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THE ENDURING PRESTIGE OF PROFESSOR SANI LAWAN MALUMFASHI: A LEGACY OF WISDOM, TRUST, INTEGRITY, AND LEADERSHIP IN THE HEART OF NORTHERN NIGERIA.

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3 months ago

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By. Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo , Anipr.

The story of Professor Sani Lawan Malumfashi enters a profound new chapter—one shaped by the calm resilience of a seasoned academic, the loyalty of those who believe in his character and the values that have guided his life for decades. As public conversations continue to rise and fade, one truth becomes clearer: his legacy reaches far beyond the passing storms of public scrutiny.

To many, the professor’s journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of intellect and discipline. He is part of a rare generation of northern intellectuals whose knowledge is not merely academic, but deeply rooted in wisdom, community experience and moral consciousness. His colleagues often describe him as a man who reads life as carefully as he reads books.

In every institution he served, his presence brought a sense of maturity. He carried himself with the calm assurance of someone who understood both his responsibilities and the weight of his influence. Students recall the confident but humble professor who entered the lecture hall with precision, delivering each idea with clarity, balance and thoughtful depth.

Among the qualities most celebrated about him is his trustworthiness. People who interacted with him closely speak of a man who honored his words as commitments. His promises were modest, but his actions were dependable. He represented a model of leadership anchored not in authority, but in credibility.

In academic discussions, the professor was known for his sharp analytical mind. He possessed the rare ability to separate emotion from reason, ensuring that every conclusion was grounded in evidence. This intellectual discipline shaped his reputation as someone who approached every task—even simple ones—with seriousness and purpose.

His wisdom extended beyond books and politics. It showed in the way he related to people. His peers often say that the professor listened before he spoke, observed before he judged and advised only when necessary. This reflective personality became a defining trait of his leadership style.

Integrity has always been considered his most enduring quality. The professor lived in accordance with his values—simplicity, fairness, and self-restraint. Neighbors and acquaintances describe him as a man who avoided conflict, avoided extravagance, and avoided anything that compromised his peace of mind.

These values shaped his relationships with some of Kano’s most influential leaders. His professional respect for His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, FNISE, is a significant part of his story. Observers note that the professor maintained a relationship built on courteous dialogue, shared developmental aspirations, and mutual recognition of service to the public.

The governor is known for appreciating competence, honesty, and loyalty—qualities many believe the professor embodied. Their relationship, supporters say, reflected the intersection of academic intelligence and leadership responsibility. It was grounded in professionalism rather than political calculation.

Another important influence in the professor’s journey has been the iconic founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and national leader of the NNPP, Dr. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Known across Nigeria for his discipline, courage, and leadership philosophy, Dr. Kwankwaso represents the kind of public figure the professor respects deeply.

Those who have observed the professor’s relationship with Dr. Kwankwaso describe it as one defined by admiration. The professor appreciated Kwankwaso’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and structural governance. Supporters point out that both men share a disciplined lifestyle and a sober approach to leadership.

Within the circles of the Kwankwasiyya philosophy, values such as humility, justice, and service are non-negotiable. These values align closely with the personality of Professor Malumfashi, which explains why many within the movement view him with respect. His academic discipline mirrors the movement’s intellectual backbone.

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The professor’s calm demeanor, even in challenging times, further strengthens the belief that he embodies the qualities that great institutions value. Supporters argue that his composure reflects inner strength rather than public pressure. They see a man who trusts the process of justice, respects the rule of law, and maintains dignity through every phase of his journey.

As public discussions continue, one striking pattern appears: the professor is often described as a man whose understanding of governance is shaped by fairness. His former students recall learning from him that leadership must never be a tool of oppression but a responsibility rooted in justice.

His long years in academia nurtured in him a respect for evidence, procedure, and balanced judgment. These principles shaped not only his teaching but his approach to public leadership. Supporters argue that these values should be remembered and appreciated as part of his overall legacy.

