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Opinion

My First Encounter with Nasiru Gawuna, the Humble Deputy Governor

Published

3 years ago

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By Sabo Abdullahi Guri

Penultimate, October 1979, the month we reported to Government Secondary School, Gwaram, which was the beginning of our journey of a lifetime in search of Western education after completion of our respective primary seven certificates.

On arrival at the school, I headed to the staff room for the necessary documentation.

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While waiting for the duty master to receive us, a Peugeot saloon arrived and parked in front of the staff room. The driver and an elderly person together with a new student came out from the car, and I heard one of the teachers telling his colleague that another student has reported. I saw a fair complexioned, slim, calm and composed young man within my age bracket alighting from the car.

After the necessary documentation, the duty master asked me to wait for the lanky student who arrived in the Peugeot to finish so that both of us can be escorted to our respective hostels. Thereafter, both of us carried our boxes and headed to the dormitory area.

On our way, I asked him his name and where he came from. He replied that his name is Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna from Kano City, I equally introduced myself and where I came from

That was the day I met Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna in 1979 and it was the beginning of our relationship. Since then, we have maintained this relationship and contact through mutual respect as classmates and friends.

At the dormitory, we were allocated our respective hostels. Nasiru Gawuna was taken to House Seven and I was sent to House Ten, but we were allocated the same class; that was Form One D.

I was appointed the class monitor while Nasiru Yusuf was appointed assistant monitor, and we served as liaison between the staff, school authority and our colleagues in the class.

I remembered with nostalgia that first day, as we also met in class during evening prep, which was observed after every Asr prayers during week days.

When we closed, he asked me to join him and see his hostel. I can vividly recall that when we arrived, he opened his locker and offered me biscuits and a sachet powdered beverage drink known as Treetop. I instantly rejected and thanked him for the gesture, but insisted that I must take.

After staying for some few minutes, he escorted me to our hostel, and on our way, he said he initially got admission at Kawaji Secondary School but his parents insisted that he will go to boarding school and luckily his admission to GSS Gwaram came before reporting to the Kawaji Secondary School.

Gwaram Secondary School was newly established at that time, and our set was the first to be admitted after the school’s relocation to its permanent site in Gwaram, though there were other senior students who transited at both Kauzare and Sumaila.

At that time, incessant cases of bullying and seniority by senior students forced a number of our classmates to transfer to other schools because they cannot withstand the maltreatment, but we stood our ground and endured the hardship.

Boarding school life during our days was memorable, eventful and historic. It was also a great opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. As new school and pioneer students that did not pass through the transit system, we were also opportune that the population of our sets numerically was the highest at that time with students from almost all the nooks and crannies of the old Kano State, and others from Kaduna, Bauchi, Benue, Plateau and some South Western States.

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At that time, classes were not over crowded, as the average number of students per class was between 30 and 35. There were also adequate teaching and learning materials.

Apart from academic activities, students were fully engaged in extra curriculum activities. After school hours, the sporting arena was a beehive of activities after school hours. Even the dormitory side had table tennis facilities within the balcony, while weekends were slated for members of social club, drama society, and many more recreational activities.

With his football and table tennis skills, Gawuna was also an active member of the Boys Scout brigade, and he was subsequently appointed the Scout Troop Commander.

His passion for Scout and ingenuity in commanding Scout parade made us think he might either join the military or police after leaving school. Gawuna mastered the art of rolling scout stick while leading parade and students cheered him up during Scout events at the school.

He encouraged most of us to participate in Boys Scout, he taught parade to both old and new members as a tall and lanky person he was also extremely good in jogging.

In terms of academic performance, he was among the best five students, competing favourably for first or second position in examinations.

Not only that, he was also an active member of the Muslim Students Society. I can vividly remember that Gawuna was among the few of our classmates who initiated the present Gwaram Girls Unity Secondary School mosque which started as prayer area and eventually became the school mosque.

His simplicity made him command the respect of all among our classmates and other senior students. For that reason, he was nicknamed as brothy, meaning a friend and brother to all.

His name traversed Gwaram to Dawakin Kudu Science Secondary School where he completed his secondary school in 1984.

One other quality of Dr Gawuna was his sharp and good memory of almost everything he came across. He can remember names, faces, and events no matter how long it takes. Our 2020 GOSA 84 reunion meeting in Kano was a good example. He remembered everyone’s name.

During our last Old Boys meeting, which he personally hosted, he interfaced with old friends freely without the routine of his aides as a deputy governor.

Although Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna was in Gwaram Secondary School for only two and a half years before proceeding to Science Secondary School Dawakin Kudu, he always identifies with the school and old class mates from Gwaram Secondary School which was his stating point in secondary school life.

Some of our old classmates that passed the Science School Examination includes Hafiz Muhammad who is now the Special Adviser on Agriculture to the Executive Governor of Kano State Office of the Deputy Governor. They are best of friends and brothers from Gwaram and they went to Dawakin Kudu together and also proceeded to UDUS together. They are like twin brothers.

