By Abba Anwar

The universal understanding of real life, that, one good turn deserves another, can comfortably be applicable to the Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Barau I Jibrin, CFR, particularly with prayers during this Holy Month of Ramadhan Fasting.

It can as well be applicable to almost all our political leaders, within the fold of All Progressives Congress (APC) here in Kano. But because of the limited space and time, I cannot mention all in this brief piece. My fundamental reason for limiting my piece on the DSP.

I just want, without much ado, touch some fundamental interventions of the Senator, which, to me, deserve sober reflection, commendation and good prayers for him to do more and be rewarded Divinely. To embellish that in a strengthened manner is timely and apt.

Without being clouded by feelings, emotions or impulses, Distinguished Senator Jibrin is not only a pillar, he is as well, a bridge builder, who cements and reinforces parts of the ruling APC for stronger ties and cohesion. Recent happenings within the fold of the party, cleared many doubts and concoctions. When I saw him exchanging banters and pleasantries with other top notch individuals around the corridor of APC power circle, it occurred to me that, leaders started filling cylinders and fixing correct blocks everywhere.

Coming back to the identified interventions and adorable actions, that pave way for requesting prayers for the DSP, let me begin with the most recent events. First and foremost, we all appreciate his magnanimity and humane contributions to the victims of Singa market inferno. Where he donated the large sum One Hundred Million Naira (N100m).

Secondly, in this row, is his jettisoning of his gubernatorial ambition, calling on His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to carry on, in search of second tenure. Many believe, he did that for absolute peace to reign in the party, the state and the polity in general. This singular action doused tension and internal rivalry.

He needs to be commended for the bitter decision. Which is characterized by bitter political realities. Though, some still believe that, the pronouncement was crafty and abstract. But his political actions immediately after that pronouncement, show clearly that, he spoke his mind and damn the consequences. It definitely takes great minds to act this way.

The same observers believe that, he did that because he was promised the position of Senate President, in the next dispensation. So from whichever angle you look at the prism, DSP Jibrin needs Divine intervention and more support. His is, supplication, supplication and supplication. In a tautologous style I say, prayers, prayers and prayers.

This brief piece does not concentrate only on his contributions while he is currently the Deputy Senate President. Some of the contributions I included were seen long before now. And I didn’t use any chronological order in presenting them here. So forgive my style of presentation. Is not intentionally done to dilly-dally with periscopic look/search of my readers.

For his great concern for the insecurity plaguing the state, he donated operational vehicles, to the Kano State Police Command. Where dozens of vehicles were given to help in taming the nefarious activities of the underworld. He didn’t stop at that, he donated over one thousand motorcycles to Police personnel in the state. With a special event that took place at the State Command, Bompai.

Under this, his specific contribution to Police Zonal offices and Divisional Police offices under his constituency, Kano North, is superb, encouraging and undisputed. He believes in strengthening our security agencies, for them to work harder for proper protection and security of our land. Some of the contributions around security system, are not for public eyes or ears. For security reasons also.

His strong feeling in the education sector, being the engine room for genuine development, his intervention in the sector speaks voluminously. From his hands in the structural development in the sector, to his enhanced support for individual students, Senator Jibrin, is building indelible mark of honour. Under many platforms.

To begin with individual students (beneficiaries), in the education sector, the people’s Senator sponsored 70 students under his programme of Foreign Postgraduate Scholarships. And modern fields of study were their chosen areas.

They are currently abroad studying AI Machine Learning, Cyber Forensics, Robotics Engineering, Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering, among other influencial courses. The scholarship is fully funded, with tuition, feeding, medicals, flights and allowance. This is DSP for you. I think he deserves our prayers. True or false?

Payment of scholarship allowances to 4,183 students of the Federal College of Education, FCE (Technical), Bichi. Whereas the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (₦50,000) is awarded to each undergraduate students. While the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) is given to each student studying National Certificate of Education (NCE).

In Bayero University, Kano, 1,052 students were awarded with the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira
(₦50,000) for each and every student. As 1,000 undergraduate students of benefited as their scholarship award in
Federal University Dutsin-Ma.

As 300 beneficiaries for Domestic Postgraduate Scholarships
Across top Nigerian universities were sponsored with full scholarship also. First Batch 99 percent completed. 1,000 indigent students were given the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000), to each student who study at Northwest University, Kano.

Another set of 870 students of Northwest University, Kano were awarded with the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000) to each student. While before that, another set of 628 undergraduate students of Bayero University, Kano, were awarded with the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) to each of the students.

Without fear of mincing words, or acrobatic expression, my reader can accept my suggestion that DSP deserves standing ovation, genuine appreciation, well wish and prayers. Especially in this Holy Month of Ramadhan. Yes, being a human being, he may err, in some areas. But let’s concentrate on his good sides, circumstances and styles.

