Opinion

My Independence Day Post, its Elaboration, BokoHaram and Minister Pantami’s Gigantic Example!

Published

2 years ago

December 13, 2021

By Ibraheem A. Waziri

“What good Nigeria means to me, and to some degree, its independence; is an untiring effort at reconciliation between the timeless and unique but enduring universal values and ethical principles of the 19th century northern Muslim (Sokoto) Caliphate and the much earlier Kanem-Bornu Empire, on one part, and what Nigeria presents since its inception, on the other part. I believe the non effective substantial achievement of such, thus far, is the pole at which all the problems of northern Nigeria, ranging from poverty, banditry and all related insecurity issues, emanate! May Allah continue to bless Nigeria as long as Nigeria continues to look inward in order to adjust itself to the requirements of its resident cultural, historical and institutional memories that existed way before it came into being; May He continue to bless all individuals and institutions within Nigeria that are tirelessly striving to make it work along this line of vision!”

The Elaboration:

Every nation, state or country has three main umbrella institutions that are necessary for its existence, sustenance and progress. They are educational, political and military! The educational institution built on certain paradigmatic construction, is always the fountain of moral principles; custodian of values and ethics, upon which the political and military institutions thrive.

The issue in Northern Nigeria is when Nigeria came into force and after the abolishment of the resident military institution it met, and replacing it with what is based on somewhat an alien paradigm and value basis; it also created parallel political and educational institutions as in, there is the existing traditional political institution and there is the new Nigerian political institution. There is the traditional educational institution and the new Nigerian educational institution.

Human Rights Day: Zamfara Sexual Assault referral Center records 366 cases

Worst still, the qualification for recruitment and promotion, at inception, in these two new parallel Nigerian institutions, was never anything near competence, conscientiousness or uprightness. One only was required to demonstrate a level of cooperation with the purveyors of the new order and in some cases enmity or animosity towards the old older for them to gain admission and speedy promotion into the hierarchies. This of course maybe why, as many pundits say over time, mediocrity, duplicity and zero level of integrity are the basic ingredients of Nigerian educational and political institutions at many points.

Politics and politicians are a substitute for deception to Northern Nigerians just as western type of education is equated with sleaze and dubiousness. Less than 20 years after independence, analysts and education activists in Northern Nigeria, like the late Prof. Bala Usman, started making legitimate accusations and compelling arguments that the new educational institution had started producing fake professors. While in the traditional/religious institution it is near impossible to produce a fake Malam or Shaykh in its various departments.

Boko Sana’a, Akida or Haram?

As the late Dan Iyan Zazzau Nuhu Bayero recorded in his autobiography, My Life (1989, page 18) that by 1902, a missionary, Dr. Walter Richard Samuel Miller had already been caught and detained by the then administration of Sultan of Zazzau (Sarkin Zazzau) Muhammad Ibn Uthman aka Kwasau, on the charges of deception and spying for enemies in the city, under the guise of a North African Muslim pious sojourner. Other accounts prevalent with the traditional learning centres suggested he even claimed being a Sharifi, a title identified with the known descendants of the prophet of Islam in Hausaland. He was awaiting trial and subsequently a judgement, when the British Captain Abadie seized power and authority in the territory. Kwasau was forced to abdicate the throne. Miller was freed and given a pass to establish the first missionary school in Northern Nigeria at the heart of the city, luring parents and children, to be given admission to train.

Thus, the then name and reputation of Miller in the society followed the kind of parallel educational institution that he accessorily founded as a legacy of colonialism, “Boko”, which translates as deceit, sleaze and public enmity in local parlance. Its enrolees became branded as either less conscientious, self surviving merchants or public enemies, who have made deliberate choice to serve as agents of disruption and destruction of the old genuine order. Even in this century children of the Kanem-Bornu and the Sokoto Caliphate are found everywhere in the social media debating as to whether “Boko” can be thought of or practiced as part of belief and essence of being (Akida) or it should continue to be treated as just means of survival, livelihood (Sana’a) or in the extreme, a forbidden fruit, reminiscent of Boko Haram for its purely materialistic content!

