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My Vision for Jigawa State (VIII)

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Mustafa Sule Lamido

 

Earlier this week, we concluded stakeholders consultations with party leaders and followers across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state. For four weeks, we interacted and received valuable inputs from representatives of the people. While thanking all those who sacrificed their time to be part of the interaction, I assure you of an all-inclusive government if we emerge victorious. As difficult as it is proving to be, we are working hard to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.

Today, I want us to continue with and conclude our discussion on agriculture. One major thing we need to agree on is that we cant grow in isolation. We need to establish a working synergy and integration between the activities of farmers. The spirit and practice of farmers cooperatives shall be reawakened such that they will work together for the benefits of the community. With this, dissemination and diffusion of new and innovative ideas will be simplified.

One of the major drawbacks in our farming system is the use of local and uncertified crop varieties. This result is poor yields of most of our staple crops. In order to increase crop yields, our administration in partnership with research institutes such as ICRISAT, IITA, IFAD and National Seed Council (NSC) will establish demonstration farms of improved crop varieties and give out the seeds to farmers. This will certainly increase our net crop production and boost our economy.

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Already, we have sponsored comprehensive research which has documented all the crops cultivated and animals reared in the state on local government basis. Overall, we can reveal that the top five crops cultivated in Jigawa state are rice, Hibiscus, Sesame, Sorghum and Millet. These are commercially exportable crops that are needed by industries. We also have a variety of livestock production especially of sheep, goats, cattle, camels and poultry as well as their associated products of meat, milk, hides and skin.

We intend to introduce new policies on livestock development especially with regards to animal varieties and animal health. Like human beings, animals require effective and efficient health care system. To ensure maximum productivity of our livestock sub-sector, we will Insha Allah build more veterinary clinics across the state and upgrade the existing ones. We will employ more veterinary doctors and extension workers to provide effective animal health care service delivery.

We will improve the relationship between farmers and herders by providing serious intervention in how they live and cohabit. Insha Allah, we will ensure that all cattle routes are reclaimed and demarcated. We will revive all grazing reserves across the state with improved grasses and drinking water sources. These were some of the policies initiated in 2007 which resolved almost all farmers and herders conflicts in our dear state but have been now abandoned.
Part of the problem that resulted in these conflicts is the quest of farmers to have more land to increase their production. Given that, we will revitalize the Jigawa State agricultural research institute, focusing on improving agricultural inputs, especially seeds, to give our farmers more output from less land. If herders are provided with adequate grazing facilities with clearly marked cattle routes, and farmers’ production is improved with their limited land, conflicts will be virtually eliminated.
We have some neglected elements of agricultural development which are money spinners, but the attention of people is not on them. Enterprises like fish production, fruits farming, plantation agriculture, perennial crops cultivation, horticulture, silviculture, apiculture, forest products development, etc. We will work with experts to assess the viability of some of these activities in our state.

Our major periodic markets can be strengthened to improve on their already specialized marketing of agricultural products by reorganizing them into clusters. Maigatari Market is a major livestock market of international repute, Gujungu is a big market where all sorts of agricultural products, grains and livestock are sold. The same can be said of other markets like Sara in Gwaram LGA, Shuwarin in Kiyawa LGA and Kafin Hausa Market in Kafin Hausa LGA We can use these markets to further develop our agricultural value chains.

