Opinion
In defense of Salihu Tanko Yakasai
Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule
Let’s get one thing clear from the beginning. I think Salihu Tanko Yakasai’s arrest is an overreaction. You can say overzealous. You can also say it is not lifted from President Muhammadu Buhari’s Playbook.
Who else has been arrested for criticising this President? If this is a localised reaction, those who arrested Salihu for asking the President to resign if he cannot stem the rising insecurity did the President’s reputation as a democrat more harm than good.
There is nothing new in the call. Numerous groups, including the opposition PDP, and even a fraction of CAN, have made similar calls in the past. The difference now is who is saying what now.
Was Malam Salihu justifiably sacked because he’s Ganduje’s spokesperson? My intervention here is that the business of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds is impolitic. Salihu’s action was highly inappropriate, an abysmal professional judgment, and lacking discretion and common sense.
Criticising President Buhari while serving the APC Government of Kano State as Spokesman is one double standard too many and reeks of professional opportunism, which must be stamped out in our industry.
When you choose to serve as a government spokesman, you position yourself as a salesman, the front office manager. The culinary equivalent would be the first person who tastes the food and confirms to customers that the menu is good for them. If you fundamentally disagree with the Government you are serving, then the honourable thing to do is quit.
The position of a spokesman in any organisation, public or private, for an individual or multinational, is a moral one. If you do not believe in your principal, totally, wholeheartedly, unequivocally, do not take the job. A spokesperson wholly subsumes himself in the cause. He must be passionate and convincing. Self-convinced! No self-doubts. No scepticism. Criticism? Do not take an appointment as a spokesperson if your heart’s not in it. It is not a calling for the fainthearted.
In this profession, there will be channels to make inputs on any issues. And if there are none or few or they are not working, fix the leak. The spokesman does not only carry the message to the public. That is the easiest part. He in-feeds the system with his professional counsel, and he makes his input. He advises and listens, and understands his principal, the issues, the context, the audience, history, the present, future tense. When a spokesperson speaks, he embodies the message, the character, the beliefs of his source. If you don’t believe in the message or the head, do not speak. The moment you stop believing is also the end of the story. You do not have the prerogative to serve two masters. What do you call that, conscience? No, it’s straight professional corruption. Buhari and Ganduje are both APC. It is between six and half a dozen. President Buhari is the primary reason Ganduje is still Governor of Kano State today. It goes beyond securing political capital. It is about the optics and consistency of the Party’s governance messaging and integrity.
Any Ganduje appointee criticising President Buhari or his Government is off his rocker. Criticising the President while speaking for the Governor, should invite more than a rebuke.
They can quit. That is the honourable thing to do once they can no longer tolerate or accept what is going on in Government. You cannot be in Government and be criticising the same Government. It is unethical. It sends the wrong signals. Under normal circumstances, such a person should be sanctioned if he belonged to a professional body. NIPR should take note. The first unwritten law of marketing also applies to our noble profession: do not sell what you cannot buy.
One last point. Some would say that those who sow in the wind will reap the whirlwind. What does Malam Salihu know about Immutable Karma, the inescapable law of justice, that those who go to equity with soiled hands will have their day, someday. Several colleagues have since drawn our attention to the manner Salihu used to abuse my principal Malam Ibrahim Shekarau while he was Governor. Criticism no, it was blatant abuse after abuse, using uncouth language to dish out fabricated stories and distorted facts as opinion. Salihu lost his head when Malam contested for the Presidency under the ANPP against the then CPC candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. Salihu rained abuses on Malam. At some point, because of my relationship with his elder brother, I called him aside and urged him to moderate his views. I advised Salihu to lower the temperature of his vitriolic.
Politics is not war. My well-meaning interventions did little to moderate him anyway. But at least I tried. The abuses continued. They didn’t make sense to neutral people, but it was the electoral campaign time, the season of madness. He abused Malam to impress Buhari. Now, he flogs Buhari, to, what, spite Ganduje? A spokesperson’s best tools are decorum, decency, belief and passion.
