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Cabinet Reshuffle: Where is A.T. Gwarzo’s Failure and Why Tinubu Should Recant on His Sack as Minister by Adnan Mukhtar

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Finally, the much anticipated cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came, resulting in the sacking of five Ministers, appointing seven and redeploying ten.

While cabinet reshuffle is an age long strategy for maintaining leadership balance, addressing underperformance and appraising performance metrics and consolidating hold on power, the downside to a misstep may garner far reaching consequences including loss of valuable expertise and experience, disruption of ongoing projects, demotivation of performers and ultimately ridiculing government image and credibility.

Considering Nigeria’s complex political dynamics, one may excuse why so many incompetent and non performing Ministers in the Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” administration were spared, but it falls short of expectation that loyal, politically relevant and technocratically accurate Minister’s will be thrown under the bus.

For example, while in Nigeria, a Minister of State is a junior minister who assists the minister in overseeing specific department, agencies or projects within the ministry, and also coordinating with the principal minister, other ministers and key stakeholders – ensuring representation of the principal minister in various capacities, I am yet to know the failure of people like His Excellency Abdullah Tijjani Gwarzo, that will warrant him being summarily thrown under the bus.

An accomplished gentleman and astute grassroots politician who grew through the ranks from Local Government Chairman all the way to Deputy Governor, State Party Chairman and Minister and one of the rare political leaders in Kano State that has good relationship with everyone, A.T. Gwarzo’s accomplishments in his ministry of assignment is not debatable.

The man has woven experience and expertise together in repurposing his mandate in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda since his inauguration as the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development on Monday, August 21, 2023.

Together with the Honourable Minister Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, he developed a roadmap to revitalize the housing and urban development sector, leading to the formation of four reform task teams in the newly reestablished Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, which had previously been part of the Ministry of Works and Housing.

Additionally, they launched the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates program, which has begun in about thirteen states and the FCT, generating an average of 6,250 jobs per site.

H.E. A.T. Gwarzo led the ministry’s delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai in December 2023, where he delivered Nigeria’s address at the Ministerial Meeting. He also headed the country’s delegation to the African Urban Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 4-6, 2024.

H.E ATM Gwarzo led the country’s delegation to a bilateral meeting in Madrid Spain with NYESA VALORES CORPORATION S.A on a partnership to develop the Nigeria Social Housing program and the establishment of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs on 8th October, 2024.

He also participated at the Munich Housing Expo in Munich, Germany, on 9-10 October where he presented the gigantic strides in the Nigerian housing sector and called for collaboration with international partners in that regard, with many international companies expressing interest to invest in the Nigerian housing and urban development sector.

He was instrumental, alongside the honourable minister Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in bringing about the technical forum on the 2024 Review of Compensation of rates for crops and economic trees, the first in sixteen years, which sought an upward review of the rates, the forum was held on 21-22 October, 2024.

As a member of the Federal Executive Council, the Minister of State has actively participated in all council meetings over the past year. He has also represented the President at various official functions during this time.

Furthermore, he facilitated the enrollment of thousands of Kano State indigenes into the Presidential Conditional Grant Program of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industries, and coordinated the efficient distribution of food palliatives through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Again, I ask, with all these accomplishments and more up his sleeves, where is A.T. Gwarzo’s failure?

Notably, H.E. A.T. Gwarzo was replaced with another candidate from Kano, even if this move is dissected through the lense of political correctness, it beggars belief how Ogun, South Western Nigeria has four Minister’s while Kano the biggest political base of the North has only two. Unless there is a “yorubanisation” undertone to this, Kano deserves the honor of having at least three ministers if not four like Ogun. The retention of A.T. Gwarzo and the addition of the new candidate. This in my opinion would have been the best option for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While arguments of marginalisation is rife in the light of the debate that the State Minister for Housing is from Kano North where Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje hails from, it is also arguable that the Jigawa ministerial nominee from Babura is from the same local government with the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, thus, where delivery, loyalty and value is requisite, such arguments cannot hold water.

