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Opinion

Heinous ‘Political’ Kidnappings And Killings In Ebiraland: At Whose Behest?

Published

1 year ago

on

Governor Yahaya Bello

 

By Ozumi Abdul

The prayers and pride of all parents in most African societies, my beloved Ebiraland inclusive are always to have them buried by their children.

In fact, it is considered an abominable disaster when parents shed tears over the deaths of their children, or bury them with their own hands while they are still alive.

They would go out of their ways to do everything within their power to avert such fate from befalling them because it’s ill-luck and ill-fate on their part.

However, this age-long potent belief since the coming on board of this outgoing administration of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello close to eight years now has been consistently reduced to mere fictious and mythical one, as old parents, especially mothers, now cry over the deaths of their sons.

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In some cases though, these old parents still die before their children, but it’s usually abrupt deaths because of the psychological inability to cope with the depression of having their children who mostly fend for them in incarceration without traces. Some even lose their sigts after years of umpteenth and consistent sobs.

My intents for writing this piece are not to indict Governor Yahaya Bello, and his administration that have been able to fight and suppress the issues of insecurities to a standstill in the state, rather to subtly call his attention to how some people who are allegedly close to him and his government are hellbent on tarnishing his award-winning record of the best governor in terms of security.

I sincerely want the governor to swing into action within these few weeks he has left in office, and quickly prevail on his subjects to have people who they allegedly condemned to Illegal incarcerations released, or account for them in case they are no more.

These alleged individuals are proverbial bats who are neither birds nor rats, they are without identities, they neither have the love of Ebiraland at heart, nor that of the governor, who on the lips service they profess to pay loyalty and allegiance to.

What they are mostly concerned about are their political and personal interest, they don’t mind whose horses are gored, they can sacrifice anything and anybody who are threats to their status quo.

Amid all wrongs, they would never tell truth to power they are very close to, because they don’t mind if the governor fails or not, in as much as their interests are protected.

They would equally do everything humanly possible to shield and frustrate whoever that has the ingenuity to tell the governor the realities of the state from assessing him, because they thrive in falsehood, lies, distortion, deception and fabrication.

These individuals would take people who dare to voice out publicly their displeasures towards some of the government’s anti people policies to the cleaner. They do this by hiding under the veiled guise of the governor’s directives, because they consider such constructive criticisms as threats to their avaricious self-aggrandizements if they get to the governor. Go and consult Mr Garido in Okengwe, who happened to be the only survivors of their nefarious onslaughts to tell you the tale.

They have been simply giving the governor bad names all along, they not honourable, but horrible.

I watched in pains, with broken and shattered heart an emotionally-disturbing viral video last week, wherein an old woman, who should probably be an octogenarian (in her late 80s most likely) was crying out her heart and almost had her voice hoaxed.

She cried and her eyes became swollen and misty, while also intermittently muttering words of pleas to Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to come to her aid.

It wasn’t as if the grey-haired old, poor, wrecked, hapless and helpless woman from Ihima, in Okehi Local Government Area of the state was actually sick, and thus seeking the governor’s assistance to foot her medical bill. A big NO! It’s far off it.

Her pleads to the governor was simply for him to prevail on his appointees to release her only child who was reportedly whisked away in the sedate of a nightfall to an unknown location for alleged political reason.

Her ‘politically’ motivated kidnapped son, Kashim, she said was the sole sustainer of the entire family; a father of five, and husband.The old woman narrated how life has been hellish and nightmarish for the entire family Kashim left behind over eight months ago that he has been in incarceration of the alleged ‘unknown government men’.

As we speak, whether Kashim is still alive, or exterminated while in immurement remains unknown to virtually all of us, but clearly known to those who have their hands all soiled in his heinous ‘political’ kidnapping and durance.

Another sad, notable and attrocious political kidnapping similar to that of Kashim, that was reported via viral WhatsApp voice note barely a month ago was that of one Dahiru, also known as Decorous.

I also listened with heavy heart, as his aged mother narrated her sad ordeals.

