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Celebrating Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84

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Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari ,Emir Of Ilorin

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Today the highly revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu -Gambari CFR marks 84 years birthday.The former Jurist ascended the throne of his forefathers on Monday and he was also born on Monday. What a coincidence!

Being alive up to the age of 84 is a rare opportunity for anyone who really appreciate the homongous favour of the Almighty.The Chancellor of Bayero University Kano is an example of an Emir with a digital disposition and inclination.He believes so much in the progress of individuals and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Dwelling so much about his career as a retired Justice of Court of Appeal may not be necessary as many are aware of it.The Emir stands out as a man who had made Ilorin as a City to move away from the old ways of doing things even in terms of education. He has encouraged scholarship in all ramifications. Be it in Islamic perspective and western education. Emir Sulu Gambari is the first University graduate to have ascended the throne in more two centuries of Ilorin Emirate history .

Before his ascension to the throne of his progenitors, Ilorin had a handful of professors but today they’re as many as possible.He has achieved a lot but you know traditionally such may not be made public.

Mai Martaba has provided purposeful and impactful leadership, this can be captured in the words of Abubakar Imam, the National Secretary of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union IEDPU thus:

“The Emir has always taken care of the welfare and wellbeing of the ordinary people of his Emirate in words and actions. For instance, he initiated a Fund through which money was raised to address the immediate needs of the downtrodden people and residents of the community. The Fund was chaired by the Danmansani of Ilorin, Engr Sulaiman Ayinde Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, while the immediate past National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, fsi, was the Alternate Chairman. Over 15,000 individuals from all the nooks and crannies of Ilorin Emirate benefited from the Fund during the course of the perilous COVID-19 epidemic, which rocked the humanity about five years ago. It will also be recalled that the Emir purchased 400 bundles of corrugated iron sheet, which was distributed to the less privileged members of the community who were affected by a devastating rainstorm in 2021. The then IEDPU President was given the task of getting the item delivered at the footsteps of the victims of the natural disaster”

Before the coming of Emir of Ilorin, University of Ilorin was not a place an Ilorin indigene can gain admission into easily.In fact, only few had opportunity to school there at that time.But Emir Sulu -Gambari and other stakeholders ensured that an indigenous Vice Chancellor was giving opportunity to lead the Ivory tower for the first time,in person of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, the Talba of Ilorin Emirate .May Allah continue to grant Professor good health and plenty baraka. Professor Oba cannot even mention all those he has assisted, because the numbers are huge.

Today, there is fairness in the issue of admission into university of Ilorin.The standard was established by the administration of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem and has been sustained by his successors.

Eminent sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate are already sending their warmest messages to the Emir.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara state traditional rulers Council

The Emir, according to the Governor, “has remained a father to all while also deploying his rich experiences and networks to support not just the people of the Ilorin Emirate but also the people of the state as a whole.

The Governor prays to Allaah to give His Royal Highness good health and long life, and continue to uphold him upon goodness in his service to the people of the Emirate”

The Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district, Senator Saliu Mustapha has also congratulated the His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary

Senator Mustapha described the revered Emir who is a retired eminent jurist as “an ambassador of peace with an admirable style of leadership”

He affirmed that since the respected monarch’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 1995 as the 11th Emir of Ilorin, he has brought a lot of development and glamour to the entire State.

While extolling the emir’s humility and modernized vision for his domain and the country at large, Senator Mustapha prays God Almighty to grant the royal father more years of worthy service to his people and humanity in good health.

Furthermore,Honourable Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency also greeted the Emir “His Royal Highness has exemplified wisdom, compassion, and integrity throughout his reign, serving as a beacon of hope for the people of Ilorin and beyond. His visionary leadership has brought about tremendous growth and development, with a keen focus on fostering unity and inclusivity amongst his subjects. His unwavering dedication to our collective well-being is a testament to his selflessness and genuine concern for his people”

Under his guidance, Ilorin has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. His Royal Highness’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and prosperous society has played a pivotal role in shaping the Ilorin of today – a thriving community that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage while embracing the promise of a brighter future”

Similarly, A former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulwahab Oladimeji Issa has felicitated the Emir of Ilorin.He extolled the Emir thus,”his uncommon leadership qualities” and prayed that God grants him many more years of service to the people of Ilorin emirate and Nigeria.

“As you mark your 84th birthday anniversary which comes up today Monday, April 22nd, 2024, I write, on behalf of my family to extend warm felicitations to Your Highness.

“Only recently, you marked twenty-eight years of unquantified success on the throne as the Emir of Ilorin. Your uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of the Ilorin emirate and beyond, have combined to make you one of the most highly respected monarchs in Nigeria today.

“As you continue to use your exalted throne to build bridges of friendship and harmony across Kwara state and the nation, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah grants you many more years of abounding health, prosperity, and enduring fulfillment,” he added.

