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Badaru Abubakar: A towering figure with unwavering influence in Jigawa’s politics

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20 hours ago

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By Jameel Ahmed, PhD

It is both laughable and annoying how some few individuals think that His Excellency Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, former Jigawa State Governor and current minister of Defence, is losing relevance in the politics of the state or that his influence and grip on the All Progressives Congress (APC) is waning. Having this insinuation is akin to thinking that a mountain can crumble by a mere hit of a worn-out hammer.

How would you, as a sane person, surmise that a figure as influential and powerful as Badaru can lose relevance in the politics of Jigawa State! As a two-term Jigawa Governor, Badaru not only redefined the politics of the state but also gave essence to governance, transforming it from a mundane routine to a purpose-driven and promising endeavour that truly served the people. Astute and empathetic that he was (and still is), he enlivened the spirit of the poor by taking social amenities to them, thereby placing the state on a promising trajectory of sustainable development.

In what appeared to be a digression from what most politicians considered as norm, Badaru, on assumption of office, vowed to complete the projects initiated by his predecessor. And in a manner that symbolised “walking the talk”, he completed all the projects and initiated others and saw them to the finishing line before the expiration of his tenure. When many would luxuriate on the laps of power and get intoxicated by its grandeur, my Boss remained focus, determined and committed to the welfare of the good people of Jigawa State.

As his loyalist and staunch supporter, one of the numerous lessons I have learnt from him is that of speaking less but doing much. When he promises, rest assured that he has it all planned and that he will fulfill the promise. But here, one wouldn’t deny the fallibility of humans, after all it is an inherent ‘trait’ created in man. But comparatively speaking, Badaru has, as a Governor, proven his worth, and still doing ditto as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence. We are all living witnesses to how he is straining his nerves in securing the country and giving hopes to Nigerians.

His government, all-inclusive that it was, also carried the youths along. It was during his days as the number of citizen of Jigawa that the state witnessed a sharp shift from the approach of having the elderly people taking the centre stage and dominating key positions in government. One wouldn’t err to say that Badaru was the first governor in Nigeria to have given special recognition to the youths. From graciously approving key appointments to the youths, he unprecedentedly paved way for them to contest and win chairmanship election across the local government areas of the state.

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He believed that by bringing fresh energy into the system of governance, more innovative solutions, creative ideas and effective policies could be harnessed to drive meaningful change and positive development to the good people of the state. And he was right! The youngsters he drew closer to him and availed opportunities to them didn’t disappoint him. For example, the council chairmen that served during his time had all done wonderfully well as they executed key projects that are critical to the development of their respective local government areas.

But alas, their tenures were cut short with the coming of the present Governor who, ironically, was also a protégé of Badaru. After making him a Commissioner and a member of the state executive council, Badaru later chose Umar Namadi to be his running mate during the time he sought reelection. Badaru, unlike many other governors who wouldn’t allow their deputies to do well lest they become strong and powerful, gave all he could to Namadi, extending every favour to him.

Badaru didn’t stop at that, he went further to clear the grounds for Namadi to succeed him, a rare privilege only few can extend to their deputies. He anointed him, stood by his side and gave his all to ensure his (Namadi’s) success at the poll. Every observer and keen follower of political happenings in Jigawa, if they’re sincere, would tell you that the contest, even at the primaries, was a heated one as there were many aspirants eyeing the exalted governorship seat. But with Badaru’s help, Namadi was able to scale through, even when a section of the state’s population was having misgivings about his competence and capacity to deliver.

And that was how the current governor came to be in the position he occupies now. But in a bizarre turn of events, those close to him began to disparage his predecessor, falsely accusing him of not providing adequate support for the current governor. But this is a baseless accusation and a wanton lie; a delusional statement only an ingrate person with myopic mind could make. As a political gladiator and leader of the APC in the state, Badaru could have anointed another person if he had wished, but he chose to repose his trust on Namadi.

Therefore, to think that Baba Badaru’s influence is waning in the politics of Jigawa state is both absurd and naive. He has built a lasting legacy and a strong network of supporters who are still committed to his ideals and steadfast in their allegiance to him. For the records, the three former council Chairmen (namely, Musa Shu’aibu Guri, Abdulkadir Bala Umar T.O., and Uzairu Nadabo) who served during Badaru and recently appointed by governor Namadi were never staunch loyalists of the Defence Minister, neither are they die-hard APC members. They are only political renegades who defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC for selfish reasons.

Badaru’s support-base, his relevance and influence in the political space of Jigawa State are still intact. The appointment of the three former council Chairmen as Special Advisers to the current governor did not and will not affect Badaru’s influence. These are people who severed ties with Badaru immediately after he left office and never visited him even after his ministerial appointment. How then can one with a clear mind suggest that their appointment as Special Advisers by the current governor would erode the relevance and wane the influence of His Excellency Muhammad Badaru Abubakar?

