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Kano:The Knock On Head Of Nigeria’s Kingmaker

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Kano Map

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

Historically, Kano was created in 1967 from the former northern region. Geographically, it is located between Katsina state to the northwest, Jigawa state to the northeast, Bauchi state to the southeast, and Kaduna state to the southwest. According to all the national censuses, Kano State is the largest state by population in Nigeria. Also, according to the voter register presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Kano has the second largest number of registered voters, with close to 6 million people on the roll.

And precisely that is the crucial crux of this article- the political position of Kano in Nigeria.

In other words, is Kano a kingmaker by virtue of its population strength? If yes, is it exploiting that political strength, or simply surrendering to the position of a knock on the head?

Despite Anointing Gawuna,Inuwa Waya To Contest APC Primaries

History has shown that Kano has never produced a democratically elected President. It has never gotten the position of an elected Vice President, or a Senate President. The highest position held by any son of the soil of Kano is that of the Speaker, House of Representative. Yet, it is Nigeria’s reservoir of votes.

Pursuant to the ongoing scramble to grab the access key to the highest seat of power in Nigeria, and my deliberate silence on the issue, a friend sent a message to me, and I quote:

“Salam Sir, have been eagerly waiting to read your take on the endless list of APC presidential aspirants, despite the huge prices of N100m. Perhaps with your views on the permutations and the chances of each candidate, plus clues to decoding Buhari’s kept to chest preferred successor!”

Initially, my intention was to stay mute, until things get to a particular turning point, or a decisive time when the need would necessary arise for the search of a wild card. That is the time when any change in situation, especially the change that would bring big beneficial results to the horse that is coasting to victory comes. At that time, all attention would shift to Kano, the state that always settles the contest.

Yes, with close to 6 million registered voters, and a high level of political consciousness, Kano is simply Nigeria’s political goal-getter.

Consistently, and continuously, Kano has been the decider on who emerges the political President of Nigeria. And it does so despite the fact that the system has never given any of its sons or daughters the chance to stand as a candidate in any of the big parties, since 1999.

The closest Kano got on the road to the Villa in Abuja was in 1993, when late Bashir Tofa was made the National Republican Convention, NRC, candidate, in the annulled June 12 presidential election that was organised by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who said he would not disclose his preferred successor for fear of the successor being killed, received nearly 90 percent of Kano state’s vote in 2015, when he got a 1.7 million vote edge that accounted for more than half of his final margin of victory over the then incumbent president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Again in 2019, PMB won his re-election bid by defeating his closest rival Atiku Abubakar, the former Nigeria’s Vice President that was bitten by over 3 million votes, courtesy of the 1.4 million votes given to him by the combined contributions of the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

While my friend’s concern centres on the endless list of APC presidential aspirants, despite the huge prices placed on the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, my worry is on why no son of Kano is amongst those on the long list, despite the population strength of the state.

Is the kingmaker surrendering to the position of a knock on the head?

Reports have it that the ruling APC has raked in the sum of N1.23 billion from the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to 17 Presidential aspirants. As of last week, it was gathered that 17 Presidential aspirants had already paid N100 million each for the forms. This is good, even though EFCC is threatening to investigate the sources of such humongous nest egg.

From reports, the list of the presidential aspirants that have picked their forms include, the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, Jigawa state Governor, Abubakar Badaru, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi; his Kogi State counterpart, Yahaya Bello; the National Leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu and Senator Rochas Okorocha. No single name from Kano.

The question begging for answer is, is the kingmaker surrendering to the position of a knock on the head?

Economic scientists may see population density as a problem that could put pressure on the economy, especially as it influences land allocation, food, infrastructure, and health/human services. But political scientists may have a reversed view.

To them, population density is an advantage, because in democracies, office holders emerge through voting, where the winner is determined by the highest votes.

Every serious aspirant is scrambling to gain the attention and approval of the Kano voters. But while Badaru from neighbouring Kano is keen to go into the contest, no one from amongst the nearly 20 million people in Kano state, of which close to 6 million are registered voters, has shown interest in leading Nigeria.

Is the kingmaker surrendering to the position of a knock on the head?

Politics

Gov. Gida-Gida and Ganduje: The Firing of Unwarranted Political Salvos-Adamu Aminu

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Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Successor Abba Kabir Yusuf

 

By Adamu Aminu.

It is extremely disheartening to see how recently our two elder statesmen, the Kano state Governor, His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusif, politically known as Abba Gida-Gida, and his immediate predecessor, the ex-Kano and present APC National chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are busy exchanging salvos directly at each other.

The exchanges of verbal brawls through their spokesmen emanated shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusif inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate cases of misappropriation of public property, political violence, and missing persons from 2015 to 2019 to 2023.

It was unfortunate; all the accusations and counter-accusations from both sides were riddled with harsh and demeaning words, deemed unrepeatable and unworthy to come from our respected leaders who are beating chests of leading Kano, the state that has reached the zenith of political maturity in the whole nation.