Hajiya Arinola Lawal also felicitates Emir of Ilorin on 84th birthday anniversary,
“I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt prayers to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin, on the occasion of his birthday

I beseech Allah to grant His Royal Highness a long and prosperous reign on the throne of his fathers, filled with peace, stability, and blessings for the Ilorin Emirate”

Meanwhile, LT Col Ramat Suleiman also joined the league of prominent Ilorin Emirate sons and daughters to celebrate the Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84.She described the Emir as a father to all and a lover of peace.The first Ilorin Emirate woman to have attained the rank of LT Col in the military extolled the Emir as a leader with great vision and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and more years ahead on the throne of his forefathers.

Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem,Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Honourable Moshood Mustapha,Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Hajiya Tundun Alanamu, Barrister Oba Magaji and others have also greeted the Emir at 84.

By way of conclusion,without mincing words Ilorin Emirate has witnessed tremendous transformation under the leadership of Emir Sulu -Gambari in all facets of the Emirate since his ascension in 1995.I wish the Emir a prosperous, healthy and pious 84th birthday anniversary and more years ahead Insha Allah.

Sheeeehuuuu.Walahu ya’simuka minna nas

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

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Opinion

Uromi Killings, Barau’s Intervention and Responsible Representation

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By Abba Anwar

Before any note on the barbaric Uromi mob action, let me begin with prayer for The Almighty Allah to Bless and Forgive the gentle soul of Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the son of the late Emir of Kano and Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniyya, Sir Muhammadu Sanusi and the father of the Kano State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Abbas.

Whenever I sighted the late Galadiman Kano, my mind naturally recollects the face of his respected and revered father, our Tijjaniyya guide, beacon of hope, an epitome of greatness and scholarship, Sir Sanusi, whom I was privilege to visit in both Azare and Wudil, with my parents, when I was much younger, but not toddling.

We had a tradition back in the family, that the younger ones were included in such visits turn by turn. So I was included in two visits to Azare and two visits to Wudil. Where the blessed hands of Sir Sanusi were on my head full with prayers. Alhamdulillah.

ALLAH YA JIKAN GALADIMAN KANO, ALHAJI ABBAS SANUSI

Coming down to the barbaric incident that affected legitimate hunters, in Uromi, Esan North East of Edo state, where 16 hunters were burned to death, an incident that went viral in both the traditional and the new media, the action was condemned across the nation.

Political leaders, governments and other humane elements were up and doing dismissing the anti-human development as condemnable and animalistic.

While I acknowledge and appreciate the concerns of many, I was personally moved by extra efforts put by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, for moving extra miles and strategizing ways for redress. Responsive and responsible leadership at work.

He immediately condemned the mob action dastardly exhibited when it happened. Then followed by many other well meaning Nigerians. Kudos to all in this direction.

When the Governor of Edo state, H. E. Monday Okpebholo paid a condolence visit to Barau in Abuja, the Deputy Senate President said,
“We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to, is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.”

To tell you how concerned Barau is he further stated that, ” I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.

If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again.”

The Deputy Senate President didn’t stop at that, he called the attention of the President and other well meaning Nigerians, including the security agencies, lamenting over the sad development.

Edo state Governor, started with Senator Barau and from there, based on his fruitful discussion with the Deputy Senate President, he was convinced that his coming to Kano, could douse tension and portray him (Edo Governor) as right thinking leader. Of which he attested to that.

Even before he left Senator Barau in Abuja for Kano, the Governor was made to understand the importance of paying condolence visit to the hometown of the slained victims. Which he also complied. A good of him indeed.

So he came to Kano, visited the Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf. From there he proceeded to the see the families of the victims.

What I am trying to portray here is, how the DSP put all the strategies in place for bringing the culprits to book, to douse tension and see ways of giving helping hand to the families of the deceased and to those who sustained injuries.

Governor Okpebholo’s first disclosure about his effort in dealing with the situation was first known during his visit to the Deputy Senate President, when he explained that, “It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy.

The President is doing something drastic about this. He is not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.

So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a Committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased.”

Distinguished Senator Barau did not stop at that, he visited families of the victims who were gathered at At-Taqwa Mosque, Sabon Fegi, Bunkure local government, as all victims came from Bunkure, Rano and Kibiya local governments, Kano state.

To cushion the effect of trauma in those families he gave the sum of One Million Naira (N1m) to each of families of the 16 deceased ones. Making it a total of N16m in all.

During his visit he was quoted to have said, “I was worried when the incident happened. I had to call the Governor, security agencies and all stakeholders involved.

They swung into action. So far apart from the 14 people who have been arrested, two more suspects have been nabbed. The state governor, who visited my house in Abuja, has assured me that the state government will support you.

We will not take it lightly. We will ensure that the culprits are brought to book and face the wrath of the law.”

Examining and appreciating Barau’s leadership qualities since the occurrence of the ugly incident, the entire families of the deceased commended him through the Chief Imam of the area, Sheikh Zainul Abidina Auwal.

They unequivocally thanked the Senator for his unwavering efforts in ensuring justice, adding that, “Rankai dade Senator you prove to be an excellent representative of your people. You are the leader we so much cherish. Your style of leadership is direly needed for the country’s development.”

