Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has issued a stark warning regarding political gatherings in Nigeria, cautioning that the sudden disappearance of security forces at such events could signal an imminent attack by hired thugs.

Sani, a well-known human rights activist and vocal advocate for democratic reforms, made this revelation in a recent post on his verified Facebook page.

He expressed concern about the hostile nature of Nigerian politics, emphasizing that violence from political opponents is a reality that aspiring politicians must anticipate.

“We have survived many thug attacks miraculously. For those who want to get into politics someday, factor in the violence by thugs from your opponents. That’s the way our hostile and toxic politics works,”he wrote.

His comments underscore long-standing concerns about political violence in Nigeria, where clashes between rival supporters, intimidation tactics, and disruptions at rallies remain common occurrences. The senator’s warning suggests that such violence is often orchestrated, with security forces conveniently withdrawing before the arrival of the perpetrators.

Shehu Sani, known for his fearless activism, has experienced political persecution firsthand. A staunch critic of military rule in the 1990s, he was imprisoned by General Sani Abacha’s administration during the struggle to restore democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, elections. His political career has been marked by advocacy for human rights, transparency, and justice, earning him recognition both nationally and internationally.

As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, Sani’s message serves as a sobering reminder of the need for stronger measures to safeguard political events and ensure the safety of participants. Political violence remains a major challenge, raising questions about the role of security forces in protecting citizens rather than allowing intimidation tactics to prevail.

His statement is expected to reignite discussions on electoral integrity and the need for political reforms that address violence, voter intimidation, and the influence of political thuggery in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Renowned academic and public affairs commentator, Dr. Aliyu Usman Tilde, has sparked a conversation on the legacy of Hausa music, asserting that the late legendary singer Alhaji Maman Shata Katsina remains unmatched in talent and artistic prowess. Dr. Tilde made this statement on his verified Facebook page, where he compared Shata’s contributions to those of contemporary Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara.

In his post, Dr. Tilde acknowledged Rarara’s efforts but emphasized that Shata’s influence and mastery of Hausa music are unparalleled. He wrote:

“Rarara yana kokari sosai amma fin Shata fa ba wasa ba ne, sai dai ga ‘yan zamani. Shata ya tattara abubuwa da yawa. Kuma sake samun opportunity na pioneer kamar nasa zai yi wuya. Shata kamar Sardauna ne a mulki. Wane wani gwamna.”*

(Translation: “Rarara is trying his best, but surpassing Shata is no small feat—except for the younger generation. Shata embodied many qualities, and finding another pioneer like him will be difficult. Shata is like Sardauna in leadership. Which governor can compare?”)

Maman Shata: A Pioneer in Hausa Music
Alhaji Maman Shata Katsina, who passed away in 1999, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Hausa musicians of all time. His music, deeply rooted in Hausa tradition, was known for its poetic storytelling, social commentary, and ability to capture the essence of the people’s experiences. Shata’s songs resonated across generations, earning him a revered status in Northern Nigeria and beyond.

His ability to compose and perform spontaneously made him a household name, and his works remain influential in Hausa music today. Many consider him a pioneer whose impact on the genre is irreplaceable.

Rarara’s Influence in Contemporary Hausa Music
Dauda Kahutu Rarara, a modern-day Hausa musician, has gained popularity for his politically charged songs and vibrant performances. His music often reflects current political events, making him a significant figure in contemporary Hausa entertainment.

While Rarara has carved a niche for himself, Dr. Tilde’s statement suggests that his contributions, though commendable, do not match the depth and cultural significance of Shata’s legacy.

Dr. Tilde’s Literary Contributions
Beyond his commentary on Hausa music, Dr. Aliyu Usman Tilde is a distinguished writer known for his works in both **English and Hausa**. He has also written extensively in Fulfulde, contributing to the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages in Nigeria.

His insights into Hausa music reflect his deep understanding of the cultural and artistic heritage of Northern Nigeria, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in public discourse.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
Dr. Tilde’s statement has reignited discussions among Hausa music enthusiasts, with many debating the contributions of both artists. While some agree that Shata’s legacy remains untouchable, others argue that Rarara has successfully modernized Hausa music, making it more accessible to younger audiences.

Regardless of differing opinions, one thing remains clear—Maman Shata’s influence on Hausa music is profound, and his legacy continues to shape the industry decades after his passing.

No fewer than 90 youths across the three senatorial districts of Kano state scaled through the first batch of Digital Entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower younger generation.

The practical capacity training around various value chain of agribusiness, marketing, agro-production and other digital entrepreneur is anchored towards reducing unemployment among teeming youths.

Championed by AA Zaura Foundation, being founded by Kano Central Senatorial Candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abulkarim Abdulsalam Zaura, to promote self reliance among the youths.

Addressing journalists on Friday at the end of the screening, founder of AA Zaura Foundation, Abdulkarim Zaura explained that the digital empowerment was initiated to inspire modern agribusiness and connect Kano youths to innovative method of farming.

Zaura explained that, since the world is moving towards Artificial intelligence AI, Kano as an Agrarian and commercial state deserve to leverage on the emerging technology to develop the youths in order to be self reliant.

He noted that, the foundation targets over 750 participants who began obtaining training on the digital Entrepreneurship on agriculture, out of which first batch of 90 beneficiaries will undergo two weeks practical training.

Zaura said the initiative being organized in partnership with London Academy Business School and the University of Sunderland brought experts to groom the young hearts in various aspects of agro-digital economy.

“This project is aimed at teaching the student or the beneficiaries the digital entrepreneurship in agriculture. Aimed at teaching them how to be productive, teaching them how to learn to conduct agriculture in a digital way.”

“As they come out from university, some of them are still undergraduate, some are already graduates, some are in higher institutions of learning like Polytechnic. At the moment, the start of this project is very amazing and astonishing, as it is embraced by the teeming youth of Kano State. The project, we intended to empower 50 youth, but we ended up having over 750 people.”

The Chief Executive Officer CEO who is also the lead consultant London Academy Business School Dr. Larry Jones said, Nigeria has the potentials to transform Agriculture in the continent, encouraging the youths to puts more efforts in the digital Entrepreneurship training.

“What we are bringing as the London Academy Business School is many, many years of experience in agricultural projects. In this case, we have come with a message to bring the digital environment of agriculture to your students, and already found them somewhat way down the road already in this space.

Also, the Project Manager and Chief Economist of the Project Mr. Anton Scheepers expressed satisfaction with the zeal and determination of the participants with optimism to succeed.

He said, “what we are bringing as the London Academy Business School is many, many years of experience in agricultural projects. In this case, we have come with a message to bring the digital environment of agriculture to your students, and already found them somewhat way down the road already in this space.