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Opinion

Reno Omokri And His Sheer Opportunism

Published

11 months ago

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Since the flame war began between the Tinubu led APC and Mallam El-rufai, the former’s camp has been experiencing sleepless nights. And since those employed, officially, to tackle such issues–if any arises–are obviously not up to the task, the renowned opportunist of our time–Reno Omokri–has, obviously, agreed to display his mercenary skill sets in their defense.

But then, it has been confirmed that even their so called Mercenary is not also up to the task. In his usual cunning manner of presenting issues to the gullible ones amongst us, Reno Omokri has presented some points against Mallam Nasir El-rufai of which, this piece is serving as a rejoinder to all those malicious claims.

Firstly, amongst his claims is the narrative that El-rufai is wailing because he was denied being made a minister under the administration of Tinubu due to his inability to secure a security clearance. Stating that issues like the crisis which went on almost everyday in the southern region of Kaduna State is considered to be a handwork of El-rufai.

To refute this claim and then make it explicit how Reno is a confused human being with an amnesia problem, it’s on the record that the southern Kaduna crisis started way longer before El-rufai assumed office as the governor of the state. In his words: “please, fact check me.”

When Namadi Sambo was picked as the vice president by the then president Goodluck Jonathan after the death of Umaru Musa Yar’adua in May, 2010, Patrick Yakowa–who was the deputy governor to Namadi Sambo–automatically became the governor of the state. This development was what brought the said crisis to the state. The Muslims were not comfortable with the fact that a Christian was the governor of the state, hence the rift and crisis between the regions in the state.

The crisis escalated even more after the late Yakowa contested against a CPC candidate, Haruna Sae’ed and won with a slight difference in the numbers of the votes in the 2011 gubernatorial election. A year and some months later, he was involved in an aircraft crash and died at the spot. These aforementioned developments were the origins of the crisis which Reno is faulting El-rufai who became governor of the state some years later for.

And for the fact that the crisis is still ongoing in the present administration of Uba Sani shows that the attack is personal and out of jealousy. They hope that, with the tarnishing of image tactics which they have employed against El-rufai, whatever plans he has against them coming 2027 will die.

Secondly, Reno also accused El-rufai as the one who carried out the Shi’ites massacre that happened in December, 2015. If not one who suffers from amnesia, who doesn’t know that it was the Nigerian Army that carried out the operation in 2015? But because Reno is a shameless opportunist who thinks with his anus, the incident is now attributed to the government of El-rufai.

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The honest revelation of the scenario was that the Shi’ites movement blocked roads in Zaria, stopping anyone from using the roads because they were performing some of their rituals. The ugly situation surfaced when they tried the stupidity with the then Chief of Army Staff–major general Buratai Tukur.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Army then revealed that an assassination attempt on the life of Tukur Buratai was their reason for the brutal retaliation against the members of the movement and then the subsequent capture of their leader, Zakzaky. How does this narration concern El-rufai who even established a State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the incident?

Thirdly, he also made mention of the demolitions carried out by El-rufai as part of the reasons why he couldn’t secure the security clearance. And I ask: the same demolition of houses and mosque which Wike carried out in Rivers State and then secured a security clearance to be part of Tinubu’s administration?

Moreover, all the demolitions carried out by the administration of El-rufai had moral justification. For instance, the demolition of the house which was kept for a sex party by some morally deteriorated human beings in the state is justifiable. Such morally bankrupt activities must not take place in the home of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Sadauna. No demolition was carried out without the Kaduna State Urban and Development Agency giving reasons for such action.

The fact remains that, the president changed his mind along the line and didn’t want El-rufai in his government for reasons best known to him. If it was because of inability to secure the security clearance, how come the likes of Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state got nominated and passed the security screening? An average Nigerian knows that Bello Matawalle championed bandits operation in the state during his tenure as it was alleged by even the bandits lord–Bello Turji, and the present governor of the state, Dauda Lawal.

It’s also imperative for Nigerians to take note of the fact that the power issue in the country isn’t ordinary. As stated by El-rufai on Arise tv during his recent interview, president Tinubu gave him a challenge to fix the power issue of the country and he gladly accepted it because, accepting a challenge and conquering it has become his hubby.

If we all could recall, during his presentation at the National Assembly, El-rufai pointed out the problems imbedded in the ministry and how he intended to providing a lasting solutions to them. One who can decipher should understand that the cabals in that ministry are the ones against his nomination. And, to obey to the agreement, the president had to let them have their say. Had El-rufai been allowed into that ministry, all hell would have been let loose by now. They know the kind of person he is and that’s why he was stopped.

Reno Omokri is actually the one crying because El-rufai relieved him off the duty of handling his Facebook page while he was the FCT minister. He has been at loggerheads with El-rufai ever since then. Plus, his newly found job with the Renewed hope gangs, PR consultants, El-rufai must not rest. But he should be aware that the likes of us will always be around and ready to keep him on his toes whenever he mentions El-rufai’s name.

The same Reno who described Tinubu as a bad product that the APC wanted to sell to Nigerians. Same he who described the president as an indecisive person and shouldn’t be made president. The same mealy-mouthed Reno who tagged the APC government as one that has increased the poverty rate in Nigeria. The same so called Gospeller who went to organize a protest against Tinubu at the Chatham house in London. He is the same person they employed to defend them now and he accepted because he has no other means of earning than the PR consultancy scheme.

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Opinion

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

Published

2 days 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

Published

3 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

3 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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