Opinion

Governor Yahaya Bello’s Thuggery Against Dangote Cement

Published

3 years ago

October 14, 2022

Governor Yahaya Bello and Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Ali Abubakar Sadiq

Before i delved into the issue proper, we need first to understand how Governor Yahaya Bello’s mental furniture is arranged. I believe no one will disagree me that as much as his youthful vigor and exuberance, he exhibit equal energy in clamoring over controversies. He is a governor that can publicly flaunt his disregard for the law, considering he was once reported to have register twice with INEC and we all know double registration is against the law.

But to me his greatest absurdity was at its height during the Corona Pandemic when on June 30, 2020, he alleged that COVID-19 is an artificial creation aimed at causing fear and panic among people. And he went ahead to rejected N1.1bn support fund from the World Bank because of his belief that COVID-19 is a “glorified malaria”.

In defense of his view he told the world “I rejected the World Bank fund because I do not believe in COVID-19. Even the five cases reported in Kogi State is an NCDC creation” He also condemned the use of the vaccine, saying it is meant to kill people.

A statement even his comrades-at-arms, at the Nigeria Governors Forum quickly dissociated itself from. His other shortcomings, like most politicians, is he’s surrounded by sycophants that chose only to tell him what he wishes to hear.

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During the recent Obajana furore, Dr. (Mrs) Folashade Ayoade, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government and Chair of the Technical committee that was saddled with the responsibility to evaluate “The Legality of the Alleged Acquisition of Obajana Cement Company Plc by Dangote Cement Company Limited” said “The claimed transfer of Obajana to Dangote Industries Limited was “invalid, null and void.” And goes on to contradict herself by saying “Kogi State Government should take steps to cancel the EXISTING seven Certificates of Occupancy in the name of Dangote Cement Company.” While also acknowledging that “Agreement between Kogi State Government of Nigeria and Dangote Industries Limited, dated 30th July 2002 and supplemental agreement dated 14th February 2003…are all invalid, null and void” and also added “All the transfer process of the share capital to Dangote from Obajana by the previous administration was without any law backing it by the state House of Assembly,”

In any society led by sensible leadership, dispute resolution always follow sane and legal channel and as enshrined in the MOU between Dangote and Kogi State, a clause called for arbitration in case of any dispute. Whenever dispute arbitration failed, there is always an alternative route through legal redress. But Kogi State government under Yahaya Bello prefer to use thuggery and intimidation against the company instead of rule of law.

To go down memory lane, beginning with a prayer to the departed soul of two-time governor of Kogi state, Prince Abubakar Audu, whose legacy led to the rise of Obajana Cement Company as one of the largest cement company not only in Nigeria but the African continent.The company was a brainchild of Abubakar Audu conceived during his first tenure in 1992. His dream was to make Obajana a household name in the world (God has granted him that wish) thus he registered a company under that name for Kogi State government. Successive governments for a decade between 1992-2002, failed to capitalize the company and make it up and running.

Abubakar Audu resurrected his pet dream during his second tenure and in 2002 approached Dangote to come and make Obajana Cement company a reality. After series of meetings and negotiations, Dangote added Obajana Cement under the umbrella of its Dangote Cement (that already have the former BCC under its umbrella) through an acquisition arrangement that concessed 90% share for Dangote and 10% share for Kogi State in which 5% stake is for the state government and the other 5% for its citizens interested in investing therein. Dangote was allowed to use the Obajana name as a vehicle of its investment.

It was also agreed that Dangote shall be granted tax relief and exemption from levies and other charges for a period of 7 years to stabilize the company and begin making profits. With the agreement sealed, Dangote seeks the intervention of World Bank under International Finance Corporation and acquired a loan, the first company in the country to have received such.

By 2003 Dangote Industries acquired the 2 square kilometer land in Obajana to build the factory after payments of compensations and receiving C of O’s. In line with Nigerian constitution, the Federal Government not state governments, had the licensing authority for extracting mines/resources, Dangote applied, obtained and paid duly the mining leases since inception. It was only in 2010, after the Kogi State government’s failure to abide by the agreement clause that stipulates Kogi State government should have the option to acquire 5% equity shareholding within 5 years, that Dangote Industries in an attempt to aligned with the Dangote Brand, changed the Obajana Cement Company’s name and the much older Benue Cement Company to Dangote Cement Plc.

In a nutshell, we can discern from the above that Kogi state has no equity claim since they did not invest a single kobo in the company, Dangote paid for the land and the lease for the mines and according to The Executive Director of Dangote, Alhaji Ladan Baki, they have documented proofs for consistent remittance of tax payments to Kogi State Government since 2007. He even went further to claim that Dangote had paid 16 Billion Naira to Yahaya Bello’s administration.

