NNPP

By  Rabiu Gama

I had the (dis)pleasure of reading the full judgement of the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal last night, which was delivered on Wednesday, October 20, 2023, via Zoom. Here are my humble thoughts on it.

By the way, I am writing this under the safe assumption that anyone who is reading this is quite familiar with the story behind the judgment. Nonetheless, clarity is important. So, for the sake of clarity, let me quickly state that APC is the Petitioner in this case, while INEC, Abba Kabir Yusuf (AKY) and NNPP are the First, Second and Third Respondents, respectively. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, APC’s candidate, was not a party in the suit. The Tribunal, relying on the provision of Section 133 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and some judicial authorities, held, correctly in my opinion, that Gawuna must not be a party before the Tribunal.

As I see it, NNPP’s and AKY’s lawyers did a bad job. INEC’s lawyers did worse, though: INEC’s legal team failed miserably to prove that the election was conducted in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 (the burden or onus of proof was on them in that regard) as alleged by the Petitioner (the APC). The First Respondent, i.e., INEC, made a terrible and costly mistake of relying lazily on the weaknesses of the Petitioner’s case. The cost of not doing the right thing at the right time is always high!

Since the outcome of an appeal largely, if not completely so, hinges on the proceedings of the lower court (the Tribunal in this case), then it is my humble opinion that NNPP’s (AKY’s) chances of winning at the Court of Appeal might not be as promising as many hope it to be. It shocked me that NNPP’s lawyers could not even establish that AKY was a legitimate member of the party when he contested the 18^th of March Governorship Election. The Tribunal was benevolent enough to point out some ways that they could have followed to establish it, but they couldn’t.

I, however, failed to grasp or discern why the Tribunal refused to apply “the principle of margin of lead” when it went ahead to declare that APC’s candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, was the winner of the election even though it had already found and, in no uncertain terms, admitted that the number of cancellations was in hundreds of thousands while its final finding showed Nasiru Gawuna was leading with tens of thousands only. The Tribunal, in my humble opinion, should have ordered a re-run: based on that finding, the election was supposed to be declared “inconclusive”.

The Tribunal also seems to have disregarded the provision of Section 63(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022 when it invalidated over 165,000 votes that were cast in favour of NNPP/AKY for the reason that the ballot papers were neither signed nor stamped, in other words, the ballot papers did not carry the official mark that was prescribed by the commission (INEC). The said provision of the Electoral Act is to the effect that even if a ballot paper is not signed or stamped, the Presiding Officer of the concerned Polling Unit can go ahead and count the ballot paper as valid.

All in all, I find some of the reasonings and conclusions of the Tribunal, based on what was laid before it, legally sound. But the Tribunal’s failure to apply “the principle of margin of lead”, as well as its apparent disregard for the provision of Section 63(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, do not sit well with me.

Even though it is trite that nobody knows for sure what a court of law will do, I will still strongly advise that AKY’s supporters (of which I am not ashamed to admit I am one) should manage their hopes regarding the chances of success in the Court of Appeal. This is because the odds seem frighteningly balanced. The scale might tilt in favour of any side.

The right thing to do right now is to pray for a “legal miracle” – whatever that means. Some miracle might happen, hopefully in the Court of Appeal, as the Supreme Court rarely tempers with the concurrent findings of the lower courts (the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal) unless those findings are glaringly perverse or have occasioned a miscarriage of justice.

Rabiu Gama is Law student. He writes from the Faculty of Law at Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached on 09061912994 or at rabiuinuwagama@gmail.com.

By Rukayya Abubakar Othman

In the last few years, Kano State has been plagued by a seemingly endless and unabated fierce political war that has divided the state and truncated its progress. The two principal political empires, the Kwankwasiyya and the Gandujiyya have polarised the people of Kano along two opposing camps, each calling for the head of the other.

It is difficult for any state or country to develop under an unstable and tumultuous political climate. Kano’s experience over the past years is a case in point. The incessant strife between the Kwankwasiyya adherents and the Ganduje’s followers has created a hostile environment for economic growth and social progress.

The recent election tribunal court verdict in Kano has further opened another dimension to the whole gamut of issues. The Kwankwasiyya adherents are questioning the true meaning and concept of independence of the Judiciary.

Will those who massively voted for NNPP accept the verdict of our courts in good faith? Will it further deepen confrontational politics in Kano? The answers to these questions can only be found in the upcoming Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court judgments.