Still in the education sector, let’s look at some, very few, of his contributions in the area. His effort in the establishment of Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, is not only commendable, but a true legacy of a great man. Come to think of development of education, job opportunities, fight against youth restiveness, among others.

He effected the establishment of dozens of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Satellite Campuses across the 13 Local Governments under his Constituency, Kano North. This enhances pursuance of knowledge by his people. In his immediate Constituency. Not to talk of the simplification process of this onerous effort.

To further improve the progress of our youth across the state, he singlehandedly strive and saw to the establishment of Satellite Campuses for Federal University Dutsinma, (FUDMA), in Kano. That is why we have hundreds of students of FUDMA studying in Kano. Almost all of them are sponsored by the Senator for their undergraduate programmes.

To strengthen the commitment of the party leadership to the party philosophy and manifestation, Senator Jibrin was frequent in his distribution of vehicles and other forms of transportation to leaders in his Constituency. For them, the party leaders and elders, could do more and sacrifice a lot to the survival of the party.

He repeated the same gesture recently in his donation of vehicles to APC leadership in his constituency. And donation of vehicles to the local governments Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Secretaries. To enhance local government administration.

In the area of specific humanitarian services, Distinguished Senator Jibrin, saved the people of Bagwai and surrounding areas from menace frequent canoe mishaps in Bagwai river, that was visiting the people of the area in different occasions. He bought modern canoes to save the situation. Since then, we didn’t hear of any mishaps again. He saved the lives of many. This gentleman deserves our prayers, anyway.

For the overall development of our region, North West, DSP pushed hard, conceived the idea of development agency, when he presented a Bill for the establishment of North West Development Commission (NWDC) to the floor of the Senate. He sponsored the Bill, toiled over it, labored for it and, along others, gave birth to it. As he strived to see the passed Bill, then, got Presidential stamp. What remains now, is the take-off of the Commission.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 20th February, 2026

By Abba Anwar

In Kano politics, definitive statements can only be made by individuals with high caliber, political sophistication, quality skills, strategic positioning, and genuine intentions, who can forecast outcomes. These qualities are visibly evident in the political arithmetic of the Deputy Senate President, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, who also doubles as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, asserting his global relevance and influence.

As a show of solidarity and unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, ahead 2027 general election, Distinguished Senator said it publicly that, “We are united and focused. Kano… will stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Our structure is intact, and we will work tirelessly to ensure their victories.”

At a stakeholders meeting held at his constituency, Kano North, it was glaring to all, as he mentioned that, “Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano North Senatorial District have reaffirmed their total commitment to delivering overwhelming votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, in the 2027 general elections.”

As stated during the meeting, His Excellency, DSP, appears to be in total support for internal cohesion and mutual understanding between the traditional All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Yusuf with his people who recently joined the party. He practically believes that, democracy should first be strengthen within the party structure.

Hence, the need for tolerance, commitment to party’s survival and development, and above all supporting the state government to reach the promised land.

All indications, from DSP’s recent political engagements in the state, are geared towards politics without bitterness, strong internal structures, promotion of good governance, full blown support for Governor Yusuf and protection of Kano’s interest through the state structures. From state to federal
Bottom to up. And vice versa. In other words, the Distinguished Senator is well positioned to be the flagship of the Governor and the government of Kano State. No two ways about it.

What happened during the event, is a clear indication that, Senator Jibrin is not only a bridge builder between old APC members and the newly recruited ones, into its fold, but a messiah at the same time. To him, all the many years APC members and the newly joined ones, are the same in terms of enjoying political goodies, proper care and management.

He donated 26 cars, 141 motorcycles to 13 Local government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors and Secretaries of his Kano North Senatorial District. The donation was witnessed by party leaders, elected officials, and grassroots politicians. Who unanimously put heads together to startle the consolidated unity. While strategizing party survival and continuous dominance as build-up to 2027 elections.

Justifying his donations, he emphasized to the hearing of all that, “Our Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors, and Secretaries are the engine room of our political structure. Supporting them means strengthening our base. With unity and proper mobilisation, Kano North will deliver landslide votes in 2027.” Assuring same for other two Senatorial Districts, Kano Central and Kano South.

What interests many at the event was when he assured that, “By God’s grace, we will deliver landslide votes for President Tinubu, Governor Abba and all other candidates of our party, APC

Unity, unity and unity, is the slogan of the DSP these days. The slogan was there evidently heard in the past. But in recent time, the slogan becomes more amplified and musically echoed. He always believes that, unity of purpose remains the hardest corridor to electoral victory.