The old woman had already lost her sights as a result of umpteenth sobs, because Decorous is her only surviving son that fends for her.

He fathers children numbering up to minimum of seven from two wives, and he is the sole fender for his immediate family and old mother.

According to the accounts of his two wives in the viral WhatsApp voice note, three months before Decorous unlawful “arrest”, arguments were said to ensued via phone call conversations between him and his old childhood friend, who is now a “powerful” member of the Governor Yahaya Bello’s cabinet.

Amidst the conversation via phone call, threats of him going to prison was said to be made by the said supposed childhood turned ‘powerful’ appointee friend, then Decorous retorted, challenging him to go ahead to execute his threat of him going to prison, else he is a bastard. Then three months after, masked men on military uniform were said to stormed Decorous’ yougourt factory and forcibly whisked him away with three of his workers who protested against their boss’ unlawful “arrest”.

I’m not alleging anybody as the orchestrator of his abduction here, but pardon me for using a Yoruba adage as a logical analogy thus: “Aje ke lale ana, omo kuloni, ta ni o pa omo? Meaning, a witch blubbed yesterday night, then suddenly a child died this morning, who then killed the child?

Again, a proverb in our native Ebira dialect would ask that, when a limping man enters a house, and moments later, a limping masquerade exited that same house, then who is in the masquerade?

Thus, threat of imprisonment was made during phone call conversations, then months later, Decorous a devout Muslim, who had no issues with anyone before then was allegedly kidnapped, and till date nothing has been heard of him, who then was behind his kidnapping?

If he (Decorous) and Kashim that was equally ‘kidnapped’ eight months ago in Ihima District were in any way found wanting to have broken the law, why were they not arrested in accordance to the dictates that are within the ambit of law, and get prosecuted in the the courts of competent jurisdictions?

Why were they ‘kidnapped’, leaving their families and loved ones in the dark over their whereabouts?

Now, after years and months respectively that these Ebira sons were ‘politically’ abducted, whether they are still alive today or extra-judicially killed, is a question no one can boldly answer including their family members.

No one can rightly attest to any of these two fates that must have befell Decorous and Kashim now, no one knows their whereabouts, and the kinds of treatments they are subjected to, but only their political abductors and orchestrators.

Sadly enough, there are tens or twenties of Kashims and Decorouses across Ebiraland whose fates have been decided in these similar heartless, monstrous and inhuman manners that are unheard of.

Their family members would only mourn in what German Noelle Neumann described as spiral of silence, accept their fates, move on, while the tales of their kidnapped brethren are interred eternally into the abyss of history.

They are gone forever and never to return again, their family members would hardly see them again. Their children especially those who are very young during the abductions of their fathers would hardly know the facial identities of their fathers again.

Who then takes up the responsibilities of these emergency-orphaned children, as they journey down the routes of futures laden with uncertainties? What are their fates of not becoming liabilities to themselves, their families and societies in future?

What about their emergency-widowed wives, what are their fates?

As I drop my pen here, I ask again, at whose behest are all the heinous political kidnappings and killings in Ebiraland? Who are the orchestrators?

In as much as answers can’t be readily be provided to these questions for now, one thing the culprits of these crimes to humanity should discern is that Anebiras don’t forget, they hardly forgive people who had committed attrocities against them.

Stale pounded yam can still be freshly hot even after hundred years. These individuals should better know this now that posterity shall take its due course

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Opinion

Allegations of Underperformance Against Kano Government ,Baseless,Misleading And Watery -Tijjani Sarki

Published

11 hours ago

on

June 12, 2025

By

 

 

 

It is truly baffling how individuals, comfortably seated in their air-conditioned offices and who are detached from the realities on ground, could issue such a watery, unsubstantiated and misleading statement, under the guise of public commentary. The recent publication by the so-called APC Patriotic Volunteers, led by Alhaji Usman Alhaji the former Secretary to Kano State Government (self acclaimed Wazirin Gaya), reeks of desperation, a feeble attempt to whitewash a sordid past and distract people from the genuine efforts being made by the NNPP-led administration under the capable leadership of His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Ideally, APC members should have buried their heads in shame, for the atrocities they had committed, which included: mismanagement and misappropriation of the resources of Kano people, self – enrichment and misuse of public properties

