Politics

By Abubakar Hassan Muhammad BUK 

Kano State politics has been a subject of interest in Nigeria, especially since the Supreme Court judgment restored Abba Kabir Yusuf as the governor of Kano State. Yusuf, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had his election initially nullified by lower courts, but the Supreme Court unanimously upheld his victory in the March 2023 election.

The State has a rich history of leadership, dating back to the Kingdom of Kano, which existed from 1000 AD to 1349. The state’s capital and largest city, Kano, is Nigeria’s second most populous city after Lagos. The incumbent governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, was sworn in on 29 May 2023.

Kano State faces several challenges, including attacks by Islamist terrorist groups, inter-religious violence, and extreme poverty. The state operates under Sharia law within the legal framework of the Nigerian constitution. The Supreme Court’s decision to restore Yusuf as governor has received mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some praising the judgement and others expressing concerns.

The State has a diverse economy with a strong focus on industry, agriculture, and Islamic banking. The state is home to several large markets, including Kurmi Market and Kantin Kwari Market, which specialise in textiles and grains. Agriculture is also a significant sector, with crops such as millet, cowpeas, and sorghum being cultivated for local consumption.

Kano State politics are complex and multifaceted, reflecting the state’s rich history and cultural diversity. Under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, the state faces significant challenges and opportunities for growth and development. But he has been trying his best to overcome these challenges.

Abubakar Hassan Muhammad wrote via abubakarsadik2023@gmail.com.

By Tolulope Showande 

Social media has revolutionized political discourse, transforming how people engage with politics, share information, and influence change. Platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram have broken down barriers between citizens and leaders, offering a more immediate and interactive space for dialogue than ever before. However, this transformation is a double-edged sword, bringing opportunities and challenges to modern political communication.

On the positive side, social media has democratized information. It gives marginalized voices a platform to be heard and enables grassroots movements to gain momentum without the backing of traditional media outlets. 

Hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter and #EndSARS have brought global attention to issues of racial injustice and police brutality, mobilizing millions to take action. Social media also allows citizens to hold politicians accountable. Missteps or controversial statements can go viral within minutes, forcing leaders to address public concerns swiftly.

Yet, the characteristics that make social media powerful also make it dangerous. The speed and reach of these platforms have facilitated the spread of misinformation and fake news, which can polarize societies and undermine democratic processes. 

Algorithms designed to maximize engagement often amplify sensational and divisive content, creating echo chambers where users are exposed only to viewpoints that reinforce their beliefs. This has led to heightened political tribalism, replacing meaningful debate with hostility and extremism.

Furthermore, the lack of regulation around social media use in political campaigns has raised concerns about transparency and manipulation. From targeted ads to the misuse of personal data, these platforms have become tools for influencing elections, often in difficult-to-detect or counteract ways. The 2016 U.S. presidential election and the Brexit referendum are notable examples of how social media can be weaponized to shape public opinion.

Despite these challenges, the role of social media in politics cannot be dismissed. It has become integral to modern governance, activism, and public engagement. To maximize its benefits while mitigating its risks, there must be a collective effort to promote digital literacy, implement stricter regulations on political advertising, and hold tech companies accountable for their role in shaping public discourse.

Social media is a powerful tool, but society must ensure it is used responsibly. If used thoughtfully, these platforms have the potential to foster a more informed, connected, and active citizenry capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.

Tolulope Showande sent from Bayero University, Kano, via tshowande@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf, has accused his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, of promoting corruption and nepotism in the management of urban planning and land allocations during his tenure.

Governor Yusuf vowed to expose and correct the mistakes made by Ganduje, who is currently the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Comrade Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf criticized Ganduje’s administration for alleged corruption, mismanagement, and urban planning failures.

He vowed to restore order through reforms, emphasizing accountability, innovation, and sustainable development.

Governor Yusuf also launched the recertification of Certificate-of-Occupancy (C-of-O) for efficient and transparent land management system in the sate.

Governor Yusuf described the development as a milestone for creating an efficient and transparent land management system.

He flagged off a comprehensive recertification of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) to ensure accurate, secure land records, protect investments, and resolve disputes, urging landowners to comply promptly.

According to the Statement, central to the reforms is a state-of-the-art Geographic Information System (GIS) to modernize land management, improve urban planning, enhance taxation, and eliminate revenue leakages.

Measures also include banning inappropriate land allocations and setting up a State Task Force on Development Control to address urban development challenges and protect Kano’s cultural heritage.

