Opinion

Barau’s Failed Strategy Again, By Adnan Mukhtar

Published

1 month ago

November 2, 2024

Adnan Mukhtar T Wada

There’s a Chinese proverb that says, “the mighty oak falls, while the flexible willow survives.” This saying implies that even the strong and mightiest can fall or fail, while the seemingly weak and insignificant remain standing. The secret to this does not lie in egoistic tendencies, machiavellian plots or deploying attack dogs to undertake one’s biddings. It lies in humility, adaptability and resilience, reminding us that true strength lies not in external power, but in internal flexibility and determines willingness to recognise and heed proper advice when given one.

I initially hesitated to respond to the rejoinder on my article about Senator Barau’s poor political strategy. However, I’ve decided to address it for two key reasons: to provide further clarification on the senator’s strategy and to set the record straight that my opinions are entirely my own, unbiased and uninfluenced by any external sponsorship.

But first, I will like to correct the character (or is it writer)’s tendency in quoting Quranic verses to hoodwink people gullibly. No true Muslim ever denies that it is Allah the supreme that gives power, but it is the Holy Quran itself that emphasises the importance of human action and responsibility.

For instance, Surah As-Saff Ayat 14 states that Allah helps those who help themselves, highlighting the need for human effort in achieving success. This verse shows that quoting Quranic verses to deceive innocent people doesn’t change the reality that our actions have consequences.

Additionally, Quran 13:11, says that Allah won’t change a people’s condition unless they change themselves. This verse underscores the importance of personal agency and reform.

It’s also essential to recognize that the Quran encourages reasoning and critical thinking. Quran 18:54 reminds us that humans are prone to disputes, but we should strive for constructive arguments, appealing to reason and acknowledging the truth.

These and many teachings of the Quran demonstrates that quoting Quranic verses to deceive others is misguided and doesn’t align with the principles of Islam. Attack dogs should be wary of how they throw our revered religion into the fray of greed.

Now to the crux of the matter, I’d like to first correct the character who responded to my article. The title of my piece is, “Senator Barau and his poor political strategy.” But by conveniently omitting the word “poor” while making reference to the article, I will think that they did not read the article comprehensively because they were in a rush to collect their little share of the national cake.

Those familiar with me in the media space and beyond can attest that I’m an independent thinker with unwavering ambition. Despite Senator Barau being old enough to be my father, I take pride in speaking truth to power, unafraid to challenge the status quo.

I have been writing and publishing articles in the national dailies since a year after completing my IJMB programme at Kano State College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies, some 15 years ago. My digital footprint is there on the internet, the pseudonyms who were sponsored to write the rejoinders know this better.

My independent mind prompted my ambition to contest for election in 2019 and to aspire for the same office in 2022. I’m a media consultant with clients from different sectors and a university lecturer, I’m therefore too big to be sponsored by any individual for pecuniary interest much less one that involves Barau. The allegations are not only shallow but myopic and defensive in the absence of any substantial argument to counter the fact that indeed Barau’s political strategy is very poor!

That is why I found the rejoinder taken too personal, failing to address the issues raised. This has proven the title of my article referring to Senator Barau as a politician with a poor strategy from day one. The strategy he is using to respond to me is in itself a failed one.

It’s baffling that a supposedly seasoned politician like Senator Barau would engage in a pointless battle with someone from his own Senatorial District simply to further his ambitions of becoming Kano’s governor. Considering his confrontational history with humble appointees like Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, I question his ability to handle a formidable opponent like Murtala Sule Garo. Not only do they hail from the same local government, but Garo also boasts a broader support base and superior people mobilisation skills.

What’s more, Garo wields significant influence over the party structure in Barau’s own backyard, which is precisely why Barau seeks to oust Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman. However, this move overlooks the fact that a former governor leads the party in the state, where there is currently no serving governor.

People like Abubakar Kabir Bichi and Engineer Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly are both grassroots politicians who were forces to reckon with in Barau’s 2023 election. He has been winning elections in this area because of the calibre of people in Kano North who are mostly of the APC.

The sponsored pseudonym accused me of not appreciating the role of destiny in Senator Barau’s ambition forgetting that it was the same Barau who displayed his desperation to convince the President to sack Abdullahi Gwarzo after not consulting any party official including Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at a time the former Minister scored 79 in his assessment scorecard. The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination will testify to this.

It was said that he did all the maneuvering to test his strength within the APC, it is evident that his little supporters are boasting of this but where is their faith in destiny when you are struggling to see the sacking of someone that did nothing to you?

Garba said and I quote “It is on record that since he ventured into politics, he has maintained a decent image devoid of rancour, acrimony or ill feelings towards others”.

Is it, not the same Barau and his people that were calling Murtala Sule Garo and the former Minister Gwarzo names shortly after the sack? Your people were even mocking him after he was removed boasting that their leader has come of age. Did Barau call any to order?

When people were trooping from the nook and crannies of Kano to sympathise with ATM Gwarzo, Barau was nowhere to be found, apparently due to his guilty conscience.

