It has come to my notice of some sponsored hirelings under pseudo guise of “Renewed Hope Ambassadors Forum” have initiated a media assault against the person of the former Minister of State Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, demanding he stop criticising the President over his ministerial removal.

First off, a simple online check will reveal absolutely nothing substantial about them. This proves that it is a makeshift-sham group created by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin to sabotage the All Progressives Congress in Kano. This unregistered, unrecognized outfit has one purpose: to spread chaos and destruction, serving as Barau’s personal attack dog. No legitimate person or institution takes them seriously. Their legitimacy is a joke, their agenda is as clear as daylight and their true intentions are as transparent as glass.

Contrary to the groups claims, the former Minister hasn’t publicly criticized the President since his removal. It is never in his character as a politician to go down so low for any political gain or fame and this principle aligns with his established political demeanor, marked by a reluctance to engage in contentious debates or verbal sparring for political advantage.

The former Minister is a disciple and mentee of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he said in an interview with BBC Hausa that the President singlehandedly nominated him to serve in his cabinet and he therefore sees no fault when he relieved him of his appointment even though he has informed him of his reason to do so. He rather thanked the President for the opportunity to serve his country.

One of the reasons given was that Kano North is overloaded with appointees and there was the need to appoint someone from Kano Central but Gwarzo questioned the decision to appoint Ata instead of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna who was the Gubernatorial candidate of the party in 2023.

And to be fair to him, Gwarzo was right in making that suggestion looking at their credentials and antecedents, Gawuna is politically more equipped than Ata. It is clear that Ata lost even in his ward, local government and senatorial district during the 2023 election; he worked wholeheartedly against the party for losing the primaries against Aminu Sulaiman Goro.

These were Gwarzo’s baseline arguments, so attacking him and accusing him criticising President Tinubu is nothing more than a well brewed lie for political opportunism. Gwarzo remains President Tinubu’s mentee and disciple and has not yet renounced him, so how could he ever criticise his mentor and benefactor?

To this moment, Gwarzo has consistently expressed his unwavering respect and admiration for the President, affirming that his loyalty will remain unshakeable, regardless of circumstances.

Even those who worked for his removal are aware that Gwarzo is the number one loyalist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu followed by the APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

It is unarguable that Gwarzo ranks among the top five loyalists of the President in entire Northern Nigeria, alongside notable figures such as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Ibrahim Masari, and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Senator Barau Jibrin’s claim of loyalty to the President seems to be just lip service, as his track record suggests he’s a self-serving politician who only values relationships when they benefit him. Barau’s history reveals a pattern of using people for his own gain and discarding them when their usefulness expires.

The President should exercise caution in dealing with Senator Barau Jibrin, given his history of betraying those who helped him rise to power since 1999. Now, he’s attempting to leverage his office to deceive the President into believing he has complete control over Kano politics to make the President think he has more power than he actually does.

Barau cannot defeat AT Gwarzo in Gwarzo, he cannot do that to Murtala in Kabo, Abubakar Kabir Bichi in Bichi, Sani Bala in Tsanyawa and Ghary, Hamisu Chidari in Dambatta and Makoda and Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe in Dawakin Tofa, Tofa and Rimin Gado, same thing goes to Bagwai and Shanono.

He hides under the umbrella of these individuals to win the election not because of his capacity but because of the platform and the aforementioned names.

People like Senator Barau are only loyal to you when you’re in power. The President should ask his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari about people like him.

Gwangwazo, a member of the All Progressives Congress writes from Kano Municipal

Abdullahi Yusuf Ata’s recent statement about his ability to deliver Kano State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 reeks of political overconfidence and an astonishing lack of self-awareness. His claims, particularly about regaining APC’s stronghold in the state, deserve to be scrutinized for their glaring contradictions with his political history and current standing.

First, Ata’s tenure as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly was abruptly cut short by his impeachment, largely based on accusations that he lacked the capability to manage the affairs of the House. The motion to remove him was spearheaded by key political figures from his own party, including Labaran Abdul Madari and Abdullahi Chiromawa, suggesting that even within his political ranks, Ata was seen as ineffective. This was a glaring indication of his inability to lead, which raises immediate doubts about his supposed political strength and ability to effect meaningful change in Kano.

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His defeat in the 2023 general elections across multiple positions, including State Assembly, Kano Governorship, Senate, and even the presidential election, paints a picture of a politician whose influence is not only waning but practically nonexistent.

If Ata cannot secure a victory in his own local government of Fagge, a vital constituency in Kano, how can he realistically claim to have the political capital to reclaim the state for the APC? His defeat speaks volumes about his disconnect with the electorate, who have repeatedly rejected his leadership at multiple levels.

Ata’s assertion that Kano Central, the region he claims to represent, will swing back to APC under his leadership is equally questionable. While he boasts about the region’s substantial voter base, it is important to remind him that political success is not merely about numbers but about credibility and leadership. His track record offers little evidence of either.

The people of Kano have demonstrated their unwillingness to back his leadership in recent elections, and his inability to secure even his own ward suggests that his claim to revive APC’s fortunes is based more on delusion than reality.

Furthermore, Ata’s attempt to place himself as a key player in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is puzzling, given that his previous stints in political leadership, including his role as Majority Leader and Special Adviser to the Governor, yielded no tangible results. His promises to complete ongoing housing projects and deliver on his ministerial duties sound more like empty rhetoric aimed at salvaging a reputation that is increasingly difficult to restore.

It is vital that Ata reconsiders his current trajectory. Rather than continuing to make baseless promises about political victories, he would be better served by focusing on his current ministerial responsibilities. He must acknowledge the fact that he has no real political power or influence to reclaim the APC mandate in Kano. His continued posturing is more likely to harm his standing and waste valuable political capital, which could otherwise be used in more productive endeavors.

To put it bluntly, Ata’s prideful statements do not align with his past performances, and his focus should be on serving the people through his ministerial role rather than indulging in delusions of grandeur about the next election cycle.

Garba Ubale Kankarofi is a political analyst and writes from Kano. He can be reached at +234 706 816 0279.

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.

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.