Politics

By Ibrahim Siraj Adhama, PhD

In Nigeria, as in most democracies, incumbent elected office holders are given the right of first refusal by their political parties. That is to say, they are considered the first option to fly the party’s ticket again while seeking re-election, all things being equal. As an extension of that privilege in Nigeria, incumbents serving their terms in office are accorded the opportunity to handpick who they want to succeed them. The anointed candidates – as fondly called – would therefore be bequeathed the incumbency factor and everything that comes with it.

The incumbency factor entails a lot of things; it is a blessing and, at the same time, a curse. It is a blessing because the incumbent has a record in office to show. He has achievements and a scorecard of performance to campaign with. It also confers the incumbent many other advantages, especially in terms of holding over the apparatus of power and control. It gives unrestricted access to state resources and assets. It is often said that in developing democracies, the incumbent always has the highest chance of winning an election than his opponent.

Incumbency could also be a burden where the scorecard is not so impressive, or the performance is below par. Whatever the case may be, the fact is no government is perfect! No matter how good the government’s plans and programmes are and well-executed they could be, its opponents will never be done. Again, no matter how good the government’s performance is, opposition parties will still pick holes here and there to criticize it. Characteristically, they will try to belittle the success stories and amplify the weaknesses and the shortcomings, thereby promising to do things in much better ways.

Suppose there’s anything to learn from the first round of the US presidential election debate of 2012 between then-incumbent President Obama and former governor Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate. In that case, it is the difficulty inextricably associated with defending incumbency. Many people agree that former President Obama’s biggest asset was his eloquence and his way with words. Yet, the world watched as he struggled to ward off attacks against his administration by a determined and hard-hitting Romney in a debate unanimously adjudged to have gone his (Romney’s) way. It’s simply not easy!

And things get a bit more complicated when the government’s approval rating is low owing to self-inflicted and needless controversies. Such is the predicament of Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Kano State deputy governor and the APC flagbearer in the 2023 governorship election, who aims to carry Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s baggage. Gawuna’s situation, many people would say, has been made worse by his public avowal not to betray the governor. This is, without doubt, a considerable burden on his shoulder, considering Ganduje’s numerous controversies. And this is leading to what many analysts see as considerable scepticism among some voters.

But if the truth must be told, no two governors can be precisely the same despite the pretence and ostentation of continuity. Neither will Gawuna be exactly like Ganduje, nor will Abba Kabir Yusuf be the same as Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Whether we like it or not, all leaders are different, for better or worse. Individuals’ leadership style is influenced by their experiences, worldview, knowledge, vision, temperament, God’s consciousness, wisdom, discipline, character, etc. We’re naturally different vis-á-vis those qualities and variables mean that our approach to leadership should also be different. Thus, nothing could be more preposterous than assuming that one governor would do as his predecessor did. For me, it would be unwise – if not foolhardy – to insist Gawuna is going to be Ganduje’s puppet.

History of anointment has presented us with at least three patterns of relationship vis-à-vis predecessors and successors. First, there is the category of conformists represented by successors who are able to remain loyal to their predecessors through thick and thin. Secondly, there are the “surpassers” who are believed to have done better and outperformed their predecessors. Lastly, there is the category of derailers made up of successors who, for whatever reason, ditch their predecessors to chart a new direction. Governors under this category are often accused of betrayal if not dubbed ingrate. Successors’ overzealousness, power drunkenness, and predecessors’ desire influence their successors and get them to do their bidding in complete negation of the maxim no two captains on the same ship have always been responsible for the strained relationship. Add to that meddlesomeness of political charlatans who would want to create discord, knowing that without one, they will miss their relevance in the scheme of things.

Nasiru Gawuna is stepping into Ganduje’s shoes with a promise to continue from where he (Ganduje) left. Nonetheless, those people insinuating Gawuna will be Ganduje-reincarnate should be forgiven for their lack of understanding of the man. They were either too young or far away to know the strides he made when he held sway at Nassarawa Local Government. Those familiar with his record know full well that Kano will be in for a more fantastic future, judging by his numerous achievements.