To improve marketability, we must first develop an improved storage plan to reduce wastage of especially vegetable crops like tomato. Storage management shall be emphasized to expose farmers to better methods of storing their products for better preservation and reduction or complete elimination of losses. Some essential storage devices shall be developed, produced and deployed accordingly, e.g., Silos, kilns, etc. We shall liaise with the Nigerian Stores Product and Research Institute (NSPRI), the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and other relevant Institutions on this matter. We will look into the possibility of Establishment of agricultural produce conditioning centres, one for each Senatorial District, for the processing of agricultural produce to support farmers for export.
As stated earlier, we have a clear intention of moving from subsistence to commercial agriculture. The ultimate goal of this aim is to eventually link agriculture to tangible economic development which is the only viable way to keep our large population employed. No other sector has the capacity to provide direct and indirect jobs to millions of people in both rural and semi-urban centres.
Just to remind us, agriculture, as a branch of the world economy, plays a significant role in human life. Its main goal, among other things, is to meet the population’s needs for food and provide the industry with raw materials. Unfortunately, we have not been able to meet these demands. We will, therefore, ensure that the necessary mechanisms to meet the various expectations of farmers, industrialists and the entire populace of Jigawa State are in place.
While reeling out all these well intended policies, I must advise us to reflect on the requirements and the efforts needed for them to be actualized. Gone are the days when government is buoyant enough to take care of all activities. The present economic realities will no longer allow that. People, especially farmers must be willing to make a lot of sacrifices to complement government efforts in making the sector better. The good news is that we will be taking issues one at a time and with the help of Allah, everything is possible.

Gobe ta Allah ce
©Santurakin Dutse

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Politics

Kano 2027 Projection : APC Chances, Intrigues and Realistic Reality

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Governor Ganduje
Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,APC National Chairman

 

By Abba Anwar

As breakthroughs are unfolding in Kano politics, specifically within All Progressives Congress (APC), before one can correctly assess and conclude the fate of the party (APC) in 2027, there are factors that must be taken into consideration.

The factors, according to my understanding of the situation are as follows:

1. National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje factor,
2. Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin factor,
3. Deputy Governorship Candidate, 2023, Murtala Sule Garo factor,
4. Gawuna – Garo factor,
5. State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas factor,
6. Hon Alhassan Ado Doguwa factor,
7. Kano Emirship Tussle factor,
8. Garo – Baffa Dan Agundi factor,
9. Expectation of support from the above factor

There could be other factors in some people’s eyes. But to me, I only look at those factors that can change the political direction of either the party or the state or both. The space is still open for further discussion.

Under the National Chairman of the party Dr Ganduje, CON, the major threat that could face APC in Kano, is when Ganduje is deliberately being “humiliated” by the very party, he aided to victory in the 2023 Presidential election. Ganduje was one of the earliest callers who supported the candidature of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then an aspirant.

Before you knew it Ganduje was able to influenced many Northern governors at the time, to came out boldly and declared that North would support only Southern candidate. That was how Tinubu made it.

Whenever some elements within the party plotted for Ganduje’s fall, that will for sure cause many damages to the party in Kano and indeed other parts of Northern Nigeria. No doubt about this! First and foremost, that could easily be translated to mean, loyalty is no longer a pride in political parlance. Just to highlight a few points on Ganduje. He is an experienced politician who knows his onions. Ask his political opponents.

For Barau, if it is true that, he is eyeing the position of Vice President, come 2027, yes the intention is bold and emphatic. But he has to have his plan on how to tread safely, with the current Vice President on board. And he has to know how to handle some notable Northerners who have either directly or symbolically indicate their interest to run for Presidency in 2031 or so.

But if his intention is still on governorship position, Garo and the former Deputy Governor of Kano State and former Minister of State, Housing, Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, are still more relevant and powerful than him from the Zone, Kano North. Part of his minuses as observed by many is, his inability to surround himself with politicians of substance and relevance.

While his one touch political strategy, is also seen as another political blunder. That those he accepted or welcomed into APC from other political parties, only get his ears during the jamboree when being celebrated as new entrants. But after that, all new comers are on their own (laughter).

Unlike Garo, Barau can hardly mention five standard politicians from across all the 44 local governments in the state. Politicians that are reliable. But in the case of Garo, many believe that, he knows, very closely, political actors down to polling units.

Many believe that, if Barau gets any ticket in the state elective positions, especially if he didn’t work for it, internal Intrigues among other things would spell doom for him. In this situation therefore, political alignments and realignments could be a safety valve for him and his ambition.

Another dust for Barau, from the standpoint I’m looking at it, is, if it is true he is at loggerhead with Ganduje, I won’t say Rest In Peace (RIP), but I would rather advice him to have a rethink.

