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Opinion

As ex-rep, cleric, media scholar move to sanitize social media

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1 year ago

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By Sani Danlami

The advent of social media which is believed to have begun around 1997 with the launch of the platform “Six Degrees”, is shaping the news reporting, in the sense of narrating happenings.

Access to news has been democratized. Citizens masquerading as journalists now report events in real-time.

Social media comes in with some magic. It provides a direct line between journalists/citizens journalists with their audience and sources. It seems that things have been made easier as news stories are broken faster, thereby creating more interactive environments among journalists, audience and sources.

As well, social media allows politicians as well as power brokers to speak to constituents or their target audiences directly. Now people express themselves without the gatekeeping employed by the traditional media to sanitize discussions.

But this comes with some challenges and responsibilities as verification of information and combating misinformation become daunting tasks.

In spite of the strides taken by social media to ease down slow dissemination of information as exemplified by the traditional media, it gave birth to some sicknesses including but not limited to cyberbullying, disinformation morphing, privacy violation, which are fast consuming us.

It is within this context that a former member House of Representatives from Tarauni Federal Constituency, Hafizu Kawu under the auspices of Hafizu Kawu Media Team, teamed up with the Council of Ulama of Nigeria, Kano State Chapter, to cleanse social media in order to attract healthy political discussions.

For ages, people have been complaining of the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation; but little is done to walk the talk. Social media has dissevered relationships, led to conflicts and heated the polity much more than it served us.

It was out of this frustration that the former deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 governorship election, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo called on the past governors of the state including Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso to set aside their differences and work together for the betterment of the state. Kano has been at the receiving end. Disinformation and misinformation split up former established political figures in the state.

This social media summit could not have come at a better time. Already, the drum of the 2027 general election is quietly beating and political parties’ social media handlers are fast becoming adamant. Based on this, the summit will go a long way in sanitizing and strengthening processes of social media.

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One beautiful thing about this summit organized by Hafizu Kawu in collaboration with the Council of Ulama’a is that it drew participants from major political parties in the state including the APC, the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), among others.

Also, the choice of the venue of the event, which is Islamic Forum of Nigeria National Headquarters, in Kano, testified to the commitment of the organizer on reforming and promoting decency in modern political practices, particularly on social media platforms.

Undoubtedly, this is a very interesting outing which says a lot about Hafizu Kawu’s intention and commitment towards promoting political cohesion and understanding among political parties in the state, particularly within the ranks of their social media users, who proved, many times, to be in disarray.

The dual-professor, Abdallah Uba Adamu, was the guest speaker at the all-important event. Present at the event also was a renowned Islamic scholar, Shaykh Ibrahim Khalil, the chairman of the Council of Ulama, Kano Branch.

Abdallah Uba Adamu was particularly selected to initiate the participants into some core values of journalism as a communications scholar to enable them engage in healthy communications and discussions. He said that this is necessary for Kano State to occupy its rightful position as a melting pot of politics and it will serve as an example for the neighboring states.

Going by the targeted audience, popular politicians from Tarauni Local Government, namely; Alhaji Talle Mai unguwa, who came with a group of who is who in Tarauni APC; former member of State Assembly from Tarauni, Abubakar Zakari, with his large entourage and former Commissioner for Special Duties, Kabiru Muhammad, among others, attended the event.

Other politicians from APC were the Tarauni local government APC Chairman, Maikudi Ali, with Wards Chairmen were present, signaling their endorsement of this important effort of cleansing social media space.

Former Speaker Tarauni Local Government Council, Ali Madu attended the event in the company of former councilors of the local government and other political heavyweights from Tarauni.

Tarauni is the birthplace of this idea; but members of political parties across the state were attracted by the event. They all endorsed this idea of enhancing public morality and cleansing social media. Why? Everyone is a victim. Fake news and propaganda have turned electioneering campaigns into physical strife

The two teams, the former lawmaker and the council of Ulama’a, from all intent are deeply engaged in promoting saner and safer political discussions among political actors in the state. This is what Kano political atmosphere desires the most to produce good leadership that will serve all.

The most interesting part of the event, though it was organized by Hafizu Media Team and the Council, was that participation cuts across the state, as many social media users from across APC, PDP and NNPP, attended the first of its kind event.

Prof Adamu explained with all clarity that the necessary paradigm shifts from misuse of social media platforms by party promoters. On the other hand, Shaykh Khalil, referred participants to always put Allah first before engaging in anything towards promoting their political interest.

Other speakers called on social media users to always have a good understanding of their principals in order to work effectively and efficiently.

This and similar efforts can promote peace and stability in the polity. It is obvious that without peace no development is possible, workable and reachable.

Despite the threats social media poses to political stability, with such summits, where educators and community leaders join hands with educators to enlighten users of social media on ethical considerations, the future looks bright.

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Opinion

Kano Gov’s Defection : As Gov Radda Concretizes Synergy With Kano

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22 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

Immediately after his official decamping to All Progressives Congress (APC), the Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor of Katsina state Dr Umar Dikko Radda, described the move as “… strategic for regional unity, stability and development.”

