Opinion
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Opinion
Ata’s Political Arrogance: Disconnected from Kano’s Realities
Abdullahi Yusuf Ata’s recent statement about his ability to deliver Kano State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 reeks of political overconfidence and an astonishing lack of self-awareness. His claims, particularly about regaining APC’s stronghold in the state, deserve to be scrutinized for their glaring contradictions with his political history and current standing.
First, Ata’s tenure as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly was abruptly cut short by his impeachment, largely based on accusations that he lacked the capability to manage the affairs of the House. The motion to remove him was spearheaded by key political figures from his own party, including Labaran Abdul Madari and Abdullahi Chiromawa, suggesting that even within his political ranks, Ata was seen as ineffective. This was a glaring indication of his inability to lead, which raises immediate doubts about his supposed political strength and ability to effect meaningful change in Kano.
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His defeat in the 2023 general elections across multiple positions, including State Assembly, Kano Governorship, Senate, and even the presidential election, paints a picture of a politician whose influence is not only waning but practically nonexistent.
If Ata cannot secure a victory in his own local government of Fagge, a vital constituency in Kano, how can he realistically claim to have the political capital to reclaim the state for the APC? His defeat speaks volumes about his disconnect with the electorate, who have repeatedly rejected his leadership at multiple levels.
Ata’s assertion that Kano Central, the region he claims to represent, will swing back to APC under his leadership is equally questionable. While he boasts about the region’s substantial voter base, it is important to remind him that political success is not merely about numbers but about credibility and leadership. His track record offers little evidence of either.
The people of Kano have demonstrated their unwillingness to back his leadership in recent elections, and his inability to secure even his own ward suggests that his claim to revive APC’s fortunes is based more on delusion than reality.
Furthermore, Ata’s attempt to place himself as a key player in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is puzzling, given that his previous stints in political leadership, including his role as Majority Leader and Special Adviser to the Governor, yielded no tangible results. His promises to complete ongoing housing projects and deliver on his ministerial duties sound more like empty rhetoric aimed at salvaging a reputation that is increasingly difficult to restore.
It is vital that Ata reconsiders his current trajectory. Rather than continuing to make baseless promises about political victories, he would be better served by focusing on his current ministerial responsibilities. He must acknowledge the fact that he has no real political power or influence to reclaim the APC mandate in Kano. His continued posturing is more likely to harm his standing and waste valuable political capital, which could otherwise be used in more productive endeavors.
To put it bluntly, Ata’s prideful statements do not align with his past performances, and his focus should be on serving the people through his ministerial role rather than indulging in delusions of grandeur about the next election cycle.
Garba Ubale Kankarofi is a political analyst and writes from Kano. He can be reached at +234 706 816 0279.
Opinion
Nigerian Judges, Lawyers, Politicians, Clerics and Security Agencies: A Parade of Callous Pretenders Masquerading as the Virtuous
Prof. Nasiru Adamu Aliyu, SAN
In his play The Tragedy of Hamlet, William Shakespeare wrote, “God has given you one face, and you make yourself another.” Shakespeare’s words highlight the duplicity of pretenders, a theme that echoes through history. Aristotle, one of history’s greatest thinkers, also addressed the nature of pretenders in his ethical writings, stating, “The least deviation from truth will be multiplied later.” He emphasized the importance of authenticity, warning that pretence can lead to serious consequences. This concept resonates in Nigeria, where the elites appear caught in duplicity, while ordinary people suffer from poverty, subjugation, and ignorance of their fundamental rights.
Nigerians at all levels exhibit selfishness and self-centeredness, contributing to the nation’s issues. Shame on our Nigerian Police, DSS, Military, and other Security agencies, as well as Lawyers, whether from the Public or Private Bar, for complicity in turning a blind eye to the plight of ordinary citizens. Currently, the thorny issue concerns the so-called treason charges against minors before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Judges, politicians, lawyers, police, DSS, correctional officers, clerics, governorsthe President, and other stakeholders have the responsibility to discern right from wrong, particularly when minors are involved. Yet, self-preservation remains paramount among the Nigerian elites, who lack the courage and fear of God to act truthfully.
It is not the writer’s contention that people who commit crimes should evade justice; rather, justice should be administered with decorum, fairness, and equality, with no preferential treatment for white-collar crimesThe Nigerian Government struggles to address corruption, banditry, and kidnappings across various regions effectively. While successive administrations have claimed to combat these menaces, criminal activities remain rampant. Instead, authorities focus on arresting and prosecuting protesters. The situation highlights Nigeria’s collective failure, as even the controversial treason charges against minors indicate the systemic injustice faced by “ordinary” citizens. These children are seen as “sons of nobody,” making their mistreatment by politicians, the judiciary, and law enforcement more permissible.
The government has yet to make substantial progress in addressing these societal issues. A legitimate expectation remains for leaders to demonstrate accountability and empathy, especially towards young protesters detained under questionable charges. President Tinubu eventually ordered the release of the minors, but only after significant national and international embarrassment. Leaders in Nigeria must abandon pretence and start genuinely considering the plight of their people.
This issue of duplicity among Nigeria’s elite extends into the judiciary. Nigerian courts are quick to prioritize political cases over cases that defend the fundamental human rights of ordinary citizens. Surprisingly, the prosecutor handling the treason charges against these minors confidently dismissed them as adults attempting to undermine democracy. Such audacity highlights a broader lack of empathy within the justice system. Nigerian democracy has, to date, yielded limited benefits for the general populace, benefiting primarily those in power.
