fbpx
Connect with us

Opinion

My Vision for Jigawa State (IX)

Published

on

Mustafa Sule Lamido

 

By: Mustapha Sule Lamido

I want to start by reflecting on our journey so far. We have come a very long way moving from one stage to another through the guidance and support of Allah (SWT); we continue to seek for His guidance and direction in whatever we do. We thank you all for the massive support for the PDP in Jigawa State. In the preceding weeks, we have received a lot of commendations and criticisms; we accept them all in good faith and we remain committed to learning from both.

Some weeks ago, we inaugurated our campaigns at the state and senatorial district levels where we met and interacted with the people. The massive crowd that turns up to welcome us at each rally is a testimony of the level of support for PDP by the Jigawa State people. We are not going to take it for granted. With just about 6 to 7 weeks left before the General Elections, I urge everyone to collect their PVCs before the deadline and ensure they dont’ trade their votes for anything.

I have taken a break from communicating my vision because we have already released our full manifesto in November which is also online. Therefore, I deemed it fit to give our people adequate time to digest it and offer their observations. Alhamdulillah, we have been receiving lots of them. We are working on the Hausa version so that everyone will have the opportunity to critique it very well. As I noted earlier, it is not a perfect document, rather it is a proposal that can be improved with your inputs.

So far, we have introduced our overall vision which will be laid on the foundation of unity, good governance and putting Jigawa First. We have also discussed education, health and agriculture. Our plans for other sectors are contained in our manifesto. However, for the sake of those who are not opportune to read it, I will give a brief summary on the other issues.

We will work tirelessly to guarantee the security of lives and properties Insha Allah. That Jigawa is believed to be one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria will not be a license for complacency. Our aim is to sustain the peace and make it even more peaceful. If elected, we will come up with a security masterplan that is comprehensive, intensive and proactive. We will achieve this through traditional rulers engagement, complementing federal security operatives, empowering community security and vigilante groups and emphasizing on surveillance and intelligence gathering. Other measures include sustainable solutions to farmers-herders crisis, partnership with neighbouring states, effective border patrol and strong legislation against crimes.

On the economy, we will start by appraising all the realities when we win the elections. We will subsequently finetune our economic plan to take care of short, medium and long-term requirements. We will work to build a diversified economy that will create jobs and lift people out of poverty as well as generating revenue for the state. This will be achieved through visionary budgeting process for IGR Growth, strengthening our local markets, industrialization through raw materials utilization, mineral exploitation and tourism.

#

We will Insha Allah partner with the Federal government for a better utilization of the Dutse Airport. With the right efforts and partnerships, the Dutse International Airport can be utilized as a cargo terminal which will serve the entire North-Western Nigeria. We can persuade the Federal Government to decongest other places and divert some cargoes to Dutse. This will in turn transform Jigawa State into a massive economic hub with job and investment opportunities.

As a land-locked state, Jigawa State needs to start considering the Dry port option as an alternative route to economic development. If we can produce a lot of raw materials and sell at cheap price to eventual exporters, why cant we export it ourselves? Making a giant effort in this direction will take us a long way. We can start by reviving the abandoned Maigatari Export Processing Zone.

If elected, we will declare a state of emergency against unemployment, youth restiveness and women underdevelopment. We will emphasize on skill-based education, expansion and modernization of the agricultural sector, development of information and communication technology, reviving the sports and entertainment industries. We will create a database of all Jigawa State graduates for linkage to employment opportunities. We will introduce Graduates Internship Programme for university and college students after NYSC. The programme will post them to different government ministries on a 6-month internship.

Already, we have spelt out our comprehensive plan to tackle flood in my previous releases. I want to assure you that we have plans for other sectors of the environment. Our environment is one of the most neglected components of our society. We are going to change this narrative once elected. We shall have an environmental masterplan that will take care of micro, medium and macro challenges faced by our natural and built environments. We will focus on effective waste management in our municipalities while introducing the culture of environmental sanitation. We shall work on environmental planning, orientation and awareness, tackling of erosion, drought and desertification as well as vectors and mosquitoes’ control in urban centres.

We will Insha Allah introduce an effective digital land administration system which is an indicator of city development. In our vision to have a digital archive/database of land properties and resources, we will establish the Jigawa Geographic Information Systems (JIGIS) as obtainable in FCT-AGIS, Kano-KANGIS, Kaduna-KADGIS and Lagos-LAGIS. The JGIS will play a significant role in agriculture, urban and rural planning, revenue collection, tourism, transportation, mineral exploitation, population and housing census and controlling environmental hazards.

Jigawa State have no option than to embrace unity. Our challenges and aspirations are common, we must therefore work together to address and pursue them. I emphasize as always that unity of Jigawa State is our top priority because it is only with unity that progress, prosperity and development are achievable.

Let me conclude by reiterating that we will continue to play politics of issues not sentiments no matter the amount of provocations. Already, we are glad that the national eyes are now on Jigawa State politics because we are moving faster than many states which were hitherto seen as our political seniors. I use this opportunity to remind all the Jigawa State political players of the Peace Accord we signed in November. We should live up to our words and conduct ourselves with respect and understanding. As we move closer to the elections, we must caution our supporters against violence and disrespect which Jigawa is not known for; if not for anything, there will be life after elections.

Gobe ta Allah ce
©Santurakin Dutse

Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

Published

on

 

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

#
Continue Reading

Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

Published

on

 

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

#
Continue Reading

Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Trending