Governor Yusuf highlighted the complete renovation of KANGIS and the Ministry’s facilities, now equipped with modern ICT infrastructure to enhance service delivery, reflecting the administration’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and development.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has uncovered warehouses where federal government palliative rice, marked as “not for sale” and bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu, was being re-bagged for potential resale.

The operation, led by the commission’s chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, revealed the illicit handling of approximately 28 trucks of 50kg rice, valued at over N1.4 billion, around the Kano Western Bypass.

“This is a serious case of mismanagement and diversion of public goods. These palliatives were meant for the poor and vulnerable, but some individuals are profiting from the people’s suffering,” Rimingado stated during the raid on Tuesday.

One suspect has been apprehended, and investigations are underway to identify others involved in the scheme.

The commission pledged to recover the diverted palliatives and ensure their proper distribution to intended beneficiaries.

Rimingado assured the public of the commission’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned in bringing those behind this act to justice.”

The incident has sparked outrage among residents, with many condemning the misuse of resources meant for the less fortunate.

A community leader in Hotoro, Garba Isah, described the act as “shameful and heartless,” adding, “People are struggling, yet some individuals are stealing from the poor. We commend the anti-graft agency for their swift action.”

The commission has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving government relief materials.

It reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accountability in addressing corruption and ensuring public resources reach the vulnerable.

By Ibrahiym A. El-Caleel

Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda won the 2023 Katsina State gubernatorial elections and has since taken office. However, he seems to struggle with the transition from CEO of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to his new role. He keeps lecturing the youths on entrepreneurship, telling them that there are no jobs. He would always tell them why being a worker is a misfortune in today’s world. Surprisingly, he is never caught on tape talking about the key role of the government in entrepreneurship.

This society has normalized throwing jibes at salaried workers. People who despise salaried employees behave as if they are the next smartest people on earth since Albert Einstein while in reality, there is nothing spectacular in this. It is a tepid argument, and when Nigerian leaders do it, it reflects their reluctance to take responsibility for the economic challenges we face.

One significant reason for the current suffering of Nigerians is the systemic push of workers into poverty. Despite advancements in technology, automation, and artificial intelligence, no national economy thrives without the contributions of workers. Even if entrepreneurs automate production and supply chains, consumption remains a human necessity. Who will buy the products? Machines? No, it is people- primarily workers- who drive consumption. So, when anyone is throwing jibes at these employees, I usually imagine what planet they come from.

Let us return to Dr Radda and other Arewa leaders who always want to deliver free lectures on entrepreneurship. It is crucial to note that no business thrives in a commercially toxic environment. How have these Arewa leaders been able to create a conducive environment for business? They have always been in the business of blame games and never taking leadership responsibility seriously. This is exactly why it is easy today for President Tinubu and his Tax Boys to tell them they are rejecting his proposed VAT sharing formula because they have lazied around for too long, earning more Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) than they actually deserve.

We have vast fields of arable land, yet companies like Nestle who need maize and soya beans prefer to set up their factories in Lagos. We have cattle that FrieslandCampina and Promasidor would ordinarily obtain fresh milk from through modern animal farming processes. However, these companies are based in Lagos because the north is either faced with farmers-herders clash on Monday, or fighting bandits on Tuesday, or discovering Lakurawa by Wednesday. Which multinational company will waste its time, energy and resources building a business in such an environment? This is why they prefer to be based in South-West, then buy these raw materials from up north and transport them for processing and ship some of it back to the north for consumption.

I will not discuss why 19 northern states believe they are okay with this type of poor electricity supply over the years. Your Kano and Kaduna textiles are dead; reptiles now live where we had textile machines and very many workers running shifts. Even on the planet Saturn, they are aware that no development happens without electricity in this modern age. But since Arewa leaders know an alternative way to do this, let us keep waiting for the miracle. I am sure it is very close to happening. Sokoto is just an inch away from advancing like South Korea, since Kaduna is already competing with Silicone Valley!

The other day, Dr Radda’s tape was virally circulated. He was still talking about workers, and how an Indomie Joint vendor earns better monthly income than them. The irony is that on 23 November, 2024, Daily Trust wrote a report that this type of business is crumbling. They cited that the astronomical rise in the prices of egg, milk, noodles and bread is telling on the business. Nigerians can no longer afford this. These food items have become a luxury to the who used to consume them. It is a pointer to the fact that people are getting poorer.

