Opinion

Abduljabar’s Shiite Agenda And Blasphemy

Published

5 years ago

February 21, 2021

Ibrahim Ado-Kurawa

Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara has confirmed that he is a Shiite. But there is need to examine the trajectory of Shiism in Nigeria and their strategies since they first manifested as internationalist propagandists.

Sunni Islam is predominant in Nigeria since the arrival of Islam in the Sudan. Shehu Usman Danfodio and his successors reinforced this position. In 1979 Ayatullah Khomenei led the Shiite Revolution in Iran, which he called Islamic Revolution. He gained the sympathy of many Muslims across the world because of American antagonism towards his Shiite State.

In Nigeria many students sympathized with the Iranian cause. One of such students was Ibrahim Yakubu (aka ElZakzaki). He recruited many followers in the university not in the name of Shiism because at that time he did not profess to be Shiite.

He was more inclined to Muslim Brothers (Ikhwan of Egypt and Syria) and he used their books for preaching and propagation of his ideas. Even Khomenei at that time did not insist all Muslims should become Shiites. In fact the Iranians even pledged to edit and translate the literature of the Sokoto leaders. This was in the formative stage. It was a deliberate action that enticed innocent people who thought Khomenei was genuine. I visited Iran in 1983 and since then I realized that their aim was not Islam but Shiite propagation and recruitment for Iranian imperialist expansionism.

All the rhetoric against the USA is only a deceitful deviance. After all Iran is now a major financier of terrorism and other high stake crimes such as drug dealings and laundering of counterfeit currency. These are not Islamic actions.

Breaking:Kano Government bans Islamic Cleric, Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara from sermon, closes his mosque over inciting comments.
Many student activists visited Iran but ElZakzaki became the focal person. Abdulkarim Kaura Namoda met Khomenei who promised and directed that Nigerian version of Hizbollah terrorist organization should be founded under his command.

This did not materialize because of his rivalry with ElZakzaki. Gradually ElZakzaki transmuted and became a full Shiite. The Islamist political activists deserted him and his Shiism became public knowledge. Others who went to Iran to study returned as Shiites some were trained as theologians while others in the natural sciences.

Shiites were recruited from the rural areas and from the urban vulnerable. They established their cells in many states of Northern Nigeria. The Shiite Republic of Iran and its clients supported Shiite groups across the country. They established schools in many parts of Northern Nigeria. They commenced the recruitment drive.

The first targets were Islamists in educational institutions where they recruited as much as they could. The next targets were followers of Sufi brotherhoods (Darikas).

The reason for targeting them was political as most of them were against Saudi religious propaganda. This was the soft point of people like Abduljabar and some of them were eventually converted.

Meanwhile Ibrahim ElZakzaki became the de-facto leader of Shiites in Nigeria even though some who were trained in Iran resisted because of his intellectual deficiency. They even claimed that they are apolitical and that they have nothing to do with ElZakzaky’s confrontation with the State. The incapacitation of ElZakzaki has created a vacuum up for the grabs.

Abduljabar is about to fill that vacuum. He has requested Iran to support him. This is a clear manifestation of his agenda. He uses misrepresentation of Islam propagated by orientalists, out right lies and virulent narratives to entice the many ignorant and unemployed youths. This was the same strategy used by Maitatsine earlier and ElZakzaki, who subsequently eliminated Abdulkarim Kaura, the Zamfara prince who eventually became a psychiatric case.

Abduljabar’s agenda is to recruit as many gullible people into Shiism as possible. This could be achieved through the mass media by exploiting the intellectual and material weaknesses of the society and the secularist contradictions of the Nigerian State. He falsely claims, through his postures that he wants to purge Islam of adulteration according to him as a result of the lies fabricated against the Prophet (SAW), which have remained in the books of Ahl Sunna. He claims that all the Ahl Sunnah are misguided and by extension Shaykh Nasiru Kabara his father who lived as a scholar of the Ahl Sunna doctrine and never challenged the books of Hadith, Fiqh or even the Ash’ari School of Theology. All these according to the claims of Abduljabar must be discarded.