In the communities that know him well, the professor remains a respected figure. Elders see him as a symbol of intellectual pride. Young people admire him as a mentor whose achievements show that education can elevate a person to high responsibility. Civic organizations speak of him as a man who contributed to
societal growth without seeking personal reward.

As society reflects on his contributions, one aspect becomes undeniable: Professor Malumfashi symbolizes a generation of Nigerians who invested their lives in knowledge-building rather than wealth accumulation. This alone differentiates him from many of his contemporaries.

The professor’s supporters often highlight that he lived modestly even when he held influential positions. His house, lifestyle, and personal conduct remain consistent with the principles of simplicity that he taught in classrooms for decades. This coherence deepens the public perception that the professor’s character is not shaped by circumstances but by conviction.

His relationship with people across different social classes further strengthens his enduring reputation. Whether speaking with a student, a civil servant, a political leader, or a market trader, the professor maintained an equal level of respect and patience. His humanity made him accessible, approachable, and widely appreciated.

Among his close associates, the professor is often celebrated for his deep emotional intelligence. He understands the power of empathy in leadership. His guidance is often calm, steady, and grounded in experience rather than reaction. These traits made him a stabilizing influence in many professional settings.

When debates arise about his public life, supporters insist that the professor’s legacy cannot be reduced to legal headlines. They argue that the measure of a man lies in decades of consistent behavior, not in the turbulence of a particular moment. His supporters emphasize that such turbulence does not erase his contributions.

To many, the professor remains a national asset—a scholar who helped shape the intellectual foundations of northern Nigeria. His community engagement, academic service, and calm leadership style are seen as qualities worthy of recognition wherever integrity is valued.

Over time, stories about the professor’s kindness continue to surface. Students narrate how he supported them during difficult periods. Friends describe how he offered guidance without expecting anything in return. Colleagues recall his commitment to teamwork and institutional progress.

These stories collectively paint a portrait of a man deeply rooted in goodness, humility and responsibility. Supporters believe that this foundation of character will continue to shape public memory long after current discussions fade.

As Part Three of his journey unfolds, the professor’s narrative becomes not only a personal story but a reflection of Nigeria’s search for leaders who carry wisdom, integrity and community loyalty. It is a search for individuals whose character remains strong even when tested by the complexities of public life.

For those who admire him, the professor stands among such individuals. They believe that his legacy will ultimately highlight the values he upheld—not the challenges he encountered. They believe that future generations will remember him as an educator, a thinker, a peaceful citizen and a man of disciplined principles.

His life continues to inspire conversations about trust, leadership and ethical responsibility. These conversations form an essential part of his evolving story—a story shaped not by the voices of critics but by the enduring truth of character.

In this broader view, the professor remains a symbol of what it means to serve with dignity, to teach with sincerity and to live with purpose. His journey continues to resonate because it reflects the timeless values of wisdom, humility and honor.

As the narrative moves forward, one idea becomes central: the professor’s contributions to education and community development form the foundation upon which his legacy will stand. His values continue to echo through the lives he touched.

The professor’s story, like all stories of great men, is one of resilience. It is the story of a scholar who walked through the world with dignity, who built bridges with people and who held firm to his beliefs even when tested.

In this final portrait, he stands as a figure whose wisdom shaped many, whose integrity guided him and whose trustworthiness earned him a permanent place in the hearts of countless Nigerians.

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Opinion

To DSS Boss: What Was Good for Ese Oruru Must Also Be Good for Walida Abdulhadi-Yushau A. Shuaibu

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5 hours ago

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February 25, 2026

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By Yushau A. Shuaib

Among the current crop of Nigeria’s security chiefs, perhaps none is as widely respected for his professional record as the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi. Since his assumption of office, he has been celebrated as a quintessential officer—one who is neither a religious bigot nor an ethnocentric partisan. His track record in states like Bauchi and Kaduna reflects a man who understands the delicate fabric of our diverse society and has often supported Muslim communal activities with the same zeal he applies to national security.

