By Abba Anwar

Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, is no stranger to political persecution, orchestrated machinations and creation of bamboozled lies against him even before he became DSP of the 10th Assembly.

Few months before the 2023 general election, he met stiff resistance and ploys against his political life and development. Let me cite an example here, there was a time, he brought Hummer Buses alongside smaller vehicles, for distribution to Students’ Union bodies, alongside other associations.

All the vehicles were inscripted with his name, as the person who donated them. They were all parked at Coronation Hall premises, at Kano Government House. To the chagrin of all, he was forced to effect the deletion of his name as the contributor of the vehicles. His name was replaced with another name.

To the surprise of all, during the presentation day of the vehicles, all those who spoke at the occasion didn’t recognize, even his presence, as Senator representing Kano North. Though he didn’t cry profusely then, to display his disappointment, but many of us spotted drops of tears in his both eyes. Naked humiliation and political persecution at play.

Before 2023 election, Barau had to press some buttons from Abuja, before he got the ticket. Not even the ticket, before he got the form for the contest. As Allah made it possible, after he emerged victorious from internal persecution, humiliation and frustration, as the only Senator under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kano, as the remaining Senators came from NNPP. He eventually became the Deputy Senate President. As Allah Wishes. That is how Allah Works.

Above are just few out of many persecutions and humiliations Barau got from the same party he belongs to, the APC. There are also lessons to learn from those experiences. Lessons of how Allah Works.

So the recent lies, hues and cries against him over the controversial screening by the Senate, of Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu, to become CEO/Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) are not strange to him. Neither could they derail him from focusing on his political ambition and genuine love for Kano, North and Nigeria as a whole.

Before touching some of the concocted lies against him, let me begin with what Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, the Director General of National Productivity Centre, said over the incident. He reveals how some individuals met him and invited him to join hands with them in discrediting Senator Barau over this screening palaver.

In a 2:54 minutes short video, Dan Agundi said, “I am doing this brief explanation for the people of Kano state. Especially those who feel bad because of the story going round that Senator Barau was responsible for not clearing the nomination of Eng Garba Ramat for the chairmanship of a federal government agency (National Electricity Regulatory Commission).

He continues, “What worries me the most is when some people who know that I am not a supporter of Senator Barau (in his political ambition), came to me and requested me to spearhead rumors, confusion and crisis over the issue….They wanted me to be part of the team aimed at tarnishing his image via allegations and lies.”

Dan Agundi further challenged them that, “I told them clearly that, it is absolutely not in my character to delve into such ploy for character assassination… I know he (Barau) has no hand at all, whatsoever, in stopping Eng Ramat’s screening and clearance.”

As he advised, “People should start asking questions, as to why Ramat was not cleared. Though Senator Barau as DSP is there… Senator Barau is absolutely innocent in the entire matter. I also came to know this later.”

Dan Agundi then warned, “Let me say this categorically clear that, if they dare to go to any other place and present what they came to me with, and I saw an execution of same, I will not hesitate to reveal their names.”

Even if I don’t always share similar political views with Dan Agundi, but I sincerely respect him when he further explained that, “Even if I don’t support Barau, but we still respect one another as human beings. People should understand that, all those things are orchestrated to give Barau a bad name.”

“Similar things were done against him in the past. All I know is, Allah Will not Hold him responsible for what he did not do,” he concluded.

Part of the wild allegations against DSP was that, they said the sum of $10 million exchanged hands. Few hours after the allegations, the Senate had spoken. In the Daily Trust of Friday, 7th November, 2025, it was reported that, “The Senate has denied allegations that its leadership received a $10 million bribe to block the screening and confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).”

Adding that, “… the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), described the allegation as baseless and mischievous. And that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on October 7, 2025, requested the Senate to confirm Ramat as NERC’s chairman. Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.”

When Senator Adaramodu said the following, I now sensed and felt, the end of the road for the nominee. He said, in that Daily Trust report, ” The Senate is statutorily bound to pause consideration of any nominee facing serious public petitions or controversies. Many nominees in the past have been stepped down for similar reasons. Mr. Ramat’s case is no exception.”

I also felt sorry for Eng Ramat and understood that, those spreading rumors against Sen Barau in the name of protecting the appointee, are doing more harm to him (Ramat), as Senate position goes this way that, “No one can drag the National Assembly into disrepute with unfounded claims in an attempt to arm-twist the legislature. We will engage Mr. Alwan in court to provide Nigerians with evidence to support his assertions.”

Another aspect that looks scary is the Senate’s stand that, “Nigerians deserve appointees who pass through rigorous and transparent screening processes, not those who attempt to bully their way into office through falsehood and blackmail,” as said by Senator Adaramodu.