And he has nothing to offer apart from disjointed quotations since he is not even grounded in Fiqh. Sometimes when it suits him, he condemns the great Muslim Jurists who espoused the rules of Fiqh.

His aim is to confuse the listeners and eventually recruit them into deviant Shiite doctrine since most of them are ignorant.

Abduljabar is not a scholar but a propagandist so he assumes everyone is ignorant. There is nothing original or scholarly in his ranting. Every student not even scholar knows that Christianity, Islam, Shiism have their epistemology.

They have the rules upon which they establish their beliefs. So if anyone wants to reform any practices of any people that claim to be adherents of these faiths he must follow the established rules. For example when Martin Luther decided to reform the Church he did not challenge Trinity or the fundamental practices approved by the early Church.

Those engaged in polemics against Christianity can bring so many phrases that contradict each other in the Bible.

Such polemics can even prove that the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD was a later contrivance presided by unbaptized Christian and it made Trinity the Final Doctrine of Christianity. But no Christian will ever accept this as a reason to discard Trinity or even shake his faith in it. This is because Christ said to Simon the fisherman: “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16: 18).

According to Christian teaching the Holy Spirit guided the institution of the Church after Christ and it has final authority on Faith hence it promulgated all the important creeds especially that of Chalcedon in AD 451. It was the Church not Christ that decided what should even be in the Bible. Thus “St. Paul in writing letters to the congregations of disciples in Rome and other centers had no idea that he was helping to construct a New Testament” of the Bible (Wilfred Cantwell Smith The Meaning and End of Religion Fortress Press Minneapolis 1991 p. 94). In this respect Shiism is closer to Christianity than Islam because it was created after the Prophet (SAW).

In Islam not Shiism, there is no clergy or Church as in the case of Christianity. There are certain principles outlined which all scholars know and they use them to discern any issue hence it is possible reach consensus without any meeting.

This was how every issue was resolved since the time of the companions. As it is clear now on the blasphemy of Abduljabar, when he equated himself with the Prophet (SAW) in widely circulated video. Shiism, on the other hand is different as it was invented after the Prophet (SAW) because of politics. Everything revolves around their Imams who are infallible and they came after our beloved Prophet (SAW).

Anything that does not elevate them must be interpreted to have that meaning. Some Shiites do not even pray the Juma’a because the Imam of the time is hidden until Khomenei elevated his own status to that of Velayat-e Faqih, a new concept in Shiism, which he introduced to assume the role of the representative of the Imam and he directed them to pray. His authority to his followers is similar to that of the Pope hence he made decrees in absence of the Imam who is the supreme Shiite authority. So the positions of Ahl Sunnah on the Qur’an and Hadith are different from those of the Shiites but Abduljabar will never say this. Because his aim is to use his fraud to hoodwink the ignorant and disconnect them from the Sunnah and then introduce them to his Shiite false doctrine that was invented after the Prophet (SAW).

The Qur’an is the Word of Allah and is recited by Muslims as revealed, to our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Qur’an is unadulterated and has remained as revealed ever since and it shall forever remain because the Muslims have the Qur’an in their memory. Not all Shiites believe this. This is because of their hatred for Sayyiduna Usman and the fact that their false doctrines cannot stand if they accept the Finality and Divinity of the Qur’an (Word of ALLAH). Anyone who doubts the authenticity of the Qur’an is not a Muslim. Some Shiites, who did not reach the level of kufr (unbelief) do not out rightly reject the Qur’an but misinterpret its meanings whenever it does not satisfy their desires. But this is more difficult for them to openly declare hence the only strategy is to attack the Hadith literature and generate confusion in the minds of the ignorant and the gullible. If Abduljabar succeeds in this adventure he will begin to openly attack the Qur’an.

