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Opinion

Nigerian Judges, Lawyers, Politicians, Clerics and Security Agencies: A Parade of Callous Pretenders Masquerading as the Virtuous

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Prof. Nasiru Adamu Aliyu, SAN

Prof. Nasiru Adamu Aliyu, SAN

In his play The Tragedy of Hamlet, William Shakespeare wrote, “God has given you one face, and you make yourself another.” Shakespeare’s words highlight the duplicity of pretenders, a theme that echoes through history. Aristotle, one of history’s greatest thinkers, also addressed the nature of pretenders in his ethical writings, stating, “The least deviation from truth will be multiplied later.” He emphasized the importance of authenticity, warning that pretence can lead to serious consequences. This concept resonates in Nigeria, where the elites appear caught in duplicity, while ordinary people suffer from poverty, subjugation, and ignorance of their fundamental rights.

Nigerians at all levels exhibit selfishness and self-centeredness, contributing to the nation’s issues. Shame on our Nigerian Police, DSS, Military, and other Security agencies, as well as Lawyers, whether from the Public or Private Bar, for complicity in turning a blind eye to the plight of ordinary citizens. Currently, the thorny issue concerns the so-called treason charges against minors before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Judges, politicians, lawyers, police, DSS, correctional officers, clerics, governorsthe President, and other stakeholders have the responsibility to discern right from wrong, particularly when minors are involved. Yet, self-preservation remains paramount among the Nigerian elites, who lack the courage and fear of God to act truthfully.

It is not the writer’s contention that people who commit crimes should evade justice; rather, justice should be administered with decorum, fairness, and equality, with no preferential treatment for white-collar crimesThe Nigerian Government struggles to address corruption, banditry, and kidnappings across various regions effectively. While successive administrations have claimed to combat these menaces, criminal activities remain rampant. Instead, authorities focus on arresting and prosecuting protesters. The situation highlights Nigeria’s collective failure, as even the controversial treason charges against minors indicate the systemic injustice faced by “ordinary” citizens. These children are seen as “sons of nobody,” making their mistreatment by politicians, the judiciary, and law enforcement more permissible.

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The government has yet to make substantial progress in addressing these societal issues. A legitimate expectation remains for leaders to demonstrate accountability and empathy, especially towards young protesters detained under questionable charges. President Tinubu eventually ordered the release of the minors, but only after significant national and international embarrassment. Leaders in Nigeria must abandon pretence and start genuinely considering the plight of their people.

This issue of duplicity among Nigeria’s elite extends into the judiciary. Nigerian courts are quick to prioritize political cases over cases that defend the fundamental human rights of ordinary citizens. Surprisingly, the prosecutor handling the treason charges against these minors confidently dismissed them as adults attempting to undermine democracy. Such audacity highlights a broader lack of empathy within the justice system. Nigerian democracy has, to date, yielded limited benefits for the general populace, benefiting primarily those in power.

Nigeria’s judiciary must be fearless, uphold justice, and show independence. The Nigerian Supreme Court recently ruled that state governors must hold local government elections to access federal allocations, a decision reflecting the type of bold action required to curb abuse of power. Courageous judges exist within Nigeria’s judicial system; however, they are often restricted from handling cases involving significant government interests. Politicians frequently employ blackmail tactics to maintain control over judiciary decisions.

The Nigerian media and journalists have played a crucial role in highlighting the plight of these minors, despite their initial silence. The journalists’ work brought national attention to the injustices faced by these young detainees, compelling politicians, lawyers, and clergymen to address the issue, even if for political gain. The origin of banditry by Fulani herders, for instance, stemmed from injustice and neglect, issues that Nigerian leaders have yet to address effectively.

In closing, whether readers accept or dismiss this piece, the truth will eventually prevail. As a nation, Nigeria must learn from history and confront these injustices if it hopes to move forward.

Prof. Nasiru Adamu Aliyu, SAN, writes from the Department of Public Law, Bayero University, Kano: nasiraliyu@gmail.com, +2348035883225.

