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Opinion

Nigeria And The Multitude Of Mediocre Messiahs

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Buhari

 

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

 

The Guinness book of record would continue to count Nigeria amongst  the countries with a curated record of celebrated mediocre players. This is not to say Nigeria is not blessed with the brilliant. No, the country has a mixture of both the brilliant and the bizarre.

 

While the brilliant are working assiduously to bring the country to fame, the bizarre seems to be doing the same, but in the reverse direction. And posterity is continuously recording the performance of each.

 

Those familiar with history may recall how, on Monday, October 25, 1993, in the heat of the June 12 annulment agitations, some Nigerian youngsters, under the indoctrination of Mallam Jerry Yusuf, carried out the unthinkable, by hijacking an Abuja-bound Nigerian Airways airbus A310 aircraft and diverted it to Niger Republic.

 

The group, known as the Movement for the Advancement of Democracy (MAD), had the same Jerry Yusuf, presenting himself as the leader and savior of the Nigerian masses, who, according to him, have been doomed to a life of poverty due to corruption in the country.

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The Airbus 310, carrying 159 people, was commandeered by the hijackers, armed with guns and knives, to Niamey, the capital of the neighboring Niger Republic. Jerry Yusuf has since then remained in detention in the Niger Republic, as a price for being a mad man leading a group called MAD, on self-acclaimed stupidity. He is nothing but a mediocre messiah.

 

Sometimes in March 2013, a South African court sentenced another militant Nigerian, by name Henry Okah, to an effective 24 years in jail. Henry was found guilty of 13 terrorism-related charges over twin car bombings during Nigeria’s independence day celebrations in 2010. Records showed that at least 12 people were killed and 36 others injured.

 

Okah, the former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, was leading a group, which said it was fighting to help Niger Delta residents gain a greater share of the oil wealth from their part of southern Nigeria. Till now, Henry Okah is in detention in South Africa, as a price for being a mad man leading a group called MEND, on self-acclaimed stupidity. He is nothing but a mediocre messiah.

 

Abu Mohammed Abubakar bin Mohammad al-Sheikawi was a Kanuri man known as the leader of Boko Haram, a Nigerian Islamist militant group that was formed in 2002, with the primary objective of establishing an Islamic State under Shariah law, and the secondary objective of a wider imposition of Islamic rule beyond Nigeria. He served as deputy leader to the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, who was executed in 2009. Before his reported killing in June this year, Abubakar Shekau, the infamous leader of the group, was accused of being behind the abduction of over 300 girls, mostly Christians, from Chibok.

 

In several videos, shekau said their mission was to Islamize the girls. Converting someone to another religion through terrorism is certainly a stupidity by no one but a mediocre messiah.

 

At the tail end of last month, June 2021, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was re-arrested and brought back to Nigeria to face his trial. According to a letter written to Western Diplomats by the Federal Government of Nigeria, titled, ‘Atrocities’ Of Nnamdi Kanu, he is accused of orchestrating the killing of 60 persons and the destruction of property in 55 attacks across the South East and South-South within four months.

 

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Nnamdi Kanu, is a Biafran separatist organization, whose main aim is to restore an independent state of Biafra in the South East. The group was founded by Kanu in 2012 and is constantly criticizing the Federal government for what it called, its poor investment, inequitable resource distribution, ethnic marginalization, and heavy military presence in their “imaginary” Biafran region.

 

Kanu has since last month been in detention, after a Federal High Court in Abuja had listened to the initial charges against him, which border on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms, and management of an unlawful society. The Attorney General of the Federation said more charges would be brought later.

 

Kanu is paying a price for being a mad man leading a group called IPOB, on self-acclaimed stupidity. He is nothing but a mediocre messiah.

Army Immortalizes Late General Ibrahim Attahiru

Early this month, July, 2021, Sunday Igboho, the proclaimed agitator for the establishment of the Oduduwa Republic from Nigeria, was declared wanted by the Department of State Services, DSS, after his Ibadan house in Oyo state was raided by the operatives of the secret police. Igboho fled the country but was arrested at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou, Republic of Benin, with his wife on their way to Germany.

 

He has been charged to court in Cotonou, on crimes that include the illegal acquisition of the passport of the Republic of Benin. This is an offense that carries a long prison sentence in the Benin Republic, which can only be committed by a mediocre messiah.

 

Yes, Nigeria has many of these mediocre messiahs, but depending on how the leaders of the south west play their cards, the Igboho scandal can make or mar the chances of power shifting to the region come 2023.

 

Certainly the system would ensure that power does not go into the hands or those that may permit sectional sentiments to over ride national security and the sovereignty of the nation.

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.

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.

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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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