More tellingly, the recent trend will no doubt tragically change the course of Kano politics. If the governorship polls in Kano are taken out of the general election, it will become like Imo, Edo, and Ondo states, where the governorship elections are held on different dates from the general election. This will have a multiplier effect on the political landscape of Kano, considering the central role that the state plays in the region.

The political leaders in Kano must put the state’s interests first and work together to resolve their differences. The people of Kano have suffered enough from the political instability in the state. It is time for politicians to put their differences aside and work for the good of the people.

Lastly, the recent court verdict in Kano has opened up a new dimension to the already turbulent political landscape of the state. It is difficult to predict the long-term impact of the ruling, but it will significantly impact the future of Kano politics.

The political leaders in Kano must put the state’s interests first and work together to resolve their differences. The people of Kano have suffered enough from the political instability in the state. It is time for politicians to put their differences aside and work for the good of the people.

Rukayya Abubakar Othman wrote via othmanrukayya0@gmail.com.

By Dr Yusuf Ya’u Gambo

Thirty-nine years ago, Dr Aliyu Isa Aliyu came into this world just a year after Late Governor Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi left office. With over a decade of work experience, Aliyu is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics and the Deputy Director of the Research and Development Directorate at Federal University Dutse.

He was a research fellow at the School of Mathematics, Sun Yat-Sen University, China, where he served as the assistant head of the research and development committee. He also worked as a part-time lecturer of mathematics at Kano State Polytechnic more than ten years ago. 

Aliyu’s dedication and high-impact works have earned him widespread recognition in the global mathematical community, which has seen him listed among the top 2 per cent researchers in the world by Standford University, USA, among the top 2 per cent Mathematicians in Africa in the AD Scientific Index 2022, and among the top peer reviewers in Mathematics by Publons Web of Science.

His research primarily focuses on fractional calculus and its applications, Solition Theory, computational science and engineering, symmetry analysis and conservation laws of differential equations.

Aliyu has an impressive track record of scholarly accomplishments, having won the National Natural Science Foundation of China research grant and authored numerous influential publications in prestigious mathematical journals that generate over 2,700 citations with an H-index of 33 and an i10-index of 71.

The research pundit is currently a reviewer of about 20 highly regarded international journals, including the well-known IEEE Access, Frontiers in Physics, Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences, among others.

Aliyu has taught several courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has participated in various international conferences, some of which are the Computational Management Science Conference, Designing Health Care Appointment Systems using Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing Algorithm in Spain, International Conference of Mathematics and Mathematics Education- A Solution of Telegraph Equation by Natural Decomposition Method in Turkey, International Conference on Mathematical Modelling in Applied Sciences, Optimal system, nonlinear self-adjointness and conservation laws for generalised shallow water wave equation in Russia, among others.

Over the years, the Assistant Prof. has acquired technical skills in numerous mathematical and statistical software packages, including MATLAB, Mathematica, Maple, C++, LaTex, among others. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Firat University Turkey, an M.Sc. in Mathematics from Jordan University of Science and Technology Jordan, and a B.Sc. in Mathematics from Bayero University Kano.

Aside from his academic pursuits, Dr Aliyu is actively involved in politics, showcasing his commitment to public service. He holds the esteemed position of Financial Secretary in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Kano State, advocating for policies that promote education, science, technology and youth inclusion. Additionally, he served as the Administrative Secretary in the 2023 Gubernatorial/Presidential campaign directorate of the NNPP Kano.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Nigerian President, Bola Ahmad Tinubu, has reportedly disclosed the names of nominees for the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

In a report credited to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the list of Tinubu’s ministers would be ready by Thursday, and it includes notable former governors and other distinguished Nigerians.

According to the report, immediate-past governors of Rivers, Kaduna, Osun, and Cross River States have been shortlisted as ministerial nominees. The nominees include Nyesom Wike, Nasir El-Rufai, Gboyega Oyetola, Ben Ayade, and Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso from Kano, who is also the NNPP national leader.

Also in addition to the list of nominees to be presented on the floor of the Senate this Thursday morning are prominent individuals such as President Tinubu’s top aide, Dele Alake; Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; APC national woman leader, Dr Betty Edu; former Lagos State Commissioner for Budget Planning, Wale Edun; ex-Minister of State for Health, Prof. Ali Pate, and former Deputy Governor of CBN, Adebayo Adelabu from Oyo State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The reservation of some slots to the opposition parties by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could be seen as a move afoot to get a better Nigeria which was one of the things his administration promised Nigerians since his victory.

The Daily Reality recalls that Tinubu promised to run an inclusive government that would thrust Nigeria into greatness.

