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What Would Prof Hafiz Abubakar Do With An Uncivilized Society?

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Professor Hafizu Abubakar Former Deputy Governor

 

By Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Surajo

To start with; On May 14, 2022 Daily Nigerian reported that Mr Hafiz Abubakar a Professor of nutrition, while delivering a public lecture in Kano stated and I quote “In a civilized society, Gawuna and Garo should be in prison”. This literally means an insult to the entire people of Kano by indirectly describing them as “Uncivilized” people. On the above, I wish to call on the Professor of nutrition to as a matter of urgency tender an unreserved apology to the entire people of Kano. I will further quote “I take the example of Kano today. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today in Kano, we have billboards which are celebrating those people that led to the inconclusive election of 2019, whose video is nationally and internationally available, showing the two of them, going to the polling station to disrupt and steal votes”.

 

On the above allegations mated on Gawuna and Garo I will like to add and clarify that, the duo went there upon receipt of a report over some suspected activities that may not favor them. Whereas some elements took the advantage of social media sending all sorts of negativities. Additionally, Professor of nutrition may wish to note that; Kano people are civil and leaving in a civilized society (Kano). Hence the reason why after your party petitioned against the labelled allegations you made against the party of Gawuna and Garo to the Commission , a civilized Professor answered and corrected your party claims as quoted below:

“I write to acknowledge receipt of your petition on the above subject matter. I also wish to inform you that the Commission received reports from the Gama Registration Area Collation Officer and Nasarawa Local Government Collation Officer to the effect that Collation process at the Local Government was disrupted at the Nasarawa Local Government Area Collation Centre for Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.The following observations were made in respect of your submission:

You cited that the Gama Registration Area (RA) has 88 Polling Units, whereas, it has 62 Polling Units and 26 Voting Points.The attached Annexure ‘A’ which you titled “Summary of Statement of Results of Poll From Polling Unit Election to the Office of Governor Kano State (FORM EC8A)” showing votes scored by PDP and APC contains 77 entries NOT 62 and 18 of the entries carry the serial numbers of result sheets for voting points (see serial nos. 8, 9, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 23, 28, 38, 45, 50, 51, 54, 57, 60, 66, 71 and 76) while the remaining 59 entries carry serial numbers of result sheets for polling units. Please note that Voting Points cannot stand alone as Polling Units.The Annexure ‘B’ which you titled “Copies of the Polling Units of Gama Registration Area result sheets” contains seventy (70) pages and not seventy seven (77). Also the manually paginated sheets of the EC8A and EC8A (VP), have no pages 13, 32, 33, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 75. Page 61 was misplaced in the sequential arrangement. Three other attachments were not paginated.

The result sheets for voting points (EC8A (VP)) are pages 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 28, 38, 50, 51, 54, 57, 60, 66, 71 and 76. Please also note that the result sheet EC8A (VP) with number 0011188 paged as 51 was attached twice and the duplicated copy is among those not paginated.This means a total sixty nine (69) different result sheets were attached as Annexure B out of which Eighteen (18) are for voting points. So in total, you have attached fifty two (52) result sheets for polling units instead of sixty two (62). Also note that entry with serial no. 45 in Annexure A with form number 0011179 is for voting point and is among those not attached in Annexure B.You erroneously computed the results of voting points together with those of polling units in arriving at the scores you recorded for both PDP and APC in your Annexure A.This amounts to duplication because the results from such Voting Points had earlier been transferred to mother Polling Units during Collation at Polling Unit level.The Commission is not in receipt of any document validly signed to establish the veracity of your claim on the result of Gubernatorial or State Assembly election for GAMA RA.The Ward Collation Officer for GAMA RA, in his report acknowledged the receipt of EC8A from all Presiding Officers and had completed EC8B for presentation at the LGA Collation Center before the crisis that erupted at the Collation Center. These were the primary and secondary sources for regenerating results but were lost in the unfortunate incident. Also, please note, that security personnel do not “endorse” any election result to make it valid.From the report of the Nasarawa Local Government Collation Officer, the Gama Ward Collation Officer began presentation of the results he collated at the ward level but was stopped and instructed to go and reconcile the figures which could not tally. In addition, he was asked to write the names of all the Polling Units on the EC8B instead of the codes alone.Twice he had to be sent back because the figures did not tally.This reconciliation took over 18 hours without reaching a conclusion due to disagreement on the entries made on the EC8B between the Agents of Political Parties.The LGA Collation Center was attacked and vandalized before the process was completed.In line with the provision of Regulations and Guideline for the conduct of Elections, Schedule I (6&7), the Commission regenerated the results for 10 other wards from Forms EC8A and EC8B that were under its custody. In respect of Gama RA, collation at the LGA was not concluded and the original copies of EC8A and EC8B could not be obtained because all the results were lost in the fracas. Please also be informed that the position of the Commission is very clear in respect of recounting of Ballot Papers. It can only be carried out once at the Polling Unit level on request from any party agent.That the documents submitted by you as Annexures A and B cannot be used to regenerate the ‘results of Gama RA because of the discrepancies observed and pointed out.That the reference and comparison of the Commission’s decision in respect of Bauchi Governorship election is not tenable because they have entirely different scenarios.That the ‘Margin of Lead’ in Ogun as cited in your final prayer is not comparable to the situation in Kano.The Commission wishes to state emphatically that a supplementary election In Gama Registration Area alongside other Registration Areas and Polling Units where cancellations were made due to violence and over-voting in the state remains the only viable option for the Commission to conclude the process of conducting gubernatorial election in Kano State”.

Finally, arriving from the above corrections made by a civilized Professor against the claims or allegations made against Gawuna and Garo by a Professor of nutrition; and the thinking to challenge the verdict of a Court of competent jurisdiction, vis a vis insulting Kano people by calling us uncivilized society, I wonder to know who supposed be in prison. A professor should always speak from the intellectual perspective and with integrity. Thank you and may God bless our Kano.

Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Surajo, writes from Tukuntawa,Kano State

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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.

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.

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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