By Abba Anwar

Disturbed by the global price shocks caused by US/Israel-Iran War and the lingering insecurity plaguing our dear nation, the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin, CFR, called for consistent prayers for the intervention of The Creator, The Almighty Allah.

It was his major urge for peaceful coexistence in the country, after consistent contributions to the security agencies in the last couple of years, as reflected in his special Eid-el-Fitr message after the completion of the Ramadhan Fasting period.

Part of the statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudassir, reads, “The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has rejoiced with Muslims in the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast, urging all to sustain prayers for global peace.”

Not only that, DSP Barau, as one of the leading principal officers of the National Assembly, alongside his distinguished senator colleagues, is doing everything possible to restore peace in the land. Sustained peace and tranquility, free from ethnic, political, sectional, or religious crises. His mission is peace, and peace is at the forefront.

His physical contributions to security agencies in his constituency, Kano North and the state in general, are testimonies to his commitment towards everlasting peace and tranquility. Is just like what I always say, not all security interventions need public attention. Because of their nature of high level of secrecy and confidentiality.

Just recently the Deputy Senate President was involved in many regional and global engagements, with the view to promoting regional and global security through the formulation and implementation of viable economic integration and environment-friendly societies. Across nations of the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), up to the platform under Commonwealth of Nations. He has been visible recently under these fora.

Understanding the fact that, legislation is not enough for bringing peace to the society, he uses his wealth of experience and political maturity, to strengthen an effort, however little, in my own estimation, of the Executive arm, by encouraging the President towards that angle, as the release says, the DSP “Commends Tinubu’s relentless efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, tackle insecurity.”

Commending that, “President Tinubu has been up and doing in the fight against insurgency and banditry in the country. And we must all continue to accord him all the support needed to achieve this.” Further stressing optimism that, “President Tinubu’s directive for Security Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, following recent terrorists attacks, would help flush out the criminal elements.”

To add spiritual weight and touch to the entire process, he “… prayed to Allah SWT to accept the supplications, prayers, and good deeds of the Ummah during the blessed Month of Ramadhan.” Urging the, “… the Muslim Ummah to sustain the lessons of the Holy Month and to always reflect them in their daily activities, as enjoined by Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him.”

Distinguished Jibrin’s humility and being humane, places him some inch above others. So also his hopeful attachment to the Will of our Creator. Hear him, “Glory be to Allah SWT for the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan, 1447AH. I wish to rejoice with fellow Muslims across the country. This is a period of joy and happiness, as well as a time to show appreciation to Almighty Allah.”

His love for peace and the dire need to spread peace, as against acrimonious relationship, he stresses that, “Let’s spread love and help people in need during and after the festive period.”

Anwar writes from Kano
Sunday, 22nd March, 2026

By Zubair A. Zubair

Throughout history, many great men have stood up against injustice, particularly during the struggle for civil rights in the United States. Among the numerous African American leaders who emerged during the era of segregation, Rev. Jesse Jackson stands tall as one of the most influential. In my view, only figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. rank above him, not merely because of their fame or tragic assassinations, but because of the role they played in mentoring and shaping future leaders like Jackson himself.

Jackson was a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., working closely with him in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), where he was gradually entrusted with significant responsibilities. However, his journey into activism did not begin there, it was rooted in his life experiences.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson faced early personal challenges. He was born to a teenage mother, Helen Burns, and his father, Noah Robinson, was largely absent from his upbringing. These difficult beginnings shaped his resilience. He later took the name of his stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson, who raised him. Despite facing rejection and racial discrimination during his formative years, Jackson persevered, eventually emerging as a student leader at North Carolina A&T State University, a turning point that propelled him into national prominence.

One of his most notable contributions was his leadership in Operation Breadbasket, an initiative under the guidance of Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel. The program focused on economic empowerment, job creation, and financial independence for Black communities, echoing broader movements for self-sufficiency and social justice.

Jackson’s legacy is also defined by his powerful oratory. His speech at the Democratic National Convention 1988 remains one of the most memorable in modern political history. In that speech, he shared personal stories of struggle and identity, emphasizing unity, justice, and inclusion. His message resonated deeply, reminding audiences that leadership must be rooted in empathy and shared human experience.

Beyond activism, Jackson also served as a shadow senator for the District of Columbia, further demonstrating his commitment to public service and political advocacy. His lifelong dedication to Black empowerment, social justice, and equality earned him the trust and respect of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr..

As a society, we must continue to teach future generations about the contributions of leaders like Jesse Jackson. It is only through such awareness that we can inspire new leaders in the mold of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Marcus Garvey.

Jesse Jackson’s life is a testament to humility, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. He dedicated his life to building a world free from racism, segregation, and inequality, so that future generations might live with dignity and equal opportunity.

Zubair A. Zubair
Journalist, Activist
Writing from Kano, Nigeria

By Zubair A Zubair

Writing this tribute has not been easy. Each sentence carries a weight of grief, and tears fill my eyes as I attempt to put into words the pain of losing such a promising young soul. It has taken me several days after the tragic demise of Husein Bashir Sabo to gather the emotional strength to reflect on his life and sacrifice.

On 6 March 2026, the peaceful community of Tukuntawa in Kano was shaken by a tragic incident. Suspected hoodlums, reportedly phone snatchers, stormed the area to rob unsuspecting residents. In the midst of the chaos, Husein, only 18 years old, demonstrated extraordinary courage. Rather than fleeing, he attempted to repel the attackers and defend members of his community. In the process, he was brutally stabbed multiple times. Despite efforts to save him after he was rushed to the hospital, he sadly succumbed to his injuries.

My personal encounter with Husein Bashir dates back about two years ago when he first visited our home to check on my younger brother, who coincidentally bears the same name, Husein. The two shared a close friendship. What struck me immediately was his humility and respect. His greeting alone revealed the character of a young man raised with strong values and proper upbringing. It was evident that he came from a respectable home.

Husein Bashir Sabo was a student of the prestigious Northwest University Kano, an institution known for nurturing bright young minds. For many, the question might arise: why would a young man with such a promising academic future choose to participate in community vigilante efforts?

The answer lies in the kind of person Husein was. He came from a well-established family; his father is said to be the Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi. His decision to join the vigilante group was not motivated by financial need or desperation. Rather, it was driven by a profound sense of responsibility and compassion for the safety of his community. In a time when many people remain silent in the face of insecurity, Husein chose courage.

What makes this loss even more painful is witnessing the grief of those he left behind. My younger brother, his close friend, struggles daily with the reality that someone he grew up with is gone forever. Not a day passes without him mentioning Husein or showing someone their last conversations on WhatsApp. Losing a childhood friend is devastating at any age, but seeing such sorrow in someone so young is heartbreaking beyond words.

Husein’s story is not just about a young life lost, it is a painful reflection of the insecurity that continues to plague many communities across Nigeria. When a teenager feels compelled to defend his neighborhood from criminals, it raises difficult questions about the safety and protection of ordinary citizens.

Therefore, I call on the relevant authorities and security agencies to ensure that justice is served. The perpetrators of this heinous act must be identified and brought to justice. The blood of Husein Bashir Sabo must not be shed in vain.

Though his life was brief, his courage will forever remain a symbol of selflessness and bravery. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and may He grant his family, friends, and the entire community the strength and fortitude to bear this immense and painful loss.

Zubair A. Zubair
Writing from Kano, Nigeria