By Yusuf Muhammad Kawu

Dear President Tinubu,

I am writing to you regarding the future of the girls and young women who suffered horrific abuses in Boko Haram captivity in north-east Nigeria. After they left Boko Haram, many endured further suffering in unlawful military detention. Survivors are now left without adequate access to services. Mr. President, I urge you and your government to take immediate and effective steps to empower these girls and young women by ensuring their access to medical care, education, and livelihood support.

Whilst everyone in north-east Nigeria has been affected by the conflict, girls who became associated with Boko Haram, overwhelmingly through abductions and forced marriages at young ages, have experiences and needs unique to their age and gender. Many, if not all, suffer long-lasting consequences including health complications, lack access to education, and experience stigma and rejection from their families and communities.

Boko Haram used these girls as “wives”, forcibly marrying them, some multiple times, and subjecting them to years of domestic servitude and sexual violence including forced pregnancy. Boko Haram indoctrinated girls and young women into the group’s ideology and forced them to live under strict rules, severely limiting their right to freedom of movement and prohibiting them from leaving the group for fear for their lives. Boko Haram has also forced girls and young women to watch punishments, including beheadings, floggings and limb amputations. Some girls were forcibly converted. Many of the crimes documented by Amnesty International constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Many girls and young women who subsequently escaped Boko Haram returned to government-controlled areas with specific needs. Most survivors interviewed by Amnesty International have been denied access to justice, education, livelihood opportunities including vocational training, and adequate health services including mental health services and sexual and reproductive health care.

Despite some family reunification efforts, the Nigerian government has not taken effective measures to uphold their international human rights obligations to reintegrate these girls and young women. Furthermore, instead of meeting their unique needs, many have been unlawfully detained in military custody in various detention facilities across Borno and Adamawa States.

After years of surviving human rights violations and abuses, the girls and young women Amnesty International spoke with are sending a clear message: they want to rebuild their lives.

Your Excellency President I strongly advice you and your government to take appropriate and effective measures to empower all survivors by ensuring that:
• they have a voluntary medical assessment immediately after leaving Boko Haram, and can access comprehensive and confidential health care services after reintegration;
• they can access government education by making schools across the states and in internally displaced persons camps open and safe, eliminating all costs and fees associated with primary education, and developing programmes aimed at eradicating stigma and discrimination against them;
• vocational and skills training programmes are effective so that they help the girls and young women become financially self-sufficient in the long run.

Sincerely
Amb Yusuf Muhammad Kawu GAS.
Activist, Volunteer, Egalitarian, and Advocate for human rights and good government.

By Abba Anwar

This piece reflects on the opinions and arguments surrounding the survival strategy of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state beyond 2027. Many moves, employed strategies, conspiracy theories and political calculations are, but build ups to 2027.

Believe it or not, APC is still a force to be reckoned with in Kano. Whether Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a National Chairman of the party or not, his consolidation of solid foundation when he captained the affairs of the party for Eight consecutive years as a governor, gives the party a life saving effort, which it still enjoys.

Fragmentation is still in view within the purview of party structures as embedded in the hearts of some party members. And potential members joining the party with genuine intention, as time passes by.

As many envisage, APC’s victory in Kano hangs on the neck of who becomes its gubernatorial flagbearer and his running mate, how candidates are filled in other positions come 2027. Among other factors.

Whether Gawuna /Garo ticket is still relevant or not, only time can tell. Gawuna’s good faith in Allah’s decision during the electioneering campaign up to the election period, in 2023, meant a lot in the victory of the party. That was later scuttled by other conspiracy theories.

His relationship with people when he was Chairman Nasarawa local government reminded many to support his cause. I’m not looking at the local intrigues he faced from his local government.

While Garo’s kind hearted, apart from his trust in Allah’s decision also (as a Muslim, Mu’umin for that matter), his known contributions to human development, who sees man as the centre of development, his sharp political strategy and his style of leadership, when he was Chairman of Kabo local government, among other factors, played important role in the party’s victory, which was later scuttled by other interests in 2023 elections.