An overwhelming standing ovation filled the air when he appealed all party members, from all sides of the pentagon to crush aside past differences. Urging that, “We need to work collectively, in fact we must work collectively towards a common goal.”

His passion for securing victories for the state and federal governments in 2027 drives him to tirelessly campaign and strengthen support for Governor Yusuf and President Tinubu. He continually promotes, refines, and solidifies this agenda.

Anwar writes from Kano
Sunday, 15th February, 2026

By Lamara Garba Azare,

There are men who pass through power and there are men who redefine it. Murtala Ramat Mohammed belonged to that rare breed who carried authority lightly and carried conscience heavily. He was a comrade in uniform, a patriot in spirit, a true son of Africa whose love for this nation was not performed for applause but proven through action.

He rose to lead the most populous Black nation on earth, yet power never altered his posture or polluted his character. He remained simple in conduct, measured in speech and humble in lifestyle. He never allowed the office to swallow the man. While others would have embraced sirens and spectacle, he chose restraint. His convoy moved without blaring horns. He obeyed traffic lights like every other citizen. He respected traffic wardens as custodians of public order.

There is that unforgettable moment when a traffic officer, having recognized his car, stopped other motorists to allow him pass. The General was displeased. The warden was punished for denying other road users their right of way, and his driver was sternly warned for attempting to move against traffic. In that simple but powerful incident, he taught a nation that no one is above the law, not even the Head of State. Leadership for him was not exemption from rules but submission to them.

His humility went even deeper. Often, dressed in private attire, he would visit markets quietly, blending into the crowd to ask about the prices of food and daily commodities. He wanted to feel the pulse of ordinary Nigerians. He wanted to understand how families were coping. He believed policies should not be crafted from distant offices alone but from lived realities. That simple habit revealed a leader who listened before he acted and who measured governance by the condition of the common man.

When he assumed power in 1975, he did so without plunging the country into bloodshed. In a continent where coups often left painful scars, his intervention was swift and calculated, aimed at correcting a drift rather than destroying the state. It reflected firmness guided by restraint. He was a soldier, yes, but one who understood that strength without humanity is weakness in disguise.

In barely six months, he moved with urgency that startled the establishment. Files that once gathered dust began to move. Decisions were taken with clarity. He restructured the civil service in a bold attempt to restore efficiency and discipline. He initiated the process that led to the relocation of the capital to Abuja, a decision born of foresight and national balance. He confronted corruption without apology and made it clear that public office was a trust to be guarded, not an opportunity to be exploited.

His voice on the continental stage was equally resolute. When he declared that Africa has come of age, he was not uttering rhetoric. He was announcing a shift in posture. Nigeria under his watch stood firm in support of liberation movements and insisted on African dignity in global affairs. He believed that this continent deserved respect earned through courage and self confidence.

Then, just as the nation began to feel the rhythm of disciplined governance, tragedy struck on February 13, 1976. Bullets interrupted a vision. A country stood still in shock. Africa mourned one of its brightest sons. He had ruled for only a short season, yet the weight of his impact surpassed the length of his tenure.

Perhaps if he had remained longer, Nigeria would have charted a different course. Perhaps institutions would have grown around principle rather than convenience. Perhaps accountability would have become culture rather than campaign language. We can only imagine. But what cannot be imagined away is the moral clarity he represented.

Today, when citizens speak about abandoned ideals and weakened standards, his memory returns like a measuring rod. When convoys roar past traffic lights with entitlement, his quiet obedience becomes a silent rebuke. When policies lose touch with the marketplace realities of ordinary people, we remember the Head of State who walked into markets in simple clothes to ask the price of garri and rice.

He was not perfect, but he was purposeful. He did not govern to decorate history books. He governed to correct a nation. He detested corruption because he understood the damage it inflicts on the weakest citizens. He valued humility because he knew that power is fleeting but accountability before Almighty Allah is eternal.

Nigeria lost more than a leader. Africa lost a rare gem whose patriotism was sincere and whose heart beat for the dignity of his people. We pray that Allah grants Murtala Ramat Mohammed Aljannatul Firdaus and illuminates his resting place. We pray that his sacrifices count for him in the hereafter. And we pray that Nigeria rediscovers the discipline, courage and sincerity that defined his brief but remarkable stewardship.

Some leaders occupy office. Others transform it. Murtala Ramat Mohammed transformed it. His six months continue to echo across five decades because they were anchored in conviction and service.

Until Nigeria fully embraces integrity in leadership, until Africa truly stands in the maturity he proclaimed, his story will remain both our inspiration and our challenge. His life reminds us that greatness is not measured by duration in power but by depth of impact, not by noise but by noble action, not by privilege but by principle.

He came, he led, and though he left too soon, he still speaks through the standard he set.

Lamara Garba Azare, a veteran journalist writes from Kano