Speaking as the president-elect in March, Tinubu said he was seeking a better country not just for himself and his supporters but for all Nigerian people, regardless of their political affiliations.

The Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, relayed the news about the slots reservation to journalists at a meeting of the forum in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that Tinubu reserved some appointments in the governing boards of agencies, parastatals, institutions and government-owned companies for members of the opposition Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party.

Abdulrazaq stated that the President asked the governors to nominate competent persons to serve on the boards and parastatals of Federal Government agencies which were dissolved last month.

According to him, Mr Tinubu dissolved the boards last month, which left no fewer than 2,000 vacant positions expected to be occupied by new nominees.

He added that “Among the agencies are the North-East Development Commission with 12 vacant board slots, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission with seven board seats; Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, seven; Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, 21.

“Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, 12; National Universities Commission, 21 and Transmission Commission of Nigeria, 14; National Health Insurance Authority,12

“Others are the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, 7; Nigerian Meteorological Agency, seven; Nigerian College of Aviation Technology,8; Nigerian Police Trust Fund, 8; Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency,10; Federal Institute of Industrial Research, 11 and National Centre for Technology Management, 11 among others,” he stated.

By Abbas Datti

Our newly elected representative, Engineer Sagir Ibrahim Koki, promises to serve the people of the Kano Municipal constituency with integrity and dedication.

In a historic election victory, Engineer Sagir Ibrahim Koki has emerged as the newest member from Kano Municipal in the House of Representatives. Before his campaign, he promised to bring fresh perspectives and foster positive change within the esteemed legislative body. With the weight of public trust on his shoulders, Engineer Sagir steps into office, committed to serving the constituents and championing their interests.

Hailing from the Koki district of Kano State, he has already made waves with his dynamic campaign, installation of transformers, vocational training, distribution of JAMB forms, and rendering assistance to prospective NECO candidates, which resonated strongly with a diverse range of voters across the Municipal Local government area. The constituents were captivated by Engineer Sagir’s passion for public service, dedication to core issues, and vision for a brighter future.

Throughout his campaign, Eng Sagir has demonstrated an unwavering focus on crucial matters such as healthcare reform, economic revitalisation, education enhancement, and environmental sustainability. Drawing from a deep understanding of the challenges the Municipal Area Community faced, Sagir Koki outlined innovative policy proposals that garnered widespread acclaim and support.

As he assumes office, he is determined to turn those promises into tangible action. Eng Sagir’s primary objective is to represent the voices of his people, ensuring that their concerns are heard, amplified, and effectively addressed within the hallowed halls of the legislative chamber. Eng Ibrahim firmly believes that the foundation of a thriving democracy lies in empowering every citizen and working collectively towards progress.

One of Sagir’s key initiatives is bridging the gap between different political ideologies and fostering collaboration and compromise. By promoting bipartisan efforts, he aims to break down the barriers that have impeded progress in the past, seeking common ground to tackle pressing issues head-on.

Furthermore, Sagir Ibrahim understands the significance of transparency and accountability in public office. He has pledged to maintain open lines of communication with constituents, regularly hosting town hall meetings and actively seeking public input to shape his decision-making process. By being accessible, Sagir aims to establish a strong bond with his community, ensuring that their aspirations remain at the forefront of his legislative endeavours.

The road ahead of Sagir may be challenging, but his determination to serve with integrity, empathy, and dedication remains unshaken. He brings a wealth of experience, having worked tirelessly within the community as an advocate for positive change. Now, armed with the power of legislation, Sagir Koki is ready to effect lasting transformations that will profoundly impact the lives of the people of the Municipal he represents.

As the newest addition to the House of Representatives, Engineer embarks on a journey marked by hope, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the people of the Municipal. Therefore, Municipal people are eagerly anticipating the positive changes that lie ahead, placing their trust in the capable hands of their newly elected representative.

Abbas Datti writes from Kano Municipal and can be reached via abbasdattibashir@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Governor-elect, His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has warned residents to stop any ongoing building in public places in the state.

The Govenor-elect also strongly cautioned that anyone who contravenes this warning is doing it at his or her own risk.

He made this warning in a statement Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa.

There have been popular outrages by the citizens in the state over the selling of some parts of schools and hospitals by Govenor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The statement read, “You are advised to discontinue any construction work on public land within and around the following: All schools in the State, all religious and cultural sites in the State, all hospitals in the State, all graveyards in the State, and along the city walls of Kano.

“You are also advised to discontinue the demolition of, and the construction on, all existing public buildings belonging to the government and people of Kano State.

