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Ambition or Betrayal? Senator Barau Jibrin’s Role in Tax Reform Bill

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Garba Ubale

The Senate’s passage of the controversial tax reform bill past its second reading has sparked widespread discontent, particularly regarding Senator Barau Jibrin’s role in the process. Many view his actions as a betrayal, raising concerns about his commitment to the interests of Northern Nigeria and the masses at large. The events at the Senate plenary on Wednesday and Thursday laid bare the deep divisions between senators prioritizing public welfare and those seemingly driven by personal ambitions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a known master strategist, has a reputation for using political surrogates to achieve his goals. In this case, Senator Barau played the role of Tinubu’s stooge, pushing the contentious tax reform bill forward despite vocal opposition from Senator Ali Ndume, who stood firm in defense of the people’s interests. Barau’s actions raise the specter of manipulation, where loyalty to political benefactors outweighs allegiance to the electorate.

Senator Ali Ndume’s lone battle on behalf of the masses highlighted the glaring contrast between the two senators. Ndume epitomized principled leadership, rejecting policies that would exacerbate the plight of Nigerians. Meanwhile, Barau aligned himself with an agenda many view as anti-people. The question looms: Is Barau willing to sacrifice the North’s interests for personal political gain?

Barau’s actions bring to mind the infamous third-term agenda during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. Then, influential Northern senators like Nasiru Ibrahim Mantu, Omar Abubakar Hambagda, and Jonathan Zwingina were instrumental in pushing the agenda, only to face public disgrace when the ploy failed. Barau risks treading the same path, where short-term gains lead to long-term repercussions. History teaches us that betraying one’s people for political expediency often ends in disgrace and irrelevance.

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Speculation abounds that Barau’s support for the tax reform bill is tied to his ambitions to run for governor in Kano State. By aligning with Tinubu’s administration, Barau appears to be securing favor and resources for his future campaign. However, such political maneuvering comes at a high cost. The tax reform bill, widely regarded as an anti-masses policy, threatens to deepen the financial burdens on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardships. Barau’s willingness to prioritize his ambitions over the welfare of his constituents is a troubling indication of his political ethos.

This episode underscores a recurring theme in Nigerian politics: the North often sabotages its own interests. Barau’s actions are a stark reminder of this reality. By championing policies that undermine the economic well-being of the region, he has joined the ranks of Northern leaders who prioritize personal gain over collective progress. His betrayal is likened to selling the North for a “pot of porridge”—a short-sighted decision that will have lasting consequences for his people.

If it were Senate President Godswill Akpabio leading the charge for this tax reform bill, the narrative would likely have been different. Akpabio’s Southern roots and the optics of his leadership would have been scrutinized in ways Barau seems to have escaped. This double standard reveals an uncomfortable truth: the North’s political elite often fail to hold their own accountable, paving the way for continued exploitation and marginalization.

Senator Barau Jibrin’s actions in advancing the tax reform bill highlight a disturbing trend in Nigerian politics, where personal ambition supersedes public service. His role as a willing tool for Tinubu’s agenda casts doubt on his loyalty to his constituents and raises questions about his suitability for higher office. As Northern Nigeria grapples with poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment, leaders like Barau must be held accountable for their actions. The people deserve representatives who will stand firm against policies that harm the masses, not those who sell out their region for political expediency.

Garba Ubale Kankarofi wrote this piece from Kano – Nigeria

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NUJ Inaugurates Chapel Executives for Freedom Radio

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Muzammil Ibrahim Yakasai receiving his certificate of return from Kano NUJ Vice Chairman Comrade Mustapha Gambo

 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State council, has inaugurated new executive members for the NUJ chapel covering Freedom Radio and Dala FM. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the Freedom Radio premises in Sharada, following the expiration of the previous executives’ tenure.

Muzammil Ibrahim Yakasai, Head of News and Current Affairs at the station, was sworn in as the new Chapel Chairman of NUJ for Freedom Radio and Dala FM. Abubakar Musa Labaran was inaugurated as Vice Chairman, while Tijjani Adamu was appointed as the new Financial Secretary, having previously served as Auditor. Abubakar Sabo was sworn in as Assistant Secretary, among other newly elected officers.

Delivering remarks shortly after the inauguration, the NUJ State Chairman, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, represented by his Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo Muhammad, urged the new leadership to work with diligence, integrity, and accountability.

Also speaking, the Station Manager of Freedom Radio, Malam Ado Sa’idu Warawa, encouraged the new chapel leaders to focus on promoting the welfare of journalists and contributing positively to society.

In their separate remarks, some of the newly sworn-in officers—Abubakar Sabo of Dala FM (Assistant Secretary), Comrade Tijjani Adamu (Financial Secretary), and Treasurer Comrade Asma’u Muhammad Sani—pledged to deliver progress and reforms during their tenure.

Malam Adamu Isma’il Garki, the General Manager of Freedom Radio Group , also charged the new executives to strive for progress and innovation in journalism practices.

According to the NUJ constitution governing the chapel, the tenure of elected executives lasts for three years, after which fresh elections are held.

Freedom Radio is the first indigenous private radio station in Northern Nigeria. The new chapel chairman, Muzammil Ibrahim Yakasai, is a Mass Communication graduate from Bayero University Kano and a dedicated journalist known for his impactful stories that have brought development to Kano and its surroundings.