For the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, who for sometimes now, runs helter-skelter struggling for relevance to, according to many opinions, get gubernatorial ticket come 2027, is being paired with Senator Kawu Sumaila. To have Barau /Kawu ticket. Though Kawu is still within the fold of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

As it is now, is only a projection of what can be brought to the limelight. Kawu is indeed a force to be reckon with, in Kano South. No matter from whichever angle you are looking at the prism, Kawu Ba Kanwar Lasa Ba Ne in Kano South.

That is why some people are of the opinion that, Barau/Kawu ticket can make a difference. According to such opinion, Barau’s position as DSP, and Kawu’s political ingenuity, could make comfortable landing for APC come 2027.

These are only views expressed by people within and outside the rank of the party, APC. As related to Gawuna /Garo ticket and Barau/Kawu ticket. And let’s look at Gawuna, Garo, Barau and Kawu in their individual capacities and capabilities.

Gawuna’s great asset, for example, is his turning of all experiences, setbacks and examined opportunities to Almighty Allah.

I’m not interested in some expressed opinions about his direct relationship with his constituency and the issue of those who surround him, from the beginning to date.

Garo’s political asset is his genuine concern about what affects people with the aim of reinforcing them. He means acceptance when he says “yes.” He is not slippery in his words and actions. He too, as a Muslim, he believes Allah controls everything he faces in life.

I’m not also interested in an opinion expressed by some, that he is no longer accessible. For this I refer my reader to an article written by one Labaran Dantala, recently, captioned, “Garo, Still Available, Accessible.”

For Barau, his great asset goes to what he was able to bring to the state, using his position as Deputy Senate President, for re-approving Federal College of Education (FCE), Kano, to Federal University of Education and the creation of North West Development Commission. He too believes, Allah controls everything.

I do not care to look at his miscalculation of accepting cross-carpeters from, especially, Kwankwasiyya faction of NNPP. Who later go back to their roots. His inability to learn lesson from the then Gawuna’s Tsamar Nama operation. I do not also have any interest in what party people blame him of. That is abandoning party members and concentrating on new comers, who add no value to his political ambition.

Kawu’s greatest asset, is his wealth of experience in Kano South political history and politicking. Aramma Kawu as some address him, knows the Power of Allah in controlling everything in life and beyond.

I do not want make any comment about his ferocious postulations when it comes to politics. But some still see this as another great asset for a politician. His membership of NNPP isn’t my area of interest here. So also his being surrounded by ‘Yan Birni is not in my shopping list.

For APC to bounce back stronger and domineering, it is important to look at some handful few legislators, who, by all estimation, do more than expected.

The first and foremost person in this category is Hon Abubakar Kabir Bichi. Chairman House Committee on Appropriation. This is a gentleman who always believes in his constituency first. While doing that, he doesn’t go for other opposition party members. He, instead, takes all along.

Hon Bichi’s strategy of not embracing members of the opposition parties at the detriment of his own party members, earns him greater respect and relevance, more than the Senator representing his area. In clear terms, Hon Bichi is more powerful, in whatever estimation you can see it, than Senator Barau from that end.

Bichi according to the opinions I came across, is not eyeing to become a governor. But his strategy seems to be working far better than Barau who has been eyeing to become a governor.

More Bichis in APC means more chances for the party. Just similar to Garo, Bichi has strong home-based support from his Senatorial district. Garo enjoys such support from across the state. Bichi like Garo has never been a slippery type. He takes and speaks what he can accomplish. Not minding whose ox is gored.

To tame fragmentation at whatever length and by anticipating how hazy the environment could be, some notable youth formed themselves and become a Coalition of Youth within APC. This group did well in reawakening party members on their primary responsibilities.

It is not the interest of this write – up to create confusion where there is none, concerning the primary objective of the Coalition. Mine is just to appreciate the commitment, genuine purpose and open door direction of the Coalition. At the initial stage, I didn’t see them as an amalgamation of value addition elements. But as time passes by, I see hope and strength in them.

