By Abba Anwar

Before the congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were conducted few weeks ago in Kano, as obtained across the nation, many people, including myself, thought, Kano state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, could not successfully handle the situation.

Not because he had just joined the party (APC) from New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), at least from my estimation, but because he came and met a party that was in disarray, with enormous internal crisis, from left, right and centre.

As many believe that, he is new to internal party wrangling. As he came from where there was a centralized chain of command. Where loyalty has always been hundred percent. And where discipline, at least in the definition of the leader (jagora), is straight and observed.

Governor’s acceptance of the party leadership sharing formula, without any hesitation, was sighted with relief from all party camps. More so, where the governor sacrificed his upper percentage to old APC members. This is where he reversed his 60% to 40% and gave old APC 60% at his own will.

All those arrangements and show of commitment to his new party, were concluded days before Ward, Local Governments and state congresses. The assumption was, His Excellency, the governor could only be able to soundly manage his side of the party membership during the congresses. Whereas, old APC’s sharing formula amongst them would be a bit above average.

But to the chagrin of all, Governor Yusuf, managed to have successful conduct of congresses, from bottom to top in the state. In fact the way the congresses were conducted didn’t even remind all that, the governor was new entrant. The management of the congresses were largely commendable. Though, with some pockets of complaints in some places. But even at that, the governor was able to tame the frustrations and disappointments.

Unlike in many states, where their governors joined APC in recent times. In some of those states, there were close to two parallel party leaders at the state level. Their governors were not able to manage the ugly situations with vigor and determination. Kano case shows how skilful, if you like, the governor is.

People wish that, he applies similar skills, commitment and honesty while facing 2027. What further aided the governor to attain that height, was the true and genuine support he got from almost all APC heavyweights, whom he met when he joined the party. All the camps, within the party, saw reason in supporting the governor to deliver well in the election of party leaders in the state.

So long as the governor will understand the importance and the role of each and every heavyweight within the party, then his victory and that of the party is almost guaranteed. For example, while the support of His Excellency the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, is needed, for governor’s successful tenure, the support of His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, is also needed. Their support is extremely important for re-election bid. No two ways about this. The same or similar goes to other important personalities within the party circle.

As governor used wisdom and support from others, to conduct successful congresses, I urge him to use similar wisdom in sitting with Barau and Garo for the benefit of his administration to rule well and for his reelection bid to yield fruits. I know the governor is quite aware of the challenges ahead. So selective interaction shouldn’t be in his shopping list.

Please let’s face it. With all the so-called political rivalry between Barau and Garo, I am yet to come across a single person, who confessed that, either of the duo asked him or her to go and castigate the other. I’m yet to see a person who can confess to have collected resources from Barau to go and castigate Garo. And vice versa. Show me someone who said Garo gave him a penny to go to any public platform and castigate Barau, I will show you a liar. So what are we talking about.

I urge governor Yusuf to kindly put to reality, the current APC slogan in the state, Kano First. His patriotism, belief and commitment to Kano First Agenda, I assumed, was what took him away from his political godfather, the former governor of Kano state, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. So please and please Your Excellency, show to all that, you clearly understand the writing on the wall. Show to all that, you are really making sound preparation for 2027.

For APC National Headquarters, please look at how our governor managed the party to conduct successful congresses. His victory here spots some clue for his preparedness towards taking the party to greater height. We from Kano, need public commendation of the governor from the national body. Please make it before National Convention. Or you can acknowledge that at the Convention ground.

Unlike many other states, where their governors cross carpeted to APC, like Delta state of governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom state of governor Umo Eno, Bayelsa state of governor Duoye Diri, Rivers state of Siminalayi Fubara, Plateau state of governor Caleb Mutfwang, Taraba state of governor Agbu Kefas, Adamawa state of governor Umaru Fintiri and Enugu state of governor Peter Mbah, Kano congresses have little crisis compared to all these states.

As a matter of fact, encouragement and appreciation, Kano state governor Yusuf, has every quality and qualifications to be publicly commended by the bigger APC from Abuja. With all the crisis within the party, long before he joined, he still made it possible to manage all cracking parts of the party. Yes there are issues here and there, yet Kano did better than other states where governors joined the party, ahead of 2027.

Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 14th March, 2026

By Abba Anwar

Global citizenship and His Excellency, Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, are more or less, like two sides of a coin. Destined to be together for the overall benefit of the society. He started from the scratch, as a political learner, who believes in genuine democratic survival and political development. Hence his promotion to become an icon in politics.