Baba Badaru is still Jigawa’s political father and the state’s APC leader whose influence is as formidable as it is far-reaching. He brought APC to the state, nursed and nurtured it to a promising height that shaped the political landscape of the state and sheltered the good people of Jigawa. We are with him. Our allegiance is still intact. So is that of the remaining 21 former council Chairmen whose tenures were cut short at a time when they were executing impactful projects to their people, following the footsteps of our hero, a beacon of hope and an astute leader whose political sagacity is the envy of many. More wisdom to you, His Excellency Muhammad Badaru Abubakar!

Jameel Ahmed, PhD
is a Member, Badaru-Support Organisation.

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Opinion

Garo’s Bitter Truth and Kano’s Development

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1 day ago

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January 7, 2025

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By Abba Anwar

For the first time, yes first time, in this republic, I mean since the restoration of our democracy from 1999 to date, I came across a prominent politician in Kano, blaming our leading politicians in the state, particularly past governors, over non-challant attitudes towards teaming up for the sake of state development.

Not only that, his worries could be spotted from his face while making the lamentation. To tell his audience, how disturbed he was. This is a straightforward politician WHOSE YES IS ALWAYS YES. And whose type of seriousness and commitment are rarely seen in many political actors.

It was at an Award Dinner organized by the former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Right Hon Abdulaziz Gafasa, of the 8th, 9th and 10th Assembly for the APC members of the House, on Sunday, when Murtala Sule Garo, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, 2023 election, spoke out in vivid terms, his concern for the inability of political leaders in the state, in putting heads together for the development of the state.

To display his political maturity going beyond internal ploy and deliberate setbacks, unnecessarily caused within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Garo’s foresight sees beyond that. His concern is the state at large. Not who are best fitted for elective political offices in the forthcoming 2027 election. That, to him is secondary. Patriotism at its best form.

So his piece of advice is for all past governors in the state. You can think of Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in chronological order. May Allah forgive those amongst them who passed away.

He made an important reference point with Zamfara state, when he said, “It is interesting to see that in Zamfara state… past governors come together during events under one platform, for the sake of the development of their state.”

“They put aside all political differences and affiliations, even those who differ within the same political party/parties, they put heads together and discuss issues that can bring development to their state,” he commended.

“But it is disheartening in the case of Kano…,” he lamented, that, “… our parents, our leaders and former governors cannot put heads together and bring to the table, for genuine discussion, what will bring development to the state.”

Garo urged them, with an open mind that,” They should please, if they truly love Kano, create a viable platform for discussing problems facing our dear state. They should keep aside all their personal interest and face reality.”

At the second segment of his remarks, as he described it, he commended the former Speaker, Gafasa, for organizing the Award Dinner, urging all stakeholders to rally round such effort for the strong survival of the party, APC.

“We should all encourage them for deciding to come together and face Kano’s growth and development. When their effort is strengthened and encouraged they will definitely make their initiative to be sustained. Eventually the state will immensely benefit from the process,” he observed.

My readers and I, including Garo himself, we all know that, close to those leaders there exist EVIL-MIND individuals pretending to be real, while they are FAKE by whatever standard. Whose end would not be met if those leaders live peacefully with others. So they strive hard to see that internal cohesion and external collaboration are unattainable.

Such fake individuals do not want to see peace reign even from within, the APC for example. So also there exist same or similar elements within the ranks of other political parties. Probably such situations need the application of reverse psychology.

Anwar, former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
January 7th, 2025

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Opinion

All hail the Substantive Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja

Published

3 days ago

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January 5, 2025

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By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo, anipr

On 31st December, 2024 Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi’s appointment was approved as the substantive Vice chancellor, University of Abuja by the university’s Governing board chaired by Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd) .It was approved during the 77th Extraordinary Meeting of the Council.I congratulate the brand new Vice Chancellor of university of Abuja, because she has indeed overcome the campaign of calumny in the media against her. God is great.

It would be recalled that she was appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university when Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah completed his five -year tenure .Since then she has been working hard to sustain the standard of the university. Despite that the adversaries had been condemning her that she had no experience. I laughed, because this is a woman who has been Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, before her ascension to the position of the acting Vice Chancellor. Power belongs to God and He gives it to whoever He wants. To those who felt cold about her appointment, they should accept the verdict of the Almighty and work with her to succeed. If their concern is to make the university of Abuja better and stronger, then the only option is to support her with all sincerity. In togetherness the university will do well in the community of universities and educational services.