It is precisely because of this high regard that I find myself profoundly bewildered. Why is it that this same leadership, credited with a commitment to due process, appears to be wavering in the face of a clear court order? I am referring to the case of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, a young Muslim girl from Jigawa State, and the stalled prosecution of a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, accused of her abduction, sexual exploitation, and forced conversion to Christianity.

This disturbing saga echoes the 2015–2016 Ese Oruru case. The nation vividly remembers how a teenage girl from Bayelsa was taken to Kano by Yunusa Dahiru (popularly known as “Yellow”), where she was allegedly converted to Islam and impregnated. The public outcry at the time was overwhelming. The media, civil society, and the international community demanded swift justice.

The Bayelsa State Government under Governor Seriake Dickson intervened decisively — providing medical care, insisting on a thorough investigation, and ensuring prosecution. Yunusa Dahiru was eventually convicted and jailed. Ese Oruru received rehabilitation and later graduated from the University of Ilorin in flying colour

In my recent essay, “From Ese Oruru to Walida: Unmasking Selective Outrage,” I asked a rhetorical question that now feels prophetic: Would Walida’s case attract the same moral panic? Or would it be quietly buried because it doesn’t fit a convenient narrative of religious persecution? My fears are being validated by the day.

A coalition of civil society and faith-based organisations recently raised the alarm in Abuja, accusing the DSS of violating a subsisting court order directing the release of 16-year-old Walida to her family. They specifically named DSS officer Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi as central to the allegations and called for his prosecution should any culpability be established.

A petition filed by Gamji Lawchain paints a disturbing picture: a minor allegedly abducted two years ago, held in unlawful custody, and denied access to her parents. Her father maintains that the trauma of this ordeal contributed directly to the untimely death of Walida’s mother.

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At the heart of the controversy is the DSS acting simultaneously as custodian and investigator — a clear conflict of interest. Compounding this is a suspicious dispute over her age. While the family insists she is 16, there are attempts to portray her as a 22-year-old adult. An independent, document-based verification of her age is essential. Anything less would undermine the integrity of our child‑protection laws.

Strangely, a group known as the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has issued a “counter‑message,” claiming that she left home in 2023 and was taken by a woman called Maryam — later identified as Chinaza — who allegedly converted her to Christianity. The AYA leader, Salihu Danlami, further asserted that Walida underwent a mental evaluation and is “stable” and “happy” with her captor. Such claims overlook the well‑documented psychological phenomenon known as Stockholm Syndrome.

We have seen this before in the North-East; rescued Chibok and Dapchi girls have, at times, expressed a desire to return to their abusers after rescue from ISWAP/Boko Haram, exhibiting emotional bonds with their captors as a survival-driven coping mechanism. A girl who has been serially abused and impregnated outside of matrimony cannot be declared “mentally stable” by a youth group in a press conference. She requires clinical rehabilitation, not media interviews.

The DSS must comply fully with judicial directives concerning Walida’s custody and potential reunification with her family. A neutral, independent inquiry into the allegations against the DSS operative should be conducted. If found guilty, he must face the full weight of the law—just as Yunusa Dahiru did in the Ese Oruru case.

There must also be transparent verification of Walida’s age through credible documentation and independent scrutiny. NAPTIP should assume a leading role, given the child-protection and trafficking dimensions.

Equally, the Jigawa State Government under Governor Umar Namadi must not remain on the sidelines. A decade ago, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa did not treat Ese Oruru’s case as someone else’s burden. He intervened decisively and stood by the victim. Jigawa should do no less for Walida.

The media and the public must resist the urge to frame this matter in inflammatory religious terms. During the Ese Oruru case, northern traditional rulers and religious leaders were hastily accused of complicity. We must not repeat that mistake or allow this situation to be cast as a religious confrontation. Just as many argued in 2016 that Yunusa’s actions did not represent Islam, we must also acknowledge that the alleged actions of Onyewuenyi do not represent Christianity or the DSS.