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BUK, Ummah for Earth Launch Green Hajj and Umrah Guide in Hausa

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Participants at the launch

 

 

The Ummah for Earth Alliance, in partnership with the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Bayero University Kano (BUK), has launched a Hausa-language version of the Green Guide for Hajj and Umrah to promote environmentally responsible pilgrimage among Nigerian Muslims.

Speaking at the launch held at the Center for Dryland Agriculture, Professor Aliyu Salisu Barau of BUK’s Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences welcomed guests and emphasized the urgency of ecological awareness during Hajj. “As Muslims, we must reflect on how to perform Hajj responsibly, especially considering recent climate challenges,” he said, citing the deaths of over 1,300 pilgrims in 2023 due to extreme heat and 51-degree temperatures recorded at Masjid al-Haram during the 2024 pilgrimage.

Prof. Barau also noted that over 300 million litres of treated sewage are flushed daily into the Red Sea, underlining the environmental pressure the holy cities face during pilgrimage seasons. “This guide has been introduced in other languages like Malay and Hindi, but Nigeria—being among the top contributors of pilgrims—deserves one in Hausa,” he added.

Rianne Ten Veen, a representative of Ummah for Earth, highlighted that the alliance comprises over 50 organizations worldwide, working toward environmentally conscious Islamic practices. “Nigeria is leading in this space, and we are advocating for policy changes through initiatives like the Islamic Finance for Earth campaign,” she said.

Dr. Saidu Ahmad Dukawa, representing the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), expressed appreciation for the collaboration with BUK. “We’re proud to support this initiative that ties faith with environmental stewardship,” he said.

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Book reviewer, Professor Murtala Uba, noted that Hausa is the tenth most spoken language globally and the most spoken in West Africa. “This 46-page guide shows how environmental values are embedded in Hajj rituals,” he said. He praised the simple, clear language and symbolic green and white cover but pointed out some errors. “For example, on page six, ‘ku guji’ was incorrectly written as ‘kugudi,’ and some Qur’anic verses like Wala tubazzir tabzeera were not fully contextualized to reflect broader meanings.”

Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, Chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama, stressed that protecting the environment is integral to Islamic conduct. “The Prophet said if the Day of Judgment comes while you’re planting a date, continue planting it,” he noted, adding that managing waste and limiting air pollution are critical during Hajj. “This is why building in Mina is discouraged to allow air circulation,” he explained.

He also emphasized the role of human behavior in environmental degradation. “If you want to clean the environment, you must first purify human conduct,” he said, citing Islamic teachings on health, hygiene, and moderation during Hajj.

Professor Amina Mustapha, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at BUK, closed the event by stating that universities must be at the forefront of knowledge dissemination. “Translating this guide into Hausa is critical, given the number of Hausa speakers who travel for Hajj annually,” she said.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that the guide encourages eco-conscious behaviors such as avoiding excessive water use during ablution, not littering, minimizing carbon footprints, and respecting animal and plant life—all rooted in Islamic teachings.

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Credicorp Kicks Off Nationwide Cultural Reorientation Campaign In Kano With First Market Activation

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The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has commenced its nationwide Cultural Reorientation Programme, beginning with a landmark market activation event held on Wednesday 21st May 2025 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

CREDICORP, established under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is a national institution working to democratize access to consumer credit for all hardworking Nigerians. Through its mandate, the Corporation enables Nigerians to acquire essential goods and services—such as locally assembled vehicles, solar solutions, and home improvement products—on credit, rather than relying on limited cash-based transactions.
This campaign represents the third pillar of CREDICORP’s national strategy Cultural Reorientation which complements the Corporation’s other pillars, Infrastructure and Capital. In the last year this has already been demonstrated through the rollout of impactful initiatives such as Project S.C.A.L.E (Securing Consumer Access for Local Enterprises), which channels consumer credit toward the purchase of goods and services from local vendors and manufacturers to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic industries; the C.A.L.M. Fund (Credit Access for Light and Mobility), which provides credit for CNG vehicle conversions and solar home systems; and YouthCred, a national programme offering responsible, affordable credit to young Nigerians at the very start of their economic lives beginning with 100,000 NYSC members.
Cultural Reorientation is CREDICORP’s effort to shift long-standing perceptions around credit—helping Nigerians see it not as a trap, but as a tool for growth. The programme reorients the public through a mix of community training sessions, digital sensitization campaigns, and on-ground activation events designed to promote responsible borrowing and financial literacy. It also engages financial institutions, encouraging a transition from traditional collateral-heavy models to more inclusive credit assessment methods that better reflect the realities of everyday Nigerians.

 

Participants at the activation were sensitized on:
What consumer credit is and how it works, including both interest-based and non-interest financing options.
The difference between responsible credit use and harmful debt.
The long-term value of building and maintaining a verifiable credit history.
How CREDICORP partners with financial institutions both traditional and non-interest providers to expand access to affordable and culturally appropriate credit solutions.
The event featured live testimonials from beneficiaries, as well as pre- and post-event questionnaires designed to measure shifts in public sentiment and understanding. Leading the event was His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who was joined by representatives from the Kano State Government, alongside leaders of market associations, trade cooperatives, and Participating Financial Institutions.

This first activation marks the beginning of a national conversation one that positions consumer credit not as a burden, but as a tool for economic mobility, and improved quality of life.

Further activations are scheduled to take place across the nation in the coming months.

For more information, visit www.credicorp.ng.

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