Now back to Governor Yahaya Bello’s fallacy in this charade. Obajana cement is one of the largest labor employers in the country, employing 22,000 people out of which 50% of them are indigenes of Kogi State. Traditional rulers in the state are usually the ones submitting list for the recruitment of their people at Obajana, yet they watch as Yahaya Bello is behaving like a bull in a china shop. He sent hooligans that besieged the factory, trespassed, intimidate and perpetrates act of violence by wounding several factory workers with gunshots and stabbing. The thugs even forcefully shut down a boiler that operates at a temperature of 1500 degrees, which a mishap could have been calamitous. As a governor that attains notoriety in his failure to pay salaries for his seven years in office and even in this year 2022, a state government employee claiming he received under 3000 Naira for the month of March, can he afford over ten thousand of his people having their livelihood threatened?

As the country is desperately in need for foreign investing, what signal is Yahaya Bello sending to potential foreign investors, when indigenous ones are being threatened like this? What about the loss of man-hours, money, goods and confidence his charade is creating? After being one of the worst performing Governors in terms of infrastructure and maintenance of his civil service (with record of longest unpaid months to civil servant) does he really want to cripple the biggest investment in his state at the twilight of his non-performance tenure?

I concur with Ladan Baki in his assesment that Kogi State has one of the most educated northerners, it is time they rise up to protect their state from ignominy. Politicians usually employs thuggery to cover their mistakes and the Kogi elites must demand what Yahya Bello did with the Dangote 16 Billion paid to the state coppers and other revenue accrued in the last seven years.

Finally, i think this saga should serve as lesson for us all; we must rise against politicians and demand rule of law and transparency and consider them based on what they offer not take from us; Yahya Bello should understand that it is what you do today that judges you in posterity, as we have seen how the Legacy of Abubakar Audu continue to live. As for Dangote Industry, i am vindicated for my earlier criticism of them in their choice of places to invest, closer home is always more secure. What the outcome of this conflict will be, remains to be seen, but hopefully we look forward to an amicable solution when the conflicting sides meets for the second time this Thursday under the arbitration of the presidency.

Opinion

Why Governor Abba Yusuf deserves more recognitions for leadership resilience

Published

3 hours ago

April 22, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers has canvassed for additional profound decorations of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in recognition of his leadership style that resonate resilience and dedication to quality governance.

Satisfied with the unwavering commitment and doggedness of the state government, towards transformative administration, the group affirmed that Governor Yusuf stands out in the crowd.

The forum rejoiced over recent flurry of encomiums on Governor Yusuf over series of awards from reputable corporate organizations, who accorded him the honors for his meaningfully impact on the socio-economic well being of Kano citizens.

However, the group, in a statement by it’s national coordinator posited that Governor Yusuf deserves more recognition for demonstrating exceptional disposition during the tense situations that played out around Sallah festivities in Kano.

The group said when the plot to take advantage of recent Sallah Durbar tussle to unleash provocation, and subsequently declare state of emergency, Governor Yusuf was never saturated with overwhelming endurance and resilience, which eventually triumphed over the evil plot.

He said for that alone, Governor Yusuf deserves another gold medal for exhibiting high level of wisdom and emotional resilience, which enabled him to overcome the tribulation.

“It was a week of glamour for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf whose unwavering dedication to human and social economic development in Kano state were noticed and rewarded by array of meritorious awards.

“From Leadership newspapers, Abuja; Vanguard newspapers, Lagos and African Heritage Concept, Marrakech in Morocco, Governor Yusuf received distinguished accolades and applause for redefining governance in Kano.

“The shinning week began on Tuesday 9th, April, with the prestigious Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 named after Governor Yusuf in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education sector in Kano.

“No doubt, the leadership award was a validation of Governor Yusuf’s bold reforms in education and repositioning of the sector after years of neglect by the immediate past administration.

“Besides, Governor Yusuf was particularly commended by the Leadership newspaper for going extra miles with allocation of 31% of the state’s annual budget to education, surpassing the UNESCO benchmark”.

The statement further reads : “The celebration of the peoples Governor returned to Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, where Yusuf earned another encomium as Governor of the year 2024 “Good Governance” category on the stable of Vanguard Newspapers.

“In Lagos, the man of the moment was recognized for his administration’s transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.