Being an ardent and true democrat, his pedigree sounds decades of hardwork, genuine commitment, rancour-free engagement and civilized cohesion with relevant stakeholders. He specializes in human management and love for human advancement.

Just recently, DSP has been visible on regional and global fora, advancing partnership, integration and self development for our region and the continent. His appearances recently, on such platforms, gave more meaning to his global citizenship position. Yes he is representing Kano North, as his primary constituency, coupled with his position as the Deputy Senate President, but his role at the regional and global arena, showcase his global capacity.

During the 2026 First Extraordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament (ECOWAS Parliament), which was backed by the 2026 Parliamentary Seminar themed “Deepening regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Opportunities and challenges for expanding intra-community trade within the ECOWAS region,” in Abuja, he got more accolades than expected. His genuine commitment to ECOWAS protocols is rare among regional leaders.

Enlisting the core idea behind the event he said, “During today’s session, we considered and adopted the draft resolutions of the parliament on the African Continental Trade Free Area (AfCFTA). We also adopted a comprehensive work plan of the parliament for the 2026 legislative year.”

In his effort in taming insecurity plaguing some parts of our country, DSP clearly understands the global connection to the menace. Hence he highlighted on peace promotion at the regional event. Apart from behind the scene efforts he makes. Both in Nigeria and beyond. During the ECOWAS programme he said, “As the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, the people’s parliament, we will continue to promote democracy, PEACE (emphasis mine), unity, and integration in our sub-region, the cardinal objectives of the parliament.”

It was evidently clear that, Distinguished Senator was among the few hands who put extra effort in taming some pockets of bandit attacks few months back in some border towns in Kano state. Who were said to be infiltrated from neighboring states.

Coincidentally, some of the attacks, though, very insignificant, occurred around his Kano North constituency. The nature of contributions of operational vehicles, and other logistics he gave to our security agencies, around that axis, aided security agents in crushing the challenge head on.

Not only in his constituency, he donated, other operational vehicles to Kano state Police Command, alongside hundreds of motorcycles for police operations across all the 44 local governments of the state. Some of his interventions are not for public consumption, because of their nature, being security related.

Coming back to his good attachment with other global bodies, as a global citizen, he participanted recently at 2026 Commonwealth Day Commemoration, themed “Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous commonwealth,” at the National Assembly, Abuja. He was there as an important guest and a critical stakeholder.

The event was organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). DSP Jibrin delivered one of the most significant speeches there. In his speech he acknowledged that, “This year’s theme is both timely and inspiring. It calls on us to strengthen collaboration across borders, institutions, and generations to create a future defined not by limitations but by shared prosperity.”

One of his major concerns as a global citizen who believes in peaceful coexistence and global partnership is his contribution towards national peace and cohesion. As well as regional cooperation and global partnership against insecurity. All these are based on the premise of his clear understanding of global concepts and meaning.

As this can vividly be understood in his remark during the Commonwealth Day, when he said, “For Nigeria and indeed Africa, the Commonwealth represents more than a historical association. It is a dynamic platform for cooperation, learning, and collective progress.” This shows how insightful and informed he is when it comes to global citizenship and clear action.

Distinguished Senator Jibrin’s understanding of the need for strengthening of institutions through proper legislation, across the board, on the global arena, he takes the same understanding and called on other global bodies to take that seriously. At the Commonwealth Day he made it categorically clear that, “As legislators, we bear a solemn responsibility to build institutions that expand opportunities for education, innovation, enterprise and leadership for our young people. When we unlock such opportunities, we unlock the true potential of our societies.”

As a matter of fact, the Deputy Senate President’s love for peace and development to reign, does not stop at the local communities, or within the shores of Nigeria, he makes it an item on his shopping list, to wherever he goes or whoever he meets. He reminded all participants at the Commonwealth Day, that, “In my additional capacity as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, I wish to emphasise that regional and global cooperation are no longer optional – they are essential. The challenges of our time-economic transformation, climate change, technological disruption, and peacebuilding-require collective solutions and shared vision.” This is leader with a vision!

Peace, peace and peace, anywhere he goes. His interventions as contributions to our security agencies, here in Kano state, are enough indices to tell you who the Senator is. When it comes to fighting insurgency and other nefarious activities.

