By Abba Anwar

The possibility of life without challenges is zero point zero. As His Excellency, Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, PhD, CFR, rightly observed and amplified.

It was during an interactive session, that was held at Convocation Arena of Bayero University, Kano, Tuesday, with the students he sponsored under Barau I. Jibrin Foundation, to study at the Study Centres of Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), in six local governments from his constituency, Kano North. These are Bichi, Dambatta, Dawakin Tofa, Gabasawa, Gwarzo and Tofa.

The session was attended by the management of the university, FUDMA, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof MK Usman, the students of the Centres and their parents. It was meant to discuss the relocation of the affected students from these Study Centres, back to the main campus of the university, in Dutsin-Ma.

According to the Vice Chancellor Prof Usman, the directive was from the federal ministry of education, that these Centres must relocate to the main campus of the university. Meaning, all students would relocate from their respective local governments here in Kano and move to Dutsin-Ma town of Katsina state.

During the session, after prolonged discussion of the situation on ground, by the Vice Chancellor, DSP urged all the affected students to take this as part of the challenges of life. He was live virtually during the session.

He narrated how he intervened between the university and Minister of State, Education, on how the situation could be handled without the relocation. Believing that relocation could be disturbing to students. As many students complained. Citing extra spendings and insecurity as their main reasons against the new development.

DSP Barau narrated in details, how he requested for another option instead of the relocation. Explaining that, the Minister said, there was no room for any arrangement different from the relocation exercise.

One needs to see the humane face of the DSP when he was making his remarks to the students. When he realised that, the faces of the students were requesting for reversal of the new policy, he instantly changed their mood, as he promised to take care of their transportation, keep-up allowances and adequate provision of security escorts for their trips, to and fro.

Apart from all other responsibilities, to encourage them face their studies with all seriousness and commitment. A standing ovation greeted the Senator, during and after his remarks. Human capital development, as he believes and amplified at the session, is the mainstay of any meaningful development. Reason why he believes in investing in the education of his people. For the development of the society.

Fear of living in new environment, due to accommodation problem was allayed, as the Vice Chancellor promised that, all the relocated students would be accommodated freely in the university. It also appears here, the issue of accommodation, that both DSP Foundation and the university would work hand in hand to make the students comfortable.

A standing ovation greeted the entire hall when DSP said, “I will arrange for your transportation to and from Federal University Dutsin-Ma. I will give you resources to help you stay there comfortably. So also security will be provided.”

Among the students who were enrolled in the FUDMA’s Study Centres, some are in their final year, some in level Three, and so on and so forth. The Vice Chancellor assured all the students that, quality would not be compromise. Praising the Deputy Senate President for his unrelenting effort for the betterment of the students.

Even after the interactive session, there were handful few, who still insisted that, they would rather seek for transfer to other institutions, citing family issues as their main reason for rejecting the relocation policy. They are mostly married women. But it appears there could be other arrangement for this category of students.

Many parents who attended the interactive session, commended Senator Barau for being that magnanimous and caring for their wards. Ensuring that, they would aid in the successful relocation exercise.

Highlighting that there were many people out there who could not have similar opportunity to further their studies. Believing that, DSP’s interest in the development of his people, was what made the intervention successful from day one.

Many students and their parents, pointed out that, they were privy to leaked information that, some unpatriotic elements from Kano North were trying to politicize the new development. They further challenged that, the development was not DSP’s making or design. As a result, they vehemently reject any possible political attack of the DSP over the situation.

While acknowledging that, His Excellency, Senator Jibrin did his best through the Minister of State, Education, to see the possibility of policy reversal, but that couldn’t be possible, as revealed by the Senator, the majority of students and their parents, including well wishers, further revealed that, the students benefiting from the scholarship scheme were not members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) only, they cut across party boundaries. So according to them, linking the relocation issue to politics is baseless, needless and uncalled for.