I was automatically dumbfounded by how the exchanged salvos and political sarcasm were randomly so directed at each other, without revisiting the fact that history never lies; someday, posterity will judge them.

This comes at a time when the warring parties should set aside their differences and make Kano their concern and priority, but they resorted to opening the doors of all blackmailing arsenals at their disposal, overtly directed at each other, without knowing that their utterances and accusations are doing more harm than good to Kano state in general.

This came at a time when our counterpart States in the South, like Lagos, Rivers, and others, have already set politics aside and deeply engaged in the execution of developmental projects for their people, but Kano, a state of whole-tenure politics, is dragging feet towards the fulfillment of promises during electioneering campaigns.

At this time when most Kano industries are not functional, there is no portable water, unemployment, poverty, hunger, and thuggery clogging the wheels of Kano’s economic development, instead, they resorted to engaged in trading bitter words and pointing accusing fingers at themselves.

I think it’s time for our Excellency, the state governor Abba Kabir Yusif, and his predecessor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to wake up from their slumbers and stop demeaning themselves politically.

Trading accusations of one’s incompetence, docility, and another’s accusation of land grabbing and rat-like behavior is not the utmost priority for Kano populace.

It’s time to stop deceiving ourselves with the longstanding Kano praise “Kano Tumbin Giwa, Ko dame Kazo An Fika,” which means Kano, the melting pot, whatever you came along with, you’re far left behind. Kano state in this modern era deserves to be far from where it is now.

I do hope and pray that Governor Abba and his predecessor Ganduje make Kano and Kanawas their utmost priority. They are our role models, exchanging incendiary remarks with each other will show that politics isn’t only a dirty game, it’s a dirty war of raining curses and abuses.

They should know that someday around this time, they will be no more; only their legacies will make them immortal in the memory of Kano populace.

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Politics

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Is The Head of All Political Parties in Kano-Dala

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In a surprising turn of events following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, Anas Abba Dala, a former APC chieftain and a devoted supporter of the Governor, has declared that Governor Yusuf is now the de facto head of all political parties in Kano. This assertion includes the APC, the NNPP, and the PDP.

Speaking exclusively to Kano based radio station Freedom Radio, Anas Abba Dala expressed his conviction that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Supreme Court triumph has positioned him as a unifying figure transcending party lines. Dala, who was once a prominent member of the APC, emphasized the significance of the Governor’s victory in unifying Kano’s political landscape.

In the interview, Dala highlighted the historical context of Governor Yusuf’s political journey, acknowledging the Governor’s ability to garner support across party lines. He commended the Supreme Court’s decision, declaring it a victory for not only the PDP but for all political parties in Kano.

Anas Abba Dala’s statement reflects a shifting political narrative, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership is perceived as a unifying force that transcends partisan affiliations. The Supreme Court’s validation of the Governor’s victory serves as a catalyst for a renewed sense of political collaboration and cooperation in Kano.

While this declaration is likely to stir conversations within the political sphere, it underlines the potential for a more inclusive and cooperative political landscape in Kano under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership. As the news of this assertion spreads, it will be interesting to observe how political dynamics in Kano evolve in response to this declaration of unity across party lines.

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Politics

Non-indigenes in Kano Unite in Prayer for Dr Nasir Gawuna’s Success at Supreme Court

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Honourable Seyi Olorunsola, a prominent APC stalwart and Opinion Leader in Kano, has mobilized the non-indigenous Christian community to fervently pray for the success of Dr Nasir Gawuna, the APC candidate, in an impending Supreme Court hearing. This legal battle arises from the NNPC’s appeal, led by Governor Abna Yusuf, challenging the results of the March 18, 2023, Gubernatorial elections in Kano State.

At a prayer conference organized by Honourable Seyi, the non-indigenous Christian community gathered to intercede for Dr Nasir Gawuna, seeking divine intervention in the pursuit of reclaiming his mandate. Honourable Seyi urged attendees to persevere in prayer until victory is secured and cautioned against potential interference, notably mentioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the need to remain unaffected by NNPP propaganda aiming to undermine the APC administration.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, Honourable Seyi emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring justice. He encouraged them to remain vigilant until justice is unequivocally served, highlighting the commitment to a fair and impartial legal process, free from external influences.

Addressing NNPP concerns about the legitimacy of the APC victory, Honourable Seyi reassured the public of the APC’s commitment to the democratic process. The call for prayers from the non-indigenous Christian community not only testifies to their faith but also demonstrates solidarity with Dr Nasir Gawuna.

The prayer conference also included appeals for peace and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria at large, emphasizing a broader vision for a united and flourishing nation. The collective hopes extend beyond the immediate political context, envisioning a Kano and Nigeria where peace prevails, prosperity thrives, and democratic principles are upheld.

Honourable Seyi Olorunsola’s call for a prayer conference reflects not just the intensity of the political situation in Kano but also underscores the significance of faith and unity during times of uncertainty.

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