Education, healthcare, business and commerce, security, infrastructure etc., will receive tremendous attention. Workers will be in for a greater deal as Gawuna’s people-friendly government will ensure prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements. Gawuna has long been known for his empathy and compassion. Therefore, his government will be expected to be responsive to the plight of pensioners, who are dying in silence. He will be trusted to go out of his way to offset the backlog of gratuities accrued over the years.

On the whole, Gawuna is imbued with unflinching willingness for the rapid social and economic transformation of Kano. This you come to understand each time you discuss it with him. He has the ideas and the initiatives that can change things for the better in our State. He has the leadership qualities, capacity, and determination to deliver. Ganduje himself would be proud to have a successor who will not only build on the successes achieved but also try to correct the mistakes made, sweep the mess created and improve on what is already there. And this is what Gawuna will be doing as governor.

Gawuna has the rare privilege of working closely with all the three governors Kano has had since the Fourth Republic in 1999. He worked with former governors Ibrahim Shekarau and Rabi’u Kwankwaso as Local Government Chairman and Commissioner, respectively. He is now working with Governor Ganduje as Commissioner and Deputy Governor. Therefore, it is perfect to assume that he has learnt some important leadership lessons from each. That he will be coming immediately after Governor Ganduje does not mean he is going to be having any fixation about it.

Thus, instead of continuing “from where Ganduje left”, Gawuna is expected to build on the legacies of all past Kano governors. He will hope to consolidate their individual and collective achievements as he leads Kano toward the path of more development and prosperity.

May Allah choose the best for us!!!

Dr Siraj writes from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano and is also a reporter for The Daily Reality.

By Muhammad Aminu

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has, in the interim, restrained Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, from borrowing 10 billion naira.

The Kano First Forum (KFF) instituted a legal action against Gov. Ganduje’s proposed 10 billion naira loan for Kano Security Infrastructure development, specifically CCTV installation.

The Daily Reality earlier reported that the Kano State House of Assembly had approved a loan request of 10 billion naira forwarded by Gov Ganduje’s administration.

The opposition New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) condemned the approval, cautioning financial institutions against giving out the loan to Ganduje’s administration.

“That the first respondent/defendant is hereby restrained in the interim from borrowing the sum of 10, 000 000 000 (10 billion naira) from 5th defendant”, said the court order issued by Justice A. M. Liman sighted by The Daily Reality.

The suit has the Kano State Governor joint in the case alongside the Kano State House Assembly, Commissioner of Justice, Ministry of Finance, Access Bank, Debt Management Service and Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

Dr Yusuf Isyaka-Rabiu, director-general of KFF, through their counsel led by Barr Badamasi Suleiman-Gandu, prayed to the court for the restrain, which was granted in the interim pending substantive hearing of the case at a later date.

By Hassan Ahmad Usman

To begin, I would like my readers to understand that, unlike games, there is no “cheat code” for good governance. Governance is practical, with little room for derailing if the desired outcome must be achieved. If there is anything that President Buhari-led’s administration taught us, it is to shun unrealistic optimism.  There is nothing wrong with setting standards for our leaders or being optimistic about the prospects of their leadership.  

At the inauguration of Buhari in 2015, one would believe by now that he is rounding off his eight years stay, our four refineries would be functional, the epileptic power supply would be a thing of the past, security tackled, and so many things accomplished. 

Notwithstanding, people overlook many landmark achievements by his administration. Why? Unrealistic optimism. They are not the standards we set for him from the on set. In a year, we’ll have a new president, new administration and new policy makers. In between, we’ll have an election that will bring a new government.

The leading candidates so far are former vice president Atiku Abukar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),  former Lagos state governor Bola Tinubu of All progressives Congress (APC) and former Anambra state governor Peter Obi of the Labour party (LP). These candidates are enjoying a large support base. 