Granted that Ministerial sack or cabinet reshuffle is a prerogative of the President, he owes Nigerians an explanation as to why the absence of failure is being penalised. His Special Adviser on Policy Coordination Hadiza Bala Usman aka “head girl” can do this on his behalf.

While at it, the internal working mechanisms of the President should understand that A.T. Gwarzo is not just a man representing Kano North, he is a household name that represents Kano, North West and by extension Northern Nigeria. The former ACN governorship candidate has an unrivaled acceptance in the nook and cranny of Kano and the North, so relegating his representation and value to Kano North alone is arrantly ridiculous.

This is a man who from time immemorial is always at the forefront of defending the interest of the president even to the detriment of his own interest and ambition. It is on record that the National leader of the Kwankwasiya movement in Kano, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ferociously fought his senatorial ambition because he did the bidding of Tinubu during the APC primaries that produced Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

If one must talk about performance, as a state minister, A.T. Gwarzo is sterling in comparison to people like Ibrahim Geidam, the retained minister of police affairs.

Again I ask, where is A.T. Gwarzo’s failure and why was he affected? Even though I have it on authoritative grounds that he was removed due to sectional arguments raised by the Deputy President of the Senate, which ended up convincing President Tinubu, I like to think that his independent mind must have told him by now that he made the wrong move.

This is definitely one of the wrong calculations made by President Tinubu and he should make no mistakes about it, “Ruwa Baba” as he is popularly called is very much loved and revered by the people of Kano State. He is a grassroots politician of note whose visibility is all over Kano State not restricted to a Senatorial District.

President Tinubu can do better by appointing Yusuf Ata without sacking Abdullahi Gwarzo. For the umpteenth time, with its indisputable contribution to Tinubu’s emergence, Kano deserves the same honor as Ogun.

We therefore beseech President Tinubu to recant on Gwarzo’s sack and reconsider recalling him with immediate effect. By doing so, Tinubu will not be the first leader to recall a valuable appointee.

During World War II, Winston Churchill, Britain’s Prime Minister, sacked his trusted ally and friend, Lord Beaverbrook, from his position as Minister of Aircraft Production in 1941 over policy disagreement and personality clashes. Beaverbrook advocated for prioritizing aircraft production over other war efforts and his demanding nature conflicted with other cabinet members.

However, upon realising that Aircraft production declined significantly after Beaverbrook’s departure, Churchill recognized Beaverbrook’s exceptional organizational skills and leadership and 1942, Churchill reappointed Beaverbrook as Minister of Supply, leveraging his expertise.

Similarly, Napoleon Bonaparte once briefly exiled Marshal Davout during the French Revolutionary Wars due to perceived disloyalty. Recognizing Davout’s military genius, Napoleon reinstated him, leading to crucial victories.

Modern-day applications of rehiring valuable individuals can be seen in various sectors; in business, companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft have rehired former employees or executives, leveraging their expertise and institutional knowledge. Similarly, politicians like US President Joe Biden have reappointed experienced officials, such as Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary, to tackle complex economic challenges.

This strategy fosters continuity, stability and innovation. It ensures leaders prioritize talent, expertise and results, driving success in diverse fields enabling them to acknowledge and understand the importance of surrounding themselves with valuable individuals.

It also demonstrates examples of leaders recognizing and correcting mistakes, prioritizing effectiveness over personal differences.

While Tinubu must have definitely misfired in sacking T. Gwarzo, like other great leaders of his, we urge the President to recant and re-appointed the man whose performance is largely perceived by the general public and his constituents failure of which may affect the APC’s electoral prospects in upcoming polls.

It is still not too late for the President to reverse his decision in the interest of the people and his future in the politics of Kano. I dare say, H.E. A.T. Gwarzo has no failure.

Adnan Mukhtar is a political commentator and university lecturer. He writes from Abuja.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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