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What it Takes to Lead the Nigerian Senate”-Abdurrahman Joji

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Abdurrahman Joji Adamu

As Nigeria’s 10th senate is set to begin in the first week of June, senators-elect across the nation have been making arrangements on who will take over as the President of the Senate. However, the process has been met with some controversy due to the country’s heterogeneous nature, which requires the participation and inclusiveness of every tribe and religion in the administration of the nation.

To lead the Senate and by extension, head the National Assembly, requires a parliamentarian with huge legislative expertise, adequate knowledge in the law-making process, executive/legislative relations, constitutional amendment process, bill enactment and passage, eloquence, communication skills, and above all, good interpersonal relationships. It is for this reason that the Senate Standing Order stipulates that senators who will contest the position of presiding officer shall be those who have been re-elected based on the number of times they have served.

So far, four senators-elect have shown interest in the position of Senate President: Senator Barau Jibrin, Abdul Aziz Yari, both from the North West region, Godswill Akpabio from the South South region, and Orji Uzor Kalu from the South East. However, the eligibility and competence of the four contestants must be evaluated based on their records of performances in legislation and public service.

Abdulaziz Yari, a former member of the House of Representatives and former Governor of Zamfara state for eight years, did not make a significant impact during his stay in the House. His eight-year tenure as Governor was characterized as a regime of tyranny with a lack of harmonious relationship between the government and the governed. He lacks the adequate knowledge to preside over the affairs of people that come from well-educated and intellectual backgrounds

Barau Jibrin, on the other hand, is a former member of the House of Representatives, a senator in the 8th and 9th Assemblies, and a senator-elect for the 10th Assembly. He is a graduate of accountancy and a professional in business and financial management. As a ranking senator, he has numerous sponsored bills, and his bravery and eloquence in the floor of the Senate are unprecedented. He is described by his constituents as a warrior and a philanthropist, and his record shows that he can handle the National Assembly matters and provide much-needed inclusive legislation.

Godwill Akpabio, a two-term Governor of Akwa Ibom, a one-term Senator of the Federal Republic, and former Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs, is a lawyer by profession. During his first tenure as senator, he was privileged to be part of the 8th Senate leadership, and he gave the much-needed minority representation. As a politician that traversed all three tiers of government, it is expected that he can pilot the affairs of the Senate credibly.

Orji Uzor Kalu, a two-term Governor of Abia State and returning senator, is the incumbent Senate Minority Whip. He played an active role in the emergence of Chief Bola Tinubu and made a lot of noise in support of a same-faith ticket. He is a graduate of political science with good communication skills and is well acquainted with the votes and proceedings of the Senate. His politics has proven to be non-religious and non-tribalistic, considering how the whole South East supported and backed one of their very own sons in the presidential election. He deserves support for the fulfillment of his ambition.

To ensure justice and fairness as enshrined in the Federal Character principles, Sen Barau and Abdulaziz should jettison their ambitions to avoid the duplication and marginalization of power-sharing. The incoming President, who is a master strategist, should not allow this to happenAlthough the Senate elects its leader, it is crucial for the senators to choose a leader based on principles of justice, expertise, and fairness between the two geopolitical zones of the South-South and South-East respectively. The task of filling the void left by the likes of David Mark, Bukola Saraki, and now Ahmed Lawan is highly challenging. These three former Senate Presidents presided over the Senate with a great deal of diligence, maturity, and stability, and it is essential to have successors who will continue to uphold their legacy of distinguished parliamentary practice, preservation of democratic culture, and consolidation of democracy.

As the responsibility of electing their leader lies solely on the senators, Nigerians await to see if we will have another rubber-stamp Senate. It is imperative for the Senate to assert its independence and maintain checks and balances against the Executive arm of government to ensure that democracy thrives in Nigeria.

Abdulrahman Joji Writes from Kano

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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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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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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