Opinion

From Zamfara roots to national vision: Aliyu Muhammad Adamu, seasoned media leader, returns home to serve his people.”

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Aliyu Muhammad Adamu was born on 29th December 1982 in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, into the respected Adamu Joji family.

He hails from a lineage that includes notable family members such as Alhaji Sanda Adamu Tsafe (Sarkin Yakin Tsafe), Alhaji Aliyu Adamu (Danmadami), Alhaji Sani Adamu, Hajiya Khadija Adamu (Gwoggo Dala), and Hajiya Amina, among others.

His father, Muhammad Adamu (popularly known as Nata’ala), later relocated to Kano State in pursuit of business expansion. As a result, Aliyu and his siblings were raised in Kano, where he began his early education at Da’awa Primary School, Kano.

Driven by a strong connection to his roots, Aliyu returned to Zamfara State for his secondary education, attending Unity Secondary School, Gummi. He subsequently gained admission into Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where he obtained both his Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree, graduating in 2010.

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After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Aliyu faced the realities of life with resilience and determination, navigating through challenges that shaped his character and leadership capacity. In 2014, he returned to Zamfara State and began his professional career in the media industry with Gamji Television and Radio.

Through dedication, hard work, and professional excellence, he served the organization for nearly ten years, rising through the ranks to become the General Manager of the station, an achievement that underscored his leadership, administrative competence, and commitment to public communication.

In 2023, Aliyu voluntarily resigned from the media organization and relocated to Kano State in pursuit of broader opportunities and personal development. Today, driven by a renewed sense of purpose and a lifelong commitment to his people, Aliyu Muhammad Adamu is preparing to return to his hometown to seek the support and mandate of his people. His aspiration is to represent our parents, brothers, and sisters at the federal level, with a clear vision of contributing meaningfully to the development, unity, and overall progress of Zamfara State.

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Opinion

Opinion:The Anatomy Of A Hoax- Setting The Record Straight On Governor Abba Yusuf

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​By Ahmed Badamasi Tsaure

​The recent wave of political “scoops” regarding the purported defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved beyond mere speculation into a coordinated campaign of character assassination. Most notably, reports by Daily Nigerian claiming the Governor’s move was “postponed” are masterpieces of fiction, designed to paint a sitting Governor as indecisive and subordinate. As a witness to the political realities in Kano, I find it necessary to dismantle these fallacies with the facts that the purveyors of this rumor have conveniently ignored. In Nigerian politics, defection is a statutory process requiring a formal resignation from one’s current party. To date, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has not submitted any resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). To claim that a “finalized arrangement” for a Monday registration existed is a procedural hallucination; one cannot join a new house without first stepping out of the old one.
​Furthermore, the narrative suggests the Governor’s plans were shelved because he failed to seek the “blessings” of local APC bigwigs. This is a laughable distortion of executive power. History is replete with Governors who defected based on executive conviction without the interference of local APC “big wigs.” We have seen this with the Governor of Delta vs. Senator Omo-Agege, the Governor of Bayelsa vs. David Lyon and Minister Heineken Lokpobiri, the Governor of Rivers vs. Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Plateau vs. the current National Chairman of the APC. More recently, the defections of Governors like Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Ben Ayade (Cross River), and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) proved that when a Governor moves, he does so as the new leader of the party in his state. It is also historically hypocritical to label such a move as “betrayal.” When Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso defected from the PDP to the APC in 2013, he did not seek permission from any person or leadership—he led a rebellion based on his own conviction. If it was “principled politics” for the godfather then, it cannot be “betrayal” for the Governor now.

