Opinion

The Law:When The Cost Of The Brief Crushes The Conscience Of The Counsel

Published

3 years ago

February 15, 2022

Late Hanifa Abubakar

By Bala Ibrahim.

According to lawyers, a counsel or a counsellor is a person who gives advice on various issues, particularly in legal matters. Lawyers and counsellors are therefore employed to help in finding the best way to resolve a dispute or prevent one from occurring. And many a time, they help in that direction.

However, like in every profession, the place of conscience is subjectively based on the personal feelings and opinion of the individual. What may be morally right to one person may be viewed wrong by another. And such behavioural dichotomy is abound among lawyers.

Depending on the cost of the brief, some lawyers tend to mortgage their conscience, by surrendering the concept of correctness to the casual cajole of cash. Such etiquette is not only capable of crushing the creed, but injuring the persuasion and principal purpose of the legal practice. Yes, lawyers must be seen as the companions of conscience.

Last week, Monday, 07/02, my Governor, H.E. Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, invited me to his lodge at Asokoro, Abuja, where we had a lengthy frank discussion on a number of issues, that climaxed with the terrible death of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar. I told the governor that, all eyes are on Kano now, not because of the turbulent political situation, but because of Hanifa.

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Much as the state is determined to get justice done, if care is not taken, some unscrupulous lawyers may come under the common excuse of Human Rights, to either frustrate the trial, or make a mess of the entire process, by cajoling the suspect to change his position.

The governor said, “on this particular issue of Hanifa, justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done. I would do everything humanly possible, including keeping track of the legal process, to ensure that no one frustrates the trial. And whatever is the outcome of the trial, I would hasten to assent, even if its a capital punishment”. I said thank you. But my instincts were telling me to expect surprises.

Lo and behold, yesterday Monday, 14/02/2022, exactly a week after my meeting with His Excellency, at the continuation of the trial of the principal suspects of the murder of the little Hanifa, Abdulmalik Tanko and his partner in crime Hashimu, who had both earlier confessed to the police, of committing the murder, made a change of mind, by denying in court the allegations that the little girl was poisoned and buried in the school by them.

My mind was quick to say, aha!, the devilish lawyers have come and whispered in the ears of the accused, and this may be the beginning of frustrating the case, and ultimately the end of the arrival of the justice the public and his Excellency are looking forward to. They may be sent as surrogates, to assist in saving those who severed the life of the little girl. This is wickedness.

Yes, lawyers say, when justice is delayed, justice is denied. And from the body language of the accused yesterday, unless there is a special intervention by people of conscience, the journey to get justice for Hanifa may not be achieved, or could take longer than expected.

I know once some unconscientious lawyers come into the case, honesty and diligence would be thrown to the dogs, depending on the cost of the brief. They would work at cross purpose with common sense and conscience, without thinking about what is right, what is fair, or even appropriate. All they are after is what they would get.

As reported by one agency, “The main suspect in the murder of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar in Kano, Abdulmalik Tanko has denied killing the girl and pleaded not guilty. Tanko, accused of abducting and killing Hanifa, has denied the allegations levelled against him and two others in court during the trial on Monday”.

I have always been an advocate for the formation of Human Wrongs unions or organizations, to counter or confront the excesses of the so called Human rights unions, some of whom are only doing it in deceit, as double-dealers working for selfish aggrandisement.

Yes, the accused has a right as a human being, but what about the victim? Is he or she not human? What does one stand to gain morally, by cajoling the accused to deny his confession, simply because you want to drag the argument in court.

I think the time has arrived, particularly with this case of late little Hanifa, for the public to rise to the occasion, and mobilize very well, to checkmate the nonsense of some irresponsible lawyers and their cohorts, who are fast becoming an encumbrance or impediment in the discharge of speedy justice in Nigeria.

It is sad that in inconsideration for cash, the conscience of some counsels is crushed, such that they become ready to play the clog, without regards to the consequences.

Bala Ibrahim was a Broadcast Journalist with BBC Hausa service and was a correspondent of the station in Kano and Lagos

Opinion

Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

7 days ago

December 15, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.