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From the struggle for Gombe State to life in the Senate: Senator Umar Usman Dukku reflects on politics, democracy, and his relationship with the late General Sani Abacha.

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1 month ago

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Senator Umar Usman Dukku

 

Senator Umar Usman Dukku was a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999 to 2003 where he represented Gombe North senatorial district in this interview with NIGERIAN TRACKER at his residence in Bauchi the senator says alot about his experience in the Senate ,his relationship with Late Head of state General Sani Abacha,the creation of Gombe state 30 years ago on 1st October 1996 among others

Abbas Yushau Yusuf ,Umar Farook Maigari and Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Excerpts

 

NT: Assalamualaikum ! You’re welcome to an interview by one of the best online newspapers in Nigeria, Nigeria Tracker. My name is Abbas Yushau Yusuf, the Editor, and here’s my colleague, Farouq Maimagari, who is one of the members of the editorial board of the paper. Baba you have served in the Senate between 1999-2003. What was your journey? How did you enter the Senate?

Senator Umar Usman Dukku : I entered the Senate through election. I was the only PDP Senator from my area. Others who entered are in ANPP, the governor too was in ANPP. I was the only senator from PDP, and the only member of PDP.

NT: Before the transition in 1999, what motivated you to contest the 1999 election under the platform of PDP?

Senator Dukku : Well, this is a very good question. What motivated me was to serve people. I want to serve my people. I want to work for my people. I don’t want to just go away.

NT: By then, most of the parties that dominated states like Gombe, Borno, Bauchi are the APP, how did you bulldoze your way into becoming a lone PDP Senator from Gombe State?

Senator Dukku: Well, it is something very simple. It was not by my own decision but God’s decision that I will become a Senator and that I will win the election no matter who are contesting, or who are against me. I was sure that if God permit I will win. I have confidence in myself and then confidence in my people who are following me.

NT: By then when you were sworn in, I think in June 4 , 1999, after the inauguration of Mr. President on May 29, so the Senate and the House were inaugurated and we have the first Senate president, how did you face the work of the Senate?

Senator Dukku: This is a very important question. Unless you don’t know what a Senate is, and unless you don’t know what you are, unless you don’t know what you want to do for your people, then there will be nothing you can do. But if you know what you are, you know what you want to do for your people, you know how to do it, and you have experienced in service (that will count, it will suddenly count). If you never work in a government or you have no experience in any federal government organization, or any company, or anywhere, then you will find yourself in a difficult situation.

NT: When you enter the Senate and started the legislative business, you have your first Senate president as Senator Evans Ewarey. By then Nigerians were keen to know how you were able to manage the senate with him.

Senator Dukku: Yes, we work with him, he’s a very humble person, very honourable,

NT: As first timers, what are some of the challenges that you faced since Nigeria return to democracy after almost 15 years of military rule?

Senator Dukku: Well, you will find there’s a missing like democracy, everything was military, military, and even the governors elected, everybody thinks they will work like a military also. But gradually, we were able to bulldoze ourselves, the national assembly in particular, in the senate we were able to bulldoze ourselves and then show people that there’s another system which is called democracy, then we achieve that.

NT: Did you chair any committee when you were in the senate?

Senator Dukku: In the senate, yes I chaired one committee but I have forgotten the committee ethics and privileges committee

 

 

NT: What was the work of the committee?

Senator Dukku : A lot of it. Most especially how to deal with members of the national assembly at that time, how to work with them, how to see that everybody there is innocent, honest, and working for his people…

NT: So, by then you were opposition in your state, but in the ruling party of the federal government, how were you able to relate with your governor?

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Senator Dukku : My governor was late Abubakar Habu Hashidu we worked with him with peace and harmony. He used to come from Gombe to my house in Abuja if he has a program, and I used to go to him if there’s a program, and then if there’s a problem in finance, about a program that need to be carried out, I used to help him making some money available in the federal government budget like. I make sure that the money is released to him direct. Like Airport in Gombe, after federal government approved to build an airport, send him the money to go and carry out the job because it was a state affair at that time.

NT: So how will you compare the operation of your own senate in 1999-2003 and the current senate?

Senator Dukku : To be honest with you, to be sincere, I don’t know. I don’t involve myself in local politics or any politics. The only thing I know is

NT: So, let’s come back to the rise and creation of Gombe State. Gombe State was created by General Sani Abacha (the Interviewee interjected by saying sure)on 1 October 1996. Even before Abacha created the state, is there agitation for the creation of that state even before Abacha became the head of the state?

Senator Dukku: There were agitations before the creation of northeast, northwest regions.

NT: There were agitations for the creation of Gombe?

Dukku: There were agitations for the creation of Gombe.

NT: Which means it started since 60’s.