My candid advice to the “Batists”, “Atikulateds”, and the “OBIdients” is to learn from the travails the Buharists went through in his defence. They marketed Buhari to the extent that we thought only miracles would better his performance in office, and failure was an impossibility in our imaginations.  We again gave him another chance despite his dissatisfaction with his first term because the Saraki/Dogara-led National Assembly was a block to his reform agendas. They also told us that the 2016 economic recession was a catastrophe due to the then-ever-falling oil prices. With these excuses, whether acceptable or not, we should understand that there won’t be a smooth ride for any president in a developing economy like ours.

So, I remind those supporters to moderate their optimism and understand and study what development is all about in modern civilization. It is not as easy as we thought. It would be best if you weren’t in defence of your candidate throughout his stay in office.  

Nigeria had her chance to turn things around when the oil price was at its highest. Unfortunately, indecisions and a lack of foresight from the leaders made it impossible. We are now living to bear the brunts of the indecisions of our past leaders. 

To Nigerians, we should understand that good governance that translates into sustainable growth and development cannot be achieved through “quick-fix” solutions. It’ll take longer than expected time for it to manifest. We’ve read and heard of the turnaround of countries like China and the United Arab Emirates but never paid attention to the processes they passed through before making it to the big stage. If development is what we all crave, we must all make sacrifices that come with it and know that we may not be the immediate beneficiaries of our own strides. 

Hassan Ahmad Usman writes from Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.  He can be reached via basree177@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Ansaru terrorist group reportedly took over communities in the eastern part of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State and banned political activities.

The Daily Reality gathered that this was not the first time the terrorists conquered the area, recruited young residents and married up their young girls.

According Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives’ Union (BEPU), who spoke through its chairman, Ishaq Kasai, the terrorists have camps in seven political wards in the eastern part of the Local government area.

He added, “In fact, the group continue to gain acceptance from many members of the communities, particularly in Old Kuyello and Damari of Kazage Ward. Even this week, two members of the group were engaged to wed two girls and will be tying the nuptial knots by the coming Saturday.

“The Ansaru (grooms) laid down some rules to the in-laws for the wedding. They ruled that, after the wedding, they would take the brides to the forests and live there with them and do not want the brides to go along with any furniture except plates (coolers) and mattresses because anything other than that is not in tandem with their beliefs and convictions.

“A disturbing scenario is where the group banned all political activities in many communities such as Damari of Kazage Ward. Politicians from these communities have to go far away secretly to the neighbouring communities before they hold political meetings.

“For instance, this week, an Okada rider who lives in Unguwar Makera of Kazage Ward was seen with a sticker of one of the candidates vying for the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and he was thoroughly beaten by the Ansaru.

“People in these communities are now disenchanted and frustrated about participating in political activities.

“We don’t know how the coming Elections will take place in those areas because even the last Local Government Election did not hold in the Area due to the escalating insecurity, which made the election results be declared inconclusive, and a Sole Administrator was appointed overseeing the affairs the Local Government up till now.

“In short, the Ansaru are now in charge of many of the communities in the area, and the group is expanding its occupation. They now call the shot and determine what is to be done in the villages they are dominating,”‘ he said.

No intervention from the government

Kasai decried that there has been no government or military intervention in these communities long since the attack.

He lamented, “our communities are being attacked, people kidnapped and killed daily without a response, acknowledgement or report from Government.

“We call on the Government to please organise a coordinated security operation both aerial and ground to the hideouts of these criminals in our forests in order to flush them and stop daily killings of our people by the unchallenged terrorist groups surrounding our communities,” he said.

However, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Mohammed Jalige, stated that he needed to study the statement before comments.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, said his choice of Atiku as a running mate during the 1999 general election was a mistake. 

Obasanjo disclosed this on Saturday, June 25, while addressing students in Abeokuta at a leadership and entrepreneurship mentoring session. 

The former president admitted to having made many mistakes in his life. He also disclosed that one of such mistakes was his choice of running mate in the 1999 presidential election.

“I don’t say I don’t make mistakes – I made many of them,” Obasanjo said.

