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GALADIMA’S ALLEGATIONS AGAINST GOVERNOR YUSUF AND THE DSS: POLITICALLY MOTIVATED, EVIDENTIALLY BASELESS, AND INSTITUTIONALLY DANGEROUS

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The Unifier Project, a national civic organization committed to democratic accountability, responsible public discourse, and peaceful coexistence, has taken note of the recent media interview by Alhaji Buba Galadima, in which he advanced allegations against His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano. He alleged, without verifiable evidence, that opposition voices in Kano State are being suppressed through the instrumentality of federal security agencies.

After a thorough review of the substance, context, and timing of these claims, the Unifier Project states unequivocally that the allegations are devoid of credible foundation and are driven by narrow political considerations rather than genuine democratic concern. We make this statement because the deployment of unsubstantiated allegations against public institutions carries measurable consequences for the stability of our democratic order, social cohesion, and public confidence in institutions.
The Unifier Project has examined Alhaji Galadima’s claims with the seriousness they demand. Our conclusion is unambiguous: not a single allegation is supported by documentary evidence, sworn testimony, or any verifiable account that could withstand independent scrutiny. What has been placed before the Nigerian public is a collection of assertions coloured by personal grievance, political frustration, and the rhetoric of a man whose relationship with the current political order in Kano has undergone a well-documented deterioration.
Allegations of political interference in a federal security institution such as the DSS are extraordinarily serious. They implicate constitutional principles, the rule of law, and citizens’ fundamental rights. Precisely because they are so serious, they demand an equally serious evidentiary standard. A press interview saturated with political animus and bereft of supporting documentation does not meet that standard. The Unifier Project calls on the public, the media, and the political community to treat these claims with the scepticism they deserve, and to resist amplifying unverified allegations simply because they are confidently stated.

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No responsible analysis can proceed without examining context. It is public record that Alhaji Galadima was recently removed from the board of Kano State Polytechnic. It is equally public record that these intensified allegations emerged immediately after that removal, and against the backdrop of Governor Yusuf’s association with the APC.
The Unifier Project does not suggest that political disappointment forfeits the right to speak. Every citizen retains constitutional freedom of expression, unconditioned by political loyalty. However, when a public figure who has suffered an identifiable political setback immediately turns to making sweeping, institution-threatening allegations against those who administered that setback, the burden of proof rises sharply, and the public’s obligation to interrogate motive rises with it.
The pattern of timing is neither subtle nor coincidental. It is the familiar architecture of a grievance campaign dressed in the language of democratic concern. The Unifier Project calls it by its proper name.
The DSS is a constitutionally established institution charged with protecting Nigeria’s internal security. To allege, without evidence, that it is being weaponised for partisan purposes in Kano is not merely to criticise a governor. It is to invite the public to regard a pillar of national security as corrupt and undeserving of trust.
The consequences are not abstract. Citizens who distrust security institutions cooperate less with them, report fewer threats, and become more susceptible to criminal, extremist, or vigilante alternatives that fill the resulting vacuum. In a state as significant as Kano, with its population density, economic centrality to Northern Nigeria, and historical vulnerabilities, the erosion of institutional confidence is not a political game. It is a security hazard.
The Unifier Project calls upon Alhaji Galadima and all who have amplified these allegations to reflect on their consequences, and to consider whether any personal or partisan interest is worth the institutional damage they risk inflicting on the Nigerian state.
The Unifier Project affirms without qualification that freedom of expression is a democratic value we defend, including when exercised by those whose motives we question. We do not seek to silence Alhaji Galadima or any citizen with grievances against authority.
However, freedom of expression has never been a licence for evidence-free, potentially defamatory targeting of individuals and institutions. The Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and international democratic standards all recognise that expression carries responsibilities of accuracy, fairness, and proportionality. Public commentary making serious allegations without factual grounding risks crossing into defamation, with all the legal consequences that entails.
We call upon political actors, commentators, social media influencers, and media organisations to uphold responsible communication. Verify before you amplify. Question the motive behind the message. The coordinated spread of unverified allegations through digital platforms is information warfare with real victims, real consequences, and real costs to our democracy.
Alhaji Galadima’s allegations did not emerge in isolation. They are part of a pattern of coordinated negative messaging that has intensified following recent political developments in Kano State. Across Facebook, X, WhatsApp, and TikTok, a campaign of narrative warfare has been waged against the person, record, and administration of Governor Yusuf, drawing on fabricated claims, decontextualised information, emotional manipulation, and strategic amplification of partisan voices.
This is the architecture of a disinformation operation. Its goal is not to inform but to destabilise, manufacturing a political reality so saturated with negativity that truth becomes difficult to locate and public confidence impossible to sustain. The Unifier Project calls on regulatory bodies, civil society, and responsible media to take a stronger, coordinated stand against the weaponisation of digital platforms for political disinformation.
The Unifier Project calls upon political actors of all affiliations to commit to evidence-based communication and refrain from making or endorsing unsubstantiated allegations. We call upon the media, traditional and digital, to apply rigorous editorial standards to politically charged claims, demand evidence before amplification, and uphold their responsibility as gatekeepers of the public information environment.
We call upon civil society, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community influencers across Kano State and Northern Nigeria to resist divisive narratives and serve as anchors of reason and social cohesion. We call upon citizens to engage critically with political information, ask who benefits from the narratives placed before them, and demand the same standard of evidence from political actors that they would demand from any other party.
The future of Nigerian democracy will be determined not only by the quality of its leaders, but by the quality of its public discourse. That discourse is under sustained attack. The Unifier Project is committed to defending it, and we invite every Nigerian of goodwill to stand with us.

Issued and authorised by:
NAJEEB NASIR IBRAHIM
National Director-General, The Unifier Project
Abuja, Nigeria | 28 February 2026

Opinion

DSP Barau on Global Peace, Nigeria’s Insecurity : A Focused Leadership

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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.

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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

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Opinion

A Life of Resistance: Jesse Jackson and the Battle Against Injustice

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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.

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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

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Opinion

A Life of Promise: Young Hussein’s Tragic Death at the Hands of Phone Snatchers”

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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.

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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

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