” 24 hours later, the out pour of admiration moved to the city of Marrakesh, Morocco, where African Heritage Concept Magazine bestowed Governor Yusuf with another honor where distinguished African leaders and policy influencers were celebrated.

“Yusuf, was recognized on the continental stage with the prestigious African Good Governance Award 2025, in honour of his visionary leadership and commitment to people-centered governance and excellence in leadership, and public service.

” More over, we are of the firm conviction that Governor Yusuf deserves another award of excellence for distinctive emotional intelligence and purposeful leadership he displayed at the heat of Eid-il-Fitr Sallah Festivities in the state.

” When it was evident the plot to take advantage of Sallah Durbar around the prolong emirship, tussle to unleash violent provocation in Kano. It was a well calculated plot to give undue opportunity to declare state of emergency. Yet, Governor Yusuf was never saturated with overwhelming endurance and resilience which eventually overwhelmed the evil plan”.

Usman Imam Tudun Wizirchi Esq
Chairman

Opinion

Inside My Conversation With A Kwankwasiyya Disciple -Hamisu Hadejia

Published

11 hours ago

April 22, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Last week, I rang my friend who is a Kano-based Kwankwasiyya disciple to know more about the rumour I heard about RMK joining APC. Though not in the inner sanctum of the Kwankwasiyya Movement himself, I knew my friend would know something I didn’t.

I rang because I could not, on my own, see any sincere, Talakawa-centric, Arewa-benefitting or pan-Nigerian justification for Madugu to make such a move.

For I know, at the popular level, which is what matter most to me, it is indisputable that all PBAT’s neoliberal, IMF-inspired economic policies have succeeded in are plunging the poor and middle class deeper and deeper into unprecedented hunger and poverty—so Kwankwaso’s justification cannot be framed as pro-poor or Talakwa-centric.

At the regional level, everyone knows that after Arewa contributed at least 60% of the votes that brought him to power, PBAT has turned around to not only bite the fingers that fed him but also actually cut off those fingers in a manner that defies all logic, commonsense, and rationality— so Kwankwaso’s justification can neither be generally framed as Arewa-centric nor particularly pro-Kano.

My contact (who I am sure will read this) minced no word in confirming to me that yes the rumour I had heard wasn’t groundless before going further to educate me about Kwankwaso’s or Kwankwasiyya’s calculations (aka justifications) for such a consideration (if not a decison).

“Hamisu, I have no doubt about the sincerity of your interventions which I’ve been following closely, however, I’ll tell you this: while ordinary folks like you and I have our eyes on 2027, politicians like Kwankwaso and others have their eyes on 2031”, he kicked off as I listened with rapt attention.

“Kwankwaso”, he argues, “sees this moment as the opportunity to build the bridges which he would require to actualise his presidential ambition in 2031.” Put in simpler terms, Kwankwaso wants to help PBAT today in anticipation of PBAT paying him back tomorrow in 2031 “ when it will be the north’s turn” to produce Nigeria’s president.

“By hook or by crook,” he added, “Tinubu will bring himself back to power in 2031”. This, according to him, is the reality that Kwankwaso sees and wants to tailor his moves to fit in.

Unable to challenge my friend’s analysis of the Realpolitik behind RMK’s imminent political moves, I now asked about where the poor and Arewa stand in all of this. Here my friend bursts out laughing hilariously before bringing the example back home to me:

“Hamisu, Aminu Ringim (NNPP’s 2023 guber candidate in Jigawa) with his red cap went up and down towns and villages in Jigawa pulling impressive crowds across the state. But what did we end up with? Just one state House of Assembly member!”.

“The reality is,” he continued, “in today’s Nigeria, a politician needs that elite connection to actualise his ambitions. Look at Buhari as an example.”

So I was thoroughly lectured by Sidi.

My take from the chat is: While RMK is grass-rooted and genuinely cares for the poor as seen in many of his pro-poor initiatives, he seems to have now—for public good or ill—found out that there is a point up to which Takawa’s love and support can take a politician. Beyond this point, what matters most significantly, RMK appears to have now discovered, is intra and inter elite alliances. Call it the eliticization of Kwankwaso. Call it Realpolitik. Call it what you may!

Later I thought about other people such as the current NSA who also allegedly has ambitions for the presidency and is no doubt a close PBAT’s ally. What of Nasir Ahmad El Rufa’i’ and his hitherto cosy relationship with PBAT and how it all ended up in tears and regrets. Isn’t RMK taking the risks of squandering his goodwill to join a bandwagon under which he might be thrown the El-Rufai style?