At the hey hours of concocted lies against the Senator, the nominee Eng Ramat distanced himself from all the allegations. When he posted a disclaimer on his Facebook page.

In it he said, “My attention has been drawn to a post circulating online alleging that His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin, is blocking my confirmation as Chairman NERC. This claim is completely NOT true.”

He dismissed that, “I sincerely appeal to the good people of Kano State and the general public to refrain from sharing or believing such false information. The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (DSP), has actually been supportive and has continued to make commendable efforts to ensure that my report, which has already been cleared by the Senate screening committee chaired by Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, is presented to the 10th Senate for confirmation.”

As if those chanting political war songs against DSP on Ramat’s screening and clearance, were deaf, dump and blind, with all the disclaimer put forth by the nominee, rejecting all allegations against the Senator, they proceeded deeply in their machinations.

Engineer Ramat did not relent, he issued another statement for the second time within two days, which he tagged as public statement and posted on his Facebook page again.

In it, he clarified that, “My attention has been drawn to some online publications and public discussions that have attempted to link my name to statements or actions said to be against the Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON (sic).”

He disclosed that, “From the very start of my nomination as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Senator Barau Jibrin has been a strong pillar of encouragement and support. In fact, he was the first person to call me immediately after my announcement, and has since shown me nothing but goodwill and mentorship.”

To his chagrin Ramat reiterated that, “Let it be known that the very first day I noticed these stories, I posted a clear disclaimer disowning them and personally reached out to several people appealing for calm and restraint. Sadly, instead of easing the tension, those efforts seemed to encourage more of such activities, which I find unnecessary and unfair to everyone involved.”

To officially distance himself from the noise makers he highlighted that, ” I want to make it absolutely clear that I did not authorize any press conference, protest, or public statement by anyone in my name. The only time I spoke officially was during my screening before the Senate Committee, where I defended myself and was successfully cleared.

Those who continue to use my name in this manner are doing so without my knowledge or approval. Their actions do not reflect my views or intentions.”

He was also forced to warn his detractors. He said, “However, if these activities continue, I may be compelled to take appropriate steps through lawful channels to protect my name and integrity.”

In his noise making business, one Alwan Hassan, from Nassarawa local government, one of the remnants of Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), one of the political platforms that, along other political groupings, formed All Progressives Congress (APC), at a press conference he called during the heyhours of the debate, he condemned Senator Barau for being solely responsible for Eng Ramat’s ‘travail.’

To remind my readers, CPC faction of the APC, was the political group that fought Tinubu’s nomination before he got the presidential ticket for the party. It was CPC elements at almost all levels, that fought hard to see the fall of Tinubu during 2023 elections. The same experience was visible in Kano’s gubernatorial election, when His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, were the flagbearers of the party, in Kano, then.

So in his attack of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President, Barau, this diehard CPC man, Alwan, challenged that, “Ramat’s confirmation has been stalled reportedly due to the actions of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio Godswill Obot Akpabio and his Deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin. Unfortunately these two men are APC members who in public claim to support the President, but in private work against his decisions.”

Though I don’t even take him serious, neither his self-defeatist approach, in his utterances, his day dreaming goes this way, “It is deeply troubling that, according to credible accounts, this delay is not because Engr Ramat does not merit the job, or is it in the national interest, but rather it is rooted in Senator Barau’s political machinations and personal selfish interests.”

This CPC guy thought he could intimidate Akpabio and Barau, when he ‘warned’ that, “Today, we are calling for Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin to allow due process to prevail. They must refrain from interference, respect the President’s mandate, and stop working against both the party and the interest of Kano citizens.”

I wonder between him and these gentlemen, who is working against Kano and its citizens. This is somebody who was Special Assistant to the then Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, but from the start of his appointment to the end, he has nothing to show for it. As his contributions to his people or community.

In trying to call attention for recognition, not in trying to become relevant, BECAUSE ALWAN CAN NEVER BE RELEVANT IN KANO POLITICS, he goofed and disappointed Eng Ramat. I made reference to what Ramat said above. Also in trying to call attention for recognition again, he made a wild allegation against the Senate and DSP. Which the Senate notified him of their decision to take him to court of law, for him to substantiate his ill-informed and ill-advise utterances against the institution of the Senate.

On an online Dokin Karfe TV short interview, Alwan asked rhetorically, “What has Ramat done to him (Barau)? What Kano people did to him to deserve this? We will not leave this man to become a Governor of Kano.”

I laughed profusely when he said so. This is someone who cannot even win his chapter during elections, not Ward or local government. Hear him boasting they would not allow Senator Barau becomes a Governor in Kano. Laughable, disappointing and dramatic.