To the brand new Vice Chancellor , here is my advice:run an inclusive administrative system. Nobody is your foe, you only have some members of staff with different interests; the interests may not be permanent most especially if you are doing the right thing. Pay attention to the antics of sycophants. Show love to everyone, but never compromise the standard of the university. You are lucky, because you are loved by many as it is evidence in the jubilation that culminated the announcement of your appointment on the University campus.

Essentially, building on the legacies of your predecessor, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, which centered on transformation, innovation and prudence would help you a great deal.May Allah guide you

Profile of the Substantive VC

Prior to her appointment as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi served in an acting capacity from 5th July 2024. During this period, she worked closely with the Governing Council to stabilise the University through a challenging crisis, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment.

Born on 31st January 1983 in Katsin in
Finally, UniAbuja Appoints Law Professor, Aisha Maikudi the Substantive Vice Chancellor
Maikudi’s academic excellence took her to the University of Reading, where she earned an LLB in 2004. She further specialised in Public International Law, obtaining an LLM from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2005. After completing her legal education at the Nigerian Law School (2006–2007), she pursued and had a PhD in International Law from the University of Abuja in 2015.

She joined the University of Abuja as a Lecturer II on 4th September 2008, and rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2021.

Prof Maikudi broke barriers as the first female Head of Department in 2013, the first female Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law in 2018, and the pioneer Director of the University of Abuja International Centre in 2019. She also served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), where she was instrumental in enhancing academic standards and promoting a culture of excellence at the University.

An innovator in her field, she introduced the ‘United Nations Law’ course at the University of Abuja in 2019, backed by extensive research and numerous publications in academic journals and book chapters. She is also highly experienced in supervising theses and dissertations, contributing to the growth of legal scholarship.

Maikudi has represented her university and country at numerous national and international conferences, workshops, and training sessions across the UK, US, South Africa, Germany, Italy, China, Ghana, and Egypt. She has presented papers at many of these events, further solidifying her global reputation as an academic leader.

The new Vice-Chancellor is an active member of several professional organisations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Law Teachers Association (NLTA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and Nigerian Society of International Law.

According to the Director, Information and University Relations,Dr Habib Yakoob “her tenure promises a new era of progress and transformation for the University of Abuja”

Congratulations!

 

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.comc

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Opinion

KAYI Microfinance Bank Accelerates Digital Financial Inclusion in Rural Northern Nigeria

Published

4 days ago

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January 4, 2025

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By Rabiu Alhassan Elkanawi

KAYI Microfinance Bank is at the forefront of expanding digital financial services to underbanked communities in Northern Nigeria, particularly through its Grassroots Engagement and Empowerment Programme. By focusing on Tsangaya (Almajiri) schools, which traditionally provide Islamic education but often struggle financially, the bank offers a model that fuses financial literacy, technological tools, and community-based enterprise. This practical approach to financial inclusion aims to unlock the economic potential of marginalized populations while respecting local traditions and educational structures.
Central to this model is the provision of a five-million-naira grant package for each participating Tsangaya school. This funding covers the cost of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines and training in both financial literacy and business management. As a result, each school can establish and operate a cash point business, enabling nearby residents to deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds without traveling long distances. By fostering these local “banking hubs,” the programme not only mitigates logistical barriers but also encourages a culture of savings and financial responsibility in areas previously overlooked by formal financial institutions.

KAYI Microfinance Bank’s strategy goes beyond hardware distribution. Its training modules equip school leaders, students, and administrators with critical skills in accounting, customer service, and entrepreneurial management. Over time, these Tsangaya schools transition into community-driven economic centers, helping their communities diversify income streams and reduce street begging. By integrating business principles into the educational framework, the programme cultivates an environment where students can learn practical finance skills alongside religious teachings, bridging the gap between education and enterprise.

Leadership at KAYI Microfinance Bank has played a key role in steering this initiative. Chaired by Alhaji Saadina Hamidu Dantata, the bank’s direction underscores a broader, institution-wide commitment to community development rather than mere profit-making. Government agencies and local policymakers also stand to bolster the programme’s reach by providing regulatory support, subsidies, or policy frameworks that encourage replication in additional locations. Such collaborations could accelerate the pace of financial inclusion and economic growth across the region.

Looking ahead, KAYI Microfinance Bank remains focused on refining its Grassroots Engagement and Empowerment Programme. The goal is to replicate and scale up the model, ensuring that more remote communities in Northern Nigeria can enjoy consistent access to financial services, training, and technology. With education and enterprise working hand in hand, the initiative highlights how inclusive financial strategies—rooted in local culture and community involvement—can fuel sustainable development for generations to come.

Rabiu Alhassan Elkanawi writes from Kano and he can be reached via alhassanelkanawi@gmail.com

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