Month: May 2024

By Uzair Adam Imam

Heavy security was present at the Kano House of Assembly on Wednesday as lawmakers commenced the amendment of the State Emirates Council law that created five Emirates.

The amendment, sponsored by the majority leader and member representing Dala constituency, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, scaled its first reading.

Armed security operatives from the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) took over strategic places at the assembly complex, while journalists who came to cover the day’s proceedings were asked to identify themselves before they were allowed entry.

All roads leading to the assembly complex were barricaded.The Kano state emirates council law, 2019, which created five new Emirates, was first assented to by the ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on December 5, 2019.

The governor assented to an amendment to the law on October 14, 2020, and signed another amendment on April 11, 2023.

Section 3(1) of the law established five distinct Emirates of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, with Kano and Karaye having eight local government areas of jurisdiction each, while Bichi and Gaya Emirates share nine local government areas of jurisdiction each, and Rano emirate enjoys jurisdiction over 10 local government areas out of the 44 local councils in the state.

Section 4 of the law established the state council of chiefs membership, which includes the five emirs, secretary to the state government, commissioner for local governments, and five chairmen, with one each from the Emirates, as well as 10 kingmakers and representatives from the business community and the security agencies, and not more than two appointees by the governor.

Section 5 provides for the chairmanship of the council of chiefs, which shall rotate among the emirs. When Emir Muhammad Sanusi, who chaired the council, was deposed on March 9, 2020, the law was amended to read, “there shall be the chairman of the council, who shall be the emir, Kano emirate.”

A principal officer of the Assembly, who does not want his name mentioned, said, “We were ready for this a long time ago, and only God can stop this amendment.

“We wanted all these emirs to go 20 days after this administration was inaugurated, but here we are. So, tomorrow (Thursday) there would be a special session of the assembly to consider and pass the amendment.”

However, the minority leader of the assembly, Abdul Labaran Madari, told BBC Hausa, “12 APC members in the assembly were not opposed to the amendment, provided none of the five Emirates would be dissolved, and the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, would not be deposed and replaced with Muhammad Sanusi.”

Madari said, “Though the NNPP lawmakers in the assembly have the numbers to effect the amendment, the opposition members would ventilate their opposition.” He added that the ruling party had perfected its plan to dissolve Bichi Emirate, as well as reinstate the deposed Emir Sanusi.

“The other emirates would be left with three local government areas of jurisdiction each.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A high-level delegation from the Federal Government of Nigeria met with counterparts from the Benin Republic on May 21, 2024, to discuss the reopening of the Segbana-Tsamiya border post in Kebbi State.

The meeting aimed to fast-track the operationalisation of the border post, which is expected to enhance regional integration and boost economic activities. 

The Nigerian delegation included the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, and other dignitaries.

The Benin Republic delegation was led by the Director General of the Benin Customs Administration, Adidjatou Hassan. During the meeting, the delegations discussed comprehensive issues surrounding the border post’s opening, including logistics, security measures, and economic impact.

Feasibility studies were presented, outlining expected benefits such as increased trade and potential challenges that might arise.

The deliberation also included setting timelines and identifying necessary infrastructure to ensure a smooth operation. 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, indicated the importance of engagement between the two countries to enhance the economy.

“To ensure closer working and economic relations between Nigeria and the Benin Republic, we have been working with our colleagues from the Beninese Customs Administration to ensure that we bring the economy together through easy border crossing with goods,” he said. 

The Director General of the Benin Customs Administration, Adidjatou Hassan, appreciated the move to reopen the border, which will strengthen trade activities and bilateral ties between the two nations.

“This development is expected to increase economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. We are committed to sustaining our seamless collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service while enhancing security at our borders and trade activities,” she said. 

The meeting concluded with a summary of the key points discussed and a formal statement of commitment from both sides.

An agreement was reached to schedule a follow-up meeting in June 2024 to monitor progress and address any outstanding issues.

A bi-national committee meeting was also agreed upon, with a defined commitment for subcommittees to submit their reports within two weeks to streamline seamless efforts towards border reopening.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Comptroller Kola Oladeji, head of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, visited the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and synergy between the two organizations. 

During the courtesy call, Comptroller Oladeji stated the strategic importance of Ogun state to the Nigeria Customs Service’s operations, particularly in the Southwest border areas.

He expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between the Police Force and the NCS, stating, “We consider Ogun state strategic to our operations… and we have been benefiting from our relationship with the Nigeria Police.” 

Commissioner Alamutu welcomed the visit, highlighting the strong partnership between the agencies in maintaining peace and security in the state.

He reassured the NCS of the Ogun State Command’s commitment to collaborative efforts. Comptroller Oladeji also visited His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro & Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, to strengthen Customs Community Relations in Ilaro Community.

He explained that the visit was in line with the Comptroller General of Customs’ directive to engage with border communities and familiarize themselves with local customs. 

The Olu of Ilaro acknowledged the cordial relationship between Customs and the community, praising the professionalism displayed by Customs officers. He assured his support and offered prayers for a successful reign. 

These visits demonstrate the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and community engagement in Ogun state.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has issued a 16-day ultimatum to the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to convene meetings of various party organs or face legal action.

In a letter dated May 21, 2024, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lukman requested that the President compel Ganduje to convene meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC), National Caucus, and the National Advisory Council (also known as the Board of Trustees) within 16 days.

These organs have not met since Ganduje assumed office on August 3, 2023, with only the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting regularly to oversee the party’s day-to-day operations.

The letter was copied to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum Hope Uzodinma, among others.

Lukman’s ultimatum emphasizes the need for the party’s organs to meet and make crucial decisions, warning of legal action if the meetings are not convened within the specified timeframe.

The letter reads in part, “l am compelled to kindly draw Your Excellency’s attention that as it is, our party is operating almost blindly without recourse to provisions of the APC Constitution. Meetings of organs as specified by relevant provisions of the APC Constitution are not taking place.

“Decisions, which established organs of the party are expected to take, are being taken by individual leaders outside those organs. One of the critical organs, the Board of Trustees, which is renamed National Advisory Council has not been inaugurated since the formation of the APC in July 2013.

“With such reality, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has appropriated the powers of all organs and in its name the National Chairman is taking discretionary decisions.

“With such reality, many of the decisions taken not only violate sections of the APC Constitution but also undermine Sections 221 — 229 of Part Il of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended as well as the Electoral Act 2022.

“I want to kindly demand that every necessary initiative should be started between now May 21, 2024 and June 7, 2024 to activate all organs of the APC in line with the extant provisions of the party’s constitution.

“Failure to do that will compel me as a patriotic Nigerian and loyal party member who has paid his dues to seek legal redress. Democracy is meaningless without functional political parties.”

By Yusuf Yusuf 

Sometimes, even the starry-eyed optimist must give up on Nigeria. The way things go from bad to worse in the country today is appalling. The great novelist Chinua Achebe had diagnosed our problem as a nation where he said, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” The leadership of this country is not doing enough to save us from what experts call a “failed” to a “collapsed” state. We fervently pray for God’s intervention. 

The recent revelation by an ace investigative journalist and maverick writer, Malam Jaafar Jaafar, is mindboggling! It highlights Nigerian leaders’ new joint venture in unrelenting efforts to run this country aground. It shows their insensitivity to the suffering of other Nigerians. How will a government that berates the payment subsidy of basic stuff for its citizenry and whose minimum wage is among the lowest approve such an unsubstantiated rise in the salary and allowances of only a “select group”?

I cannot unravel our leaders’ craze to undermine this nation’s progress. Sometimes, I feel like believing conspiracy theories about them being stooges of other groups with vested interests in our nation. Our leaders fail to grasp that when you cause your country to fail or collapse, you will spend the rest of your life a stranger, the life of a Black Hermit (apologies to the great Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiang’o).   

White-collar crimes are threatening the existence of Nigeria. Once upon a Giant of Africa is now a baby learning to crawl. Ironically, a country blessed with human and natural resources will become a poverty capital. The way these resources are mismanaged points an accusing finger to its leadership.

The level of suffering in Naija these days is monumental. The dream of having a meaningful life is becoming a mirage. The hopes of the young people are being shattered by daily reality in the country. Hunger and poverty have become our co-tenants—businesses, whatever the scale, are crumbling. Young graduates with both certificates and functional skills are roaming about our streets.  Sensible minds are afraid of what may happen next. You know, poverty always breeds crimes.

This trend needs to be reversed. More than anyone else, the Nigerian leader has a lot to do to reverse the rot and change the status quo. We can all borrow a leaf from other people’s books.  Nigerian leaders are very good at making allusions to attitudes which promote development in other climes. 