This Advisory is issued in the public interest, effective from today Thursday 30th March, 2023 till further notice. Any contravener does so at his/her on risk, please,” the statement concluded.

By Muhammad Suleiman Yobe

The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Malam Aminu Ibrahim, has accused the All Progressive Congress APC of using money to buy the people’s votes.

Malam Aminu Ringim stated this shortly after casting his vote at the Marakawa 008 polling unit in Katutu Primary School in Ringim Local Government in Jigawa State.

Ringim alleges that APC representatives give people cards and money when voting for their party.

This came shortly after the police arrested a party representative, distributing cards and money to those who voted for the party.

“We witnessed how votes are buying in Jigawa state, and we are taken pictures of how things are going”, Ringim.

He also alleged that there was a polling unit where the presiding officer was taken away in a car.

“Now we are collecting information, and once we have completed it, we will take the appropriate action,” Ringim said.

He, therefore, called on the public to avoid selling their votes during this election.

By Mubarak Umar

With the Supreme Court Judgment that affirmed Senator Rufai Sani Hanga of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as the Senator-Elect, Kano Central Senatorial District, the people of Kano Central have reason to rejoice.

Kano Central is truly abuzz with excitement following the judgment, which Senator Hanga challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as the winner of the February 25th, 2023 senatorial election in Kano Central.

This victory of Senator Hanga is a significant boost for the NNPP. It also demonstrates the importance of pursuing justice through the appropriate legal channels, rather than resorting to violence or other unlawful means. This is a win for democracy and the rule of law, and testament to his resilience and determination in fighting for his right.

I am delighted that Senator Hanga has been elected to represent Kano Central at the Upper Chamber. With his experience and dedication to public service, I believe he will be an effective advocate for his constituents and a valuable asset to the Nigerian government.

A graduate of Accountancy, one-time member of House of Representatives (1992-1993), senator who represented Kano Central from 2003-2007, chaired several committees including Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes; Chairman Senate Sub-Committee on Housing and Urban Development; Chairman Sub-Committee on Finance; Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Tourism and Culture; and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties.

These positions contributed to Senator Hanga’s deep understanding of the political and economic landscape of Nigeria. He has shown himself to be a skilled negotiator and collaborator, able to work effectively with others to achieve common goals. I believe that these qualities will serve him well as he navigates the complex issues facing Kano people, particularly his constituents.

Senator Hanga has demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of his community and the nation as a whole. His focus on issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure has been commendable, and I am confident that he will continue to work tirelessly to address these and other important challenges facing his constituents.

He is a politician with an impressive track record of public service, making him a valuable asset to any government. With years of experience working at various levels of government, Senator Hanga has developed a deep understanding of the political process, the needs of his constituents, and the challenges facing the country. His wealth of experience and expertise will undoubtedly prove invaluable in driving positive change and development initiatives in Kano Central.

Kano Central Senatorial District located in the northern part of Nigeria has fifteen local government areas, also known for its political and economic importance, it is the metropolitan commercial city of Kano, one of the largest cities in Nigeria.

One of the major reasons Kano Central needs good representations at Nigeria’s National Assembly is to ensure that the interests and needs of its people are adequately represented and addressed at the national level. This is important because the National Assembly is responsible for making laws that affect the entire country, and it is important that the laws made are fair and just for all Nigerians, including those in Kano Central. Now, the voices of Kano Central people will be heard and their needs will be addressed in the national discourse.

Senator Hanga’s representation at the National Assembly should ensure that Kano Central gets its fair share of the national resources. This includes funds for infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and other social amenities. With his effective representation, the district will not be left behind in terms of economic development, as policies that promote economic growth and development are made at the national level.

Furthermore, Kano Central is facing a number of challenges that require urgent attention from the National Assembly. These challenges include insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to basic amenities like clean water and electricity. Effective representation at the National Assembly can help to address these challenges and improve the standard of living of the people of Kano Central.

The importance of good representation at Nigeria’s National Assembly cannot be overemphasized. The National Assembly is the highest legislative body in Nigeria, responsible for making laws that govern the country. As such, having good representation is crucial for the development of any district or constituency.

Kano Central is in dire need of infrastructure development. The district is home to several markets, industries, and transportation hubs, making it a hub of economic activity in the state. However, the lack of good roads, electricity, and other basic amenities is hindering economic growth. Good representation of Senator Hanga at the National Assembly should ensure that the district receives adequate funding for infrastructure development.

Kano Central is home to several tertiary institutions, including Bayero University, Kano State Polytechnic, and Yusuf Maitama Sule University. However, the education sector in the district needs significant improvement. His representation at the National Assembly should ensure that these institutions receive adequate funding to improve the quality of education and provide better facilities for students.