Readers should understand that, CPC, is no longer relevant in Tinubu’s administration. He knows how they fought his presidential ambition. And how they frustrated the entire process for him. So, who among CPC elements could now come forward and say he or she is supporting Tinubu’s administration. Too late to cry. I mean at all levels. They don’t actually have any bearing under the current dispensation.

What is so worrying during the press conference he convened was the presence of the former Chairman of Ungogo local government, Hon Muhammad Badaru Umar. One of the strongest pillars in Gawuna circle. The worrying part of it was, I know Badaru for over 20 years back, I have been relating with him since then. I knew him and I still know him as a gentleman, reserved, religious and organized.

Though I believe, had Badaru known what Alwan would spit at the conference, he wouldn’t have been there at all. Because Badaru has never been that low. The way I knew him. Which I’m sure he still maintains that. I also tell people that, Badaru was former Ungogo local chairman as Ramat was. His presence, could also be seen as solidarity to another former chairman of his local government.

But all my excuses and expression of benefit of doubt, cannot exclude other people from seeing Badaru, from the other side of the coin. That some may see and understand him as a representative of Gawuna at the event. I think all people are entitled to their respective opinions.

When Alwan said DSP Barau doesn’t like Kano and its people, I then asked myself, what this guy is saying? All the scholarships for thousands of our people from Kano under Barau Foundation, sponsoring students abroad for their postgraduate studies, the establishment of North West Development Commission, establishment of Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, upgrading Federal College of Education, to University (the position removed by Muhammadu Buhari administration) and later reversed by Tinubu administration for the FCE, Kano to become Federal University of Education Kano, as being facilitated by Senator Barau. And the renaming of the University after Yusuf Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano, among others are all not show of love to Kano and her people?

What of DSP’s immense contribution to Security agencies, especially Nigeria Police Force, Kano Command, with operational vehicles and other interventions? Are these all not show of love for Kano? So I don’t comprehend what Alwan means by saying Senator Barau doesn’t like Kano.

I will advise the Distinguished Senator Barau to send emissaries to Alwan, to come and kneel before him, to please and kindly allow Barau to become Kano State governor. Very funny indeed!

For Ramat, he is one of the former local governments APC chairmen, that I respect very much. His credentials are there for him as fine and refined documents. Ramat was the most digitally compliant local government chairman amongst all chairmen from all the 44 local governments in Kano. During their reign. Is someone I salute comfortably for his intellectual capacity and prowess.

For my readers, let us all know that, abuse and castigation of leaders, are not the monopoly of any fellow among us all. These are characters or habits that are not skilful. One needs no skill to master such behaviors. In fact even mad people in the street can engage in these, perfectly well. So it is not something to boast about and raise shoulders for.

Anwar writes from Kano,
Sunday, 9th November, 2025

By Zubair A. Zubair

The rise of Ugandan-born American politician Zohran Mamdani marks a new dawn for young people and the working class worldwide. His historic victory as Mayor of New York City, one of the richest cities in the world with a GDP of $1.3 trillion and home to more billionaires than any other, has proven that integrity, courage, and vision can triumph over prejudice, wealth, and propaganda.

Mamdani, a proud member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, has served as a representative of New York’s 36th District (Astoria, Queens) since 2021. Despite facing intense opposition from billionaires, far-right groups, and the storm of Islamophobia and racism, he emerged victorious. They called him names, labeled him a “terrorist,” and even linked him to 9/11 in a desperate bid to destroy his reputation. But truth prevailed.

Mamdani’s win wasn’t about religion, race, or origin. It was about solutions. The son of an Indian film producer and a Ugandan professor, Mamdani connected deeply with the struggles of ordinary New Yorkers. He campaigned tirelessly, offered practical answers to real problems, and showed the people that leadership is about service not privilege. His victory was a victory for integrity, competence, and courage.

This inspired me to reflect on my own country, Nigeria. If New Yorkers could look beyond race, faith, and origin to elect the right person, why can’t we? We, too, can build a nation where merit matters more than tribe or religion. Our divisions; ethnic, religious, and political have long held us back. Yet, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Nigeria needs love, unity, and a new generation of leaders; young, visionary, and patriotic. We must remove the barriers of hate and division that the political elite use to manipulate us. As Mark Twain wisely said, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” And as Charles de Gaulle noted, “Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.”

I dream of a Nigeria where an Igbo man can become governor in Kano, a Yoruba woman in Sokoto, or a Hausa/Fulani leader in Lagos and no one questions their right to serve. That would be the true mark of progress and national unity.