Nigeria’s judiciary must be fearless, uphold justice, and show independence. The Nigerian Supreme Court recently ruled that state governors must hold local government elections to access federal allocations, a decision reflecting the type of bold action required to curb abuse of power. Courageous judges exist within Nigeria’s judicial system; however, they are often restricted from handling cases involving significant government interests. Politicians frequently employ blackmail tactics to maintain control over judiciary decisions.
The Nigerian media and journalists have played a crucial role in highlighting the plight of these minors, despite their initial silence. The journalists’ work brought national attention to the injustices faced by these young detainees, compelling politicians, lawyers, and clergymen to address the issue, even if for political gain. The origin of banditry by Fulani herders, for instance, stemmed from injustice and neglect, issues that Nigerian leaders have yet to address effectively.
In closing, whether readers accept or dismiss this piece, the truth will eventually prevail. As a nation, Nigeria must learn from history and confront these injustices if it hopes to move forward.
Prof. Nasiru Adamu Aliyu, SAN, writes from the Department of Public Law, Bayero University, Kano: nasiraliyu@gmail.com, +2348035883225.
Opinion
Yes Senator Barau Jibrin Is Ready For Kano Top Job…Where Garba Ubale Got It Wrong
Gambo Dan Aguro
Barau I. Jibrin, Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, holds an influential position, poised to shape the nation’s political dynamics as the country’s fourth-highest-ranking official. His career trajectory and actions have made him a household name in Kano politics. But you got it wrong that “Yet, as his ambition appears to intensify, recent moves have raised questions about the wisdom and effectiveness of his political strategy. While Kano and Nigeria as a whole grapple with pressing socio-political issues, Jibrin’s approach risks not only his aspirations but also the stability and cohesion of his base.” This is because if you are truly a political analyst who is unbiased, will know that in Kano, there is a governor who is wholly shouldered with the responsibility of making the State great and is receiving on monthly basis FG grants upon grants, but even at that, Barau Jibrin has made it a policy to contribute his quarto as a loyal and patriotic citizen of Kano, check out his contributions in the area of Education, human development, road and Dams reconstruction and many other things. This clearly shows that your analysis on Barau Jibrin political trajectory into the exalted seat of the State was wrong and remains wrong, the Deputy Senate President moves on that seat is a welcome decision, because already he has taken upon himself the duties that are supposed to be solidly for the owner of the Government House that’s the Governor, check out his recent sharing of over 60 Trucks of Fertilizer across the ancient City which even provoked and reawakened the Government to now followed suit copying from him, if somebody who’s main Duties is lawmaking but had taking it as his responsibility to come into the State with his supports what more if he is the Governor of the State?
Senator Barau’s political journey began in 1999 when he served as a member of the House of Representatives and later as chair of the Appropriation Committee—a prestigious role that underscored his growing influence. There was nothing After a temporary setback in 2003, his career saw a resurgence when former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso appointed him Commissioner for Science and Technology, marking his return to political relevance.”-This is also biased submission, because, Barau Jibrin political trajectory never died, and he didn’t start his Politics in 1999, he has been in Politics since the second Republic, and his appointment after failing to make it in 2003 was done based on his Political relevance not as a support for his Coming back. And his resurgence into the Senate was not with Kwankwaso support it was because of a unifying factor of Buhari and so many others who came under the umbrella of APC even with Shekarau that time that brought the winning team making Kano a wholly APC State, than.
Similarly, That Barau Jibrin distance himself from Kwankwaso and aligned himself with Ganduje, you also got it wrong, Barau has forever been an Independent Person Politically, because many a times he is needed for a solid political front not him needing to joined a train of others.
Recent actions have highlighted Jibrin’s apparent willingness to prioritize his ambition over party unity and community trust.” This to me and many others nobody would ever tell you that he understands what you mean, how do you wholly shouldered the responsibility of Party Unity in one Person, when you have National Chairman, State Chairman, Gubernatorial Candidate and his Deputy and so many other actors, Haba Mallam, this particular submission clearly shows that everything is wrong with your analysis and it has killed it all.
You are insistence on Gwarzo shows that there is a big disconnect on your analysis, one will left with no option but to believes that the whole of your writting was been sponsored by the Person who is aggrieved for been removed from office and his political Allie’s, why are you talking as if this some Gwarzo you are nagging on has any serious political relevance, have you forgotten that if not local Government Chairman from that area he has never won any political office, even the Deputy Governorship was given to him on a floater of goal by Mallam Shekarau who even betrayed the trust of the Government by Contesting under a party that was not known to the State, than.
On financial supports of Barau Jibrin, if you are akin to his political trajectory, he is somebody who end the names of a generous Person who is always willing to help and anybody whoever relate to him knows that even those that goes to him, laying they have joined him, even though, he knew is lies, he will still satisfied their financial needs and allowed them with their conscious, just like the Umma you gave example with.
Today in Kano Politics, there is no gainsaying that Barau Jibrin remains the messier in waiting because in just less then two years the NNPP Government has failed and PDP is in disarray.
This piece was written By Gambo DanAguro Gwarzo A Political Analyst
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