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

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