My mentor, Dr. Nelson Aluya, a Nigerian-American physician and advocate for youth leadership, always emphasizes the importance of young people taking part in politics. Mamdani’s success proves that change is possible, that young people can rise to power and lead with integrity.

As Abraham Lincoln said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” It’s time for the youth to realize that power belongs to the people. We must organize, participate, and believe in our ability to lead. You don’t need billions to win, you need a clear vision, an understanding of your people’s problems, and the courage to provide solutions.

If Mamdani can do it, you and I can too. It’s time for young Africans to take charge of our destiny, reclaim our politics from the elite, and build nations that work for everyone.

Zubair A. Zubair writes from Kano, Nigeria.
He can be reached at Zubairkano118@gmail.com

From Abba Anwar

All Progressives Congress (APC) is the ruling party at the national level, and opposition party in Kano state. Before 2023 general elections in Kano, the party was under the “mercy” and influence of the leadership. While party “elders” were described and seen as political messiah, to the then political realities.

Both categories did their best to the party, in approaches they thought were suitable and fit for the survival of the party, after election period of 2023. Actions and inactions from both leadership and followership standpoints gave birth to new normals, new realities and new understanding of life in post election period.

The disfigured nature of APC in Kano, its mutilated and diluted structure forced party members and party supporters to describe some experiences, as children of necessity. While some positions taken by leadership and elders, in pre-election, during election and post-election periods were seen as self-styled decisions. This is just an impression of some observers.

In pre-election period, people like Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Hon Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, among others, stand a better position to give clearer and vivid account for that scenario. Whether the treatment and design then were dicey or not, only these gentlemen and few others can explain with perfect precision. They were more or less victims of the situation then.

His Excellency the then Deputy Governor, and 2023 Gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and his running mate His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, stand a better position to give good account of what transpired amongst leaders and elders during election period. Including some aspects of pre-election engagement.

Especially when they cast their mind back and observe what role did the then Governor of Kaduna state played, during proper election period. Up to the time when election result was announced. Including other attending circumstances.

During post-election period some decisions taken by both the leadership and followership, could better be swapped with indecision. Looking at the consequences erupted from within. When leadership and elders are busy singing party cohesion and commitment, followers are always busy chanting songs of praises and condemnation against each other within the same APC in the state.

Without the support, either directly or indirectly, of some sections of the leadership and elders, such divided stances against each other wouldn’t have been so pronounced and entrenched within the fabric of the party. In clearer terms, some of the leaders and elders, have never been genuine and honest in their call for a united party.

Part of the reasons that prompted genuine party people like Hon Sabi’u Barista Baburi, to come up in clearer terms and condemn the actions of some of our leaders and elders.

What is more fascinating is the fact that some prominent leaders within the higher part of the ladder, are always up and doing in directing their followers, genuine and pretenders, that united party should always be the key. Let me give an example with three gentlemen who excel in this area. I mean the area of making sure that, the party waxes stronger and united.

The names are presented here in accordance with the alphabetical arrangement. These are His Excellency Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, former Deputy Gubernatorial candidate in 2023 election and His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, former Gubernatorial candidate in 2023 election.

For each one of them, I have concrete examples that none of them wants to see to the disintegration of the party. They love the party and always work in the direction of their conviction.

To call a spade a spade, I’m yet to meet one single person who says Senator Barau gave a marching order for his people to go and castigate any party member, either leader or follower. The same thing applies to both Garo and Gawuna. All the trio are reserved, humble, receptive, strategic and too much believe in the party hegemony.

Many at times when trouble makers report any ploy against Barau, either true or false, to his ears, he is pond of saying “Don’t mind, these are all political engagement. Just go and work for the party. We don’t have time to waste.” In fact some people around him, blame him for being too lenient to his detractors. This is my honest understanding of him.

For Garo, after dismissing such backbiting behaviors, he will tell you to your face, “Malam go and work for the survival of the party. What binds us all is the party. So please go and concentrate on party activities.”

I still remember vividly clear, when an association was floated within the party and such move was reported to Garo, at the formative stage of the group, informing him that, so so group was in place not for the integration of the party. But for campaigning in favour of so so person, against 2027. He outrightly discouraged and dismissed the rumor mongers with this simple statement “Since they are working for the party, there is no point in rejecting their efforts. No matter what.”

In pre-election period, in one of the stakeholders meeting that was held in Africa House, Government House, Kano, Gawuna said to the faces of all that time, including the then Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, ” There are people coming to tell me many things about others in this great party. I’m warning for the last time, if they didn’t stop I will start exposing them one after the other immediately.” It is obvious that Gawuna was faced with such divide-and-get-influence style, may be, from some sections of the leadership or elders or followership or even a mixture of all.