However still our social evolution guaranteed that there are also many who have realised the need to live above stale stereotypes and accept that the so-called institution that goes by the name deception (Boko) is no longer so. Not as a means of livelihood or Haram; but as an indispensable ingredient of socio-cultural development in as much as we need to remain relevant as a people on the ladder of civilisation world round. This also is achievable in practice only if opinion leaders and dedicated policy makers begin to elevate both the institution of Boko and its practice to the status of conscientious duty to God and society. Just as is with our known traditional and religious educational institutions, that held and sustained the robust moral fabric upon which held the essence of these societies, centuries before – or even after – our contact with the European colonial forces.

The Example of Isa Ali Pantami:

That was why also I found it easy to argue the other day! That if ever there is anything wrong about Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Shaykh Isa Ali Pantami’s recent controversially detestable appointment to a position of professorship of Cyber Security at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo (Vanguard, 15/11/2021); it is so only because it was an appointment made by Dr. Richard Samuel Miller from the early 20th century! However, what astonishes some of us most is the acceptance of Pantami to it despite its obvious negative issues in processes around merit, truth and justice.

Pantami being a product first and foremost, of traditional religious educational institution with a distinction; and as a one being looked up to as a Nigerian policy maker and a high-ranking Northern Nigerian public intellectual. Who can play a significant role in the current movement towards the alignment and integration of educational ethics and principles between western and traditional education systems; should not be seen riding on the bandwagon of the norm of treating new Nigerian academic awards or certificates like what Miller first instituted it to be in Northern Nigeria, as just mere meal ticket or other accessory to the pursuit of material opportunities only.

But it is our hope and that Pantami will wear his reflective cap. Prioritise the instruction of his conscience away from the shenanigans of the matrix of power around him. Reason with us in the prayer we pray for Nigeria and its institutions, since lack of its successful alignment with what it met, can be said to be at the origin of the dysfunction in education and public policy that bedevils the country. He should know also that to us and all other people of conscience world over, a title of a Professor will not add any meaning to what he already means to us now. At an extreme, it might make him less or more, than what he is now, depending on how the controversy surrounding the appointment is finally resolved!

Related Topics:Cyber Nigeria Security Shaykh

Up Next

Insecurity in the Northwest: A Thought!

Don't Miss

42 Burnt Alive ,1 Bullied To Death,Does Arewa Lives Matter

Opinion

Why They Are Afraid Of Ganduje

Published

2 days ago

April 23, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

By Abubakar Umar

While preparing to pen this write up I just scrolled the news and read that the Kano High court that ordered the suspension of the APC National chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have vacated the order pending the determination of the suit on 30th April.

From the look of things and with his glowing political clout since he joined politics in the second Republic Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the former Governor of Kano state is giving sleepless nights to many politicians particularly from his home state of Kano where the melting pot of Nigerian politics emanated from.

No vex his emergence as the National chairman of Nigerias ruling party has brought down the evil machinations of some politicians who sees Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a stumbling block to their political ambition at the national stage .

The administrator cum politician as many people will attest to knew very well that interms of experience and political calculations he has no match especially from the North West political zone where the National chairman hails from .

They know very well that the national working committee of the party and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu have done the right calculation by placing an elder politician and a two term Governor of the most difficult state to Govern in the whole Nigeria as the chairman of the Nigerian ruling party.

They knew very well that his stature has made him one of the most visible and hardworking APC National chairman since its formation in the year 2013.

The conscripted script being played by agents of destabilzation in order to make the ruling party irrelevant can only be done if they try to use some political zealots with the aim of making the National Chairman look like someone who can not sail through their evil conspiracy .

It was understood that the only way the NNPP Governent in Kano will change it’s political nest is to cut down the tree that is supposed to give it a shade but instead of humbling themselves and submit themselves to the party’s National Secretariat in which Dr. Ganduje is the leader they starte beating about the bush like a child’s play.

Dr.Ganduje had since humbled them politically and by visiting the state on January 25 ,2024 to invite them to the ruling party without vengeance .

He extended the hand of friendship that politics is is the ability to make sacrifices and compromise .

It was that compromise and sacrifice that made some of his political foes make accomplishments they never dream to achieve but still they are not grateful with the his sacrifice and patience .

Today the courts have vindicated by Dr.Abdullahi Umar and the APC national stalwarts across the country who are comfortable with the leadership style of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Opinion

Celebrating Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari ,Emir Of Ilorin

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Today the highly revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu -Gambari CFR marks 84 years birthday.The former Jurist ascended the throne of his forefathers on Monday and he was also born on Monday. What a coincidence!