Let us set the record straight, point by point:

1. Water Supply: Mismanagement and Recovery

It is laughable and hypocritical for APC sympathizers to lament water scarcity when the current crisis is the direct fallout of years of neglect, decay, and mismanagement under their watch. The NNPP administration inherited a comatose water infrastructure but is already making measurable progress:

i.Procurement of 10 high-capacity water pumps to revamp the state’s water supply system.

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ii.Drilling of 6 industrial boreholes.

Ongoing rehabilitation of distribution networks.

Your government never made such strategic or comprehensive interventions. Expecting instant results after years of neglect is unrealistic and disingenuous.

2. Education: From Ruins to Revitalization

The APC left Kano’s education sector in a deplorable state dilapidated classrooms, underpaid and demoralized teachers, zero strategic investment, and no annual increments or promotions. Under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf:

i.A State of Emergency on education was declared.

ii.Education budget allocations rose dramatically to 29% in 2024 and 31% in 2025 the highest in Kano’s history.

iii.Hundreds of classrooms are being renovated and newly constructed across all LGAs.

iv.Recruitment of qualified teachers is underway to fill critical gaps neglected for years.

To claim “little to see” is either blatant dishonesty or willful blindness.

3. Demolitions: Restoring Public Purpose

Yes, demolitions have occurred,but not out of vindictiveness. They are necessary actions to reclaim illegally acquired public lands. The APC shamelessly converted public assets and green spaces into private estates for cronies, including Filin Idi, Race Course, Kundila Housing Estate, State Road civil servant quarters, and more.

Unlike your era of privatization and land grabbing, the current government is restoring these spaces to serve public needs schools, hospitals, roads, and green areas. This is justice, not chaos.

4. Independent Power Project (IPP): Clarifying the Facts

The IPP was not an APC initiative. It was inherited in a fragmented state and was being deliberately dismantled. The NNPP administration intervened to restore the original plan and ensure electricity reaches strategic areas like Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities.

Even if you argue these estates benefit a few, remember that Kwankwasiyya City is the largest single housing estate in Kano state. When completed, it will significantly boost the state’s socio-economic prospects unlike the empty infrastructure projects under your administration, which served contractors more than the people.

5. Silencing Opposition? Promoting Responsible Media

No media house has been banned for airing opposition views. The recent agreement among media executives aimed to curb vulgar, indisciplined, and defamatory political programming that promotes hate speech and misinformation.

no fewer than 262 broadcast violations relating to politics and personality attacks were recorded in Kano State
within just two months (January–February 2025). Would you prefer we continue down a path that inevitably leads to unrest?

6. Ecological Funds: Tangible Actions

There is no dispute about the receipt of ecological funds. The difference lies in tangible project execution:

i.Bulbulawa in Ungogo LGA now has active erosion control works after years of neglect,by your administration.

ii.Wailari and several other erosion control projects are ongoing.

iii.Drainage rehabilitation and flood prevention are progressing in multiple roads in state capital and some LGAs.

If you cannot acknowledge this progress, at least refrain from misleading the public.

7. External Borrowing and Transparency

Your administration was infamous for accruing debts without transparency or accountability. We challenge you to publicly disclose:

The total debts acquired under the Ganduje administration.

Detailed reports on how those debts were utilized.

The NNPP administration, unlike yours, has not taken any foreign loans since assuming office. The books are open for public scrutiny.

8. Salary and Pension Irregularities: Accountability in Action

Irregularities discovered in April salary payments were promptly addressed with disciplinary actions a hallmark of transparency. Contrast this with your tenure, where:

i.Civil servants were often unaware of their exact salary figures.

ii.Salaries and pensions were arbitrarily cut.

iv.Payroll fraud thrived unchecked with ghost workers on the payroll.

v. Under your administration hundreds of pensioners died without receiving their legitimate gratuity after serving the state fir over 30 years.