Senator Dukku: Yes, and then the first person to start it was the former comptroller general of NTA Kaduna. He was our leader at that time. And then afterwards, Usman Farooq took over. Former governor of Northwestern state after finishing his tenure. He took over the leadership of the team and after that, when we decide to appoint committees, we appointed Yerima Abdullahi, Sarkin Yakin of Gombe to be our Chairman.

NT: Can you remember exactly the year you started to bring the idea of Gombe State Creation?

Dukku : I can’t.

NT: Was it during Gowon or Obasanjo?

Senator Dukku: Well, Gowon first of all inaugurated the headquarters of northeast in Bauchi, old airport. After sometimes, he changed the idea. He took the northeast headquarters to Maiduguri. Then this make people to think about it to agitate for state creation of Bauchi. And we said okay if it’s the creation then it should be in Gombe. After going up and down, everything was settled. Later, we started looking for a state again. Because we were seeing other places were being given states, and we too deserve to have a state.

NT: So it means you started agitating since Murtala, Obasanjo…

Senator Dukku: We started agitating for long.

NT: Ok. So , Babangida created states between 1987 and 1991, have you tabled the idea of creation of Gombe State?

Senator Dukku: We did.

NT: But you were not given.

Senator Dukku : We were not given!

NT: How were you able to win during Abacha?

The Interviewe: Me personally, I know Abacha since 1961

NT: You know Abacha?

Senator Dukku: Yes, I know Abacha. He was in Tiv area, fighting with Tiv people, and others. We have been together with Abacha. Infact we were with him up till the time he became head of state. He would come to Bauchi, and I will go to the border as the permanent secretary local government with others to receive him.

NT: So you were very close to Abacha.

Senator Dukku: Very close, to be honest.

NT: So he confirmed to you that you are going to have Gombe State?

Senator Dukku: The confirmation was from his mouth, when he announced it.

NT: But what I am trying to take you back is you agitated for the creation of Gombe State for long time. Murtala created 8 states, then when Babangida came he created two, then nine but Gombe was not… So I said how were you able to succeed during Abacha?

Senator Dukku: We campaigned. We have committees, one under the chairmanship of the Emir of Gombe, the other one under the chairmanship of Yerima Abdullahi

NT: So, before Abacha announced it, did you have any leakage that he was going to…

Dukku: No, I didn’t.

NT: You were just taken by surprise like everyone

Senator Dukku: Yes. Even I was in my farm here in Bauchi, when they were announcing the state creation. And then somebody ran to me and said we have been given Gombe State (in Hausa). I asked him where he heard it from, and he said on Radio. The I said that’s good.

NT: This was how you heard it?

Dukku: That was how I heard it. Then I decided to come back to my house here, changed from my farm dress and then go to Gombe to meet my people.

NT: You made a serious and interesting revelation about your relationship with general Sani Abacha. How were you able to relate with him? His character….

Senator Dukku: He was very good, an excellent person. A very excellent soul. Very sincere and honest.

NT: So, when he(Abacha) used to come to Gombe for weekend, how many days do you remember he used to spend?

Senator Dukku: He used to spend one month. He would come for his annual leave. And then go to Lagos. Since he was a Major.

NT: That was when you know him?

Senator : Yes, since he was a Major.

NT:, thank you very much

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thugs Attack Journalists During APC Rally in Kano

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19 minutes ago

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September 5, 2026

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A group of suspected thugs on Saturday attacked journalists covering an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Kano State, smashing the windows and damaging a Radio Nigeria vehicle conveying members of the media.

The incident occurred shortly after the conclusion of a rally held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, where the leadership of a coalition of groups supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was inaugurated.

According to eyewitness accounts, the thugs attacked a team of journalists who had gone to the venue to cover the event, targeting the Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM vehicle in which some of the journalists were travelling.

The attackers reportedly used machetes and knives to strike the vehicle repeatedly, smashing its windows and damaging various parts of the bus.

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Among the journalists affected in the attack were Abdulbaki Ali Ahmad Sharifai of Guarantee Radio and Yakubu Gwagwarwa of Pyramid Radio.

One of the journalists who spoke to Nigerian Tracker said the presence of security personnel inside the Radio Nigeria bus did not deter the attackers from carrying out the assault.

The journalist said the thugs continued attacking the vehicle despite the fact that security agencies were inside the bus with the journalists.

According to him, the attack created fear and confusion among the journalists, who had attended the political gathering in the course of carrying out their professional duties.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety of journalists covering political activities in Kano, particularly during large political gatherings where journalists are expected to move freely and report events without intimidation or attacks.

The motive behind the attack was not immediately clear, and it was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident as of the time of filing this report.

The attack comes amid increased political activities in Kano and across the country as political groups mobilise support for their respective interests ahead of future elections.