So also concerning federal government appointments, if it is true that he has a hand in dropping AT Gwarzo, among other intrigues, so I will wait for 2027 to come. If it happens that I will be alive.

The greatest of it all, is, if it is true that he has a hand in delaying Garo’s appointment all these while, I assume that he will not be the driver of Kano’s political ambulance. Where all the injured, the severely sick and pregnants of uncertainty remain with the driver for an appointed time and destinations.

For Garo, many believe with full conviction, that, his political strength, relevance, result – oriented political practice, down – to-earth political strategy, magnanimous postulation coupled with his generosity, elevate him to be one of the few existing forces to be reckoned with in Kano politics.

Within a twinkle of an eye, Garo can give you practical names of people that can work for the party across all the 44 local governments and 448 Wards of the state.

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He, as at the time I was writing this paragraph, still enjoys the support and commitment of many former local governments Chairmen, since during Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s second tenure in office. Down to Ganduje’s eight years in office.

Garo enjoys similar support and commitment from many party leaders at local governments and wards levels. From caucuses of the party at all levels. Also from many former members of the Kano State Assembly. How he managed to get that, I really don’t have the slightest idea. But he is such a strong pillar within the rank and file of the party.

Whether it is true or not, that, he also enjoys the support of the former First Lady Prof Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, an impression that makes Gawuna to be treading cautiously, Garo believes, internal democracy is best option for imposition.

Garo’s political sins? According to some opinions, he too much loves the party and he is too loyal to Ganduje, to a fault. But that did not stop him from calling the attention of the former governor to join hands together, with other former governors and political leaders to develop the state. While setting aside their personal interest and differences.

The fourth factor is Gawuna-Garo. It is crafted this way for the simple reason that, some are of the opinion that, Gawuna needs Garo, more than the way Garo needs Gawuna. In terms of political spread across the 44 local governments, both party leaders and followers, believe that Garo was more spread tactfully and earlier than Gawuna, before 2023 general election.

Arguing that Garo was Chairman Kabo local government as Gawuna was also Chairman Nassarawa local government, but Garo was State Chapter Chairman for Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Commissioner for local governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, which gave him age over Gawuna, in terms of political spread and connections to grassroot.

Some people are of the opinion that, Gawuna – Garo ticket can still hold water in 2027. Others argued in the contrary. Challenging that, it could be better for the ticket to be contested for, among all aspiring elements.

Gawuna – Garo ticket according to protagonists, may not need fresh engagement. Because, the ticket has become a household name in Kano politics. Believe it or not, if by chance Gawuna – Garo ticket is maintained in 2027, victory is not automatic. Apart from correcting the past anomalies, those who do not mean well for the party, either overtly or covertly, must be exposed and dealt with politically. If genuine victory will be the goal.

Abdullahi Abbas, as an institution, as some argued, and as a factor, is not a ready-made threat to the party at all. I don’t care whether Abbas continues to be the Chairman forever, but what I am concerned with, is, how the party can regain consciousness with genuine commitment, abandoning self – first approach to issues and engaging honest individuals. I believe there is honesty in politics. Depending on which side of the prism one is looking at.

Yes Abbas is a factor in the party, because many believe he is the perfect match for the opposition in Kano. He masters the language they understand. As far as I’m concern, Abbas or Dan Azumi Gwarzo or Mutari Ishaq Yakasai or Tumfafi or any other person can become a Chairman of the party.

But I suggest that, consolidation of the party’s strength, spread and unrelenting tempo should be left with some hardworking individuals like Garo, Baffa Dan Agundi and Alhassan Ado Doguwa, among few others. Coincidentally they come from our three Senatorial Zones. As party leaders will be occupied with managing the party, Garo-Agundi-Doguwa will be saving the party from external aggression. Without any fear of mincing words, they are very strong, hard working and absolutely fearless!

Doguwa as a factor, it is acknowledged by many that he is a dogged fighter, an astonishing moulder, engaging capacity builder, an accomplished politician of great substance and intellectually sound. He is the only, yes the only, member of House of Representatives who was elected under APC from Kano South. Kwankwasiyya Tsunami was unable to get rid of him in 2023 elections.