Charity, they say, begins at home. The best way the Nigerian leader can help his people catch up with progressive worlds is by renewing our hopes of the noble decision to cut the cost of governance, as leaders of these nations have done. 

Cutting undeserved official allowances and estacodes, unnecessary long laundry lists of aides and stopping duplicity, inflating figures and collecting kickbacks when issuing contracts could help save now the slim chance of the survival of the nation. 

The earlier the nation’s leadership makes the above noble decision, the better for our collective future. This has the potential to prevent the furtherance of the untold hardships that the majority of Nigerians are going through. These hardships, I am afraid, could make many citizens easy prey to international criminal syndicates, especially young and inexperienced minds, with mere food and money handouts. Nigerian leaders, individually and collectively, need to act swiftly to avert the arrival of our doomsday. 

May God save Nigeria from Nigerians.

Yusuf Yusuf can be contacted via yusufyusufgamji@gmail.com.

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

In our daily lives, those closest to us often find it most challenging to appreciate or value us fully. Familiarity can breed contempt, as the saying goes. The people we interact with regularly, whether family members, close friends, or colleagues, can sometimes take us for granted or overlook our unique qualities and contributions.

When someone sees us daily, they become accustomed to our presence and may fail to recognise the depth of our character or the significance of our actions. They might overlook our strengths, talents, and achievements because they’re too focused on the routine aspects of our relationship. This familiarity can lead to a lack of appreciation and understanding of our true worth.

On the other hand, people farther away from us, whether geographically or emotionally, may have a clearer perspective on who we are and what we bring to the table. They might see us through a different lens that isn’t clouded by everyday interactions and expectations. They may be more likely to appreciate our unique qualities, offer genuine recognition for our accomplishments, and provide valuable feedback because they’re not as intimately familiar with us.

It is important to recognise this dynamic and strive to balance closeness and distance in our relationships. While it’s natural for those closest to us sometimes to struggle to appreciate us entirely, we can take steps to foster understanding and gratitude within those relationships. 

Communication, expressing gratitude, and regularly reflecting on each other’s contributions can help bridge the gap between familiarity and appreciation. Additionally, seeking feedback and validation from various sources, including those farther away, can provide a more comprehensive perspective on our value and worth.

Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi wrote from Kaduna via prof4true@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Kano State following a devastating fire incident at a mosque in Larabar Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of several worshippers.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, condemned the “heinous act” and prayed for a speedy recovery for those injured.

According to reports, a family dispute over inheritance led to the tragic incident, which occurred during the early morning prayer session at around 5:30 am.

The suspect, Shafiu Abubakar, allegedly set the mosque ablaze by spraying petroleum and locking the door, trapping approximately 40 worshippers inside.

President Tinubu strongly denounced the act of arson, directing law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the prosecution of those responsible.

He extended his sympathies to the bereaved families, all those affected, and prayed for the quick recovery of the wounded.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

In systems thinking, infrastructure and social developments don’t occur in isolation; projects and programmes are built using a series of interconnected systems that complement each other’s purposes and functions. Governor Fintiri is applying this approach to his development programmes, projects, and policies.

A typical example is the modernization of the Jimeta Shopping Complex, which aims to connect its purpose and functions with those of the new flyover at the old Mubi Roundabout while also providing a befitting shopping complex at the centre of Jimeta City for economic and aesthetic development as part of the urban renewal programme.

The new flyover at the old Mubi Roundabout will connect travellers to Jimeta’s economic activities and natural beauty. At one end, it will lead to the Gerio Swamp and the historic Jimeta Bridge over the River Benue, offering a glimpse of the area’s natural charm. At the other end, it will provide access to the Jimeta Modern Shopping Complex and ease traffic within the city—economic and social development knit together.

The new Jimeta Shopping Complex will feature a world-class, 24-hour, one-stop shopping mall with high-rise buildings. The redevelopment plan of the complex includes a diverse range of shops, boutiques, arcades, food courts, cinemas, banks, smart parking facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, interactive displays, and a customer service desk.

Adamawa’s three senatorial zones each boast important urban and rural markets. In the southern zone, spanning from the Ganye grain market to the historic Mayo Belwa market, there are connections to the central zone’s Ngurore cattle market, the Jimeta modern market, the new Jimeta shopping complex, the Jimeta old market, the Yola-town market, and the Hong agriculture market.