9. Local Government Autonomy and Emirate Disputes

Pretending to champion local government autonomy is hollow when your government controlled all 44 LGAs as mere extensions of the State Executive Council. The current administration is working to ensure LGAs are governed by elected officials, not puppets.

Regarding the Emirate dispute, it remains a matter before competent courts. The NNPP government consistently respects the rule of law, unlike your blatant disregard for multiple court rulings during your demolition excesses.

10. Legitimacy and Performance

It is irresponsible to brand this government “illegitimate” when INEC declared it the winner and courts upheld the results. Attempts to rewrite history with propaganda only tarnish the APC’s already dwindling reputation in Kano.

Instead of bitter attacks, the APC should answer:

Why were schools left in ruins?

Why was water unavailable for years despite billions spent?

Why were public properties sold to cronies?

Why were debts piled without meaningful progress?

CONCLUSION

The NNPP-led Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may not be perfect, but it is genuinely working restoring sanity, investing in people, and rebuilding Kano from the ruins your administration left behind. Your desperate attempt to undermine these efforts with long-winded propaganda filled with half-truths and unverified allegations insults the intelligence of the Kano people.

We urge the APC to come forward with facts or allow this government to work in peace. The people of Kano know better now.

Signed:
Tijjani Sarki,
Secretary General,
Eye on Kano Initiative
Kano, Nigeria
11th June 2025

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Opinion

Tears, Prayers, and Riyals: A Hajj to Remember with Gov. Yusuf

Published

4 days ago

on

June 9, 2025

By

 

By Ibrahim Adam

In the sacred valleys of Mina, where millions gather seeking divine mercy, something unusual happened.

It wasn’t the rituals or the crowd—it was the sight of a Nigerian governor moving quietly from tent to tent, pressing warm greetings into pilgrims’ palms alongside 250 Saudi Riyals, and whispering “Barka da Sallah” like a father would to his children.

That governor was Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. And for the over 3,345 Kano pilgrims under his care, this was more than a religious journey—it became a deeply human experience of being seen, valued, and loved.

“He walked with us,” said Alhaji Musa from Gwale, his voice trembling with emotion. “Not as a politician. As one of us. As a brother.”

A Leader Who Showed Up

Governor Yusuf’s Hajj story didn’t start in Saudi Arabia. Months earlier, in Kano, he stood before hundreds of hopeful pilgrims and made a promise:

“We will not let the burden of cost block your path to the House of Allah.”

Initially, he pledged 200 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim. But upon arrival in the Kingdom, he increased it to 250 Riyals, further surprising the pilgrims with a gesture that felt both generous and personal.

When currency instability threatened the Basic Travel Allowance, he released over ₦376 million in emergency support to ensure each pilgrim received their full $500.

“He didn’t leave us at the airport. He followed us to Makkah, to Mina, to Arafat,” said Hajiya Rabi from Dala.

“He came before everyone, inspected our hotels, tasted our meals, asked about our beds.”

He wasn’t just preparing for the cameras. He was preparing for the people.

In Mina, a Governor Turned Father

Under the scorching Saudi sun in Mina, where sleep is brief and emotions run high, the governor emerged quietly with his team a day after Eid.

No sirens. No announcement. Just warmth.

He moved from tent to tent, personally distributing 250 Riyals to every single Kano pilgrim—3,345 in total. The joy was instant. The emotion, overwhelming.

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“When he announced the money, I started crying,” said Hajiya Safiya, an elderly widow from Dawakin Tofa.
“I didn’t expect him to even visit, let alone remember us.”

It wasn’t just about the money. It was the humility of the gesture. The human touch.

Three Square Meals and a Human Connection

For many pilgrims, this was also the most comfortable Hajj they had ever experienced—not in luxury, but in dignity.

• In Makkah, pilgrims received two hot meals daily.

• In Mina and Arafat, where pilgrims often struggle for food, they enjoyed three full meals per day—fresh, consistent, and culturally familiar.