We cannot afford another cycle of collective suspicion. Responsible communication — not sensationalism — must guide public discourse. This is not a religious contest. It is a child‑rights issue. Justice must never depend on religious identity.

If Nigeria is to remain a nation governed by law rather than sentiment, then institutions — especially the DSS — must uphold due process, transparency, and accountability. This case must follow the same standard of judicial openness and constitutional procedure that defined the high‑profile Ese Oruru investigation, which the police handled with commendable neutrality.

I therefore respectfully appeal to the Director‑General of the DSS to act swiftly, transparently, and in full fidelity to the rule of law. As a man of established integrity, he must ensure that justice is neither delayed nor distorted. Let it never be said that under his leadership, the law became a respecter of persons or uniforms.

In cases involving alleged child exploitation or forced conversion, justice delayed is justice questioned. Institutional integrity is measured not by rhetoric but by response.

What was good for Ese Oruru must, in the interest of fairness and equity, also be good for Walida.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster and can be reached via yashuaib@yashuaib.com.

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Opinion

Ahmad Gambo Saleh:Catalyst Of A Virtuous Judiciary

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1 day ago

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February 24, 2026

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By Ahmad Muhammad Danyaro

 

“All the rights secured to the citizens under the Constitution are worth nothing, and a mere bubble, except guaranteed to them by an independent and virtuous Judiciary|” Andrew Jackson.irria.

 

 

The judiciary in Nigeria, as established by Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, is crucial for interpreting laws, defending the constitution, and enforcing the rule of law. It acts as an independent arbiter, protecting human rights, settling disputes between government branches and citizens, and ensuring democratic accountability through judicial review.

 

According to the words of Ronald Reagan, Former President of the United States of America, “the greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does greatest things .He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”

 

Ahmed Gambo Saleh ,Esq, is one of the most accomplished judicial administrators in Nigeria recognized for his transformational leadership, technical expertise and unwavering commitment to judicial reforms in Nigeria.

 

Since 30th June, 2017 when Ahmed Gambo Saleh took over as Secretary of the National Judicial Council, he has become a leading voice in shaping the future of the nation’s judiciary.

 

The National Judicial Council is one of the Federal Executive Bodies created by virtue of Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in order to insulate the Judiciary from the whims and caprices of the Executive; hence guarantee the independence of this Arm of Government, which is a sine qua non for any democratic Government. The National Judicial Council was created and vested with enormous powers and functions of the erstwhile Advisory Judicial Committee (AJC) which it replaced.

Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq, was born on June 3, 1969, in Hadejia, Jigawa State. He is a seasoned legal administrator with over 20 years of experience, who previously served as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Saleh holds first and second degrees in Law from the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto and Bayero University, Kano, respectively.

 

He worked briefly as a Private Legal Practitioner before joining the service of Jigawa State Ministry of Justice as a Senior State Counsel in 1998, where he rose to become Director of Legal Drafting in 2002.

 

Mr. Saleh was a one-time Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dutse Branch in 2008.

 

In the later part of 2008, he was appointed as a Special Assistant to Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon .Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi ,GCON. Two years later, he was appointed the Deputy Director Litigation before his appointment as the 16th Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

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It was during his tenure as the Chief Registrar that the process of Court Automation commenced, and the interviews of candidates who applied for the conferment of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) were streamed live on the website of the Supreme Court, to enable members of the public to view and assess the suitability or otherwise of qualified candidates to forestall allegation of bias or preferential treatment.

 

Mr Saleh introduced technologies which enabled the Courtrooms to connect to a unified system that has a central repository for all audio/video of proceedings. This includes: the transcripts, audio/video recording of any hearing, appearances and courtroom proceedings.

 

He also installed in the court a device called the document camera with the capacity to display exhbits ,which can be viewed by judges, registrars and lawyers. This device converts a paper document camera or physical exhibit to an electronic image with the aim to enlarge or reduce the image.

