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A Tribute to late Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin, Captain Muhammad Ahmad Yusuf -Gobir

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By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Death is an inevitable transaction and it would come at an appointed time for whose time is ripe. It was the turn of Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin, Captain Muhammad Ahmad Yusuf-Gobir on Saturday, 12th October, 2024. The Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye announced the news of his death. There is no doubt that he was an astute family man and a great community leader.

Being a traditional title holder in Ilorin Emirate, many prominent sons of the Emirate have been paying tribute to the late Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR in a condolence message released by his spokesman, Abdulazeez Arowona described the the deceased as a gentle and loyal traditional Chief who has used his wealth of experience to unite the people within his domain and beyond. The Emir prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him aljannah firdaus.

In a similar message issued by his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq described Sarkin Gobir’s death as a personal loss to him, stressing that the deceased was his childhood friend. The Governor commended his fine legacies as an illustrious technocrat and administrator who oversaw an impressive turnaround of Ilorin International Aviation College within a very short time. According to Ajakaye, “Governor Abdulrazaq asks Allah to admit him to al-jannah Firdaus and uphold his family upon goodness.”

In the same vein, the Turaki of Ilorin and the Senator representing Kwara Central in the 10th Senate, Mallam Saliu Mustapha also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin Emirate and Chairman of Ilorin International Aviation College. He condoled with HRH Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Kwara State Government and the entire Ilorin Emirate for the loss of a great leader whose contributions to the community and aviation industry will be forever remembered. The Turaki of Ilorin also commiserated with the family of the deceased, praying for strength and fortitude for them during this difficult time. The federal lawmaker prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and forgive his shortcomings.

Another federal lawmaker, Honourable Yinka Aluko, representing Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency, equally expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin, Captain Muhammad Ahmad Yusuf -Gobir. In his condolence message, Aluko described Sarkin Gobir as a patriotic, God-fearing, and disciplined individual. He extended his commiserations to Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and the people of the state. He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family to endure the loss.

Hajiya Arinola Lawal, a lawmaker representing Ilorin East at the Kwara State House of Assembly also mourned the death of Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin. In her statement: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Captain Muhammad Ahmad Yusuf-Gobir, the esteemed Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin Emirate and Chairman of Ilorin Aviation College. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Captain Gobir’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the transformative impact he had on the Aviation College, which flourished under his leadership. His contributions to the community’s growth and development have left an indelible mark, and his absence will be deeply felt.

The Ilorin Emirate and Ilorin East Local Government are mourning the loss of a truly distinguished individual, and my thoughts are with them. Captain Gobir’s life was a testament to his dedication to the betterment of his community, state, and beyond.” She prayed Allah to grant him aljannah firdaus.

The relationship between Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and late Sarkin Gobir cannot be downplayed as his excellency was physically present during the janaza and the role he played in facilitating the movement of his remains to Ilorin from Kano. A loyal friend is a true friend, because he or she would still be consistently be there for you even at the point of death and that is the extent one can describe the action of his Excellency. The Turaki of Ilorin Senator Saliu Mustapha, former Minister of Interior General Abdulrahman Dambazau, Alhaji Garuba Lawal, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State Alhaji Idris Gobir Mohammed and other dignitaries also attended the janaza prayer, and subsequent condolence visit to the house of the deceased.

Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Tuesday 15th October, 2024 while on a condolence visit to the Gobir’s family disclosed that the relationship between the two family did not start from him. It began from their parents and they, the children, had also sustained it. The Waziri of Ilorin prayed to Allah to forgive late Sarkin Gobir and grant him aljannah firdaus.

I am currently in Ilorin so I had the opportunity to pay a condolence visit and have brief interviews with few family members.

Mallam Nasir Yusuf -Gobir is the immediate younger brother of the deceased and he described him as a patient and selfless personality. He stressed that he always reached out to others by offering help. In his words, “Sarkin Gobir was generous and kind. Sometimes he shared whatever he had with me by half. He wanted the family to shine by bringing everyone together.”

Mallam Nasir reiterated that in the late Sarkin Gobir’s philosophy, he believed they had not leveraged on the influence of their ancestors; so by uniting the family, such glorious moment would return. And indeed, he did a great job by uniting the family. He disclosed that many had been expressing fear over who will fill the vacuum his death might create, because he brought peace among Gobirawa. He prayed Allah grant him aljannah firdaus.

Sarkin Gobir Personal Assistant, Baba Gobir Abdullahi eulogized him as a great unifier. He recalled how late Sarkin Gobir Ahmad resolved issues among the Gobirawa in the entire Africa. He said Captain Ahmad efforts in resolving the issues amicably ushered in a new era of unity among Gobirawa in Ilorin and beyond. He was the principal promoter of Gobir .”