Kano Central is also in dire need of better healthcare facilities. The district is home to several hospitals and health centers, but most of them are understaffed and lack adequate medical equipment. Senator Hanga should ensure that the district receives adequate funding for healthcare facilities, as well as training and recruitment of medical personnel.

Kano Central has a high rate of unemployment, especially among the youth. Senator Hanga now has the opportunity to use all means of legislation that can attract foreign investors to the state and promote entrepreneurship, leading to job creation and economic growth.

Kano Central has experienced several security challenges in recent years, especially phone snatching, political thuggery, and burglary. Senator Hanga should ensure that the district receives adequate security funding to combat these challenges and maintain peace.

I am excited to see what Senator Hanga will accomplish during his time in office. With his dedication to public service, his commitment to his constituents, and his extensive knowledge of the Nigerian political landscape, I am confident that he will be a valuable and effective representative for Kano Central. I wish him all the best in his new role, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on the people of Kano and Nigeria as a whole.

Mubarak Umar writes from Kano State.

By Abdul Mutallib Muktar

Democracy can be likened to a human being in terms of characteristics and functions. A person is rendered incapacitated by the amputation of his limbs or by the removal of his eyes or ears. Using violence, buying votes, and bribing electoral officers and security personnel to rig elections not only render the democracy incapacitated but also lifeless. An election is the most sacred aspect of democracy that must be protected against any form of interference from within or outside the commission responsible for conducting elections, state government, national government or any foreign state.

It is worrisome how Kano State, one of the fast-developing and economically vibrant states in Northern Nigeria, is facing severe attacks from the antagonists of democracy. It could be recalled how the 2019 Governorship Election in the state was characterised by violence, intimidation, disenfranchisement, arson, and killing and injuring of voters. This prompted my article “Democracy Bleeds in Kano”, published in Daily Trust on 4th October 2019. Thanks to CP Wakil (nicknamed Singham) for standing firmly in controlling the terrible political tragedy of that year. Sadly, in the Presidential and National Assembly Elections held on 25th February 2023, a similar premeditated political tragedy occurred in some Local Government Areas of Kano State. A member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada in the Green Chamber, Ado Alhassan Doguwa, allegedly shot innocent citizens and ordered his thugs to set on fire a building with people inside.

The Governorship Election coming on 11th March 2023 is feared to be unfree from grave challenges, especially as many issues have continued to unfold since last week. Some of these issues are mentioned below. A few days ago, the Nigerian Police Force, State Headquarters, Bompai, Kano State, released a piece of information about how it discovered a plot by some politicians to disrupt the forthcoming election using political thugs. There is a serious allegation against some politicians hiring thugs even from outside Kano to disrupt the electoral process. One may find it difficult to disagree with the allegation given the recent happenings in the state’s political space. Two Local Governments Areas that experienced this violence last week are Tudun Wada and Takai.

What raises more questions about the 11th March Election are the movements of some trucks seen across the state in the last few days, carrying a lot of food commodities and clothing materials suspected to be distributed to the masses in exchange for their votes. As alleged by some observers, those food commodities and clothing materials had not been seen during the Covid-19 predicament—a time when people direly needed assistance. Generally, Nigeria is battling abject poverty, sending many people hungry. As such, the unfortunate situation presents a golden opportunity for politicians. Vote buying, either by money or offer of any commodity, is a severe attack on democracy that any well-meaning citizen cannot oversee.

Some political parties, especially from the opposition, have cried out a plot by the ruling party in the state to buy the conscience of INEC’s staff and the security personnel, which, if found to be true, will be highly condemnable, immoral and illegal.

I am, therefore, using this opportunity to call on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Kano State Government to rise to the occasion and prevent the occurrence of the 2019 political tragedy in Kano and also investigate the above allegations with a view of ensuring a free and fair election. While human beings can cheat one another, they can never cheat history.

I am also calling domestic and international election observers to be extra observant in the Kano 11th March election. Political parties and the media have a massive role in creating awareness and enlightening the masses, especially in rural areas, about the catastrophic consequences of vote buying. Security personnel and INEC’s staff should remember that there is a life after death and that one must reap what he sowed. The masses must display boldness throughout the stages of the election. They must quickly report suspicious activities by anyone to the appropriate authority. I pray that Kano State and Nigeria will have peaceful, free, and fair elections on 11th March 2023.

Abdul Mutallib Muktar can be reached via abdulmutallib.muktar@gmail.com.