Hamisu Hadejia Wrote From London

Opinion

From Vision To Impact: How Comrade Waiya is Redefining Information and Internal Affairs in Kano

Published

2 days ago

April 20, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

By Tijjani Sarki

On the 7th of January,
2025, His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State made a decisive appointment—Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya was entrusted with the leadership of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.

In just 100 days, the Honourable Commissioner has not only embraced his role with remarkable energy and clarity of purpose, but he has also redefined what it means to serve with passion, strategy, and a deep sense of responsibility.

At his inaugural meeting, the Commissioner outlined a forward-looking vision for the state’s media landscape, emphasizing his commitment to implementing innovative strategies that will enhance the performance, credibility, and reach of state-owned media outlets. He highlighted the importance of strengthening staff welfare and investing in professional capacity building as key priorities, noting that these efforts are essential to ensuring the delivery of high-quality, impactful services to the public.

From the outset, Comrade Waiya hit the ground running, embarking on a comprehensive familiarization tour across key parastatals under his ministry—ARTV, Triump publishing company,Kano Printing Press, and Radio Kano. The goal was clear to foster unity, establish cordial working relationships, and lay the groundwork for a collaborative, performance-driven ecosystem.

EMPOWERING THE INFORMATION MACHINERY:

Recognizing the vital role information officers play in governance and grassroots communication, the Commissioner organized a three-day capacity-building training for information officers across the 44 local government areas of the state. This unprecedented step has reinvigorated the public information machinery, ensuring that the government’s developmental strides are effectively communicated and well understood by citizens.

Furthermore, Comrade Waiya engaged with Senior and Special Reporters (SR & SSR) in a strategic dialogue to enhance the amplification of the Kano state Governor’s developmental agenda—an initiative that underscores his commitment to transparency and proactive media engagement.

He also breathed new life into the once-dormant Gauta Club, creating a vibrant platform for cultural and social exchange among ministry staff and stakeholders.

DRIVING DIGITAL ADVOCACY:

Understanding the evolving media landscape, the Commissioner inaugurated the H.E Project Promotion Advocates, a team dedicated to projecting the achievements of His Excellency via platforms like Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. This has significantly improved the state’s digital visibility and public engagement.

He also held sensitization meetings with online media operators, ensuring a responsible and credible media presence in the digital space.

PROMOTING DECENCY AND DIALOGUE:

In a time when political discourse often falls prey to toxicity, Comrade Waiya’s leadership stands out. He has held meetings with political programme presenters to encourage the use of decent language, as well as engaged political activists on the need for clean and constructive engagement.

Further, he extended a hand of partnership to Friday mosque Imams, seeking their support in promoting peace, unity, and progressive messaging within the communities.

BRIDGING MEDIA AND GOVERMENT:

In a bid to strengthen relationships between the media and the state, the Commissioner organized strategic meetings with media executives and held an interactive session with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel. These engagements have fostered mutual understanding and streamlined communication between the government and the media.

He also facilitated a productive meeting with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) aimed at sanitizing the media space and ensuring that content shared with the public adheres to ethical and professional standards.

WELFARE AND INNOVATION:

To tackle the growing trend of misinformation among journalists in the state, the Honourable Commissioner has underscored the urgent need to restore accuracy, integrity, and professionalism within the media space. As a strategic response to this challenge, he established the Kano State Ministry of Information Advisory Council—an initiative designed to elevate the standards of information management and public communication in the state. The Council, initially composed of seven distinguished members and chaired by veteran broadcaster Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, is expected to play a crucial role in guiding media practices and improving the overall quality of information dissemination. Beyond curbing misinformation, the initiative aims to foster a more informed and engaged public, strengthen the credibility of media institutions, and promote a culture of responsible and ethical journalism in Kano State.

One of the hallmark achievements within these first 100 days is the establishment and inauguration of a cooperative society for staff of the Ministry. This not only reflects the Commissioner’s concern for staff welfare but also his vision for long-term economic empowerment.

LOOKING AHEAD:

One of the most impactful events during his early tenure was the Iftar lecture, where veteran journalists and NUJ members gathered to reflect on the way forward for journalism in Kano and beyond. It was a moment of unity, introspection, and shared purpose.

As Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya marks his first 100 days in office, his tenure is already a blueprint for what visionary, people-centered, and media-savvy leadership looks like. With a firm foundation now in place, expectations are high and justifiably so. If the last 100 days are any indication, the future of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs is bright and promising.

The journey has only just begun, but the impact is already being felt—loud and clear.

Tijjani Sarki
Wrote from Zawaciki,Kano
18th April, 2025