This was not always the case in Nigeria. Workers began suffering after Buhari did his trial and error economics for eight solid years, and now Tinubu is here to shut down the economy finally so that everyone can go and rest in their graves. Otherwise, ten years ago (2014 to be specific), a salaried worker on a minimum age of N18,900 could afford to buy a 50kg bag of foreign rice at N7,500 which he could feed his family for at least three months. He would still have the remainder of this salary which will at least cover his transportation to work. The political class destroyed this. The same political class which Katsina state governor belongs to.

In my opinion, the governor should realize that it is no longer the SMEDAN days. All Nigerians cannot be entrepreneurs. In every real national economy, the workers are always far more than the entrepreneurs. The earlier he and members of his social class come together to chart a sustainable economic plan for the north, the better for all of us. The South-West governors who have created economically viable environment are not begging their citizens to go into entrepreneurship. The citizens are identifying the opportunities already. When you put your house in order, you don’t need to tell anyone to start a business. People will naturally see the opportunities. This is why the South-West is ahead. It is not magic. They are deliberate about developing their environment, and this is a good one. Had other leaders developed their regions in a similar manner, we would not be fighting over the VAT sharing formula.

Arewa’s economic recovery starts from reviving the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) Limited to be what the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello meant it to be. Arewa governors should give politics a break and focus on governance by revitalizing the NNDC and truly investing in that company. NNDC was a big dream to save this region from the economic mess it has found itself today.

Sardauna was visionary and NNDC actually delivered on its objectives for decades before the Arewa governors class of 1999 to date decided to watch it die a slow and painful death, folding their arms and waiting for oil royalties from the newly found Kolmani oil in Gombe or Bauchi State. Arewa leaders should wake up and save this region. It is their responsibility. It is not the responsibility of Tinubu or FG or anyone. But your Excellency, please, allow workers to face their predicament. They were never in this situation until your political class decided to make them poor through extreme taxation and careless policies that spiked inflation to all record high. Therefore, if you cannot help them, you do not need to add insult to their injury.

El-Caleel writes from Kaduna State

By Shettima Dan’Azumi, ESQ

Northern Nigerian states are gradually losing a significant portion of their Federal Accounts and Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation shares, which is undoubtedly their biggest revenue source. From the Local Government Funds and Fiscal Reform Bills to dividends from NLNG shares of NNPC and, today, the National Lottery, all these are part of the pool that makes up the monthly national cake distribution known as FAAC.

These developments are not surprising to any student of development. We all saw it coming. Early this year, the Supreme Court, in a suit filed by the Federal Government, scrapped the States and Local Government joint account, which had previously entrusted local government funds to their respective states.

In another case, the Supreme Court also agreed with the AGF’s argument. It held that the NNPC’s stake (shareholding) in the NLNG, unlike the NNPC itself, actually belongs to the Federal Government, not the entire Federation. Those billions of dollars accrued to NNPC from NLNG annually are no longer to be shared with the States as part of FAAC. 

Similarly, VAT, a chunk of the non-oil revenue currently shared based on equity, derivation, and population formula amongst FG, States, and Local Government, will, if Emilokan’s Executive Bill succeeds at the National Assembly, now be shared based on derivation or consumption or both. Either way, I don’t see how the North can benefit. I will get to the reason shortly. 

Then came today, another blow in a Suit initiated by the Lagos State Government. The Learned Justices of the Supreme Court, while granting all the reliefs sought by the AG of Lagos State, held that revenues accrued to the Federation through the National Lottery Commission from the regulation and royalties of lottery and other online games are in reality within the Residual Legislative List, exclusive to States to regulate and generate revenues from. 

I believe there may be more of these seemingly harsh interpretations of the law in the near future because that is what the Constitution actually contemplated. 

If you put these chains of events together, you would only come to one conclusion: that full federalism is taking a crude shape in the country against the wish of everyone. We would have prepared for this time if northerners had been thoughtful and proactive. We would have confronted the issue of restructuring with strategy rather than our usual rejectionist attitude to achieve it on our terms and put a timeline for gradual implementation to minimise its impact. With our sell-out NASS members, who either do not appreciate where all this is headed or have been bought to look away, it’s only a matter of time. May Allah rest the soul of Senator Suke Yaro Gandi and the rest of his contemporary visionaries and patriots. 

