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Opinion

NANS : From Radicalism to inessentialism

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By Adnan Mukhtar

The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, an umbrella of more than 30 million students in Nigeria was known to be a radical force in the fight against corruption, an agency for national construction, a critique of the National economy and foreign policy. NANS of yesterday was as radical as the mass labour movements not just in Nigeria but internationally.

I decided to write this article for the benefit of upcoming student leaders, as a final year student in the University, I have eleven months to graduate as a student. Immediately after my graduation, I promise to disengage from student politics not for any other reason but because of my integrity and my great contribution in the fight against corruption.

I see being in students Union while I am no longer a student, either a drop out or a graduate as a form of corruption. That is what is happening in students Union in Nigeria. There are dominated by old crooks and corrupt youths that happens to be non students especially NANS.

However, it is my hope that there will be a positive aftermaths of this article that would manifest in ideologically and politically strengthen the Students Union and a new NANS.

As I said earlier, I am writing this for the benefit of our younger generation that may finds interest in students Union, as I was told the radicalism of NANS and the role it plays towards the restoration of democracy and democratization of education during the military regimes in Nigeria, let me give my readers a brief historical analysis of NANS, a radical student movement that evolved as the most important voice for a democratic society and a democratic, accessible educational system funded and managed effectively.

The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, was formed in July 1980 at a meeting of students representatives and activists across the country held at the Yaba College of Technology Lagos after the proscription and banning of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) in 1978 by the Obasanjo regime, after a nation wide students unrest. The major objectives of NANS was encapsulated in the NANS charter of demand that was launched in December 1982. The charter of demands consists of the main objectives of NANS, it’s demands from the government and it’s constitutional doctrine as a guiding principle of how it operates.

The major objective is democratization of education at all levels, adequate funding of educational system from primary to tertiary level to the extent that every Nigerian has access to quality education.

The charter insisted that socio-economic justice and equality should form the basis of democracy.

NANS was a demonstration of youth radicalism, idealism and dogged commitment to an egalitarian society.

It is unfortunate that students Union of today and NANS have subjected to begging, mouthpiece and defendants of anti masses policies. Students are into NANS not only to fight for a just cause and the rights of themselves, but for materialistic gains. Holding meetings in expensive hotels and using huge amounts of money as a tool of winning elections.

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Many of office aspirants in NANS are sponsored by government just to protect its interest and above all, if you are not financially stable, forget about NANS as delegates usually ask for money during elections. This is to show you how corrupt NANS is today.

I was worried when I saw this for myself in Gombe aborted 2016 NANS convention and the recent one conducted at old parade ground Abuja.

The aspirants for the presidential office have spent whooping millions just to clinch the presidential seat, if you see how money was spent by these aspirants and how desperate they are willing to win election, you will ask yourself that something is going wrong. One worst thing is that, it is happening under an administration that claims to be fighting corruption and mostly with support of the office of the special assistant to the president on youth and students affairs.

NANS have turned and changed from the radical stance it was known to inessentialism. NANS that was known to be an agency of National construction and it’s dogged resistance to Babangida’s structural adjustment programme has subjected itself to a critical mouthpiece of governmental policies either anti masses or not.

During the NANS convention of 2016 at Pantami stadium in Gombe, the federal government is doing it’s best to ensure the success of it’s own Aspirant Aruna Kadiri and even after it was aborted and an aspirant Chinonso Obasi who claimed to be from Ebonyi State University declared a faction, the government still ensured the emergence of it’s candidate Aruna Kadiri in the recent reconvened convention at old parade ground.

Both Kadiri, Chinonso Obasi and all the aspirants that contested are all claiming to be postgraduate students, some are in their early 40’s while the most youngest among them is Chinonso Obasi. I am doubting what a 40 year old is looking for as a student leader, most of the radical and left wing NANS leaders that we heard happens to be undergraduate students and that should be the tradition, it is not sensible to have a postgraduate student as NANS president when you compared the population of the undergraduate and that of the postgraduate. It looks as an incessant and unnecessary domination of right people.

I am sure, this will not happen in the NANS of yesterday, the radical students then will not allow and support this attitude.

NANS was known to have less involved itself from governmental affairs, it is unfortunate that the NANS we are currently having is fully involved and supportive to whatever policy the government has brought.

NANS was known in building alliances with some radical ideological movements like the progressive youth movement of Nigeria (PYMN) and Alliance of progressive students (APS) etc.

Today NANS, is a toothless bulldog to some unideological political parties in the country.

Upcoming student leaders need to know that the quest to rebuild NANS is a binding on them, NANS must be principled to it’s aims and objectives, the charter of demands should be amended and updated because of the current neo liberal policies in the country.

The upcoming students leaders should continue from where the radical former NANS leaders stopped, stick to its charter and aims and objectives, let them come into NANS with good intention of making the lives of students better.

The current happenings in NANS is a reflection of what is happening in Nigeria, problems of corruption, Alliance with governments and money mongering by students need to be addressed as the NANS we read about is not what we are seeing today. NANS has since turned to an inessential umbrella of Nigerian Students unless of it’s problems are addressed.

Adnan Mukhtar is the Secretary General of Northwest University, Students Council Kano. He was formerly a special assistant in NANS zone A. He wrote this article in December 2016 on his way to Kazaure, Jigawa State.

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.

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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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