 

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Gov. Mutfwang Orders Closure of Schools Across State as Diphtheria Hits Plateau

Published

3 hours ago

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September 5, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has directed temporary closure of public and private primary schools across the state over diphtheria outbreak.

The disclosure was made in a statement on Saturday by the commissioner for information and communications, Joyce Ramnap.

She stated that the directive was effective from Monday.

She noted that the government took the decision as preventive measures against the spread of the disease.

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Mrs Ramnap noted that the suspected cases had been recorded in parts of Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas of the state.

“‎‎Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to close from Monday, September 7, 2026, and remain closed until further notice,” the statement noted.

The statement said the governor directed school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians were to comply with the directive.

The governor also said schools should ensure that students and pupils remain at home throughout the period as part of measures to ensure their safety including the teaching and non-teaching staff during the period.

The statement added that Mr Mutfwang appreciated the stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation as the government continued to take appropriate measures in the best interest of the residents.

‎”Further information on the resumption of academic activities will be communicated to the public in due course,” he said.

Reports have it that 23 peoples have been killed by diphtheria in several communities, and 143 others infected in Jos North.

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Emir of Gumel, Ahmad Muhammad Sani, Dies After 45 Years on the Throne

Published

2 days ago

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September 3, 2026

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The Emir of Gumel, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Sani II, has died after more than four decades on the throne, bringing to an end the reign of one of Northern Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.

Ahmad Muhammad Sani II, who became the 16th Emir of Gumel, ascended the throne in 1980 following the death of his father, the late Emir Maina Muhammad Sani II. He subsequently received his staff of office from the then Governor of Kano State, the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, in 1981.

His death marks the end of a historic reign that spanned more than 45 years and covered some of the most significant political, social and administrative changes in the old Kano State and, later, Jigawa State.

Before ascending the traditional throne, the late Emir was actively involved in public service and politics. He served as Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs and Culture in the Kano State Government during the administration of Governor Abubakar Rimi between 1979 and 1980.

His transition from political office to the traditional institution came after the death of his father in December 1980. Historical records indicate that Ahmad Muhammad Sani was selected to succeed his father on December 16, 1980, while his formal presentation with the staff of office followed on May 29, 1981.

As Commissioner for Information, he was associated with important developments in the media sector of the then Kano State. Records indicate that during his tenure, he played a role in the establishment of Triumph newspaper and CTV67 television station, now associated with the state’s television broadcasting history, while also overseeing the expansion of Radio Kano.

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His educational background was also notable. He attended Gumel Primary School and Hadejia Middle School before graduating from Kano High School at Rumfa College in 1961. He later obtained qualifications in Public Administration from the Institute of Administration in Zaria, now part of Ahmadu Bello University, and pursued further studies in Political Science and International Relations at Ohio University in the United States.

Before entering politics, Ahmad Muhammad Sani had worked with the Gumel Native Authority and later joined the Immigration Department, where he was posted to Ngamboru Ngala in present-day Borno State. He subsequently served as a senior government official in the Kazaure Divisional Office before moving into politics in 1978.

His long reign as Emir of Gumel made him one of the most experienced traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria. The Jigawa State Government describes him as the 16th Emir of Gumel and records that he had remained on the throne since 1981.

Over the years, the Emir became associated with efforts to promote peace, education, community development and the preservation of traditional values. His palace also played a role in mobilising communities around government programmes, including public health initiatives.

The World Health Organisation, for instance, previously identified the Emir of Gumel as one of the traditional rulers who played an active role in promoting immunisation activities in his emirate. The organisation reported that he publicly vaccinated his own children as part of efforts to reassure communities about the safety of polio vaccination.

Even in the later years of his reign, the Emir continued to participate in peace-building and community affairs. In 2025, he was represented at a farmers-herders peace meeting in Jigawa, where his message emphasised dialogue and mutual understanding as essential to achieving lasting peace.

In December 2025, the Emirate marked his 45th anniversary on the throne, with prominent national and traditional figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Sultan of Sokoto, participating in activities associated with the anniversary.

His death therefore comes after a reign that began in the final years of the Second Republic and continued through successive military governments, the return to democratic rule in 1999, the creation of Jigawa State and several generations of political leadership.

The Emir of Gumel’s reign also represented a unique bridge between political administration and traditional leadership. Having served as a senior political office holder before becoming a monarch, he brought extensive experience of government and public administration to the traditional institution.

With his passing, the Gumel Emirate loses a monarch whose tenure lasted more than four decades and whose public career had already begun before his accession to the throne.

Details concerning his burial arrangements, the circumstances surrounding his death and the process for selecting his successor are expected to be announced by the Gumel Emirate Council and the Jigawa State Government

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