It was so glaring in pre-election period, when Gawuna-Garo ticket was the talk of town, there were supporters of both sides of the coin, I mean from Gawuna side and Garo side, I said some of their supporters, were busy castigating each other’s boss, as if the political marriage was forced on them all.

It was very easy for Gawuna supporters (some of them), either as kitchen cabinet or mere well wishers, to see them condemning Garo for reasons best known to them. The same thing applied to Garo side. But what was interesting at the time was, none of the candidates, Gawuna and Gawo, was seen clearly supporting such erring and derailing supporters.

What put such people to shame was, the kind of respect and consideration, Garo shows to Gawuna. From day one to date. Some people, from the party, went to the extent that, they were happy that APC didn’t make it at the Supreme Court. Their reason? Had it been APC emerged victorious at the Supreme Court in 2023, Garo would have been sidelined since by now. This is their understanding of it. To me this is hallucinations in its best form. It is even very pathetic and annoying to think in this direction.

To me, Senator Barau’s domineering influence and exposure in national politics, call for his relevance at the national level come 2027. This is just my personal opinion. Let APC, not Kano APC alone, work for Barau, lobby on his behalf, for a position closer to the corridor of power, at the higher level, not state. It should be an elective position, anyway. His pedigree, expertise in governance, experience and knowledge of global political arrangement, set him above his contemporaries.

For Gawuna – Garo ticket, it can still be maintained and it can try frontside-backside switchover, depending on the situation and circumstance. The way I see it is, there are people disguising as genuine in the chemistry of APC in Kano, but they are nothing but fake, fake and fake!

The way I see it is this, at the instance of leadership failure to mend fences within the party, I suggest other groups should wade in, in earnest and save the situation. Groups like past local government chairmen of the APC, under the aegis of their association, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ( ALGON). They are still in touch with the grassroot.

We have a pool of legal luminaries, among them are Senior Advocates of Nigeria, retired Judges and Magistrates, etc, let’s leverage on that and put things in proper perspective. If all-politicians strategy is sending the party to ditches, let’s try a mixture of politicians and professionals to reach the promised land.

What is more attractive and fragile is the issue of who becomes what in the forthcoming 2027 elections. Especially that of gubernatorial candidate. Yes concensus is allowed in politics. But race is also a significant pillar in politics. Whatever concensus the party is interested in, it must be honest, patriotic with full fledged integrity. There is no harm in conducting primary elections of all positions.

It is also the sole responsibility of the party and logic to either go my way of thinking, in terms of gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidature come 2027, or another workable and feasible arrangement can come up and play magic. Among Barau, Gawuna and Garo, they may have things or features in common. And each one of them has his peculiarities. This is my firm belief and conviction. And I don’t blame anybody for anything if he or she has a counter position.

My advice also to leaders is, let us not witness the same situation as when Senator Kawu Sumaila, Rep Kabiru Rurum, and others, were forced out of the party in the name of concensus or party arrangement. Whatever arrangement or concensus is opted for, it should be with honesty, integrity, absolute commitment to truth and maturity. Anything below this, is negation to party survival and enhancement process.

What is more disheartening is this, that among leaders and elders of the party, keeping the party in disarray is more profitable to them than peaceful assembly. Very disheartening and ridiculous!

For instance, what is the benefit and importance of forwarding arguments of who is APC leader in Kano? When late President Muhammadu Buhari was alive and in control as the President, still at that time, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was seen, regarded and accepted as the Leader of the party. What position in our constitution that is above being President? So even President then was not regarded as the Leader. It was Tinubu who was regarded as such.

What then is the problem in this needless argument of between Ganduje and Barau who is the leader of APC in Kano? If Tinubu could be leader above Buhari, then what is the problem of Ganduje being a leader above Barau? This unnecessary and needless argument, is not doing any good for the party. This, is just standing logic on its head.

For Barau, Ganduje is still a leader in Kano APC. Can’t you see the kind of respect accorded to Ganduje by Barau whenever they meet, either in private or in the public? So of what benefit is the argument searching for who is a leader between the duo? Is very unnecessary, crafty and ill-intentioned.

Attention should not be restricted to who is the leader and who is the follower. If we are genuine, honest and committed, this sort of debate is waste of time and energy. What we are after now is, who does what in repositioning the party in Kano?

If politics is an art then Barau is one of the finest artists. But this is not our concern now. Our concern is how do we reposition the party in Kano. When issues are not handle properly, we will be left with the confusion of not knowing who is home and dry among all.

Attention to detail is my last statement.

Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 18th October, 2025