In the northern zone, notable markets include the Mubi International Cattle Market, Michika Market, and various weekly markets. Plans are underway to transform these markets into modern trading hubs catering to local, national, and international trade. The markets in the northern zone and the Fufore markets serve as crucial centres for traders from Cameroon, Chad, and several Central African countries.

The redevelopment of the Mubi International Market is already underway, with plans to rebuild and remodel the burned Yola Town Market. Additionally, other major markets across Adamawa State are slated for modernization. The markets will undergo systematic redevelopment following Governor Fintiri’s government’s series-system development process.

Governor Fintiri’s comprehensive plan for market development focuses on revitalising economic activities across the state by introducing modern markets and shopping centres. This initiative aims to create vibrant commercial hubs catering to diverse needs. 

Central to the plan is a robust market redevelopment policy, streamlining bureaucratic processes and attracting local and international investors. Job creation is prioritised, with the goal of stimulating employment opportunities through market revitalization and new commercial spaces.

The policy also emphasises sustainability, promoting private sector participation to diversify revenue streams and reduce dependence on the dollar. Overall, Governor Fintiri’s vision for market development encompasses economic transformation, community empowerment, and a prosperous future for the state.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State House of Assembly has agreed to amend the State Emirate Council law 2019 and Kano State Emirate amendment law 2023.

This move follows an urgency and public importance motion moved by the majority leader, Alhaji Lawan Hussaini Chediyar ƴan Gurasa, and seconded by Shu’aibu Rabi’u, representing Dawakin Kudu Constituency.

The amendment seeks to revisit the changes made to the emirate structure in 2019, which led to the fragmentation of the Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates and the deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi.

The recent electoral victory of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who campaigned on restoring the traditional Kano Emirate system, has revived efforts to reinstate Emir Sanusi.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), has emphasized the party’s commitment to reviewing the changes made to the emirate structure.

He expressed confidence in Governor Yusuf’s ability to address the challenges effectively and resolve the issues planted in Kano state, ensuring peaceful coexistence among citizens.

As the legislative process progresses, the potential amendment of the Emir Appointment Law holds significant implications for the traditional emirate system and leadership structure in the region.

By Murtala Sani

The story of Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo cannot be narrated without weaving greatness with success and mixing niceness with kindness, for he is a character of dignity and simplicity. His life is a hub of imagination and determination, creativity and possibility, humanism and activism because he is a master of generosity and hospitality. Gwarzo’s life style is full of optimism, strength, zeal, courage, tolerance with no iota of hopelessness and laziness as seen in his commitments and achievements.

Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo is an origin of Gwarzo Local Government, Kano State, pursuance of knowledge took him to France where he obtained all his degrees. He held Bachelors degree in French, Masters of Arts in French, PhD in French Linguistics, and then PhD in High Education. This gave him a room to become a Professor of Modern European Languages and also a Professor of Leadership. Obtaining dual Professorship is a feat that only a genius can attain.

Gwarzo became a Professor in his early fourties, coincidentally; he was the President of Protection Rights of Journalists of Africa (PRJA) in his early thirties when he was active in the field of Journalism. At the young age he fought for the rights and freedom of Journalists across Africa.

His passion for business and entrepreneurship opened doors for him to get opportunities in France where he made a huge success. He was the first person that founded bilingual University in Niger Republic, Maryam Abacha American University, Niger (MAAUN) in 2013. Seven years later, Gwarzo founded Maryam Abacha American University, Nigeria, (MAAUN) at Kano in 2021 after two years he founded two more Universities in Nigeria, Franco-British international University, Kaduna and Canadian University of Nigeria, Abuja the former is the first Franco-British University in Nigeria.

Therefore, within ten years, Adamu Gwarzo founded four universities making him the first and youngest man that founded four universities in Africa.

Gwarzo is the pioneer President of the Association of African Private Universities due to his dedication to the development of education in Africa. Considering his outstanding contributions to education sector, International Union of Universities in collaboration with Association of African Private Universities gave him an award which serves as commendation to his tireless effort in uplifting education within the African continent.

Again, noticing Gwarzo’s impact on the education sector, International Academic and Management Association (IAMA) inducted him as the Member of its Advisory Board. For the same reason, World Education and Ed Tech 2 awarded him as Innovative Leader in New Delhi, India. These are few out of the numerous awards and honors Gwarzo received from various governmental and non-governmental organizations, national and international associations institutions, schools, communities and students.