Notable among such youth, whose presence serves as beacon of hope are, Adamu Unguwar Gini, Musaddique Wada Waziri, Jijitar, Hon Ja’o’ji, Hon Maiwayo, Danyaro, M. Abdussalam Ishaq (Kumbotso) and even that boy Dini Manchester, among many others, who are numerous to be mentioned here.

I re-assured and re-confirmed to myself that, this engaging Coalition has little or no intention to wreck havoc in the party because of their self – centred interest. Though political activities are always not-interest-free. I doff my hat to them because, nowhere I heard them making disturbing noises as a group so far. Either to the leadership or to the followership. Yes, they have their shortcomings. But for now such does not becloud their immense contributions as re-awakening agents for youth movement.

My view on other dark horse(s) is built upon people’s opinion that, apart from Gawuna /Garo ticket or Gawuna as individual and Garo as individual, Barau/Kawu ticket (if that works), or Barau as an individual or Kawu as an individual, there could emerge a scenario where someone somewhere can just come from the blues and picks the ticket. That, to me, is very unlikely. Though nothing is impossible in politics.

Whether or not APC remains as one indivisible political party come 2027, in Kano, the National Chairman of the party, Dr Ganduje has all it takes to ameliorate, align and realign all existing forces within the party in the state.

As I’m rounding up, I vehemently disagree with handful few opinions, suggesting that, Barau is wasting his time, so long as he thinks he can outshine Baba Ganduje in the scheme of things. If it is true Barau is thinking along that line, I advise him to backslide. Because the situation could be dicey and deceiving.

This piece is not looking at the party leadership, at all levels. From Ward up to state level. Party management is not within the purview of this brief work. This write-up looks at the general opinions of people concerning APC’s victory come 2027 elections. I do not even care to also look at the opposition parties.

Abba Anwar,
Former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State,
2018-2023
Can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Death is an inevitable transaction and it would come at an appointed time for whose time is ripe. It was the turn of Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin, Captain Muhammad Ahmad Yusuf-Gobir on Saturday, 12th October, 2024. The Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye announced the news of his death. There is no doubt that he was an astute family man and a great community leader.

Being a traditional title holder in Ilorin Emirate, many prominent sons of the Emirate have been paying tribute to the late Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR in a condolence message released by his spokesman, Abdulazeez Arowona described the the deceased as a gentle and loyal traditional Chief who has used his wealth of experience to unite the people within his domain and beyond. The Emir prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him aljannah firdaus.

In a similar message issued by his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq described Sarkin Gobir’s death as a personal loss to him, stressing that the deceased was his childhood friend. The Governor commended his fine legacies as an illustrious technocrat and administrator who oversaw an impressive turnaround of Ilorin International Aviation College within a very short time. According to Ajakaye, “Governor Abdulrazaq asks Allah to admit him to al-jannah Firdaus and uphold his family upon goodness.”

In the same vein, the Turaki of Ilorin and the Senator representing Kwara Central in the 10th Senate, Mallam Saliu Mustapha also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin Emirate and Chairman of Ilorin International Aviation College. He condoled with HRH Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Kwara State Government and the entire Ilorin Emirate for the loss of a great leader whose contributions to the community and aviation industry will be forever remembered. The Turaki of Ilorin also commiserated with the family of the deceased, praying for strength and fortitude for them during this difficult time. The federal lawmaker prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and forgive his shortcomings.

Another federal lawmaker, Honourable Yinka Aluko, representing Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency, equally expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin, Captain Muhammad Ahmad Yusuf -Gobir. In his condolence message, Aluko described Sarkin Gobir as a patriotic, God-fearing, and disciplined individual. He extended his commiserations to Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and the people of the state. He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family to endure the loss.

