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My Vision for Jigawa State (I)

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Mustafa Sule Lamido

 

By: Mustapha Sule Lamido

In the journey of every society, there will always be periods of challenges that require critical reawakening. Such challenges may be so severe that they may look unsurmountable and so threatening that many would believe the society is heading for collapse. Nations passes through such stages in their history. Nigeria is currently passing through one of its most trying times, Jigawa and others states are not an exception. This is why people who believe they have solutions to some of these challenges must make themselves available for public service irrespective of the inconveniences they themselves would have to endure.

Although, I have been born and brought up by a political family, I still didnt think of directly contesting for elective positions until some few years ago and I had not regretted making that decision despite the tonnes of misconceptions and misrepresentations by the section of the public. From my senatorial contest in 2019 to my current one, I have followed the divergent public opinion with my aspirations and I have accepted both criticisms and commendations in good faith. If there is one thing, I had learnt the hard way in politics, it is that you can’t get anything done until you become directly involved. Another thing is that youths like me always find it difficult to convince the people of their ability to deliver.

About 15000 Kano Candidates May Miss NECO Exams Over N 1.5 Billion Debt

It is no longer news that I have emerged the PDP gubernatorial candidate for Jigawa State and that I have completed all the formalizations with INEC. Contrary to what many will believe, this wasnt a walkover, it was as a result of sustained hard work, dedication, grassroots mobilization and team efforts over the last two years. It is the same energy and commitment I and my team utilized to win the PDP ticket that I will want to multiply in not just winning the general elections but in serving the Jigawa people afterwards.

I understand that those who misconstrue my mission are viewing my candidacy as a family affair but this is because, they havent been opportune to read my manifesto. Yes, my blueprint will be publicly launched any time from now, but it may not reach everyone eventually, hence I have decided to simply communicate it directly to the people I aspire to serve in a series of articles that will be given the widest publicity possible. By the time I fully disseminate the core issues surrounding my vision, I am optimistic that majority of Jigawa citizens will agree that I am not aspiring to become governor just for the sake of it or just because I want to extend a family hegemony. By Allah, my mission is to develop Jigawa State, alas you cant control the perception of mischief makers. With time, we will Insha Allah prove all doubters wrong.

My primary aim as governor is to lay a solid foundation for a united and sustainable Jigawa State, a prosperous Jigawa that will not rely on federal allocations for survival, a Jigawa that will one day compete with Lagos, Kano and Ogun State. I aspire to galvanize the necessary support that will transform Jigawa into one big family with love and respect for each other. With the right policies in place, I foresee a Jigawa for all without discrimination and divisions, a united state with common purpose for progress and development.

If the Jigawa people give me a chance I will work with all the state’s elders and stakeholders irrespective of their political affiliations to unify our people across all emirates. By the Grace of Allah, my administration will create and sustain a conducive atmosphere where a person from Dutse or Ringim will see others from Hadejia, Kazaure or Gumel as one with the same love and care that he has for people of his own emirate. The current divisions are unnecessary as they were created to divide the people and divert their attention from the real issues.

In the last four years, I have been working with other stakeholders in and outside the PDP to produce a 35-year development plan for Jigawa State similar to what was done in Lagos. I am pleased to inform you that we already have a draft. My plan if you elect me is to call a conference of Jigawa stakeholders which will afford all concerned citizens the opportunity to give input into the development plan. Traditional rulers, politicians, professionals, academicians, enterprenuers and everyone concerned will be asked to provide input before having it passed as law by the State House of Assembly. Once it becomes law, every subsequent governor will have no option but to implement it.

If given the chance, my administration will ensure justice and fairness through equitable distribution of government presence. I will not favour any community over the other, neither will I allow individuals to be favoured over other individuals. I may not be perfect as a human, but I will do anything within my possible best to ensure that no citizen of Jigawa State is discriminated against in his own state. I will initiate and execute a governance and institutions reform to reposition government organs to serve the people with the aim of building and improving upon them.

From now to elections, I will be communicating my vision to the Jigawa people with hope of convincing them on good policies and principles on why I want to serve them as governor. I will like to persuade them to listen to me and understand me so that they can have an objective reason why they will vote for me as governor in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

In my next article, I will build on this introduction, provide details on how I will achieve a united and sustainable Jigawa. My subsequent articles will break down my manifesto in simple and non-technical terms to explain my programmes and plans for education, economy, health, empowerment, security, environment and socio-religious development.

©Santurakin Dutse 2023

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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