“But one thing that has happened to me is that God has never disappointed me. And that is very important.

“For instance, one of the mistakes I made was picking a number two when I was going to become President.

“But because it is a genuine mistake, God saved me out of it.”

The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, contested alongside Obasanjo in the said election.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Tension rocks the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s presidential candidate, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, allegedly obtained no primary and secondary school certificates. 

However, Tinubu insisted that he had two degrees from two American universities. Yet, he stated that the certificates were stolen by unknown soldiers during the military junta of the 1990s.

The Daily Reality gathered that the information was in an affidavit submitted by Tinubu to the INEC office as part of his eligibility filings for the 2023 presidential elections.

The documents released Friday by the electoral body showed that Tinubu completely left the columns for his primary and secondary schools unmarked.

Additionally, the latest claims by Tinubu in his submission to INEC reportedly contradicted the previous submissions of 1999 and 2003 when contested as a governorship candidate in Lagos state.

It was gathered that Tinubu allegedly claimed in 1999 and 2003 that he attended primary and secondary schools.

He indicated that he attended St. Paul Children’s Home School, Ibadan, between 1958 and 1964 and secondary school at the Government College, Ibadan, between 1965 and 1968.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A Police Constable, Nura Mande, has been honoured by Katsina State Police Command for finding and returning the missing 800 dollars to its owner in the state.

The Daily Reality learnt that the money belongs to a female intending pilgrim, Hajiya Hadiza Usman.

Mande was reportedly presented with a letter of commendation and N30,000 by the Commissioner of Police, Idris Dabban.

SP Gambo Isah, the Command’s Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement, stating that the constable was on official duty at the state Pilgrims Welfare Board Hajj camp when he found the money.

He added that “while discharging his duty at the Hajj camp, PC Mande found the 800 dollars on the ground and returned it to the board’s Director of Administration, Alhaji Sada Salisu-Rumah.

“PC Mande disclosed that it was his fear of God that made him to return the money to the board’s official so that it could be returned to the owner.

“Salisu-Rumah commended the police constable for his good behaviour and honesty,” he added.

Isah added in the statement that the Police Commissioner was very excited over the display of honesty by Maude.

He, however, called on other police personnel in the command to emulate him.

By Adamu Abubakar Kumo

Mentorship has been the way through which a more experienced, more skilled and usually more elderly person passes his experience, expertise, knowledge etc. to the younger ones. From education to politics, business to occupation, mentorship is instrumental to the continuance of the flow of wisdom from one generation to another.

The history of Nigeria’s founding fathers is undoubtedly that of heroes and legends who wrote their names in gold in the books of history. But, looking at today’s Nigeria, one would be right to say that the wisdom of those great men has not been successfully passed down to today’s generation.

Among the six geo-political regions of the country, South-West has distinguished itself. The region seems to uphold the principles of mentorship. From Sir Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Samuel Akintola, Aare M.K.O. Abiola and now Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Yoruba leaders have been producing leaders who subsequently would take over from them. They deliberately ‘build’ people; they sow the seeds and look after them until they grow into large formidable and strong iroko trees that can hardly be trampled or tempered with by just lilliputians if I were to borrow Shattima’s word.

The successful emergence of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu is a testimony of the presence of mentors and the continuance of political mentorship in Yoruba land.

Asiwaju, for the past two decades, has been working, influencing the appointment of some of his mentees in strategic government positions, politically supporting his allies and subordinates to attain power and building political bridges and structures across the country. The man waited patiently until when it is time, the time for the Jagaban to reap the fruits of his labour, the time when Amaechi has support from within; the time when Lawan seems to have the blessings of some party juggernauts, the time when some northerners feel that only a Northerner can defeat the opposition’s candidate. At this precious time, Bola Ahmed ‘summoned’ his mentees across the length and breadth of the country and alas, they answered! They come in their thousands with all the vigour and support the Jagaban needs.