Being alive up to the age of 84 is a rare opportunity for anyone who really appreciate the homongous favour of the Almighty.The Chancellor of Bayero University Kano is an example of an Emir with a digital disposition and inclination.He believes so much in the progress of individuals and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Dwelling so much about his career as a retired Justice of Court of Appeal may not be necessary as many are aware of it.The Emir stands out as a man who had made Ilorin as a City to move away from the old ways of doing things even in terms of education. He has encouraged scholarship in all ramifications. Be it in Islamic perspective and western education. Emir Sulu Gambari is the first University graduate to have ascended the throne in more two centuries of Ilorin Emirate history .

Before his ascension to the throne of his progenitors, Ilorin had a handful of professors but today they’re as many as possible.He has achieved a lot but you know traditionally such may not be made public.

Mai Martaba has provided purposeful and impactful leadership, this can be captured in the words of Abubakar Imam, the National Secretary of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union IEDPU thus:

“The Emir has always taken care of the welfare and wellbeing of the ordinary people of his Emirate in words and actions. For instance, he initiated a Fund through which money was raised to address the immediate needs of the downtrodden people and residents of the community. The Fund was chaired by the Danmansani of Ilorin, Engr Sulaiman Ayinde Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, while the immediate past National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, fsi, was the Alternate Chairman. Over 15,000 individuals from all the nooks and crannies of Ilorin Emirate benefited from the Fund during the course of the perilous COVID-19 epidemic, which rocked the humanity about five years ago. It will also be recalled that the Emir purchased 400 bundles of corrugated iron sheet, which was distributed to the less privileged members of the community who were affected by a devastating rainstorm in 2021. The then IEDPU President was given the task of getting the item delivered at the footsteps of the victims of the natural disaster”

Before the coming of Emir of Ilorin, University of Ilorin was not a place an Ilorin indigene can gain admission into easily.In fact, only few had opportunity to school there at that time.But Emir Sulu -Gambari and other stakeholders ensured that an indigenous Vice Chancellor was giving opportunity to lead the Ivory tower for the first time,in person of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, the Talba of Ilorin Emirate .May Allah continue to grant Professor good health and plenty baraka. Professor Oba cannot even mention all those he has assisted, because the numbers are huge.

Today, there is fairness in the issue of admission into university of Ilorin.The standard was established by the administration of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem and has been sustained by his successors.

Eminent sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate are already sending their warmest messages to the Emir.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara state traditional rulers Council

The Emir, according to the Governor, “has remained a father to all while also deploying his rich experiences and networks to support not just the people of the Ilorin Emirate but also the people of the state as a whole.

The Governor prays to Allaah to give His Royal Highness good health and long life, and continue to uphold him upon goodness in his service to the people of the Emirate”

The Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district, Senator Saliu Mustapha has also congratulated the His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary

Senator Mustapha described the revered Emir who is a retired eminent jurist as “an ambassador of peace with an admirable style of leadership”

He affirmed that since the respected monarch’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 1995 as the 11th Emir of Ilorin, he has brought a lot of development and glamour to the entire State.

While extolling the emir’s humility and modernized vision for his domain and the country at large, Senator Mustapha prays God Almighty to grant the royal father more years of worthy service to his people and humanity in good health.

Furthermore,Honourable Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency also greeted the Emir “His Royal Highness has exemplified wisdom, compassion, and integrity throughout his reign, serving as a beacon of hope for the people of Ilorin and beyond. His visionary leadership has brought about tremendous growth and development, with a keen focus on fostering unity and inclusivity amongst his subjects. His unwavering dedication to our collective well-being is a testament to his selflessness and genuine concern for his people”

Under his guidance, Ilorin has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. His Royal Highness’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and prosperous society has played a pivotal role in shaping the Ilorin of today – a thriving community that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage while embracing the promise of a brighter future”

Similarly, A former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulwahab Oladimeji Issa has felicitated the Emir of Ilorin.He extolled the Emir thus,”his uncommon leadership qualities” and prayed that God grants him many more years of service to the people of Ilorin emirate and Nigeria.

“As you mark your 84th birthday anniversary which comes up today Monday, April 22nd, 2024, I write, on behalf of my family to extend warm felicitations to Your Highness.

“Only recently, you marked twenty-eight years of unquantified success on the throne as the Emir of Ilorin. Your uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of the Ilorin emirate and beyond, have combined to make you one of the most highly respected monarchs in Nigeria today.