Dr. Sule is a spokesperson of former governor of Kano state and senator representing Kano central in the senate Ibrahim Shekarau
Opinion
Support for President Tinubu’s Policies and Call for the Appointment of Hisham Habib as Political Adviser
By Auwal Dankano
We, a coalition of concerned citizens and political stakeholders, express our unwavering support for the bold and decisive policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at revitalizing our nation and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s commitment to economic reform, infrastructural development, and social welfare initiatives demonstrates a clear vision for progress. We commend his administration’s efforts to address the challenges facing our country, and we believe that with continued dedication and strategic leadership, Nigeria will overcome these obstacles and achieve its full potential.
In light of the recent resignation of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as Political Adviser, we urge President Tinubu to consider the appointment of Hisham Habib as his successor. Hisham Habib is a seasoned political strategist with a proven track record of effective communication, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the Nigerian political landscape make him an ideal candidate to serve as a trusted advisor to the President.
Hisham Habib’s qualifications include: A degree in English and attended courses in politics and journalism in both local and overseas. He works with media houses up to the level of managing editor, and he was the first set of publishers of online newspapers in Nigeria.
He also served a the Director media of NNPP presidential and govarnatorial election, as well as appointed as Managing Director of Kano State own Radio station.
Many remember him as the pioneer chairman of NNPP, Kano state chapter , whose political expertise help the party win the number one seat in Kano.
As he decamped to the ruling APC, he build a strong chain , that will make our great party victorious at the fourth coming elections.
We believe that Hisham Habib’s appointment would strengthen the President’s advisory team and enhance the effective implementation of his administration’s agenda. His expertise in political strategy and his commitment to national development align perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria.
We call upon President Tinubu to give serious consideration to Hisham Habib’s candidacy and to appoint him as Political Adviser. We are confident that his contributions will be invaluable in advancing the President’s goals and ensuring the success of his administration.
We also want to call the attention of Mr President to consider Auwal Dankano for a national assignment. Auwal is the chairman of Rwinwin, a movement that worked tirelessly toward the success of president Tunubu in the last elections year.
Dankano is a quantity surveyor, with over two decades of field experience, and always promote APC and President Tunubu masses oriented policies.
Ha was a board member of Kano Micro finance, as well as Representative of Kano State , in Northern Governor’s Forum.
We reaffirm our unwavering support for President Tinubu and his efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
Auwal Dankano
National Chairman
APC Forum of Intellectuals.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) receives the sad news of the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and a tireless champion of education and development, Dr. Auwalu Inusa Mohammed, former Chairman of the Education Support Group (ESG).
Dr. Auwalu was not only a pillar in the education sector but a beacon of hope and resilience for all who believed in the power of knowledge and community development. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes have left an indelible mark on our state and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire development community. His legacy of service, advocacy, and dedication to humanity will continue to inspire us.
May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Co-Chair (CSOs),
Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) .
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Bismillah Rahmanir Raheem
On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the good people of Kano State, particularly education stakeholders, parents, teachers, and students. May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and countless blessings to us all.
As we celebrate the completion of Ramadan, a month of sacrifice, reflection, and self-discipline, let us carry forward its invaluable lessons into our collective commitment to education. Just as Ramadan teaches us patience, perseverance, and generosity, we must apply these virtues in ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to quality education.
Education is the key to sustainable development, and our duty as a society is to nurture a system that is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our children. The spirit of Ramadan encourages us to be more compassionate and proactive in addressing societal challenges. Let this spirit guide our continuous advocacy for improved educational policies, increased access to learning opportunities, and enhanced support for teachers and students.
As we mark this blessed day, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and development partners to renew their commitment to strengthening education in Kano State. Together, let us translate the lessons of sacrifice, discipline, and generosity into actionable steps toward building a future where every child has a fair chance to learn and thrive.
Eid Mubarak! May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts and grant us success in our quest for an enlightened and educated society.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu, is a Co-Chair (CSOs), Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE).
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