1967.

Kaduna State has had so many Governors in the past both the Military and Civilian Gorvernors, among them His Excellency Senator Uba Sani the present Executive Governor of the State distinguishes himself with so many sterling qualities which can only be compared with that of Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna of the blessed memory.

His Excellency Senator Uba Sani is a very honest person with sincerity of purpose and as such he is firm and resolute in taking decisions without fear of anyone. His integrity is very glaring and very commendable.

Since assuming of duty in office as the Executive Governor of Kaduna State in May 2023, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani started with fierce fighting of corruption which is the cankerworm that has been disturbing Kaduna State for a very long time. This mission of fighting corruption by His Excellency Senator Uba Sani is being carried simultaneously without fear or favour and it has been yielding fruitful results.

Despite many hurdles and hitches in governance of a cosmopolitan and complicated State like Kaduna which has divergent cultural traditions and religious beliefs, the expertise and incomparable brilliance of His Excellency Senator Uba Sani assisted him in maintaining a very peaceful coexistence among the various people of Kaduna State since his assumption in office. He has provided the Security outfits in the State with new modern sophisticated vehicles and other logistics they need for proper maintenance of law and order in the state as he is very passionate about the safety of his people.

On the areas of developmental projects, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani has been performing creditably and efficiently. He has been undertaking many Capital projects which include roads, bridges, schools, hospitals dams and so many other important projects in all parts of Kaduna State.

Education, Health, Water Supply and Agricultural sectors are receiving the special attention they needed under His Excellency Senator Uba Sani Administration in view of the importance he attached to these critical sectors.

His Excellency Senator Uba Sani is a perfect gentleman who has strong zeal and passion for the development of his people, he is a student of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa school of thought, he believes in capacity building among his people.

The Economy of Kaduna State is now growing rapidly, and many investors are coming to Kaduna State in view of the enabling conducive and peaceful business environment created by His Excellency Senator Uba Sani.

Another notable achievement of His Excellency Senator Uba Sani is presenting the 2025 draft budget which allocates N790 billion for capital and recurrent expenditures. Education received the largest share, with N206.6 billion, followed by health, infrastructure and agriculture.

Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in his administration’s efforts to drive inclusive development, create jobs, and improve infrastructure in Kaduna State.

Abubakar Saraki wrote this from Kaduna

Opinion

Who is Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the newly appointed Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC)?

Published

5 days ago

December 7, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu

Who is Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the newly appointed Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC)?

Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu FCVSN, the newly appointed Executive Secretary (ES) of National Universities Commision (NUC), was born at Fufore, Adamawa State on 2nd September 1960. He had his primary education between 1967 and 1973. He gained admission in to Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Mubi in 1973 and successfully obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1978. He attended the School of Basic Studies (SBS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria during the 1978/79 session. In October, 1979 he enrolled at ABU Zaria for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree programme which he successfully completed in June 1984. Professor Ribadu served the compulsory one-year NYSC at the Lower Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority, Ilorin between 1984 and85.

In September, 1985, Ribadu was appointed Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction, University of Maiduguri. His quest for additional qualifications fuelled by a burning thirst for knowledge made him to return to ABU Zaria from 1986 to 1988 for a Master of Science degree in Theriogenology. In 1990, Professor Ribadu was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship for a PhD at the University of Liverpool., United Kingdom. In 1997, Professor Ribadu was awarded a 2‐ year Postdoctoral Fellowship by the prestigious Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), tenable at Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

In terms of academic career, Professor Ribadu rose through the ranks and was appointed Professor of Veterinary Reproduction at the University of Maiduguri in October 2002. Professor Ribadu held several academic and administrative positions at the University level.

In April 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Prof A. Y. Ribadu as the Vice‐Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY), now Modibbo Adama Univeristy. As the Vice‐Chancellor of FUTY from 26th April 2004 to 25th April, 2009, Professor Ribadu brought positive changes to the university’s landscape.

Professor Ribadu served as external assessor and examiner to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He is a competent, efficient and resourceful researcher with enviable research outputs. He has to his credit several publications in peer‐reviewed scientific journals and others presented at learned national and international conferences. His pioneering work on “ultrasonography and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in cattle” at the University of Liverpool has been cited extensively. Professor Ribadu spent one-year sabbatical leave and a further one and half years on leave of absence at the National Universities commission (NUC), Abuja (June 2009 to November 2011) where he served as Chairman, Committee on Monitoring of Private Universities (COMPU). Furthermore, he also served as Visiting Professor/Advisor to Nigerian Turkish Nile University (NTNU), Abuja from January 2012 to June 2013. Professor Ribadu assumed duty as a Professor in the Department of Theriogenology, University of Abuja in November, 2013. He was a Visiting professor at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University (GADVASU) Ludhiana, Punjab, India in 2023. Before his appointment as the ES boss, Professor Ribadu was a visiting professor at the Commision.

In December 2013, the new ES of NUC was appointed as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Jigawa State University,Kafin Hausa which was later renamed Sule Lamido University. He steered the affairs of university, overseeing its take-up and the enrolment of the first student of the University and bowed out, after five years, with a grand style maiden convocation of the university.

Professor Ribadu is a member of several national and international professional bodies. He was awarded membership diploma, College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (MCVSN) in 2003 and Fellow, College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria (FCVSN) in 2011. He is also a member of Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM), Honorary Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (FNIAE), Fellow, Global e‐policy and e‐government institute, Sungkyukwan University, Seoul, South Korea and Fellow Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology (2014). Professor Ribadu was the Secretary-General of Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU). He was also conferred with an Honorary Degree (Honoris Causa) by the Commonwealth University, London on Thursday, 14th December, 2017. Additionally, he is a member, TETFund’s National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRF) from 2021 to date.

Professor Ribadu’s academic and administrative pursuits have provided him with opportunities to travel to many countries including Australia, Belgium, Cameroun, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States. Professor Ribadu is fluent in Fulfulde, Hausa, English and a bit of Nihongo (Japanese).

Professor Ribadu is happily married to Aisha Mohammed Abba and is blessed with three children (Asma’u, Hadiza and Zaynab). His hobbies include reading, travelling and playing table tennis.