The rest are Pharmacist Bala Garba Gwaram of FMC Birnin Kudu; Salmanu Isyaku Kiru; Suleiman Talle Galamu Katanga, presently a Deputy Commissioner of Police to mention but a few who are all are presently professionals in their own rights.

Our colleagues who sat for and passed the Science Secondary School Examination to both Dawakin Kudu and Dawakin Tofa left a great vacuum at that time. Almost everyone of us felt their exit from Gwaram because we started together after leaving our respective primary schools. We experienced school life together, we became so intimate and now they have been moved to a new environment away from their old friends.

For Nasiru Gawuna, even at Dawakin Kudu Science, he was exceptional. We understand he was made a Deputy House Captain, a responsibility that was for only senior students. It was like record breaking to see a junior student holding such a responsibility.

Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as a Deputy Governor can best be described as a bridge builder with uncommon character and discipline.

He is a generous, honest and trustworthy person who can be entrusted with a higher public responsibility, as a loyal deputy governor.

Gawuna is also a reliable, dependable and straight forward individual with wealth of experience in public administration, economics and diplomacy. Indeed, he is a kind of material needed in our present day political arrangement

The recent wedding fatiha of his daughter again proved to many people that indeed Nasiru is a bridge builder. Dignitaries from different parts of the country and beyond were in attendance. Politicians from different political backgrounds were also there to rejoice with him for attaining such a big stride in life. To see the marriage of your biological daughter is a great opportunity for every parent, and indeed Dr Nasiriu Yusuf Gawuna is a making a difference

Sabo Abdullahi Guri Writes from Dutse, Jigawa State

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Opinion

Clarification On Recent Events During The Eid-El-Fitr Celebration In Kano: A Response To The GiGG’s Malicious Statement

Published

2 days ago

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April 1, 2025

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Clarification On Recent Events During The Eid-El-Fitr Celebration In Kano: A Response To The GiGG’s Malicious Statement

In light of the recent malicious statement issued by the Global Initiatives for Good Governance (GIGG), which disrespects constituted authority and has the potential to cause uncertainty and security breaches regarding the events during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano, it is important to provide clarification regarding the actions of both the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Governor HE. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

First and foremost, it is essential to clarify that there was no Durbar held during this Eid celebration. Rather, what took place was the Emir’s procession to and from the Eid prayer at Kofar Mata, located outside the eastern city wall. This procession is a long-standing Islamic tradition (Sunnah), which involves taking a different route from the one followed to the prayer ground when returning. The Emir’s procession, limited to his guards and close officials, followed this practice in accordance with Islamic traditions. Unlike the Durbar, which is a formal parade involving district heads and traditional horse riders symbolizing allegiance to the Emir and the Emirate, this procession was conducted with full attention to both tradition and public safety.

Durbar celebrations, as historically practiced, have not been held regularly in recent years, mainly due to concerns from security forces. The recent event was no exception. Both the Emir and the Governor acted with the intention of striking a balance between preserving cultural practices and ensuring the safety and security of the public. They did not disregard the law or public safety, rather, their actions were aimed at preventing the potential exploitation of the occasion by individuals seeking to disrupt peace and stability.

The breakdown of law and order that occurred was due to the actions of alleged, sponsored criminal elements who hijacked the occasion to create chaos. These individuals sought to tarnish the reputations of both the Emir and the Governor, possibly even attempting to blackmail them and state. We commend the Nigeria Police Force for their swift action in making arrests, which is an important step toward uncovering the full extent of the individuals and networks behind these destructive activities.

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It is also essential to address the concerns raised by the faceless NGO. While the police do not have the constitutional authority to outrightly ban traditional programs such as this, they are within their rights to call for a suspension or cancellation based on actionable intelligence aimed at maintaining public safety. Any formal ban, however, would require adherence to due legal process.

The nation is now closely watching the Nigeria Police Force, and we are hopeful that justice will be served swiftly. We trust that ongoing investigations will identify all those responsible for these disruptive actions and ensure accountability.

A.T. Abdullahi
A Concerned Kano Indigene
31st March 2025

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Opinion

Periscoping Waiya’s Alleged Assault on Free Press Viz the Preponderance of Mob Reasoning

Published

6 days ago

on

March 27, 2025

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By Al Amin Ubandoma

The recent controversy surrounding Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, has sparked heated debates about free press and mob reasoning. The controversy began with an opinionated article written by one Auwalu Ismail, which criticized Waiya that was widely circulated online.

The article contained allegedly malicious and defamatory statements about Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya. As a public figure, Waiya has the right to defend himself against such attacks, and his decision to report the matter to the police was a legitimate exercise of this right.

However, the response from journalists and Amnesty International was swift and merciless. Without recourse to the violation of Waiya’s rights, they condemned his actions as an assault on free press and a threat to democracy.

This mob-like response is a classic example of mob reasoning, where emotions and sensationalism override rational thinking and fairness.

