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Proponents of “Shege”: Tinubu’s Presidency and the Rest of Us

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President Muhammad Buhari

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

The subsidy removal and floating of naira by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have made a lot of Nigerians to react in different ways.To some, it is a welcome development to get rid of subsidy payment that had wrinkled our treasury over the years; to some others, it is a period of ‘Shege’ where many are expected to be suffering.

Interestingly, there is no place in the world where new economic policies are introduced without an accompanied unpalatable impact in the short run.

Some people opine that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in a hurry to achieve everything at a go, whereas policies should be introduced one after the other. While some believe that he should be allowed to engage the issues headlong and once so that all of us can enjoy thereafter.

Petroleum prices have dropped at depots in Nigeria-IPMAN

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As a committed government the welfare of the citizens should be of paramount interest all the time. Nobody should crucify those who are accusing the government of insensitivity, because proper public enlightenment programs were not in place when subsidy was removed. A petty trader in the market does not understand what subsidy means. So one would have expected National Orientation Agency to embark on public enlightenment on radio and television, using our local languages. To an ordinary Nigerian who is not having education, he or she will see Tinubu’s administration as the most wicked in our entire history. But is he truly wicked? Emphatically No.

The challenges facing our Nation are multidimensional, and president Tinubu is a prepared president coming with uncommon determination to change the narrative of governance in Nigeria. It will never be easy because subsidy regime had been enjoyed by the citizens, irrespective of their social class, over the years.

A look at the various social media platforms which are preoccupied with the issue of subsidy removal that culminated in the recent increases in the pump price of PMS would reveal that the common understanding of Nigerians over the current development is that of a renewed ‘shege’, as opposed to a renewed ‘hope’, promised by Tinubu’s administration. Many civil servants cannot go to work with their cars any longer. This is not a smiling moment, but it is a reality you and I would have to live with, if we want a better country, going forward. I was in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital over the weekend and one of my elder brothers narrated to me how a colleague of his had complained to him that he was tired of warming his car. Apparently, he has now been incapacitated to go out with his car at his will, yet he has to keep it warm. It is that bad, honestly.

Indeed, we all want a greater country where things will work out smoothly, but achieving a better nation can’t be achieved by mere conversations; we must be ready to make sacrifices. In fact, Nigerians are already making huge sacrifices by shunning extravagant life styles.They trek now like never before, because they don’t have the financial capacity to use their cars.

Above all, people I get so much worried about are the petty traders and the rural dwellers. In other words, masses are the worst hit by the effects of subsidy removal. It is really a hard time for the people, especially at the lowest social strata.

Proponents of Shege are in three categories: the ordinary Nigerians who do not understand basic economic policies, members of the oppositions who are looking for opportunities to discredit the government, and the neutral Nigerians who just believe the situation is worrisome.

Meanwhile, Tinubu’s presidency has always come up with messages of hope amid the recent challenges facing our country. The most recent was the message on Hijra where the president said, “as we persevere and struggle to confront our present challenges and the temporary pain we experience ,I enjoiin you to remain hopeful that there is light and prosperity at the end of the tunnel.My team and I are leaving no stone unturned in our bid to deliver on the promises we made ,inspite of the present difficulties.As we usher in the new Islamic year I urge you all to engage in prayers and supplications to God Almighty to direct and protect our path to greatness and prosperity in Nigeria.”

What gives me hope about Asiwaju’s presidency is the fact that he is not an accidental president. He knows his onion. What Nigerians need is to support him with prayers so that all of us will not suffer in vain. For instance, when the news of the eight thousand naira palliative proposed for the poorest households in the country hits the air, Nigerians criticized the scheme on the ground that it lacked merit and capacity to weather the current storm. Consequently, as a president who understands that constructive criticism is an integral part of modern democracy, he backed down and ordered for the review of the programme. This is an attestation that he fully understands the nitty gritty of a working and robust democracy. Hence, to the rest of us, we should not set our country on fire because of politics or hatred. Like I said earlier, poverty is no respecter of anyone. Whether you are a member of APC, PDP or any other political affiliation, what is significant is our collective responsibilities to ensure that we set our country on the path of progress. Let us not run down our country because of temporary pain.

The holy Quran has admonished us that for every hardship, there would be ease afterwards. Pains do not last forever, that is the message from our Maker.

Let us not listen to any politician that would tell us to go out and burn down the streets, because of the current situation in the country. If we do carry out their evil plan, they would leave you and I and run abroad, because they have the wherewithal to achieve that.

Let me end this discourse with the words of former president Muhammadu Buhari when he said “we have no any other country we can call our own,so we must be here to salvage her.”

Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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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

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Opinion

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

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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

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Opinion

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

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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

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