He too, masters the language understood by the opposition in the state. Apart from being fearless, in the scheme of things, Doguwa, believes in good representation of his people. One of the outspoken legislators in the Green Chamber, Abuja. Very articulate and down – to-earth.

His ferocious political engagement means a lot in dealing with the opposition voices from Kano South. If APC can be bold and serious enough to bring on board somebody like Doguwa from Kano South, the party, APC, will be dancing to victory, come 2027, in the state. He is a force to be reckoned with in Kano politics. Take it or leave it.

Kano Emirship Tussle as one of the factors, for APC to make or mar in 2027, I have only one statement here. All those that are thinking of making this lingering crisis a corridor for APC’s victory in 2027, are only telling us that they are lazy and cannot fight for the party’s victory. They are only suggesting that, they cannot work very hard for victory. They are only searching for shortcut to political victory. This stance is defeatist!

As for Garo – Dan Agundi factor, I mentioned the union above. Linking them with Doguwa to form tripartite engagement. While party leaders are busy managing party affairs, Garo – Dan Agundi – Doguwa, should be given a particular role to play in managing the youth aspect of the party, particularly against external aggression. This special assignment needs genuine people, with genuine purpose and genuine goal.

Those waiting for support from above during 2027 election, without working for victory, are only deceiving themselves. That is why it is high time for rejig, reengineering, refocus, realignment, reinvesting of ideas and running away from poverty of ideas.

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

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200,000 APC Members in Kano Dismiss Allegations Against Ministerial Nominee Yusuf Abdullah Atta as Baseless

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Over 200,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have dismissed allegations of incompetence against the ministerial nominee, retired Hon. Yusuf Abdullah Atta, as baseless. Some APC members in Kano believe the allegations stem from personal grudges held by a few individuals who are not legitimate members of the party.

In a statement, Mustapha Gidan Magani, the secretary of APC Kwaciri Ward, on behalf of the entire executive committee of APC Fagge Local Government Area, rejected the allegations of anti-party activities during the 2023 general election. The executives argued that those intending to submit a petition to the Senate, claiming to represent 50,000 APC members, have no legal standing to make such claims.

The APC executives from Fagge Local Government Area are prepared to counter the petition, asserting that it will have little impact on the confirmation of Atta as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. They expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Atta, highlighting his administrative skills and dedication to serving humanity.

 

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PDP Youth Activist Calls for Suspension of Shekarau, Bello Hayatu from the party

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Salisu Usman Karaskabuli, a youth activist of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano, has called for the immediate suspension of several high-ranking party members, including former governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, and Yahaya Bagobiri.

He accused them of sabotaging the party’s efforts in the state and hindering PDP’s progress in the region.

Addressing journalists in Kano, Salisu Karaskabuli alleged that Shekarau has engaged in anti-party activities during the 2023 governorship election.
“Despite being a PDP leader, the majority of his supporters backed the APC candidate,” Salisu Karaskabuli said.
He further claimed that Shekarau is already mobilizing his supporters to work for Senator Barau’s governorship ambitions in 2027, signaling ongoing disloyalty.

Salisu Karaskabuli also blamed the PDP National Vice Chairman for the Northwest Bello Hayatu Gwarzo for failing to unite the party across the region.
He noted that prominent PDP members, such as former governors Ibrahim Shema of Katsina and Ramalan Yero of Kaduna, had defected to other parties due to Gwarzo’s ineffective leadership.
Concerning the recent PDP congress in Kano, Usman expressed frustration, rejecting the outcomes of the ward, local government, and state congresses.
He accused the leadership of the party for partisan zoning and disqualifying candidates without valid reasons.

Further accusations were leveled at Yahaya Bagobiri, the chairman of PDP elders in Kano.
Salisu Usman claimed that Bagobiri had leaked sensitive party information to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso.

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Usman Karaskabuli called on the national leadership of the PDP to investigate the accused members and, if found guilty, take appropriate disciplinary action.

The accusations come at a time when the PDP in Kano and the wider Northwest is grappling with internal divisions, which some fear could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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