 

Ahmed Gambo Saleh, LL.B, BL, LLM combines years in Management and Administrative experience. He is a member of several professional bodies and has served on quite a number of Judiciary Committees, among which are: Secretary, Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee; Chairman, Chief Registrars of Nigeria Forum; Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Dutse Branch; Member, Presidential Swearing-in Committee – 2015; Member, Judiciary Information Technology Policy Committee; Member, Federal Judiciary Tenders Board; Secretary, Jigawa State Shari’ah Implementation Committee, etc.

 

To put Saleh’s commendable feat into proper perspective, the Office of the Secretary he currently occupies is the pivot around which all the activities of the National Judicial Council revolve. It is the administrative office of the Council. The Office co-ordinates and supervises all activities of the Council including Council Meetings, disbursement and monitoring of funds. The success or failure of the Departments & Units in the Council depends on the Office. The Office liaises with other Arms of Government and Agencies to achieve the goals of the Council, among others.

 

As NJC Secretary, he oversees administrative functions of the judiciary, including serving as Secretary to the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee.He continues to serve as a key administrative figure in the Nigerian judiciary.

 

Ahmed Gambo Saleh’s achievements as the Secretary of NJC are indelible and focused on areas characterized by technocratic, behind –the-secne reforms rather than high-profile public actions.

 

He is working assiduously to achieve the NJC’s set goals such as: an entrenched and preserved independent judiciary, a judiciary that is committed to the rule law, a financially autonomous judiciary, a proactive and vibrant judiciary that has judicial officers and staff with proven integrity and impeccable character, a dynamic judiciary manned by officers with various background, discipline, experience and competence and a judiciary that is information technology driven.

 

Humility is his defining character, Barrister Gambo Saleh is humble to a fault.God-fearing, gentle, peaceful, generous; yet unassuming and exceptionally intelligent. A natural leader and never pretentious. For anyone who knows Saleh, things are easily discernible about his character – humility, courage and a calm spirit.

 

As a scribe of NJC, an important arm of government –the judiciary – in the last nine years, it is on record that Gambo Saleh has brought new meaning to the position working diligently and honestly to enshrine a vibrant judiciary. To borrow from Greek writer Homer, “he is both a speaker of words of doers of deeds, benevolent and highly spirited.”

 

 

Danyaro is a Media and Public Affairs Specialist based in Abuja and can be reached via: @adanyaro202@gmail.com.

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Opinion

Waiya As An An Apostle Of Kano First-Kabo

Published

2 days ago

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February 24, 2026

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Hon (Amb) Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has clearly emerged as one of the most celebrated, outspoken, dynamic, and eloquent members of the cabinet of Abba Kabir Yusuf, not only within government circles but across Kano State. This perfectly aligns with the expectations many of us held at the time of his appointment two years ago. Given his background, experience, and unwavering commitment to the people, it was evident that he would bring something exceptional to governance.

What truly sets Waiya apart, however, is not just his competence, but the rare confidence and closeness he enjoys with the Governor. He stands as one of the most trusted allies of His Excellency, someone who understands the Governor’s vision deeply and communicates it with clarity, conviction, and loyalty. His ability to interpret, defend, and passionately project the policies and intentions of the administration reflects a strong working relationship built on trust and mutual respect. In many ways, he operates not just as a Commissioner, but as a central pillar in advancing and protecting the image and direction of the government.

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With his activism roots, intellectual depth, and fearless loyalty, Waiya has positioned himself as a “super Commissioner”, a dependable voice and a strategic force within the cabinet. As the KANO FIRST agenda unfolds, one cannot ignore his role as one of its foremost drivers, standing firmly beside the Governor and reinforcing his vision at every level.

We pray that Almighty Allah continues to protect and guide him, strengthen his capacity, and elevate him to even greater heights in service. Ameen.
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