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Legislative – Executive Cohesion : DSP Barau’s Multiple Efforts

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10 months ago

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By Abba Anwar

Being from the Legislative arm, with outstanding performances, the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, makes extra effort to remind Nigerians the salient achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, after rigorous and cumulative legislative engagements by the National Assembly.

This singular act from the DSP, of showcasing deliverables from Tinubu’s executive responsibilities, speaks volumes of amplifying federal government feats, being achieved and at the same time, promoting cohesion, in many instances, between the two arms, legislature and the executive.

Without abandoning his legislative territory and responsibilities, he clearly understands the need for helping the executive to tell the electorate and beyond, how commendable and stressful are democratic dividends trickling down to the citizenry, in a globally challenging spaces. Of which Nigeria is a political entity.

In his un-paradoxical analysis of trending discussions DSP gives bit-by-bit, unambiguous and enhanced account of Tinubu’s fulfillment of his (President’s) part of the social contract entered in the Nigerian project.

The Deputy Senate President is not doing this at the expense of his legislative responsibilities. His legislative primary responsibility ha never been at the receiving end since the inauguration of the 10th Senate /Assembly on 13th June, 2023.

In fact as at December, 2024, he was the highest sponsor of private member Bills, with 21 Bills to his credit. For that he was honoured with the Award of the Highest Number of Private Member Bills Sponsorship by the Senate Press Corps, then. An umbrella platform of both Nigerian and foreign journalists reporting from the Senate.

In my decades of being on this planet, this is the first time I came across a very senior legislative member creating awareness on the activities, programmes, policies and projects of the Executive arm, for posterity purposes. Without feeling short-changed, shortsighted and shorthanded.

Even the nature of Bills he privately sponsored, says a lot in giving you the picture of his resourcefulness, creativity, deeply rooted sensitivity and unwavering responsibility. A dull legislator, cannot do half of what he faces, treats and achieves.

One can spot Senator Jibrin’s intellectual capacity, when you see the nature of Bills he sponsored. Among them are, Development Planning and Projects Continuity Bill (2023) – informed by his worry on abandoned projects all over the federation -, Cyber Crimes (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill (2023) – emanates from his concern for safer and better Nigeria -, North West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill (2023) – stemming from his quest for quicker regional development for the overall national development- and Federal Polytechnic, Kabo, (Establishment) Bill (2023) – influenced by his zeal for literacy and numeracy for his primary constituency, Kano North and the nation by extension/implication.

As aforementioned, the Distinguished Senator, did bit-by-bit analysis, of the administration’s strive in many spheres of national development, goodwill posture and genuine political engagement. A de facto Tinubu’s spokesperson, of sort, with his higher legislative position, an improved player in the art of legislation and unassuming orator.

As he reminded people the real launching pad of the nation’s woes, he aptly captured the global perspective of the tainted experience. He argued, “In the past decades, all spheres of our country—power, road infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, water, housing, and others—have been begging for genuine attention.

This is coupled with the fact that this government came on board at the time that the entire world economy was and is still quite turbulent due to the high cost of basic goods and services all over the world arising from Russia -Ukraine, and Israel–Palestine wars. Nigeria is certainly not an exception.” This is modernity with scholarship.

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He still acknowledges that, “By May 29, it will be exactly two years since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration came on board in the country. Yes, we are not there, and we cannot be in the promised land in less than 23 months when the numerous challenges facing our beloved country have weighed us down for decades.

But a journey has started—the road is rough, but it’s for the restoration of our country’s glorious days. It is not easy to rebuild a shattered building.” Doing justice to the entire argument.

The Senator courageously requested Nigerians “… to support Tinubu in his quest to address the challenges facing the country.”

Raising hopes that, “The good news is that the President is genuinely committed to addressing these challenges. Fresh air is already permeating all the country’s spheres, nooks and crannies to the admiration of lovers and good people, irrespective of differences and persuasions.”

On the improved security system and coordinated network, he has this to say, “For instance, admirable success has been recorded in the area of security. Hundreds of terrorists have been neutralised in the North West geopolitical zone. Yes, there are pockets of cases of kidnapping and attacks, but they are minimal compared to before the coming of this administration. The instances of incessant kidnapping on the Abuja/Kaduna road have become history.

In the Southeast, the activities of unknown gunmen terrorising the region have been on the downward side. In the North East, Boko Haram was almost completely eradicated until the recent attacks in some parts of Borno State.”

Adding that, ” I am confident that our gallant members of the Armed Forces will act decisively to smoke them out permanently. The people of the remaining five states in the North East live peacefully and conduct their lawful businesses—commendation to our gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces and other sister security agencies.”

The result of which he highlighted, ” With the enhanced peace across the country, the Federal government has recently launched phase one of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) to revolutionise and industrialise the agricultural sector. SAPZ aims to transform Nigeria’s agriculture landscape through innovation, private-sector investments and strategic public partnerships.

The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses and expand rural economic opportunities. Seven states, namely Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and Federal Capital Territory, have been selected for phase one, while Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe are listed for phase 2.”

For taking development to grassroot, Senator Jibrin appreciated Tinubu administration for the establishment of the North-West, North Central, South-East, South-West, and South-South Development Commissions. And for the overall development of the regions. It is still fresh in our memories that it was him who presented private Bill to the Senate for the establishment of North West Development Commission.

For infrastructural development the architect of our regional development cited and appreciated Abuja—Kaduna—Kano highway reconstruction, which was dragged on under Muhammadu Buhari administration for eight years. And few years before him.

While touching on the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under President Tinubu, as thousands of students across the country benefitted, their parents and guardians were relieved of the ever-present stress of school fees, he reviewed in summary, policies directed at turning around nation’s economy.

As a de facto Spokesperson, if you will, the Deputy Senate President critically observed that, “President Tinubu has been working genuinely to correct the fiscal misalignments. He has attracted Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) worth Billions of Dollars, paid the forex backlog and cleared the ways and means of the Trillion Naira he inherited from the last administration.”

With all these the Distinguished Senator representing Kano North Senatorial District, has not left his legislative responsibilities as his primary task-shouldering engagement. As acknowledged by the Nigerian – American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), when they honoured him recently with Excellence in Legislative Leadership Award.

The Award acknowledges that, “In recognition of his outstanding leadership skills, stakeholder engagement for peace and unity in Nigeria and support for education and agriculture in Kano and beyond.”

His outings and speeches around the country show how glued his heart is with national development. As he made his remark to the organizers of the Award by NACC, he said this out of genuine patriotism,” Let us continue to work together, serving with passion, integrity and dedication as we contribute to building a better Nigeria.”

Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
April 17th, 2025

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Opinion

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

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14 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

Published

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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