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AA Zaura: Between Integrity and Representation

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AA Zaura

 

By Adnan Moukhtar,

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Kano Central Senatorial District, Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura, is facing criminal trial at the Federal high court sitting in Kano.

Zaura was first arraigned in court by the EFCC in 2019 when he was the gubernatorial candidate of Green Party of Nigeria alongside one Michael Edosa for allegedly defrauding Jamman Al-Azmi of monies amounting to $1.32 million with the intent to conduct a joint venture business together.

Though, Mr. Zaura was discharged and acquitted On 9 June, 2020, by Lewis Allagoa, a judge of the Federal High Court in Kano, found the defendant not guilty and discharged him on all counts.

Mr Allagoa ruled against the anti-graft agency that prosecute Zaura in court. He held that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Breaking: Terrorists Abduct Mother Of Kano APC Senatorial Candidate, AA Zaura

Dissatisfied with the judgment of the lower court, the EFCC appealed to the Court of Appeal. A unanimous decision by the three-member panel of judges read by Abdullahi Bayero set aside the judgment of the high court.

Mr Bayero then ordered the defendant to be tried afresh by a different judge.

Now, the main issue is the absence of the accused in court despite a ruling by supreme Court that he has a case to answer. An accused person must always be present in court, since the beginning of the fresh charge, Zaura has refused to appear before the court to the extent that the Judge had to issue an arrest warrant that he should be arrested and brought before the court to answer the charges brought against him.

Despite these serious charges, Zaura was made the Senatorial Candidate of All Progressives Congress through a consensus agreement by party stakeholders.

Despite having two other credible aspirants with track record, the party turned on deaf ears to make Zaura its candidate.

This is not the first time that credible aspirants are sacrificed for people with questionable integrity.

How would a serious party drop Bashir Garba Lado, a former Senator that had done remarkably well in the red chamber, former Federal Commissioner of the Federal Commission for Refugees and Dissaster Management for AA Zaura who neither held any public office nor good track record to become saleable to the people of Kano Central?

A serious party would never work for a consensus that favours Zaura against Ismaeel Ahmed, a fine lawyer and eloquent speaker that has worked for All Progressives Congress and the defunct Congress for Progressives Change?

It’s obvious that the duo are more competent with unbeatable record than Zaura.

APC is in a serious dilemma in Kano Central. AA Zaura’s case is a serious disadvantage to the party in the general poll even though, an accused is innocent in the eye of the law until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The choice is now before the people of Kano Central, with Senator Ibrahim Shekarau withdrawing from the Senatorial race after dumping NNPP, PDP’s Nuhu Danburan/Laila Buhari who are not visible in the race and in court over the genuine winner of the ticket after a paraller primaries.

The seat no doubt is eyeing Senator Rufai Hanga, a former Distinguished Senator that represented the people of Kano Central from 2003-2007 succeeding the eloquent Kura Mohammed of blessed memory, Senator Mohammed Adamu Bello as his predecessor until in 2011 when Senator Bashir Garba Lado took over.

In the history of this seat, it’s never been repeated for second term but Senator Hanga riding under Kwankwaso’s popularity in the commercial hub, his platform, the NNPP, a second term is assured.

Adnan is a Political PR Consultant and a University Lecturer. He can be followed on Twitter @AdnanMoukhtar

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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