Hajiya Arinola Lawal, a lawmaker representing Ilorin East at the Kwara State House of Assembly also mourned the death of Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin. In her statement: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Captain Muhammad Ahmad Yusuf-Gobir, the esteemed Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin Emirate and Chairman of Ilorin Aviation College. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Captain Gobir’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the transformative impact he had on the Aviation College, which flourished under his leadership. His contributions to the community’s growth and development have left an indelible mark, and his absence will be deeply felt.

The Ilorin Emirate and Ilorin East Local Government are mourning the loss of a truly distinguished individual, and my thoughts are with them. Captain Gobir’s life was a testament to his dedication to the betterment of his community, state, and beyond.” She prayed Allah to grant him aljannah firdaus.

The relationship between Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and late Sarkin Gobir cannot be downplayed as his excellency was physically present during the janaza and the role he played in facilitating the movement of his remains to Ilorin from Kano. A loyal friend is a true friend, because he or she would still be consistently be there for you even at the point of death and that is the extent one can describe the action of his Excellency. The Turaki of Ilorin Senator Saliu Mustapha, former Minister of Interior General Abdulrahman Dambazau, Alhaji Garuba Lawal, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State Alhaji Idris Gobir Mohammed and other dignitaries also attended the janaza prayer, and subsequent condolence visit to the house of the deceased.

Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Tuesday 15th October, 2024 while on a condolence visit to the Gobir’s family disclosed that the relationship between the two family did not start from him. It began from their parents and they, the children, had also sustained it. The Waziri of Ilorin prayed to Allah to forgive late Sarkin Gobir and grant him aljannah firdaus.

I am currently in Ilorin so I had the opportunity to pay a condolence visit and have brief interviews with few family members.

Mallam Nasir Yusuf -Gobir is the immediate younger brother of the deceased and he described him as a patient and selfless personality. He stressed that he always reached out to others by offering help. In his words, “Sarkin Gobir was generous and kind. Sometimes he shared whatever he had with me by half. He wanted the family to shine by bringing everyone together.”

Mallam Nasir reiterated that in the late Sarkin Gobir’s philosophy, he believed they had not leveraged on the influence of their ancestors; so by uniting the family, such glorious moment would return. And indeed, he did a great job by uniting the family. He disclosed that many had been expressing fear over who will fill the vacuum his death might create, because he brought peace among Gobirawa. He prayed Allah grant him aljannah firdaus.

Sarkin Gobir Personal Assistant, Baba Gobir Abdullahi eulogized him as a great unifier. He recalled how late Sarkin Gobir Ahmad resolved issues among the Gobirawa in the entire Africa. He said Captain Ahmad efforts in resolving the issues amicably ushered in a new era of unity among Gobirawa in Ilorin and beyond. He was the principal promoter of Gobir .”

According to him “he took us to our root in Sabo Birnin Gobir in Sokoto State and Niger Republic. He united the family and the people in his community. He was tolerant. In fact, describing his personality would be inexhaustible. He was an icon of contentment, righteousness, honesty, and piety ”

Baba Gobir also said the late 9th Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin served in various committees set up by Mai Martaba Sarki Ilorin Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari and he performed excellently.

The late Sarkin Gobir was the eldest son of late Yusuf Amuda Gobir, the former Minister of Defence, and Ministry of Establishment. During his time he was regarded as super perm sec because of his approach to work. According to a retired ace broadcaster, who asked for anonymity. He said, “Yusuf Amuda Gobir was among the first generation of permanent secretaries in the country, and that he contributed a lot to the development of the country, Kwara, and particularly Ilorin Emirate.

It is significant to note that the late Sarkin Gobir’s father, late Yusuf Amuda Gobir, late Mutawali of Ilorin AGF Razak, Dr Amuda Aluko, the late Tafida of Ilorin and late Dr Olusola Saraki, the erstwhile Waziri of Ilorin were contemporaries and good friends.

The late Sarkin Gobir was born in 1962. He equally excelled in the aviation industry and in the service to humanity. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannah firdaus.

AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo writes from Ilorin and a member of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com