Anwar writes from Kano
Wednesday, 3rd June, 2026

– Sufyan Lawal Kabo (Sefjamil)
sefjamil3@gmail.com

The writing is clearly on the wall: Peter Obi’s repeated defence and open sympathy for the terrorist group IPOB expose a dangerous agenda against the unity and stability of Nigeria. His posture raises serious suspicions about a calculated attempt to advance the Southeast’s secessionist ambitions and ultimately push an agenda of Igbo political dominance over the country. No true nationalist would continue to associate with or defend a group whose activities have threatened national peace, security, and coexistence.

As Nigeria gradually moves toward another electoral season, many citizens are beginning to critically re-examine the political movement built around Peter Obi and the Obidient ideology. While his supporters present him as a symbol of change, many Nigerians, especially in the North and parts of the Southwest, remain deeply worried about the kind of political tension and division that often surrounds his movement.

One of the major concerns repeatedly raised against Peter Obi is his controversial position regarding IPOB. The Indigenous People of Biafra was declared a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian military on September 15, 2017. Various federal authorities defended that action based on security concerns and separatist activities.

However, over the years, Obi turned out being too soft toward IPOB and failing to clearly distance himself from separatist sentiments. This has continued to generate suspicion among many Nigerians who believe national unity must remain non-negotiable.

Another issue that generated strong reactions during the 2023 election was Peter Obi’s repeated “take back your country” campaign slogan in churches. Across several campaign appearances especially in churches where he seem to prefer campaigning, Obi consistently told worshippers that it was time to “take back the country.” a phrase dangerously promoted resentment and emotional anger against existing institutions. Many also observed that the slogan gained massive traction particularly within emotionally charged religious gatherings and church based mobilisations during the campaign period.

For a country already struggling with ethnic and religious fault lines, many Nigerians feared that such rhetoric could deepen division instead of promoting unity.

Equally controversial was Obi’s 2023 campaign visit to Kano State. Political observers noted that his major outing in Kano was concentrated around Sabon Gari, an area historically dominated by Igbo traders and residents. A presidential candidate seeking national unity should visibly engage broader indigenous communities across Kano rather than appearing politically comfortable only within ethnic strongholds. Many northern citizens interpreted the optics as politically insensitive and reflective of identity based mobilisation.

Another worrying trend in recent times is the increasing disrespect directed at northern historical leaders such as Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa by the Igbo supporters of Obi especially those in southeast and the Kwankwasiyya members in Kano. These men remain foundational figures in Nigeria’s political history and symbols of Northern leadership and sacrifice. Sadly, social media spaces have increasingly become filled with insulting comments, revisionist attacks and mockery against these late leaders.

While political disagreement is normal in democracy, there is a dangerous culture developing where historical figures are demonised simply because of modern political bitterness. Such attacks are unhealthy for national unity and dangerous for younger generations who may grow up without respect for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

Many Nigerians are therefore beginning to ask difficult questions. Did Obi, being a dire supporter of IPOB, terrorist group, deserve to become a president of this country? Is the Obidient movement truly about national unity, or has it become a platform driven mainly by anger, online aggression and ethnic emotions? Can Nigeria survive another wave of highly emotional politics built around social media propaganda and regional grievances?

The truth is that Nigeria needs reforms, competent leadership and accountability. But Nigeria also needs stability, unity and mutual respect among all ethnic and religious groups. No political ambition should be allowed to inflame ethnic suspicion or deepen regional hostility.

As 2027 gradually approaches, Nigerians must be careful not to surrender the future of the country to emotional propaganda, social media pressure or divisive political narratives. Leadership should unite Nigeria, not polarise it further.