And it wasn’t just the quality of the food. Meals were brought directly to the pilgrims’ doorsteps—ensuring no one was left out or delayed.

This small but thoughtful gesture meant every pilgrim ate on time and with ease.

“I have been to Hajj before,” said Malam Bala, a retired teacher.

“But this time, I was never hungry. I didn’t fall sick. I felt cared for.”

The governor’s presence ensured clean toilets, mobile clinics, and direct coordination with Saudi authorities to ease the movement of pilgrims—especially the elderly.

Words of Guidance, Not Just Gifts

Even amid his generosity, Governor Yusuf remained focused on purpose. He addressed pilgrims in a heartfelt sermon, urging them to pray for peace in Nigeria and to uphold Kano’s good name.

“You are not just here for yourself,” he said.

“You are here for your family, your state, your country. Conduct yourself with humility. Saudi law is strict—stay away from anything suspicious.”

His warning was gentle but firm. His tone—not that of a boss, but of a leader who cares enough to correct you with love.

A Memory Etched in Spirit

What made this Hajj unforgettable wasn’t just the money, the food, or the logistics. It was the presence of a leader who chose to be among his people, not above them.

“When I tell my children about Hajj 2025, I will say: ‘We went with a governor who stood by us, prayed with us, cared for us,’” said Malama Hadiza, her voice cracking.

The phrase “Ya yi mana kamar uba”—He was like a father to us—echoed from tent to tent.

Final Thoughts: A Hajj Beyond Rituals

In the end, it wasn’t the rituals alone that defined this Hajj for Kano pilgrims.

It was the tears shared, the prayers offered, the Riyals gifted—not from a government account, but from a governor’s heart.

Governor Abba K Yusuf reminded everyone watching that leadership is not about distance, protocol, or pride—it’s about presence.

About walking among your people when they are at their most vulnerable. About reminding them they are not alone.

And that—more than the meals, the money, or even the smooth logistics—is what they will remember.

He walked with us. And we will never forget.

Ibrahim Adam is a Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Information and Head of Hajj Media Team 2025.

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Opinion

DSP Barau : Most Influential Northern Senator, 2024/2025, Study reveals

Published

4 days ago

on

June 8, 2025

By

Senator Barau

 

From Abba Anwar

Study reveals that, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin emerges as the Most Influential Senator from Northern Nigeria consisting of 19 states of the federation.

An umbrella platform of 27 organizations, called, Indivisible Nigerian Project, made this known before Nigeria’s Democracy Day, June 12, celebration, kickstart, after an Executive Meeting in Nassarawa state.

In a letter signed by Northern Convener of the platform, Dr Danjuma Monday Keffi, and transmitted to the Deputy Senate President, it was disclosed that, all the affiliated organizations engaged in one way or the other, in scrutinizing all Northern Senators from 2024 to 2025.

This study which followed a scientific engagement and analysis, views, not only positions held by different Senators from North, it gives emphasis to the impact of individual Senators to their respective constituencies. Individual efforts in life saving interventions and responsible approach to human development, are part of the working indices.

The study document, reveals that, Senator Jibrin’s non-preferential treatment of all parts of Nigeria, in his legislative responsibilities gained many points for him. Which could at the same time oil his engine of national capacity.

“This work is a rigorous and time consuming exercise, which beams an independent light in search of objective realities for all our Distinguished Northern Senators. With the view to understanding more committed and engaging legislators,” says the document.

Though Senator Jibrin, according to the study, “… is representing Kano North Senatorial District, but his work cuts across all parts of the country. Especially on matters around Bills sponsorship and following same to logical end.”

Some few examples were figured out in the report. “Even before the years under study, ie 2024/2025, Senator Barau Jibrin has been a consistent contributor and engaging legislator of substance in serving all parts of the Nigeria.”

They identified few Bills which he sponsored and were not for his state even, not to talk of his constituency, Kano North.