“As you continue to use your exalted throne to build bridges of friendship and harmony across Kwara state and the nation, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah grants you many more years of abounding health, prosperity, and enduring fulfillment,” he added.

Hajiya Arinola Lawal also felicitates Emir of Ilorin on 84th birthday anniversary,
“I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt prayers to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin, on the occasion of his birthday

I beseech Allah to grant His Royal Highness a long and prosperous reign on the throne of his fathers, filled with peace, stability, and blessings for the Ilorin Emirate”

Meanwhile, LT Col Ramat Suleiman also joined the league of prominent Ilorin Emirate sons and daughters to celebrate the Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84.She described the Emir as a father to all and a lover of peace.The first Ilorin Emirate woman to have attained the rank of LT Col in the military extolled the Emir as a leader with great vision and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and more years ahead on the throne of his forefathers.

Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem,Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Honourable Moshood Mustapha,Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Hajiya Tundun Alanamu, Barrister Oba Magaji and others have also greeted the Emir at 84.

By way of conclusion,without mincing words Ilorin Emirate has witnessed tremendous transformation under the leadership of Emir Sulu -Gambari in all facets of the Emirate since his ascension in 1995.I wish the Emir a prosperous, healthy and pious 84th birthday anniversary and more years ahead Insha Allah.

Sheeeehuuuu.Walahu ya’simuka minna nas

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

Opinion

For Adamu A Zango:Simple Solution To Your Compounded Problems

Published

5 days ago

April 21, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Adam A Zango

Tijjani Muhammad Musa

I usually don’t like writing on celebrities except if the issue borders on religious matters. Even so, it’s not any trivial matter that makes my ink flow. For me, talking to stars is like calling on someone who has taken a turn.

But once in a while, I do make an exception when it comes to situations that need prompt intervention towards saving a soul that’s heading to the edge of the abyss. I have succeeded on one or two cases though. AlhamdulilLaah

And lately, with so much misfortunes befalling guys in the Arewa entertainment industry, most especially Kannywood, one can’t help but smell the unpleasant stench in the air, and thus whiff the hand to ward it off.

This brings us to the latest trending issue of Adamu A Zango’s depression crisis. Those concerned about him have been raising alarm on social media of an impending doom that could likely befall him if he is not counselled on time.

Well, it’s that serious. Many say he needs help urgently and beg those who can to approach him and save actor cum musical icon from himself. Those close to him should as a matter of urgency do. For us from afar, we can only submit thus:

The perfect solution to Adamu A. Zango’s problem and dilemma much as some wouldn’t want to hear it can be found in the Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Anbiya (21) verses 83-84 where Allaah SWT Says:

83. And (remember) Ayyûb (Job), when he cried to his Lord: “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.”

84. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all those who worship us.

Again relate to the same Surah Q21:87-88 which brings forth how Yunus AS was able to free himself from utter hopelessness into Allaah’s Grace and Mercy. Note the Promise of Allaah SWT to grant others who worship Him similar grace if they should repeat same du’a.

So Adamu, first you must prepare your mind by connecting to your Lord, sincerely seeking His Graceful intervention in your matters. How? Sincere repentance is key and subsequently seek for forgiveness for all your bad deeds.

Next abstain from all acts of disobedience to Allaah. Thereafter, perform 2 raka’at of Salah, after which you should engage in DhikrAllaah, reciting the du’a of Ayub AS in Q21:83 and Yunus AS in Q21:87

Finally, form the habit of reciting the Qur’an and listening to it on a regular basis. Always perform your 5 daily obligatory prayers in congregation and keep off anybody or anything that will constitute a distraction to your focus on your developing a close relationship with your Lord Allaah AWJ.

If you can take these few simple, but highly challenging steps and implement them in your life, it is a guarantee that you will be free from all these stresses and distresses to a life of unprecedented peace bi iznilLaah..

But as a Kannywood and Hausa music celebrity, this solution though simple as it may seem might be the most difficult thing for you to adopt. And I believe you know why. And that sadly is where the problem truly lies.

Unless one is ready to embrace a change of lifestyle from his or her norm to Allaah’s laid out norms, things in life will keep challenging their peace and tranquility of the person.

Hope this helps .

Tijjani Muhammad Musa is the chairman Association of Nigerian Authors Kano branch