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The National Movement And The Embarrassment It Has  Caused -Adnan

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Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

 

By Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada

The recent launch of the National Movement (TNM) led by its convener, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano state, has raised the political temperature of the country.

Many see the Movement as the third force patriotic Nigerians have been advocating for, for years.

I am one of the advocates of a third force political arrangement since both the APC and the PDP have not really met the expectations of most Nigerians.

Series of defections have been taking place in the polity and that says a lot about the lack of principle or any binding ideology within the political parties.

The convener of the National Movement is a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after its formation in 2015.

He was a two term governor and also minister on the platform of the party he claimed has failed Nigerians.

Many questions are however begging for answers. Is the National Movement truly a third force that can solve the lingering problems of Nigeria or it is just a congregation of desperate power seekers who are out of reckoning?

2023:Kwankwaso ,Others Set To Launch The National Movement ,Tuesday

What bothers me most is the endorsement by a female member of the movement from the South East called Chinyere.

When the lady took to the stage, she started her short speech by endorsing the convener as the only option for Nigerians, showering encomiums on him with reckless abandon.

That was the same thing the representatives of the youth group and other personalities that spoke at the event said.

All the socio-economic problems bedevilling the nation actually call for a new political movement but not the kind I am seeing at the moment.

Apart from the convener who did remarkably well as governor of Kano, tell me any other person with credibility and good leadership track record at the event.

Kwankwaso needs to understand that becoming the President of Nigeria is not something that will be decided by the people of Kano. Looking at the calibre of people at the event, the hall was almost entirely filled up by his Kwankwasiyya adherents who are mostly from Kano.

A third force can only be actualised under a political party and the convener is currently a member of the Peoples Democratic Party even though he’s at loggerheads with stakeholders of the party in his zone (North West). Even at the national level, he is hardly seen in party functions.

The challenges this country is facing was not given utmost priority in the speech by the convener but rather his personal achievements were the focus.

Nigeria is currently battling with insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, economic instability, ASUU strike, and the decay in the educational and health sector but such issues were not given priority but rather the Presidential ambition of Kwankwaso.

His ally, Buba Galadima, has said in an interview that they came to rescue this country and if the condition of contesting for the presidency warrants; they would not hesitate of taking a new political party.

The National Movement was not only an exaggeration but an embarrassment to a Presidential aspirant. Most of the people invited shunned the event including Kwankwaso’s closest ally and Chief of Staff when he was governor, Yunusa Adamu Dangwani, and other people that served his administration including Commissioners.

All the former governors invited during the event were not present as I observed only three former Senators – Suleiman Hunkuyi, Grace Bent and Muhammad Ubali Shittu.

Captain Idris Wada, Lucky Igbenedion and Sen. Ibrahim Saminu Turaki were all absent at the event.

The big question is why is Kwankwaso still in PDP despite his statement that the party has failed?

I doubt if he will make such a statement if he’s being carried along by other party stakeholders, If the journey is going good.

Kwankwaso should have been brave enough to form a new party and test popularity, to see if he still has the crowd.

Politics is a game of negotiation, alignment and realignment but Kwankwaso has failed to negotiate and realign with the right people that will make his presidential dream a reality.

President Muhammadu Buhari has tried this many times, he did it under the All Nigeria Peoples Party that has governors and Senators, he did it under Congress for Progressive Change but didn’t work until when he agreed to negotiate and align with the people he called looters.

You can’t achieve a Presidential ambition when you are uncomfortable among your peers, when you’re autocratic by considering every of your decision right.

Pat Utomi, Dr Usman Bugaje, Najatu Muhammad, Khadija Okunnu Lamidi and other prominent technocrats invited into the movement are too big for political exploitation. These are independent minded people with ambitious vision. They have attained professional success and financial stability.

The launch of the movement is a big embarrassment that has displayed clearly the political weakness of a presidential aspirant in search of a political platform.

From the calibre of people at the launch of It is obvious that the new movement is lacking in the capacity to bring the desired change. Many of the stakeholders have served this country in one way or the other; some among them were the architects of the current mess Nigeria is facing today.

Apart from the convener who has done remarkably well as governor, who among them has the track record of taking this country to greater heights? Is it Lucky Igbenedion that has failed in Edo State, Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State or Captain Idris Wada from Kogi? I learnt that they are part of the prominent people invited even though they were absent.

The likes of Naja’atu Mohammed, Bugaje, Utomi etc were all probably absent during the formal launch because it is never an avenue for patriots like them.

The new movement is not only after serving the sole interest of its convener but an avenue and platform of achieving his presidential aspiration.

Majority of the guests are from Kano as I observed while watching from the solace of my room though they have been asked to remove their red caps.

PDP leaders from Kano were also absent and that was strategically done to tell the world that the leader of the movement is on his way out of the party.

May Nigeria succeed.

Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada is a media personality and can be reached on Adnanmukhtaradam@gmail.com

Note: This view is not attributable to any organisation I’m affiliated with.

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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.

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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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