I have cautioned the Distinguished Senator to stop creating unnecessary enemies for himself in the zone he comes from. The Kano North is a no-go area for the NNPP, he should understand that even if you nominate 3 Ministers from Kano Central, they can’t defeat Senator Kwankwaso’s NNPP.

Kwankwaso is the strong man of Kano politics and is in full control of the Kano Central and Kano South. His only threat is the Kano North because of the aforementioned stakeholders.

Senator Barau should apply a new strategy of uniting party members by working together without plotting evil against anyone.

The defectors that he boasts of receiving, claiming that he is giving APC more strength is nothing short of a Kannywood movie in full glare. He should tell me any serious and grassroots supporter he has so far welcomed to the APC other than Kannywood actors and Tik Tokers in their desperation to collect their share of the National Cake ‘Awanki Gara’.

It’s evident that Barau is lacking in political strategy, people who lack that will be committing blunders at the helm of the affairs of Kano. It will be suicidal to elect a man of his calibre to govern a mega state like Kano.

The pseudonym boasts that the position of Deputy President of the Senate is bigger than the office of a governor. A whole governor? The Chief Security of Officer of a whole state? This writer should check his head again.

Kano needs someone who will be serious with governance, who will bring and attract investors not from receiving Tiktokers and Kannywood actors to receiving Nollywood and Bollywood actors at the Africa House.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed!

Adnan is a political commentator, he writes from Abuja

Opinion

The Decline of Journalistic Knowledge and Pronunciation Accuracy

Published

10 hours ago

December 11, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

By Dr Abdullahi Dahiru

In the past, journalists were known for their extensive knowledge and keen awareness of current events. They were avid readers and dedicated listeners of news programs from various stations, including international news channels. As a result, they could easily name the presidents of many nations, identify capitals and major cities, and correctly spell and pronounce a wide range of words.

Today, however, the landscape has shifted. Some of the journalists we have now are among the most uninformed. When a journalist mispronounces “Hague” as “Hagwi,” it is likely they have never heard the correct pronunciation from other news channels. Similarly, pronouncing “paradigm” as “paradijim” indicates a lack of exposure to accurate pronunciations.

This decline in journalistic knowledge and accuracy is concerning. In an era where information is more accessible than ever, it is crucial for journalists to maintain high standards of knowledge and professionalism. Their role as conveyors of information means they bear the responsibility of ensuring that their audience receives accurate and well-pronounced news.

There are several factors contributing to this decline. The digital age has brought about a surge in news sources, many of which prioritize speed over accuracy. This can lead to journalists skimming through information without fully grasping or verifying it. Additionally, the rise of social media has created an environment where sensationalism often trumps accuracy, further diminishing the quality of journalistic standards.

To address this issue, it is essential for journalists to rekindle their commitment to continuous learning and professional development. They should engage with diverse and reputable news sources, practice accurate pronunciation, and strive to deepen their understanding of global affairs. News organizations should also invest in regular training and development programs to equip their journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Ultimately, the integrity of journalism hinges on the dedication of its practitioners to uphold the values of accuracy, knowledge, and professionalism. By taking proactive steps to improve their standards, journalists can restore the public’s trust and confidence in their work, ensuring that they remain credible sources of information in an increasingly complex world.

Dr Abdullahi Dahiru wrote from Kano Northwestern Nigeria

Opinion

Kaduna State Is Blessed To Have His Excellency Senator Uba Sani As Its Executive Governor

Published

4 days ago

December 7, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Kaduna State Is Blessed To Have His Excellency Senator Uba Sani As Its Executive Governor

By Abubakar Saraki

Kaduna is the most historic state in the history of Northern Nigeria been the former Capital of the Northern province and one of the pioneer States created in Nigeria by the Yakubu Gowon Administration in 1967.

Kaduna State has had so many Governors in the past both the Military and Civilian Gorvernors, among them His Excellency Senator Uba Sani the present Executive Governor of the State distinguishes himself with so many sterling qualities which can only be compared with that of Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna of the blessed memory.

His Excellency Senator Uba Sani is a very honest person with sincerity of purpose and as such he is firm and resolute in taking decisions without fear of anyone. His integrity is very glaring and very commendable.

Since assuming of duty in office as the Executive Governor of Kaduna State in May 2023, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani started with fierce fighting of corruption which is the cankerworm that has been disturbing Kaduna State for a very long time. This mission of fighting corruption by His Excellency Senator Uba Sani is being carried simultaneously without fear or favour and it has been yielding fruitful results.

Despite many hurdles and hitches in governance of a cosmopolitan and complicated State like Kaduna which has divergent cultural traditions and religious beliefs, the expertise and incomparable brilliance of His Excellency Senator Uba Sani assisted him in maintaining a very peaceful coexistence among the various people of Kaduna State since his assumption in office. He has provided the Security outfits in the State with new modern sophisticated vehicles and other logistics they need for proper maintenance of law and order in the state as he is very passionate about the safety of his people.