What should we expect now? Our FAAC-reliant states will receive a shorter allocation. If VAT is to be shared based on derivation, then most of the Corporate Headquarters of businesses where the remittance of VAT takes place are far away from the north. What if it’s to be shared based on consumption? The follow-up question is: how do you determine the end users when you don’t have the data to prove where it is consumed? Even if this data exists, most of our businesses in the north, including Kano State, are not formal businesses, so their distributors are in Lagos and other Southern States. Our traders are running away from the institutionalisation of corporate governance frameworks in their businesses, which will give them the capacity to deal with manufacturers and wholesalers directly and document their dealerships properly. We are simply traders. 

The lottery is worse because most states think the whole business is haram. But, wait, is it not the double standard that you are operating a secular state, collecting VAT revenue generated from breweries and royalties from casinos, including the lottery, for all these years while still believing it’s haram? At least, it would soon be over, and we shall stick with halal revenues.

To cut a long story short, the North must wake up on governance and development issues. The culture of electing clueless governors and the dominance of corrupt and soulless political class must end. We must pay more attention to our manpower and skills development policies and reform our education systems because that’s what all these boil down to. EDUCATION! Our youth must stop social media praise-singing and political sycophancy and embrace education and skill acquisition. Our businesses must adopt corporate governance and innovation and be more industrious and forward-thinking. 

Because Emilokan is not your mate.

By Aiman Fodio

I respect Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a leader and admire his dedication to charitable causes, especially education. He is, by no means, a saint; he is human, like all of us, subject to the frailties that come with the human condition. Yet, when we consider moral reasoning, pragmatism in leadership, ethical choices, and the complex compromises of politics, I believe he emerges as a stand-out figure in Nigeria’s presidential landscape today.

We all concur that the nation cannot grow without a productive, well-educated populace. Therefore, we must commend his efforts in providing scholarships and educational support to countless underprivileged youths. 

In Nigeria, where quality education is often reserved for the privileged few, he at least tried to bridge that gap. These are nothing short of transformative. He’s not just speaking abracadabra on X (Twitter) about change; he actively works to make it accessible, particularly for those who need it most. Don’t just come and tell me that he did all that with the government money or looted; I challenge you to bring someone with a comparable track record which surpasses his commitment to uplifting the marginalised.

As we know, Nigeria is a developing nation grappling with the intricacies of governance that differ from those in developed and developing countries. This climate needs politicians who starkly contrast with the transactional politics that often dominate our region. 

Kwankwaso is unique in that his power hinges on support from ordinary Nigerians, while many of his contemporaries are tethered to elite alliances. This dynamic has made him the Jagora—leader and guide—to many, though some may derisively label him the ‘Local Champion’.

Most (about 95%) oppose him with divisive ideologies that tarnish his reputation and undermine his connection with his supporters. Many view his popularity with scepticism, trying to erode his strong rapport with his base. Yet, Kwankwaso resonates with the public, not because of propaganda, but because of his track record and genuine empathy. For this reason, he remains one of the few politicians whose influence is authentically rooted in the people’s will, making him a formidable figure on the national stage.

One aspect of Kwankwaso’s political style that I find particularly troubling is the pervasive influence of godfatherism. It’s disheartening to observe his tendency to exert undue influence over his protégés, such as Governor Abba. This dynamic creates a political climate where loyalty to a godfather supersedes the imperative of serving the collective interests of the populace. 

Godfatherism has no place in a progressive political landscape; it stifles authentic leadership and compromises the integrity of those who are meant to govern. Kwankwaso should let Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf focus on the ideals that empower him, granting him the latitude to evolve and serve his constituents with the autonomy they deserve. That would earn Kwankwaso more respect.

Despite this concern, I firmly believe that Kwankwaso remains one of the most qualified and deserving candidates to lead Nigeria. The need to choose the “lesser of two evils” becomes glaringly apparent in a milieu often characterised by many less competent alternatives.

While no leader is without their shortcomings, his extensive experience and interest in uplifting the marginalised position him as a formidable candidate. We must weigh our options carefully, recognising that his potential to enact positive change far outweighs the flaws that may come with his political relationships. Ultimately, our choice should reflect the need for a leader who prioritises the people over personal ambition, and I still see that potential in him.

Aiman Fodio wrote via aimanfodio@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from using its regulatory powers to impose fines, issue sanctions, or intimidate broadcast stations and independent media houses in Nigeria.

Delivering judgment in June 2024, Justice Nicholas Oweibo ruled that the NBC lacks the legal authority to unilaterally impose penalties, including fines, suspensions, or license withdrawals, on media organizations for airing content of public interest.