Sufyan writes from Abuja

#Facebooktrending #Instagramtrending #TikToktrending #XTrending #nationalhouseofassembly #kanoemiratecouncil #nigeriasenate #NTA #NTAnews #whitehouse #HouseofCommons #burkinham #CNNInternational #CNNPolitics #Bbcnews #Apkabio #bbcworld #BBCBreaking #AREWA24 #Tinubu #AbbaKabirYusuf #AbbaGidaGida #NTAUpdates #AITNEWS #DailyNigerian #vanguardnews #VanguardNewspaper #allnigerianewspapers #trendingreelsvideo #trendingnews #kano #AlJazeera #channelstv #life #facebook #instagram#HonAbbaBichi
#Bichi #KanoPolitics #realTIMEnews
#AbbaKabirYusuf #KanoState #TheNigeriaSenate #ThePresidency
#FacbookFeeds #X #TikTok #InstagramFeeds #LinkedIn

By Onyedikachi Chinatu

“The only thing I disagree with is naming IPOB terrorist; they are not terrorists.”

“I stay in Onitsha, and I can tell you that they are people I pass them on the road every day.”

No doubt emotions has eroded the minds of some Nigerians making them vulnerable to politicians who feeds on these emotions but more importantly is that our reasoning should not let this be, it is for this purpose that I have tried in providing evidences to these issues and as Peter Obi himself will always chant “go and verify” I have tried to make these verifications easier. The words above were the very words of Peter Obi, during a 2022 interview while reacting to the designation of IPOB as a terrorist organization. (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/10/ipob-members-not-terrorists-i-live-with-them-peter-obi/amp/ )

Years later, these comments continue to raise questions, not because Nigerians are opposed to free speech or alternative opinions, but because insecurity has left deep wounds across the country and especially within parts of the South-East where many families, businesses, and communities have directly or indirectly suffered from violence, fear, and economic disruptions.

Across several South-East states, sit-at-home orders and their enforcement have disrupted commercial activities, education, transportation, and everyday life. Major commercial cities once known for nonstop economic activities have repeatedly witnessed closures, empty streets, and declining investor confidence. ( https://businessday.ng/news/article/nigerias-south-east-region-losses-n7-6trn-on-ipobs-sit-at-home-order/ )

The insecurity situation also produced tragic incidents that shaped national conversations. On April 5, 2021, gunmen attacked the correctional facility and police formations in Owerri, Imo State, leading to mass prison breaks and widespread security concerns. Nigerian authorities linked the incident to IPOB and its armed wing, though the group denied involvement. ( https://www.channelstv.com/2021/04/05/imo-prison-attack-1844-inmates-escaped-corrections-authorities/ )

Beyond isolated attacks, reports have documented hundreds of deaths, repeated disruptions, and severe economic losses connected to insecurity and the enforcement of sit-at-home actions across the region. ( https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/separatists-sit-at-home-protests-lead-700-deaths-nigerias-southeast-report-says-2025-05-26/ )

This is why public figures seeking national leadership are often judged not only by what they criticize, but also by what they defend, how they frame sensitive issues, and the clarity of the alternatives they provide.

Peter Obi has consistently criticized the current administration over insecurity and the economy. Criticism itself is not a problem. In democracy, governments should be questioned and challenged. In fact, opposition politics exists partly for that reason.

However, difficult questions also deserve difficult answers.

When insecurity in parts of the South-East escalated, did his public comments provide enough reassurance to victims and families affected by violence?

When discussing groups and movements that government institutions view differently, could such statements have been interpreted differently by people living with fear and uncertainty?

And perhaps more importantly, beyond repeatedly pointing out failures, what specific pathways has he consistently placed before Nigerians as solutions?

Supporters often describe Peter Obi as disciplined, prudent, and accountable. Critics argue that he sometimes appears quicker at identifying problems than communicating practical implementation strategies. Both viewpoints deserve consideration.

Politics should not simply be about who criticizes more effectively. It should also be about who provides clearer answers.

Because in a country battling insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and growing divisions, Nigerians have a right to question those in government.

They equally have a right to question those asking to replace them.

Onyedikachi  Chinatu writes from Kano onyedikachichinatu7@gmail.com