Sunnah is the sum total of the “divinely guided” life style of the Prophet (SAW) as transmitted through an impeccable chain of narrators in authentic Hadith. It includes all his statements and actions “as well as the statements and actions of others done in his presence which did not meet his disapproval. Hadith is the record of actions and sayings of the Prophet (SAW).” Hadith, is also the record of sayings and actions of his companions done in his presence” (Philips, A. A. B. 1995 The Evolution of Fiqh: Islamic Law and the Madh-habs Riyadh p. 29), which he approved. Hadith therefore is the record of the Sunnah. Scholars of Ahl Sunnah have categorized Hadiths and the majority of the Muslims accept these categorizations.

There are scholarly disagreements on Hadiths and also critiques of all Hadith collections. Analyses were done before using them for any Shari’ah rulings, which are accepted based on the principles outlined over one thousand years ago. One of the most important differences between Ahl Sunnah and deviant Shiites is in the principles accepted for authentication, rejection of Hadith and using them to make legal judgments. Yet Shiites with evil intention such as Abduljabar quote Hadith authenticated or rejected by Ahl Sunnah, make additions, misinterpret them and even translate the Arabic wrongly where possible since it is all about polemics not principles of knowledge.

This is because they have no Hadith collections to use in authenticating their heretic interpretations or engage in polemics but only have the fabricated sayings of their Imams and fabricated or misinterpreted Hadiths of the Ahl Sunnah.

The Shiites are able to engage in these evil actions because the Ahl Sunnah revere all the companions and most of the Shiite Imams therefore it is easy to find traditions in the collections of Ahl Sunnah that are attributed to these pious leaders.

It is a similar case with Christians it is an article of Faith of Ahl Sunnah to believe in the Prophets mentioned in the Bible even though Christians do not believe in our beloved Prophet SAW.

So why is Abduljabar different? He claims that he wants to purge Islam of contradictions according to him people are leaving the Faith because of such contradictions. Therefore he has appointed himself as a reformer, committed to refining all the corpus of knowledge of the Ahl Sunnah. This is deliberate to deceive the gullible. In his rhetoric he does not adhere to any principles. And he is not able to outline his own new principles since he does not even have the capacity to do that. For example Al-Sayid Sabiq decided to write Fiqh Sunnah because he was not satisfied with the principles of the Schools of Islamic Law (Madhahib) and Shaykh Nasirudeen Albani wrote Sifat Salat Nabi because he was not satisfied with the description of many scholars.

Abduljabar on the other hand is only interested in creating confusion not even the critique of the Hadith collections. He claimed that he studied Bukhari with his father Shaykh Nasir Kabara but was that how he taught him? Abduljabar is totally disrespectful to our beloved Prophet SAW because he does not adhere to the principles outlined in Ash-Shifa of Qadi that has been in Kano and continuously used for over 500 years. His father Shaykh Nasiru Kabara was very proud of Ash-Shifa and lived by its teachings. Based on the rulings in Ash-Shifa part four the chapter on ‘The Legal Judgment As Regards the One Who Characterizes Oneself with the Prophets’ Qualities”, Abduljabar should be indicted and punished for committing this blasphemy.

Some people are claiming that Abduljabar should be allowed to continue with his heresy because Nigeria is a democracy. But every democracy has certain values.

For example nobody dears to deny that there was Holocaust or even criticize Jews or the Lesbians and Gays (LGBT) in the Western countries. This support to LGBT is unchristian but it is strong in the West.

This is because “the Europe once coterminous with Christendom is now post-Christian and neo-pagan” (Roberts J. M. 1996 A History of Europe Oxford p.583) hence they elevated their desires above God’s prohibitions. Muslims can never accept elevating man above Allah’s Law.