The generosity of Adamu Gwarzo led him to establish a foundation with which he can easily touch the lives of many people that are in need of assistance, therefore, Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation was initiated. The philanthropic activities of the foundation revolve around education health, entrepreneurship, empowerment and provision of infrastructural facilities to communities.

For instance, the foundation donated 66 seater bus to Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (ADUSTECH), 60 seater bus to Bayero University Kano (BUK) , 66 seater bus to Al-Istiqama University Sumaila, 60 seater bus to Kaduna State Polytechnic and 60 seater bus to Niger University. The foundation also constructed more than one hundred boreholes in Gwarzo Local Government area and some areas within Kano State that were in dire need of water. Again, the foundation undertakes the tasks of giving skills and capital to orphans and masses in order to make them self – reliable considering the economic hardship and the rate of unemployment within the country.

Adamu Gwarzo is an enigma. If you see him dining with the elites today, you may see him feasting with the masses tomorrow. His down-to-earth joyous interactions with the masses make him the hero of the commoners. His capacity gives him the opportunity in rubbing shoulders and shaking hands with African, Arabian and European Presidents despite his young age. No wonder Chinua Achebe said a boy that washes his hand well dine with the elders.

His fluency in Hausa and Yoruba languages, plus his mastery of French and English languages speaks volumes of his intelligence. He is peaceful and tolerant because he is he is neither a racist, nor a tribalist, nor a religious jingoist. Muslims, Christians and Jews have no problem with him as seen in his constant navigation to almost every continent of the world. In his entourage, there is no separation between Sunni and Shi’ite believers, therefore, Qadiriyya, Tijjaniyya, Shi’ites and Izala followers work closely with him without segregation. He embraces the actors, musicians, footballers and all sorts of celebrities or legends that swarm around him without stigma.

Adamu Gwarzo is heterogeneous, as a Pan- African, he named MAAUN’s Senate Building after Nelson Mandela, the former South African President and activist that fought against the subjugation of the black people under Apartheid system of government. He named MAAUN’s President Building after Thomas Sankara, that revolutionist that served as the President of Burkina Faso. He named MAAUN’s Deanry Block after Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and nationalist who fought for the independence of the country. He named MAAUN’s Library after Murtala Ramat Muhammad, the patriotic Nigerian General who was assasinated on power.

Furthermore, as an advocate of girl-child education, he named MAAUN’s Social Centre after Magajiya Danbatta, the legendary female singer who promoted girl-child education in her songs. As a Philanthropist, he named MAAUN’s School of Health Sciences after Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a legendary business man and iconic philanthropist. As a non-partisan, he named MAAUN’s school of Social and Management Science after Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice president of Nigeria and former Nigerian Presidential candidate under PDP. He named the Association of African Private Universities (AAPU) Secretariat Building after Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwaso, the former Governor of Kano state and former Nigerian presidential candidate under NNPP. He named MAAUN’s School of Law Building after Remi Tinubu, the First lady of the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, who became President under Apc. Reciprocally, streets, buildings and schools were named after him by the communities, institutions and schools that benefitted from his philanthropic gestures.

In appreciation of Adamu Gwarzo’s friendly and kinship relationship with people he interacts with, Sarkin Hausawan Turai, a leader of Hausa community living in Europe turbaned him as Wazirin Sarkin Hausawan Turai. A Hausa community living in Agege, Lagos, turbaned him as the Sarkin Zumunchi of Agege. In Niger Republic, African Aminci Cultural Association Niger crowned him as the Sarkin Yaki da Jahilci na Afrika. This is in tune with his ambition where he stated that his ambition is to sponsor the education of one million people.

Currently, Maryam Abacha Amercan University Nigeria (MAAUN) is the 4TH best private University in Nigeria, 17th in Africa and 854 in the world, according to the AD Scientific Regulatory Ranking Body for global Academic Institutions. The ranking is based on capacity in Research Inputs /Outputs, Quality Teaching Aids (Faculties and Facilities), Conductive Atmosphere of Learning, Internalization and Collaborations, Students /Staff (Academic and Non – Academic), Positive Interpersonal Relationships, Community Services and Support, Human and Infrastructural Developments that fit with global standard.

Murtala Sani writes from Gwarzo Local Government of Kano State. He is also an academic staff of Kano State Polytechnic, Department of Basic and Remedial Studies.