On the areas of developmental projects, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani has been performing creditably and efficiently. He has been undertaking many Capital projects which include roads, bridges, schools, hospitals dams and so many other important projects in all parts of Kaduna State.

Education, Health, Water Supply and Agricultural sectors are receiving the special attention they needed under His Excellency Senator Uba Sani Administration in view of the importance he attached to these critical sectors.

His Excellency Senator Uba Sani is a perfect gentleman who has strong zeal and passion for the development of his people, he is a student of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa school of thought, he believes in capacity building among his people.

The Economy of Kaduna State is now growing rapidly, and many investors are coming to Kaduna State in view of the enabling conducive and peaceful business environment created by His Excellency Senator Uba Sani.

Another notable achievement of His Excellency Senator Uba Sani is presenting the 2025 draft budget which allocates N790 billion for capital and recurrent expenditures. Education received the largest share, with N206.6 billion, followed by health, infrastructure and agriculture.

Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in his administration’s efforts to drive inclusive development, create jobs, and improve infrastructure in Kaduna State.

Abubakar Saraki wrote this from Kaduna

Opinion

Who is Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the newly appointed Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC)?

Published

5 days ago

December 7, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu

Who is Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the newly appointed Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC)?

Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu FCVSN, the newly appointed Executive Secretary (ES) of National Universities Commision (NUC), was born at Fufore, Adamawa State on 2nd September 1960. He had his primary education between 1967 and 1973. He gained admission in to Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Mubi in 1973 and successfully obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1978. He attended the School of Basic Studies (SBS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria during the 1978/79 session. In October, 1979 he enrolled at ABU Zaria for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree programme which he successfully completed in June 1984. Professor Ribadu served the compulsory one-year NYSC at the Lower Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority, Ilorin between 1984 and85.

In September, 1985, Ribadu was appointed Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction, University of Maiduguri. His quest for additional qualifications fuelled by a burning thirst for knowledge made him to return to ABU Zaria from 1986 to 1988 for a Master of Science degree in Theriogenology. In 1990, Professor Ribadu was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship for a PhD at the University of Liverpool., United Kingdom. In 1997, Professor Ribadu was awarded a 2‐ year Postdoctoral Fellowship by the prestigious Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), tenable at Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

In terms of academic career, Professor Ribadu rose through the ranks and was appointed Professor of Veterinary Reproduction at the University of Maiduguri in October 2002. Professor Ribadu held several academic and administrative positions at the University level.

In April 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Prof A. Y. Ribadu as the Vice‐Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY), now Modibbo Adama Univeristy. As the Vice‐Chancellor of FUTY from 26th April 2004 to 25th April, 2009, Professor Ribadu brought positive changes to the university’s landscape.

Professor Ribadu served as external assessor and examiner to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He is a competent, efficient and resourceful researcher with enviable research outputs. He has to his credit several publications in peer‐reviewed scientific journals and others presented at learned national and international conferences. His pioneering work on “ultrasonography and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in cattle” at the University of Liverpool has been cited extensively. Professor Ribadu spent one-year sabbatical leave and a further one and half years on leave of absence at the National Universities commission (NUC), Abuja (June 2009 to November 2011) where he served as Chairman, Committee on Monitoring of Private Universities (COMPU). Furthermore, he also served as Visiting Professor/Advisor to Nigerian Turkish Nile University (NTNU), Abuja from January 2012 to June 2013. Professor Ribadu assumed duty as a Professor in the Department of Theriogenology, University of Abuja in November, 2013. He was a Visiting professor at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University (GADVASU) Ludhiana, Punjab, India in 2023. Before his appointment as the ES boss, Professor Ribadu was a visiting professor at the Commision.

In December 2013, the new ES of NUC was appointed as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Jigawa State University,Kafin Hausa which was later renamed Sule Lamido University. He steered the affairs of university, overseeing its take-up and the enrolment of the first student of the University and bowed out, after five years, with a grand style maiden convocation of the university.

Professor Ribadu is a member of several national and international professional bodies. He was awarded membership diploma, College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (MCVSN) in 2003 and Fellow, College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria (FCVSN) in 2011. He is also a member of Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM), Honorary Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (FNIAE), Fellow, Global e‐policy and e‐government institute, Sungkyukwan University, Seoul, South Korea and Fellow Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology (2014). Professor Ribadu was the Secretary-General of Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU). He was also conferred with an Honorary Degree (Honoris Causa) by the Commonwealth University, London on Thursday, 14th December, 2017. Additionally, he is a member, TETFund’s National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRF) from 2021 to date.

Professor Ribadu’s academic and administrative pursuits have provided him with opportunities to travel to many countries including Australia, Belgium, Cameroun, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States. Professor Ribadu is fluent in Fulfulde, Hausa, English and a bit of Nihongo (Japanese).

Professor Ribadu is happily married to Aisha Mohammed Abba and is blessed with three children (Asma’u, Hadiza and Zaynab). His hobbies include reading, travelling and playing table tennis.