Therefore in Kano, according to the position of Ahl Sunnah it is a crime to denigrate the Prophet (SAW) his family and companions. Those who oppose this position are either Shiites who want to damage the reputation of the Sunnah or ignorant people. Some of the Shiites, including the terrorist organization IMN and their sympathizers are angry that all Ahl Sunnah are united against Abduljabar so they invoke polemics against Ibn Taimiyah and Saudi-Iran rhetoric to seek support. The IMN Shiite agents of Iranian imperialism in their naivety think they can gain the sympathy of the Tijaniyya followers they mentioned in their release.

They will never because the Prophet (SAW) is too important to Ahl Sunnah. But to these Iranian imperialist agents their politics is more important than the integrity of the Prophet (SAW) because politics invented theology in Shiism. They use the Prophet (SAW) only for political gain as Khomenei did. They claim that Abduljabar has denied his insults against the Prophet (SAW), that this reason why he should be tried before a competent court, not to be exonerated by terrorists like, the IMN. All Ahl Sunnah are united including those they mentioned in their press statement this is the position of the truth because our beloved Prophet (SAW), his family and companions are more important than any sect or affiliation.

Is there any need to engage Abduljabar in a debate? All the issues concerning critique of Hadith have been discussed and understood by Ahl Sunna for over 1200 years culminating in the magisterial work of Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (1372-1449). Abduljabar’s positions are very clear. He is Shiite. So there is no need to debate with him. The only thing that needs to be done is for him to face trial for blasphemy nothing more. If he is found guilty he should be punished according to the Shari’a Penal Law of Kano State. There is need for decisive action against him. This is not an infringement on his religious freedom. There is difference between religious freedom and criminality. He can be Shiite or an atheist but if denigrates our beloved Prophet SAW he is a criminal as far as the Law of this land is concerned.

He should not be allowed to use public platform to propagate Shiism using out of context quotations and outright lies. The Americans stopped Trump’s hate propaganda in the social media so those who look up to the West for guidance even there, they have red line. The red line in Muslim societies is the integrity of our beloved Prophet SAW. There is no place for that blasphemy in Kano State the choice was made over 1000 years ago just as one cannot go to Iran and propagate anti-Shiism of any kind.

The strategy of Abduljabar is to use rabble-rousing, creating confusion and finally offering Shiism to his audience. Most of his listeners are unaware that Shiism was invented after the Prophet (SAW) because of politics. Their politics created a new theology for them based on the supremacy of their Imams and belief in them is an article of faith in Shiism.

Therefore the Iranian imperialist agenda is to confuse innocent people through this propaganda of people like Abduljabar who misinterpret, wrongly translate Hadiths and interpolate with outright lies. Through this, they hope to recruit as many as possible and a gain foothold for imperialist Iran in the largest concentration of African Muslims. This must be stopped.

Opinion

Why APC H/Q Should Commend Gov Abba for Successful Congresses

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

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

Opinion

DSP Barau As A Global Citizen, His Recent Global Engagements

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Abba Anwar

Global citizenship and His Excellency, Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, are more or less, like two sides of a coin. Destined to be together for the overall benefit of the society. He started from the scratch, as a political learner, who believes in genuine democratic survival and political development. Hence his promotion to become an icon in politics.

Being an ardent and true democrat, his pedigree sounds decades of hardwork, genuine commitment, rancour-free engagement and civilized cohesion with relevant stakeholders. He specializes in human management and love for human advancement.

Just recently, DSP has been visible on regional and global fora, advancing partnership, integration and self development for our region and the continent. His appearances recently, on such platforms, gave more meaning to his global citizenship position. Yes he is representing Kano North, as his primary constituency, coupled with his position as the Deputy Senate President, but his role at the regional and global arena, showcase his global capacity.

During the 2026 First Extraordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament (ECOWAS Parliament), which was backed by the 2026 Parliamentary Seminar themed “Deepening regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Opportunities and challenges for expanding intra-community trade within the ECOWAS region,” in Abuja, he got more accolades than expected. His genuine commitment to ECOWAS protocols is rare among regional leaders.