According to him “he took us to our root in Sabo Birnin Gobir in Sokoto State and Niger Republic. He united the family and the people in his community. He was tolerant. In fact, describing his personality would be inexhaustible. He was an icon of contentment, righteousness, honesty, and piety ”

Baba Gobir also said the late 9th Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin served in various committees set up by Mai Martaba Sarki Ilorin Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari and he performed excellently.

The late Sarkin Gobir was the eldest son of late Yusuf Amuda Gobir, the former Minister of Defence, and Ministry of Establishment. During his time he was regarded as super perm sec because of his approach to work. According to a retired ace broadcaster, who asked for anonymity. He said, “Yusuf Amuda Gobir was among the first generation of permanent secretaries in the country, and that he contributed a lot to the development of the country, Kwara, and particularly Ilorin Emirate.

It is significant to note that the late Sarkin Gobir’s father, late Yusuf Amuda Gobir, late Mutawali of Ilorin AGF Razak, Dr Amuda Aluko, the late Tafida of Ilorin and late Dr Olusola Saraki, the erstwhile Waziri of Ilorin were contemporaries and good friends.

The late Sarkin Gobir was born in 1962. He equally excelled in the aviation industry and in the service to humanity. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannah firdaus.

AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo writes from Ilorin and a member of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

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Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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I hope this letter finds you well Your Excellency. As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, I write to you today as a concerned and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, compelled by the urgency of our nation’s challenges and aware of your unwavering determination to steer it unto the path of greatness.

But a united front is indispensable in achieving your grand plan for the nations success. Internal party crisis in my dear state, threatens the very foundation upon which your vision lies – unity – and this I write to you today, eager spark meaningful dialogue and constructive action on your part.

Mr. President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leader of our party, your urgent intervention is crucial to address the pressing issues at hand. If left unattended, it may escalate into a crisis that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the party, making it challenging to manage. Your timely action would help mitigate this risk and ensure the party’s stability.

In Kano, it is generally acknowledged that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor and current National Chairman, leads our party. Members have consistently shown loyalty to his leadership since day one.

You will also recall that Dr. Ganduje actively supported your presidential bid, demonstrating a pure, genuine and unmixed commitment to your cause during both the presidential primaries and general elections. However, some individuals now seek to drive a wedge between you and the Chairman, feeling threatened by his influential position as the National Chairman of our great party.

Mr President sir, It is imperative to hold the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin accountable for plunging the All Progressives Congress into an avoidable crisis since taking office. As a seasoned politician and senator representing Kano North since 2015, his actions have significant implications. Barau Jibrin’s leadership has sparked division within the party, necessitating urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

Due to the recent removal of Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo as Minister, the All Progressives Congress is facing an unprecedented crisis in Kano North, a stronghold of the party since 2015. This division, fueled by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin’s actions, threatens the party’s stability. As a leader, Mr. President, it’s crucial to address this issue sustainably.

Barau Jibrin’s political strategy and human relations have been questionable, yet his influence led to the sacking of a loyal minister, Gwarzo. This decision was disheartening, considering Gwarzo’s impressive track record as a generous, humble, and grassroots politician. The people of Kano are upset, and rightfully so.

It’s essential to recognize Barau Jibrin’s intentions. He’s only loyal to you, Mr. President, because of your current position. History shows he’ll turn against you once you’re no longer in office. His self-serving nature is evident in his interactions with grassroots politicians.

To pacify the people and resolve the ongoing crisis, reappointing Gwarzo is imperative. This move will demonstrate your commitment to loyalty and fairness. The APC’s future in Kano North depends on it.

Mr. President, to ensure the party is back on track, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration with loyalists and consider the input of key stakeholders in Kano. This means moving away from decision-making that caters to a single individual who claims control over Kano North. Instead, foster an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives and promotes unity within the party.

By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen the party’s foundation but also demonstrate your commitment to fairness and representation. This approach will help prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure that the party’s interests are truly served. It’s essential to recognize that the party’s success relies on collective efforts, not individual interests.

For your information Mr President, Barau’s electoral successes can be attributed to the popularity of the House of Representatives candidates from his Senatorial District. These individuals are widely admired and respected by their constituents. However, rather than leveraging his own strengths, Barau has consistently relied on the goodwill and reputation of these candidates to secure his own victories, essentially seeking shelter under their umbrella.

It’s not yet too late for the President to do the needful for the interest of Kano State and the party at large. With the weight of history and the hopes of a generation on your shoulders, I urge you to confront the harsh realities that threaten our collective progress.

Nabahani Yusuf Gogori writes from Gogori town in Bagwai

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

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

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

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habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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