In a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Chairman of the North West Governors’ Forum, Radda, after congratulating Kano governor for the move, he signaled his intention of working in good synergy with his Kano counterpart for finding lasting solutions to insecurity, political instability and other vices.

He was instructive when he said, according to the statement, “The decision of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to join the APC is a demonstration of responsible leadership and a strategic step towards deepening cooperation with the Federal Government and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the benefit of Kano State and the entire North West.”

The statement clearly indicates maturity in governor Radda’s statesmanship position across the zone, his readiness to work tirelessly with governor Yusuf in repositioning and revitalizing the zone for better tomorrow. In areas like sustainable development, enhanced security, fight against youth restiveness and drug abuse.

In his commendation of the Kano state governor, he acknowledged that, “Leadership demands the courage to take decisions in the long-term interest of the people. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated this by placing peace, stability and progress above all other considerations.”

In my estimation and understanding, the way Kano APC received the hitherto New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governor into its fold, with all sense of dignity, humility and magnanimity, was what moved other APC North West Governors to collectively congratulate him through the able leadership of the governor of Katsina state.

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The statement disclosed that, “On behalf of the North West Governors’ Forum, Governor Radda congratulated Governor Yusuf and assured him of the full support and cooperation of his colleagues across the region and the country, while wishing him wisdom, strength and success in his leadership.”

All who is who in Kano APC was very much around and received the governor with all open hearts. To the extent that, he was assured by the APC leader in Kano, then, former governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, that, all paths were set for the new entrant, governor Yusuf, to seek for re-election come 2027.

The same assurance was given by the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, that, he jettisoned his ambition and gave way for the incumbent to contest for a second tenure, 2027. Many good wishes and encouragements were transparently stared at the good face of the governor.

Observing how comfortable the Kano state governor was, during the grand event for his decamping, that took place at Government House, Kano, governor Radda believes further that, another good partner for meaningful development is now on board. Hence the unwavering support from other North West governors to governor Yusuf.

Radda’s glaring happiness and show of commitment towards the development of Kano, was what prompted him to acknowledge and accept new political alignment and realignment with Kanawan Dabo at the peak of political cohesion, as governor Yusuf cross-carpeted.

In the referenced press statement, the Katsina state governor hinted that with Yusuf’s exit from NNPP to APC, the synergy between Kano and federal government, which he termed as political realignment would enhance the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda in critical areas such as security cooperation, agricultural transformation, industrialisation and youth empowerment.

With this, we have nothing to add, as encomium to the people’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who has energetic state governors under the platform of his party, the APC. Such as Governor Radda, who leads North West Governors’ Forum.

In another way round, Katsina state governor, is very instructive to some basic advances that, Kano state under APC, would receive critical attention from the federal government. This, I observed severally.

This could also mean, Radda’s attention and unwavering commitment for development, are focused on Kano, with the entrance of Yusuf into APC’s fold. This means a lot as build – up to APC’s victory come 2027. It also means his un-arguable commitment to regional cohesion and cooperation.

To fully appreciate and strengthen the courage of other elected officials from Kano, who also decamped to the ruling APC, in the press release, the leader of North West Governors’ Forum, “… welcomes the decision of members of the Kano State Executive Council, the State House of Assembly, National Assembly members and local government Chairmen to also join the APC, describing it as a strong signal of political stability, unity of purpose and shared commitment to development in the state.”

Anwar writes from Kano
Wednesday, 28th January, 2026

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Opinion

Political Juggernaut And Stabilizer Of Reckon

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2 days ago

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January 27, 2026

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Dan Sa’idu Mamman Gaya

The ongoing political shake-up navigating the Kano’s political atmosphere will ultimately lead to alignment and realignment of political forces. Positions, both elective and appointive will be adjusted to align with the new coalition. This is with a view to striking balance, provide the necessary shocks to accommodate members of the ruling Al Progressives Congress (APC).
Since the news of resignation of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) broke, the political atmosphere in Kano state has been tensed and filled with high degree of uncertainty which has led to the sharp division of the Kwankwasiyya movement into those in favour of the impending defection of the Governor to All Progressives Congress (APC), led by key confidants of the Governor and those oppose to the move led by the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
Naturally, when there is such a political development, positions are likely to be affected and realigned to suit the desired political stability and balance. In the instant case of the defection of Governor Yusuf from NNPP to the APC, which triggered division among the Kwankwasiyya adherents, there are indications that the office of the Deputy Governor might ultimately become vacant owing to the adamant posture of the current occupier of the office, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam who apparently pitch tent with those that are opposed to the defection of the Governor. The likely thing to happen with the eventual vacation of the office by the Deputy Governor either voluntarily or to be consumed by the consequential political adjustment, the realignment will create a vacant deputy governor’s position.
The governor’s defection may lead to the impeachment of the deputy governor at worst, or he might decide to follow the path of honour by resigning the position.