Enlisting the core idea behind the event he said, “During today’s session, we considered and adopted the draft resolutions of the parliament on the African Continental Trade Free Area (AfCFTA). We also adopted a comprehensive work plan of the parliament for the 2026 legislative year.”

In his effort in taming insecurity plaguing some parts of our country, DSP clearly understands the global connection to the menace. Hence he highlighted on peace promotion at the regional event. Apart from behind the scene efforts he makes. Both in Nigeria and beyond. During the ECOWAS programme he said, “As the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, the people’s parliament, we will continue to promote democracy, PEACE (emphasis mine), unity, and integration in our sub-region, the cardinal objectives of the parliament.”

It was evidently clear that, Distinguished Senator was among the few hands who put extra effort in taming some pockets of bandit attacks few months back in some border towns in Kano state. Who were said to be infiltrated from neighboring states.

Coincidentally, some of the attacks, though, very insignificant, occurred around his Kano North constituency. The nature of contributions of operational vehicles, and other logistics he gave to our security agencies, around that axis, aided security agents in crushing the challenge head on.

Not only in his constituency, he donated, other operational vehicles to Kano state Police Command, alongside hundreds of motorcycles for police operations across all the 44 local governments of the state. Some of his interventions are not for public consumption, because of their nature, being security related.

Coming back to his good attachment with other global bodies, as a global citizen, he participanted recently at 2026 Commonwealth Day Commemoration, themed “Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous commonwealth,” at the National Assembly, Abuja. He was there as an important guest and a critical stakeholder.

The event was organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). DSP Jibrin delivered one of the most significant speeches there. In his speech he acknowledged that, “This year’s theme is both timely and inspiring. It calls on us to strengthen collaboration across borders, institutions, and generations to create a future defined not by limitations but by shared prosperity.”

One of his major concerns as a global citizen who believes in peaceful coexistence and global partnership is his contribution towards national peace and cohesion. As well as regional cooperation and global partnership against insecurity. All these are based on the premise of his clear understanding of global concepts and meaning.

As this can vividly be understood in his remark during the Commonwealth Day, when he said, “For Nigeria and indeed Africa, the Commonwealth represents more than a historical association. It is a dynamic platform for cooperation, learning, and collective progress.” This shows how insightful and informed he is when it comes to global citizenship and clear action.

Distinguished Senator Jibrin’s understanding of the need for strengthening of institutions through proper legislation, across the board, on the global arena, he takes the same understanding and called on other global bodies to take that seriously. At the Commonwealth Day he made it categorically clear that, “As legislators, we bear a solemn responsibility to build institutions that expand opportunities for education, innovation, enterprise and leadership for our young people. When we unlock such opportunities, we unlock the true potential of our societies.”

As a matter of fact, the Deputy Senate President’s love for peace and development to reign, does not stop at the local communities, or within the shores of Nigeria, he makes it an item on his shopping list, to wherever he goes or whoever he meets. He reminded all participants at the Commonwealth Day, that, “In my additional capacity as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, I wish to emphasise that regional and global cooperation are no longer optional – they are essential. The challenges of our time-economic transformation, climate change, technological disruption, and peacebuilding-require collective solutions and shared vision.” This is leader with a vision!

Peace, peace and peace, anywhere he goes. His interventions as contributions to our security agencies, here in Kano state, are enough indices to tell you who the Senator is. When it comes to fighting insurgency and other nefarious activities.

To further appreciate the fact that, youth are an integral part in the future of our continent and other global communities, he said, in his speech, “I am particularly delighted that today’s event brings together students from schools within the Federal Capital Territory. The Commonwealth strongly believes in youth participation because the future of governance, diplomacy, and global cooperation rests squarely in their hands.”

This gives more explanation to the confidence he reposed in our younger ones. As he, at the same time, believes in their capacity, when equipped effectively and efficiently to serve their individual societies. His genuine investment in our youth, back home, on behalf of the entire state, is an excellent move against insecurity. He fights, with vigor, youth restlessness and unemployment. Shielding them from involving in nefarious activities.