To further appreciate the fact that, youth are an integral part in the future of our continent and other global communities, he said, in his speech, “I am particularly delighted that today’s event brings together students from schools within the Federal Capital Territory. The Commonwealth strongly believes in youth participation because the future of governance, diplomacy, and global cooperation rests squarely in their hands.”

This gives more explanation to the confidence he reposed in our younger ones. As he, at the same time, believes in their capacity, when equipped effectively and efficiently to serve their individual societies. His genuine investment in our youth, back home, on behalf of the entire state, is an excellent move against insecurity. He fights, with vigor, youth restlessness and unemployment. Shielding them from involving in nefarious activities.

The Senate President, himself, His Excellency, Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, fully believes in Senator Jibrin’s capacity and capability in governance and special interest in global community, he (Akpabio) sent DSP to represent him at an ECOWAS extraordinary session.

During the opening ceremony of 2026 First Extraordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament (ECOWAS Parliament), recently in Abuja. The session commenced with a Parliamentary seminar themed “Deepening regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Opportunities and challenges for expanding intra-community trade within the ECOWAS region.”

Senator Jibrin gave the keynote address on behalf of the Senate President. With the theme, “ECOWAS Parliament: Advancing regional integration at a defining moment.” All such engagements by the DSP, are in tandem with the philosophy behind his global citizenship status. Kano North, his primary constituency, is proud to have such an illustrious son, of great substance.

To cap it all, DSP Jibrin’s contributions towards the fight against insecurity and promotion of peaceful coexistence among citizens, are enormous. Due to the security nature of such contributions, members of the public, are only able to see things related to physical infrastructure and equipments. Other areas that are equally critical, also get the attention of the Senator. But cannot be disclosed to the public.

As global as the Senator is, his view on governance, integration and promotion of peace, is globally inclined.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 13th March, 2026

By Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

Fifteen years have passed since I last held my son, Sadiq Modibbo, in my arms. Even now, the memory of his laughter and the warmth of his tiny hand remains vivid in my mind. There was something remarkable about him, a light that shone through even in moments of fear or pain.

I remember the first time I realized how deeply he loved the simple things that connected him to me.

Whenever he cried, I would gently remove my cap, and just like that, his tears would stop. It was as if the gesture spoke to him in a language only he and I shared—a language of love, trust, and comfort.

Sadiq was often unwell, and our visits to the hospital were frequent. Yet, despite his fragile health, he carried himself with an unusual courage. The doctors, nurses, and other caregivers grew to know him well. They would smile at his little jokes, or nod knowingly when he quieted at the sight of me.

In those hospital rooms, I learned to see him not just as my son, but as a symbol of resilience. Every day, I watched him endure injections, treatments, and long hours of discomfort, yet he faced it all with a quiet strength. Even then, the cap—the small, unassuming piece of cloth—became a tool of love, a reminder that he was never alone.

Sadiq’s love for Kwankwasiyya was another remarkable part of his personality. It was a fascination that seemed larger than his years, and it sparked countless conversations between us. I would watch him with wonder, seeing how a young boy could find joy and meaning in something so vibrant, even in the midst of illness.

I often imagined what he would be like today if he were still alive. Would he be arguing with me as passionately as ever? Would his laughter fill our home in the way it did when he was a boy? The “what ifs” are endless, but in my heart, I carry the certainty that his spirit lives on in every memory, every smile, every small gesture of love that he shared.

Birthdays were special for Sadiq. He would light up at the smallest celebration, reminding us all of the beauty in simple joys. Even as a child who faced health struggles, he found light in each day. I can still see him running toward me, his eyes shining, his cap slightly askew from excitement.

Mourning him has been a lifelong journey. The world continued around us, but I learned that grief is a quiet companion. It is in the small moments—the empty chair at the table, the quiet hospital rooms, the cap that no longer needs to be removed to stop tears—that his absence is most felt.

Yet, even in sorrow, there is comfort. I tell myself that Sadiq’s courage, his love, and his laughter have left a lasting imprint. The lessons he taught me—about patience, joy, and unconditional love—remain guiding lights in my life. Every time I see a child comforted by a parent, I am reminded of him.

Today, I remember Sadiq not with despair, but with gratitude. The cap that stopped his tears symbolizes so much more than a simple gesture; it is a testament to the bond between father and son, to the small acts of love that shape a life. May Allah grant him eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire those who knew him—even for just a moment.

Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa is the Director General Media and Spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.