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The implications of this response are far-reaching. If public figures like Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya are not allowed to defend themselves against malicious attacks, it could create a culture of impunity where anyone can make false and defamatory statements without consequence.

Furthermore, the response from journalists and Amnesty International undermines the principles of fairness and justice as enshrined in journalistic ethics.

By failing to consider Waiya’s side of the story and his right to defend himself, Amnesty international, and its co-travellers perpetuated a one-sided narrative that ignored the complexities of the issue at stake.

The controversy surrounding Waiya highlights the need for fairness and balance in public discourse. While free press is essential to democracy, it is equally important to protect the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The mob-like response from journalists and Amnesty International is a reminder that even in the pursuit of press freedom, we must not trample on the rights of others.

Indeed, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mob reasoning and the importance of upholding fairness and justice in public discourse.

As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from Waiya’s experience and prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The protection of human rights is essential to creating a just and equitable society. By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures like Waiya, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In conclusion, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The debate surrounding Waiya’s actions is a reminder that the pursuit of press freedom is complex and multifaceted. While it is essential to protect the rights of journalists and writers, it is equally important to uphold the rights and privileges of public figures.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Waiya and the opinionated article highlights the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to public discourse.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The importance of protecting the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya cannot be overstated.

By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In the end, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing fairness and balance in public discourse, and it has indeed brought to fore how not to deployed mob reasoning on issues of human rights

Al Amin Ubandoma, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Lagos.

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Opinion

Journalists: The Unseen Heroes of Development, Kano Desires Collaboration Not Confrontation

Published

1 week ago

on

March 26, 2025

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BY AMINU BALA

By convention and practice, media houses and journalists have the right to express their opinions under guided principles, ethical compliance, and the rule of law.

The recent allegations surrounding the arrest and detention of two journalists in Kano State have sparked intense debate. However, it’s essential to set the record straight: the duo were only invited for questioning, not arrested or detained, for allegedly attacking the personality of Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in one online media platform, Kano Times titled “Dear Governor Abba Kabir, .Beware of Waiya”.

Some critics argue that the police’s invitation for questioning was improper. Amnesty International, in particular as a reputable organization, appears to have jumped to conclusions without proper due diligence by condemning the police invitation, describing it as a threat to free press.

It’s crucial to verify facts before making conclusions, and Amnesty should ensure they present accurate information to maintain their credibility. It was clear that Amnesty didn’t balance findings as one of the guided principles of journalism. According to Amnesty, it heard the tidings break from the grapevine.

To this extent, Amnesty, as a reputable organization, failed to verify information through official channels, thereby perpetuating misinformation and undermining its reputation. This lack of due diligence raises questions about Amnesty International’s commitment to accuracy and fairness. It’s crucial to verify facts before making conclusions, and Amnesty should ensure they present accurate information to maintain their credibility.

In this case, Amnesty International’s hasty condemnation of the police invitation of the two suspects was premature and unwarranted. By failing to engage with an official source, as it appears, its impromptu action spurs unnecessary tension.

It is common knowledge that the Kano State Government has no issues with media houses or journalists. Instead, it recognises the critical role journalists play in promoting development and accountability as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution as amended, which guarantees Press Freedom in Section 39 (1) and (2).Additionally, Section 22 guarantees the freedom of the press.

Against the odd, Amnesty must take steps to address its methodology and credibility concerns. This includes engaging with official sources, verifying information through multiple channels, and avoiding hasty conclusions and condemnation. Only by so doing can the organization regain its credibility as impartial human rights advocate.

The State government, in particular, acknowledges journalists as major stakeholders, bedrocks, and pillars of democracy and is committed to transparency and accountability. Collaboration, not confrontation, is the way forward. By working together, the government and journalists can provide essential information to the public, addressing the “oils and waters” of development challenges.

Naturally, every human on the surface of the earth might have or develop some glaring err, so Waiya is not an exception. It’s only God the Supreme that doesn’t err, As a vibrant human rights advocate, activist, and media acquaintance, Waiya possesses the enigmatic leadership skills to transform the journalism profession With his exceptional stamina, he is poised to re-energize and revitalize the industry and take it to new heights. As a seasoned media acquaintance and advocate, Waiya brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and commitment to bear on his job. His leadership is a beacon of hope for a more robust, responsible, and respected journalism profession in Kano State.

As Waiya navigates the complexities of his new role, he should remain steadfast in his dedication to the principles of journalism, human rights, and democracy. His unwavering commitment to the truth, coupled with his exceptional leadership skills, makes him an exemplary figure in the journalism profession. With Waiya at the helm, the future of journalism in Kano State looks brighter than ever.

In conclusion, to cut the story short, the K
It is instructive to note that the Kano State Government values the role of journalists in promoting development and accountability. With guided principles and a commitment to transparency, the government is eager to collaborate with media houses and journalists to drive progress in Kano State.

Aminu writes from Kano

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