Among them are Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Bill (2023), Federal College of Education (Technical), Aghoro Bill (2019), in Bayelsa state, College of Mines and Geological Studies, Guyuk, Bill (2019), Federal University of Aquatic Studies, Ogharu, Bill (2019), in Anambra state and University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Bill (2017), Development Planning and Projects Continuity Bill (2023), among others.

To them such and similar Bills wouldn’t have scaled through to see the light of the day, if the particular sponsor is not that influential on the floor of the Senate and in the sight of the Executive.

Looking at his position, as the Deputy Senate President, from the North, it could therefore be natural to say, Senator Jibrin is Influencial. Or more influential than his Northern colleagues.

But this organization looks beyond that, in fact they argue that, holding higher position does not necessarily translate into being influencial. To them, position and influence are not always twins.

It was their meticulous and unbiased analysis of his achieved influence that, gives birth to the final result. Where he emerges as the Most Influential Northern Senator.

While it is believed that, there exists joint – influence among Senators, it is also understood that, DSP has special place in the eyes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Arguing that, how Bills sponsored by the Deputy Senate President gets Presidential assent, after being passed by the Red Chamber, is an important administrative-cum-legislative aspect to be considered. The speed it takes for his sponsored Bills to get Presidential nod is noteworthy and gingering.

That special treatment, if you like, was more evident and glaring when you visit and revisit process and procedures followed when Barau sponsored Bills during plenary sessions. A Senator with an excellent disposition of legislative technicalities.

It could only take an influencial Senator to sponsor Bill establishing a Federal Polytechnic and sponsoring another to effect the change of name of the not-long-ago established Polytechnic, to University status. All got Presidential assent within no time.

This is a case of Federal Polytechnic, Kabo, which has recently been changed to Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, a local government under his constituency. Even the establishment of Federal College of Science and Technology, Rano, from Kano South Senatorial District, has the unwavering blessing of Senator Jibrin, as highlighted by this platform.

According to the study, it also takes a highly influential Senator to, within a twinkle of an eye, lobbied for the renaming of Federal College of Education, Kano, (it’s renaming to University was abolished during Buhari administration – su Buhari manya) to Federal University of Education, Kano. And to, within a span of brief time, lobbied again, to the Presidency, to rename the University to Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

The establishment of North West Development Commission (NWDC) in 2024, is his effort, assisted by his other colleagues. He singlehandedly sponsored the Bill and got Presidential assent with no tear.

The study discloses that, “Senator Barau Jibrin’s all-engaging influence created a corridor for the first regional endorsement of President Tinubu. That was started from North West and subsequently transported to other regions and associations.”

The document indicates that, DSP’s influence among other considerations, paved way for Tinubu’s recent endorsement that took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In my personal view, it could be DSP’s overt and covert influences that move some Nigerians to start insinuating that, he would get higher national office, come 2027. Whether true or half-truth, he has all it takes. No doubt about this. Apart from his political shock absorbers, the substance and patriotic commitment in him, places him above many. Neither a floating Senator, but a proving legislator. Who proves his mettle at whatever rate.

To further accentuate how solid and objective their study appears, they cited that there was similar study recently conducted by another group entirely different from theirs, which presented the Senator as the Most Visible Northern Legislator.

To be specific they made reference to the online version of Daily Trust newspaper of Wednesday, 14th May, 2025, which published a piece captioned “DSP Barau : Most Visible Northern Legislator.”

In that publication they quoted the person who signed the opinion polls report, the National Coordinator of the platform, James Audu Dogo, who says, “At whatever length, the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, appears to be the most visible and responsive Senator in both the Nigerian media and African media respectively.”

The same report challenged that, “Out of the total Northern Senators included in the process, DSP scores above 95 percent. When it comes to public presentation towards his primary constituency. As he becomes frequent visitor to his primary constituency. Where he briefs electorate as and when due. Not a seat-warmer legislator.”

They quoted the group as Media – Legislative Engagement for Democracy ( M- Len4D).

Dr Keffi said very soon the platform would go and present an Award of Excellence to the Deputy Senate President for emerging as the Most Influencial Senator in Northern Nigeria.

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
Sunday, 8th June, 2025.

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