The judgment followed a lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

The lawsuit challenged a 2022 decision by the NBC to fine Trust TV, Multichoice Nigeria, NTA-Startimes, and Telcom Satellite Limited N5 million each for documentaries on terrorism, which the commission claimed undermined national security and contravened the Broadcasting Code.

In his ruling, Justice Oweibo affirmed that SERAP and CJID had sufficient legal standing to sue, stating, “This is a public interest case, and the plaintiffs are not meddlesome interlopers.”

The court declared that the imposition of fines by NBC without recourse to a court of law violated constitutional provisions on media freedom, fair hearing, and access to information.

The court also set aside the N5 million fines and granted an order of perpetual injunction preventing NBC or any other authority from unlawfully sanctioning or intimidating independent media outlets.

Justice Oweibo emphasized that only the courts, not regulatory agencies, can impose criminal sanctions like fines.

In response to the judgment, SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, called on the NBC to respect the rule of law and urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the judgment’s implementation.

He added, “This ruling is a victory for media freedom, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

The suit also criticized the use of “national security” as justification for suppressing information, arguing that such actions contravene both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties.

The court’s decision reinforces protections for independent media and affirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding freedom of expression in Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were among the notable figures who attended the wedding Fatiha of the daughter of former Kano State Governor, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano on Saturday.

The grand event also brought together the groom and bride’s fathers, prominent businessman Dahiru Mangal and Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his deputy, Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo.

The wedding Fatiha was held at the Palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, and drew dignitaries from across the country.

The ceremony marked another significant gathering of Nigeria’s political and business elite, reflecting the strong ties among the nation’s leaders.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has officially flagged off the campaign for a School Feeding Program by HELLO INTERNATIONAL with the support of the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on school feeding, for the pupils of LEA Ngwak, in Bokkos LGA and LEA Kwaghas Bungha in Mangu LGA.

The event which was held at Lamond Hotel Banquet Hall Jos, aimed at improving nutrition among school children, boosting school enrollment, and enhancing learning outcomes.

Barr. Mutfwang who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Jeremiah Satmak reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the education sector in the State, stating that addressing childhood hunger was a means to promoting education and securing the children’s future.

He acknowledged the efforts being made so far and challenged all to support the initiative for sustainability.

Plateau State Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Chrysantus Dawam in his remarks, said the initiative was not just about providing meals, but rather nurturing the future, empowering education and ensuring that no child goes hungry as they pursue their dreams.

He said HELLO INTERNATIONAL, a Non Governmental Organization had also generously donated shade of three classrooms and new set of desks for LEA Ngwak, and essential items for both schools such as school uniforms, sandals, bags and writing materials to ensure that the pupils had the resources they need to succeed.

He commended their vision and noted the significance of education, being a key to a brighter future, adding that a child needed to focus on learning and not to be worried about where their next meal was coming from.

Founder and CEO of HELLO International, Dr. Nkiruka Agbazue said they had a shared commitment to a brighter future for the children of Plateau State, in fostering hope, equality and opportunity for all.

She stated the organization’s dedication to providing essential resources, creating programs that uplift communities, and empowering individuals to build sustainable futures, and that it also aimed at creating an environment where every child would not worry about hunger, poverty, and lack of basic resources.

While appreciating the commitment of all in this cause, Nkiruka assured of the Organization’s willingness to continue to work hand in hand with the Senior Special Assistant to the President and the Plateau State Government to expand and improve the initiative, and enlisted the support of all in order to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Also speaking was the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, represented by Mrs. Kyenpia Best who commended HELLO INTERNATIONAL and the Plateau State Government for the step taken toward ensuring that no child in Plateau State faces the burden of hunger while striving for an education.

She added that the combined effort was an inspiring example, showing what is possible when the people come together for the future of their children, and expressed hoped that this initiative would not only continue but would expand to touch more areas of Plateau State and indeed, across the nation.

On his part, the Chairman, Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board Hon. Sunday S. Amuna, represented by the SUBEB Permanent Member II, Hon. Kassam Goodwin Dul also commended the intervention and assured that as an agency overseeing the Universal Basic Education sector, it would remain committed to supporting the vision by prioritizing the well being and the education of Plateau pupils.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Plateau State School Feeding Program Manager, Mrs Tongdyen Tajan Moltok said the program was initiated to address the issue of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable children.

And as a step toward improving the lives of the children, she added that it would also strengthen the communities to build a brighter future for their children and urged all to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the program.