Despite the eloquence of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the grammar of Ayade, the bluntness of Yahaya Bello, the doggedness of Rotimi Amaechi and the ‘appeal for sympathy’ of the aspirants from the South East, Bola emerged victorious, defeating them hands down.

This ‘political war’ fought and won by the  Southwesterner may compel one to ask, where are the Asiwajus of other regions? Can somebody from North-East, North-West or North-Central brag about having the capacity to do something similar to what this septuagenarian did?

The likes of Sirs Sardauna and Balewa don’t exist anymore in the North. Moreover, nobody is following the footsteps of Hassan Usman Katsina, Sir Kasim Ibrahim, Malam Aminu Kano and many other patriots – the mentorship thread is broken. Though North has been boasting of having great and influential leaders, the problem remains that none is willing to ‘nurture’ his successor.

While Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was busy contesting to become the president right from 2007, Kwankwaso was busy fighting Ganduje and so on. On his part, Bola Tinubu was busy, making sure his candidates become governors in Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, etc. He was influencing ministerial nominations, making sure he appointed Vice President. He was equally working to bring Dimeji Bankole, Ahmed Lawan, Femi Gbajabiamila etc. In other words, Tinubu was busy ‘building’ people. Because he believes even if some choose to betray him, many others will not.

The lesson Asiwaju taught most of our leaders, especially from the North, is that, if you have a plan of twenty years, start mentoring people who will help you achieve it right from today. More importantly, look beyond your family and kinsmen when choosing your proteges.

Another point of note is that you will mentor a person who may rise to a position that you have never attained. This is normal. Don’t get upset when the person tried to rub shoulders with you. Instead, be focused, determined and strategic in your dealings.

Dear Northern leaders, make sure you mentor another person who may likely take over from you. Succession is natural, if you did not breed anybody, someone may grow on his own and come to fight and overtake you one day. Mentor your proteges today to have loyal mentees that will always be proud of you tomorrow.

Adamu Abubakar Kumo wrote via akumo89@gmail.com.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Three All Progressives Congress (APC) senators have resigned from the ruling party.

Senators Ahmad Babba Kaita (Katsina North), Lawal Yahaya Gumau (Bauchi South), and Francis Alimikhena (Edo North) are the defecting lawmakers.

Gumau defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party, while Babba Kaita and Alimikhena joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, read three different letters in Tuesday’s plenary in which they announced their defections.

Senator Alimikhena’s decision to leave the APC was motivated by the “ongoing and complex crises that have plagued the APC,” particularly in his Senatorial District, “that has formed parallel executives that have weakened internal discipline, coherence, and commitment.”

Explaining the reason for his detection, Babba Kaita was quoted as saying, “As Senator representing Katsina North Senatorial District, I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), and registration declaration for the Peoples Democratic Party.

“My resignation from the APC was born out of the marginalisation of critical stakeholders by the State Government and Leadership of the Party in Katsina State, where small people like me do not have a chance.

“I have since been joyful and graciously accepted into the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party in Katsina State.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, has made a clarification regarding reports that the party’s presidential candidate and former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would accept to be the running mate of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, in the 2023 presidential election.

This was made known on Sunday, June 19, 2022, in a statement by NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Agbo Major.

According to Major, there was no time such discussion or negotiation was held.

“NNPP has never at any time said its esteemed presidential candidate, His Excellency, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso could accept to be Labour Party, Peter Obi’s deputy. The report is misleading and embarrassing to our great party, its Presidential Candidate, Kwankwaso and millions of supporters in Nigeria and in the diaspora, and urges journalists to crosscheck their reports before publishing them to avoid national disaffection ahead of the crucial 2023 general election.” He said

However, Major acknowledged the possibility of an alliance with the Labour Party in the interest of Nigeria and democracy.

“As a mass movement, NNPP acknowledged alliance talks with Labour Party that would consolidate and boost the nation’s frail democracy as we collectively strive for a new Nigeria which the party champions,” Major stated.

This is coming amidst the rumour of a merger of the NNPP and LP to unseat the ruling party, which was confirmed to be true by Kwankwaso in an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday.