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2023 Presidential Elections and the Battle Between Two Categories of Northern Elders

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_ By Ibraheem A.Waziri

1. Every election season in Nigeria, comes with its provoking premises and issues! This time around, apart from the usual North and South, Muslims and Christians divides that are often, most prominent than party affiliations; a new dynamic which has not yet caught public attention, has been added up to the mix. The struggle to maintain relevance between two different categories of Northern eldership or leadership. These two categories, in the realm, are separated primarily by the order of generational cohort (GC) in age!

2. Falling back to the scholars in anthropology, we learn that a GC is usually pegged at 15-20 years. All persons born within such intervals are regarded to more or less, belong to the same groupings defined by same circumstances; social, economic, cultural events, and would likely share some core elements in perspectives, tastes and life preferences.

3. Since the completion of the taking over of Northern Nigeria by the British in 1903, a generation of who will eventually become Nigerians, from the territory, began to be given birth to, that same year. Therefore the first generational cohorts (GC) of Northern Nigerians can be said to be those born between 1903 and 1919. That is if the mode at which boys usually reach puberty is considered as the norm to be 16 years!

4. The second GC came between 1919-35. The third was between 1936-51. This GC is the one that did 1967 military counter coup and prosecuted the then Nigerian civil war from the Northern Nigerian side and led by 2nd GC member, General Yakubu Gowon as Head of Nigerian state.

5. One can be right to say that the 3rd GC of Northern Nigerians has been influencing, politics and governance policy not only in the North but in Nigeria, since that time till the present! The politicians among them, intellectuals and business owners have been holding the region at its nape!

PDP Presidential Rally:Atiku To Inaugurate 500 Capacity Quranic School In Kano

6.After the 2019 elections, some pundits among us have been harping about the fate of the North come 2023; being it obvious that the 3rd GC are threatened by senesces and therefore are very weak. The assumption is they will reach a consensus among themselves to identify able group of successors that they could handover the affairs of thè North and fade themselves into retirement; having put in their best for about 57 years now! The longest any GC have been there and probably would ever be.

7 None of us thought that the successor cohort, the 4th GC, born between 1952-67, will need to necessarily put up a fight to dislodge the 3rd GC from the power circle ànd forcefully take over like what is happening now in the ruling party.

8. However, since the statement made in Abeakuta on the 25th of January, 2023, in a campaign rally, by Asiwàju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressive Congress’ (APC) party presidential candidate; to the effect that there are saboteurs in the Presidency – which ironically is occupied by his party – who are against his emergence as winner of the 2023 presidential Elections slated to hold 25th of February, 2023.

9.Bola Ahmed Tinubu, though a Southerner, enjoys the support of the 14 of the 19 Northern Governors, who are from the ruling party. 11 of them also belong to 4th GC. 1 belongs (Borno State) to 5th GC.

*10. Kaduna State Governor, an outspoken element among them, has granted series of interviews on the 1st and 2nd February 2023. To a number of media Houses including BBC, TVC, in both Hausa and English, implying that, some 3rd GC Northern influencers around President Muhammadu Buhari ( who is himself a member of thè same cohort), as plotting to work against their candidate! By following other means take sure a member of the 3rd GC, Atiku Abubakar of the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) and a Northerner, emerges as the winner of the 2023 presidential Elections!

11. The ultimate question now, apparently, is whether, the people in the North will agree to prolong the tenure of leadership and eldership of the 3rd GC Northerners, adding another 8 years to their 57 years, making it 65 long years. Or in the alternative, they want to handover the realms of their leadership and eldership to the 4th GC Northerners; to bring their own uniqueness unto the table early enough.

12. What is obvious is the 4th GC Northerners, who were born during the years building up to the civil war to its end, have different perspectives and arguments about how Northerners should see themselves and live with their neighbours in Nigeria. They don’t view Southerners with the kind of suspicion the 3rd GC Northerners think of them. It is why in the first place they would resolve to fulfill the unwritten agreement of power shift to the South in 2023.

13. Some members of the 5th GC of Northerners, either, those born between 1968-83, would appreciate seeing a new perspective taking control of the space and atmosphere of Northern Nigeria come 25th February 2023. It will guarantee an experiment with fresher perspectives that are sure catalyst to positive change and comprehensive progress not the one same old perspective that has dominated the space for 57 years.

14. Also it is only when the 4th GC Northerners move a little higher in the ladder, that the 5th GC Northerners, post civil war generation, will enjoy certain degree of influence at some social plane. The same thing with the 6th GC Northerners, born between 1984-1998, military rule generation. Also the 7th GC Northerners, born between 1999 – 2015, Fourth Republic, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rule generation. Each movement on the ladder creates opportunities of growth and stability for others to play their role and display their God given talent for the benefits of all.

15. These, can be among reasons why the majority of Northern Nigerians would consider lending their support to the 4th GC Northern leaders, in their bid to take control now. Politicians and bureaucrats like Elrufai, intellectuals and opinion leaders like Dr. Aliyu Tilde, Mahmud Jega; Abdulaziz Abdulaziz of the 5th GC and a host of other businessmen and religious leaders, deserve this chance to move us to another level of life changing perspective with Asiwàju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Nigerian leadership come 25th February, 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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