The Senate President, himself, His Excellency, Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, fully believes in Senator Jibrin’s capacity and capability in governance and special interest in global community, he (Akpabio) sent DSP to represent him at an ECOWAS extraordinary session.

During the opening ceremony of 2026 First Extraordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament (ECOWAS Parliament), recently in Abuja. The session commenced with a Parliamentary seminar themed “Deepening regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Opportunities and challenges for expanding intra-community trade within the ECOWAS region.”

Senator Jibrin gave the keynote address on behalf of the Senate President. With the theme, “ECOWAS Parliament: Advancing regional integration at a defining moment.” All such engagements by the DSP, are in tandem with the philosophy behind his global citizenship status. Kano North, his primary constituency, is proud to have such an illustrious son, of great substance.

To cap it all, DSP Jibrin’s contributions towards the fight against insecurity and promotion of peaceful coexistence among citizens, are enormous. Due to the security nature of such contributions, members of the public, are only able to see things related to physical infrastructure and equipments. Other areas that are equally critical, also get the attention of the Senator. But cannot be disclosed to the public.

As global as the Senator is, his view on governance, integration and promotion of peace, is globally inclined.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 13th March, 2026

Opinion

The Cap That Stopped a Boy’s Tears: Remembering Sadiq Modibbo

Published

4 days ago

March 11, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

Fifteen years have passed since I last held my son, Sadiq Modibbo, in my arms. Even now, the memory of his laughter and the warmth of his tiny hand remains vivid in my mind. There was something remarkable about him, a light that shone through even in moments of fear or pain.

I remember the first time I realized how deeply he loved the simple things that connected him to me.

Whenever he cried, I would gently remove my cap, and just like that, his tears would stop. It was as if the gesture spoke to him in a language only he and I shared—a language of love, trust, and comfort.

Sadiq was often unwell, and our visits to the hospital were frequent. Yet, despite his fragile health, he carried himself with an unusual courage. The doctors, nurses, and other caregivers grew to know him well. They would smile at his little jokes, or nod knowingly when he quieted at the sight of me.

In those hospital rooms, I learned to see him not just as my son, but as a symbol of resilience. Every day, I watched him endure injections, treatments, and long hours of discomfort, yet he faced it all with a quiet strength. Even then, the cap—the small, unassuming piece of cloth—became a tool of love, a reminder that he was never alone.

Sadiq’s love for Kwankwasiyya was another remarkable part of his personality. It was a fascination that seemed larger than his years, and it sparked countless conversations between us. I would watch him with wonder, seeing how a young boy could find joy and meaning in something so vibrant, even in the midst of illness.

I often imagined what he would be like today if he were still alive. Would he be arguing with me as passionately as ever? Would his laughter fill our home in the way it did when he was a boy? The “what ifs” are endless, but in my heart, I carry the certainty that his spirit lives on in every memory, every smile, every small gesture of love that he shared.

Birthdays were special for Sadiq. He would light up at the smallest celebration, reminding us all of the beauty in simple joys. Even as a child who faced health struggles, he found light in each day. I can still see him running toward me, his eyes shining, his cap slightly askew from excitement.

Mourning him has been a lifelong journey. The world continued around us, but I learned that grief is a quiet companion. It is in the small moments—the empty chair at the table, the quiet hospital rooms, the cap that no longer needs to be removed to stop tears—that his absence is most felt.

Yet, even in sorrow, there is comfort. I tell myself that Sadiq’s courage, his love, and his laughter have left a lasting imprint. The lessons he taught me—about patience, joy, and unconditional love—remain guiding lights in my life. Every time I see a child comforted by a parent, I am reminded of him.

Today, I remember Sadiq not with despair, but with gratitude. The cap that stopped his tears symbolizes so much more than a simple gesture; it is a testament to the bond between father and son, to the small acts of love that shape a life. May Allah grant him eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire those who knew him—even for just a moment.

Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa is the Director General Media and Spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.