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In the event of the eventual Deputy Governor’s exit, the task of replacement becomes a priority and a matter of serious consideration for political stability and balance of power in the state. In this regard, the process of choosing a new Deputy Governor must be matched with the necessary tact and strategy and forward thinking. Already, there are schemings and discreet moves by interested individuals and groups that are promoting certain individuals to replace the Deputy Governor in his eventual exit as the number two citizen of the state.
Among the frontrunners for the replacement of the Deputy Governor is a former Commissioner for Local Government, Honourable Murtala Sule Garo whose choice is seen as most strategic, suitable, appropriate, right and apt for stability and balance of the Abba Kabir Yusuf government and political structure. Those who favour Honourable Murtala Sule Garo to emerge as the next Deputy Governor hinged their argument on some sterling qualities of Honourable Garo among which include his strong political structure that cuts across the entire length and breadth of Kano State. Loyalty and commitment as displayed in his previous assignments both as Local Government Chairman and later Commissioner for Local Government has made him the best option so far. Honourable Garo’s political influence came to the fore when he aspired for Kano Governorship in 2023 where his political strength, doggedness, dexterity and spread made him to secure the Deputy Governorship ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) after the party primaries, owing to the fact that he was a force to reckon with since APC was deeply committed and determined to win the governorship election.
Those behind the moves for the emergence of Honourable Sule Garo as the next Deputy Governor are of the view that fairness, justice and equity are essential components of democracy hence maintaining the Deputy Governorship seat in Kano North Senatorial district where Honourable Garo hails from will solidify the support base of the APC and by extension that of the Governor. This is even more so, as the zone has always been a stronghold of the APC. The APC has maintained control of the Kano north senatorial district even in the face of the NNPP’s 2023 winning streak that swept across the entire Kano’s political landscape. Unarguably, Honourable Garo’s unmatched influence and strong political grip in the Kano North remains the secret of the continuous relevance and dominance of the APC in the zone, hence his choice as the next Deputy Governor will ultimately solidify APC in the zone and better prepare Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a smooth return to Government House come 2027. A word is enough for the wise.

Mamman contributes this piece from Kaduna.

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Opinion

Why Garo Deserves Deputy Governor Position Under Kano’s New Political Equation

Published

2 days ago

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January 27, 2026

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By Najeebullah Ibrahim Soron Dinki

As Kano State witnesses renewed political realignment and coalition-building, attention is increasingly shifting from slogans to substance.
At the heart of this transition lies a crucial question; as the current Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo who stick to NNPP bow out, while the Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf defect to APC. What is it likely to happen to the vacant deputy governor’s position when he finally vacate the seat? Who among the political figures will Governor Abba choose to replace him and equally fly the ticket with him in his second term bid?
A politician that can fit in and eventually complement the governor, must be a person with credibility, balance, and grassroots strength. He must be the best bet for this position. In this unfolding conversation, Murtala Sule Garo emerges as a compelling and strategic choice for the Deputy Governor position.

Kano politics has always been decided from the bottom up. Elections are however not won in conference rooms alone but at polling units, wards, and local government areas. This reality places a premium on leaders with authentic grassroots connections—leaders who understand the language, needs, and aspirations of ordinary people. Garo’s political journey reflects precisely this grounding.

Unlike many whose influence is limited to elite circles, Murtala Sule Garo’s relevance has been forged through sustained engagement with grassroots structures. His political capital is built on trust, loyalty, and accessibility. These are not abstract virtues; they translate directly into mobilization, trust, and electoral resilience—assets any serious coalition must prioritize.

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Beyond grassroots appeal, Garo brings valuable experience in public service and political administration. The office of Deputy Governor demands more than ceremonial presence. It requires a steady hand capable of managing sensitive political relationships, coordinating government priorities, and serving as a reliable bridge between leadership and the people. Garo’s background positions him to perform this role with competence and restraint.

Coalition politics, by nature, thrives on inclusion and unity. Kano’s emerging coalition must accommodate diverse interests, heal divisions, and project stability. Garo’s ability to maintain cordial relationships across political lines marks him out as a consensus builder, not a polarizing figure. In a state as politically vibrant as Kano, this quality is indispensable.

Electorally, the value of a deputy governorship candidate lies in added strength, not symbolic balance alone. Garo’s extensive grassroots networks, youth engagement, and familiarity with local political dynamics give the coalition an edge where it matters most—on election day.

In the final analysis, the Deputy Governor’s slot should reinforce credibility, expand reach, and stabilize governance. Murtala Sule Garo represents a blend of grassroots legitimacy, political maturity, and unifying potential. For a coalition seeking victory and effective governance in Kano State, his candidacy deserves serious consideration.

As Kano stands at the threshold of a new political chapter, choices made today will shape governance tomorrow. Selecting leaders rooted in the people remains the surest path forward. In this regard, the cap fits Hon. Murtala Sule Garo.

Najibullah Wrote from Kaduna

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