To compliment his effort with legislative action, DSP Barau assured that when Senate resumes after Sallah holiday, he would sponsor a Bill to look into the activities of Vigilant groups and their modus operandi.

This will go a long way in checkmating their legitimate activities and other nefarious activities allegedly attach to their operations across the country.

His understanding of the situation and his great concern for Nigerians regardless of where they come from, prompts his moves from multi – faceted approach to make sure that Nigeria is safe and developed.

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

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Opinion

Clarification On Recent Events During The Eid-El-Fitr Celebration In Kano: A Response To The GiGG’s Malicious Statement

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Clarification On Recent Events During The Eid-El-Fitr Celebration In Kano: A Response To The GiGG’s Malicious Statement

In light of the recent malicious statement issued by the Global Initiatives for Good Governance (GIGG), which disrespects constituted authority and has the potential to cause uncertainty and security breaches regarding the events during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano, it is important to provide clarification regarding the actions of both the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Governor HE. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

First and foremost, it is essential to clarify that there was no Durbar held during this Eid celebration. Rather, what took place was the Emir’s procession to and from the Eid prayer at Kofar Mata, located outside the eastern city wall. This procession is a long-standing Islamic tradition (Sunnah), which involves taking a different route from the one followed to the prayer ground when returning. The Emir’s procession, limited to his guards and close officials, followed this practice in accordance with Islamic traditions. Unlike the Durbar, which is a formal parade involving district heads and traditional horse riders symbolizing allegiance to the Emir and the Emirate, this procession was conducted with full attention to both tradition and public safety.

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Durbar celebrations, as historically practiced, have not been held regularly in recent years, mainly due to concerns from security forces. The recent event was no exception. Both the Emir and the Governor acted with the intention of striking a balance between preserving cultural practices and ensuring the safety and security of the public. They did not disregard the law or public safety, rather, their actions were aimed at preventing the potential exploitation of the occasion by individuals seeking to disrupt peace and stability.

The breakdown of law and order that occurred was due to the actions of alleged, sponsored criminal elements who hijacked the occasion to create chaos. These individuals sought to tarnish the reputations of both the Emir and the Governor, possibly even attempting to blackmail them and state. We commend the Nigeria Police Force for their swift action in making arrests, which is an important step toward uncovering the full extent of the individuals and networks behind these destructive activities.

It is also essential to address the concerns raised by the faceless NGO. While the police do not have the constitutional authority to outrightly ban traditional programs such as this, they are within their rights to call for a suspension or cancellation based on actionable intelligence aimed at maintaining public safety. Any formal ban, however, would require adherence to due legal process.

The nation is now closely watching the Nigeria Police Force, and we are hopeful that justice will be served swiftly. We trust that ongoing investigations will identify all those responsible for these disruptive actions and ensure accountability.

A.T. Abdullahi
A Concerned Kano Indigene
31st March 2025

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Opinion

Periscoping Waiya’s Alleged Assault on Free Press Viz the Preponderance of Mob Reasoning

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By Al Amin Ubandoma

The recent controversy surrounding Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, has sparked heated debates about free press and mob reasoning. The controversy began with an opinionated article written by one Auwalu Ismail, which criticized Waiya that was widely circulated online.

The article contained allegedly malicious and defamatory statements about Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya. As a public figure, Waiya has the right to defend himself against such attacks, and his decision to report the matter to the police was a legitimate exercise of this right.

However, the response from journalists and Amnesty International was swift and merciless. Without recourse to the violation of Waiya’s rights, they condemned his actions as an assault on free press and a threat to democracy.

This mob-like response is a classic example of mob reasoning, where emotions and sensationalism override rational thinking and fairness.

The implications of this response are far-reaching. If public figures like Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya are not allowed to defend themselves against malicious attacks, it could create a culture of impunity where anyone can make false and defamatory statements without consequence.

Furthermore, the response from journalists and Amnesty International undermines the principles of fairness and justice as enshrined in journalistic ethics.

By failing to consider Waiya’s side of the story and his right to defend himself, Amnesty international, and its co-travellers perpetuated a one-sided narrative that ignored the complexities of the issue at stake.

The controversy surrounding Waiya highlights the need for fairness and balance in public discourse. While free press is essential to democracy, it is equally important to protect the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The mob-like response from journalists and Amnesty International is a reminder that even in the pursuit of press freedom, we must not trample on the rights of others.

Indeed, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mob reasoning and the importance of upholding fairness and justice in public discourse.

As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from Waiya’s experience and prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The protection of human rights is essential to creating a just and equitable society. By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures like Waiya, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In conclusion, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The debate surrounding Waiya’s actions is a reminder that the pursuit of press freedom is complex and multifaceted. While it is essential to protect the rights of journalists and writers, it is equally important to uphold the rights and privileges of public figures.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Waiya and the opinionated article highlights the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to public discourse.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The importance of protecting the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya cannot be overstated.

By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In the end, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing fairness and balance in public discourse, and it has indeed brought to fore how not to deployed mob reasoning on issues of human rights

Al Amin Ubandoma, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Lagos.

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