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​What, then, remains for a Governor who already holds the overwhelming mandate of his people? It is a known fact that Governor Abba Yusuf moves with the ironclad support of almost 95% of the Kano State House of Assembly, 50% of the National Assembly members from the state, all 44 Local Government chairmen, and the entire grassroots party structure. The desperate attempt by the NNPP National Working Committee to dissolve the Kano executive committees is a futile, “too-late” maneuver that only confirms their loss of control. When a Governor commands such total loyalty, he does not ask for permission; he leads. The defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is inevitable if he so wishes, as he carries the entire political soul of Kano with him.
​The theory that the APC postponed this move because Senator Kwankwaso is not coming along simply does not hold water. Kwankwaso’s refusal to join the APC is a settled matter; it is alleged the President offered him a ministerial position or the Chairmanship of the soon-to-be resuscitated Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), both of which he rejected after his demand to join the Presidential ticket was denied. Using this stalemate as a pretext for the Governor’s “indecision” is a transparent lie aimed at making the Governor look like a political appendage. It is disheartening to see Daily Nigerian abandon objective journalism to frame the Governor as a “betrayer.” If Governor Abba Yusuf chooses to move, he does so as a leader of a massive political movement. The media must stop concocting stories to mislead the public. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains focused on his mandate. These rumors are merely the desperate gasps of those who wish to see Kano in perpetual turmoil.

​Ahmed Badamasi Tsaure writes from Shanono Local Government, Kano State. He can be reached at ahmedtsaure28@gmail.com.

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Opinion

Your Excellency, the Governor of Kano State Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf: Welcome to APC the People’s Party

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By Abbati Bako,psc,bsis,mti,Kent,UK, former special adviser on public affairs to former Governor H/E Ganduje

It is with a heart full of joy and a spirit of unity that we welcome a true son of Kano State Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf into the fold of the APC, the people’s political party and the largest political party in Africa.

Governor Yusuf, an‑engineer by profession and the elected leader of our great State since May 2023 has already made a lasting imprint on Kano State. Sir, thanks.

His bold intention to declare a state of emergency on education allocating a remarkable 30 % (more than 26% of prescription by UNESCO) of the state budget to schools has turned the tide for countless children of downtrodden to be educated and enlightened. From solar‑lit streets that brighten our nights to a N50,000 monthly support for 5,200 women entrepreneurs to cushions economic precarity, his initiatives echo the APC’s vision of a prosperous future, inclusive of the benefits of former councillors in the 44 LGA of Kano State. Also, the benefits of pensioners which have not been paid a long time ago. I’m sure that the next special advisers’ benefit will be on the line.

Hence, the countless roads construction and rehabilitation at both metropolitan and rural areas has been going on without delay. Your Excellency, these gigantic policies by His Excellency have been the same with the central government under His Excellency President Bola Tinubu.

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The APC, under the steadfast guidance of Chairman Prince Abdullahi Abbas and the former national chairman His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has repeatedly affirmed its readiness to receive Governor Yusuf “with open arms”. This invitation is not a political maneuver but a sincere call for unity, reconciliation, and collective responsibility values that will combine our strengths for the progress of Kano State and the entire nation. Take note that today Nigeria is on the way to political, economic and social reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria will be on the same pathway with other economic emerging markets of the Global Southern Hemisphere.

As we extend this warm embrace, we also look forward to the synergy of your seasoned leadership and the APC’s grassroots energy. Together, we shall:

*Strengthen our education sector, ensuring every child has a desk, a book, and a future especially on science, technology and innovation

*Boost agriculture, healthcare system, transport, security and strengthen women‑empowerment programmes that lift families out of poverty. Drive infrastructural development that lights up our streets and connects our markets. And again, this writing and understanding that there’s the need to create “New Kano” as has been done in other nations like Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nigeria and other developing nations of the world.

Governor Yusuf, your presence today is a testament to the power of partnership and with that Kano State will be the next commercial centre of Africa. We pledge to walk hand‑in‑hand with you in APC, to build a Kano that shines brighter than ever before the creation of the State in 1967. With your presence in APC the election year of 2027 will be a work over in Kano State and the nation at large.

Thank you, and welcome home!

Abbati Bako,psc,bsis,pl.sc,political strategy and communications consultant and care taker chairman former special advisers to former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

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