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Remembering Abubakar Rimi, the first civilian governor of Kano

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Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Rimi

Isyaku Ibrahim

Honesty. fearlessness,coupled with hard work and tirelessness were the Sterling trade marks of first civilian governor of defunct Kano Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi.

The firebrand politician fondly called Maigida, Limamin Chanji, Na Sa’a maisa’a adon gari one of the most populous progressive politicians of the recent past answered the clarion call twelve years ago on his way home after attending the coronation of emir of Dass in Bauchi state.

The great philosopher Thomas Hobbes once said life without government would be solitary poor, nasty, brutish and short.

This was what the activist fought bitterly during his short span as Chief Executive of old Kano State as he tried to ensure that the governed felt the existence of government.

He done this through the abolishing of draconian laws consisting of cattle and head tax as well as residential fee known as kudin bango.

For those that were in post primary schools during his era, they were given reference books free of charge likewise pocket money on monthly basis while workers salary was increased above that of the federal government students and workers were sent overseas to acquire additional skills in their various fields.

Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar held the record of being the only governor in the history of Kano that all his members of cabinet  were University graduates and most of them below forty years of age let alone selected along rivals parties not minding the repercussion of doing so and apart from that the first governor to voluntarily quit the party that brought him to another in the history of the country

As part of his government’s effort to instill decency,   across the length and breadth of  the society, a land commission of inquiry aimed at curtailing land racketeering and all sorts of abuses associated with its allocation was set up under the process, many lands usurped by the mighty were returned to their original owners.

Categorically Malam Aminu Kano of blessed memory said if a government provides potable drinking water roads and other basic necessities of life to the electorate the chapter has been closed thus,by the virtue of this proclamation, Rimi should be accorded credit as in less than four years he made Kano more than ever before.

Consequentially, Malam Ibrahim Khalil in an interview with ARTV News said Rimi was the best governor in history of Kano as according to him in less than four years he executed projects that his teeming successors are yet to .accomplish.

He maintained that nobody will give information of his bank account both domestic and foreign this was definitely true as even  his owned house  when he resigned from his seat, was built through obtaining a bank loan.

As Rimi is being commemorated it is our prayers that his actions would continue to be emulated with a view to taking commoners out of the present trepidations.

Ibrahim, is a staff of Abubakar Rimi Television ARTV Kano and can be reached via 0703 024 4199

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Opinion

K-SAFE felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr

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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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Opinion

Is Nyesom Wike a Politician or an Ideological Opportunist?

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By Yushau Hamza

 

Politics, as a practice, should be driven by ideology, principles and commitment to a cause that aligns with the people’s needs and aspirations. The question of whether Nyesom Wike the minister of the FCT and former governor of rivers state is truly a politician or merely an opportunist manipulating political structures for personal gains has sparked debates within Nigeria’s political space. While he claims to be a staunch member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his recent political maneuvers suggest otherwise. Wike has for almost two years been seen actively working with the All Progressives Congress (APC), benefiting from its leadership while simultaneously being part of major internal turmoil within his own party, the people’s Democratic Party.

An ideological politician is someone who upholds a clear political philosophy and remains committed to their beliefs and party principles as such, regardless of personal interests or shifting political tides. Such a politician is guided by a vision for governance, policy-making, and national development, rather than self-serving ambitions.

Ideological politicians are often loyal to their party’s core values and are willing to defend them at all costs, even when faced with challenges.

Being a politician goes beyond holding a title or occupying a position in government. A true politician believes in and upholds a set of ideological principles and remains unshaken and even by his perceived self-interest, he chooses to Remains loyal to his party and its policies to Work for the collective goods rather than for his self-interest. Or better still he cross carpets

A true politician, Respects the democratic process and promotes political stability rather than discord. He engages in political participation that strengthens institutions rather than undermines them.

The Wike Dilemma of being a Politician or a Political Opportunist, raises serious concerns about his ideological stance. While he claims to be a PDP member, his actions align more with the interests of the APC. His role in engineering crises within the PDP, including an allegedly mastermind in the suspension of a democratically elected governor of rivers state, his overall grip on party leadership matters reveal a politician who is more interested in power dynamics than in ideological governance.

His involvement in another party’s administration without official defection, portrays him as a political opportunist rather than an ideological politician. He enjoys the benefits of APC leadership while refusing to fully commit to the party, leaving PDP in turmoil without a clear direction.

Wike has turned out to be a politician who straddles between two parties without clear allegiance, this action can be best described as a political mercenary ship, or an opportunistic power broker. Such individuals prioritize their personal ambitions over political consistency, switching alliances to secure their interests at the expense of democratic integrity.

Nyesom Wake’s political trajectory, challenges the notion of ideological consistency in Nigerian politics. His actions suggest that he is more of a strategic power player than a principled politician. If politics is to serve the people and democracy is to thrive, Nigeria needs leaders who embody ideological commitment rather than self-serving maneuvering. Wikes stances leaves all with a terrific question. Can politicians nowadays be trusted if their loyalty fluctuates between personal gains and party allegiance? Only time and the political practices in the Nigeria democratic terrain can live to tell.

 

Yushau Hamza writes from Kafinchiri town, Garko Local Government Area, Kano State. 

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Opinion

President Tinubu at 73: A Quick Note

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By Abdulaziz Abdulaziz 

 

As I readied myself to anchor a special Iftar dinner in honour of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu holding this evening thoughts about the man race in my mind: What is unique about the President? What do I admire about him? What are the memorable moments with him? 

 

The story of the rise of Bola Tinubu from humble beginnings to the pinnacle is largely well known. There is no point regurgitating it. However, observing and working with man up close with bring to the fore many attributes that contribute in shaping his worldwide, his character, his leadership acumen and aided his rise to the top.

 

First, President Tinubu is very human and humane. He is human in the sense that he is humble, authentic and true to himself. No airs, no pride, no cosmetics. He relates well with his old friends, associates and staff in a convivial atmosphere devoid of haughtiness associated with people in power. He shares jokes less than he scorns. He could be stern and soft making sure that work atmosphere is not bereft of humanity or too jovial to be mistaken as laissez faire. He is generous with laughter when it is evoked but could be too sober in addressing serious issues that you’d wonder if he would breakdown. That’s the human part.

 

President Tinubu is also very humane. As a person, he is generous and compassionate to those he could reach with his hands. He never forgot friends or families of dead associates and colleagues. He kept to that even with his current tedious job. His good heart makes him the last person to hurt. Instead, he ignores. The President certainly bears no evil intentions against anyone or a collective. The story of his large-heartedness is well told that it warrants no repeating here. He accepts prodigal sons back with forgiving smile.

 

An important lesson from his life is steadfastness and perseverance. They brought him to where he is. President Tinubu, like the proverbial person who has been there for long, has surely seen a lot. He had seen changing times: real and fake smiles, shifting alliances, broken loyalties, back-stabbing, gang-ups, yet he remained focused and patien. Like the Rock of Gibraltar he remains unshaken and unperturbed. But God works in mysterious ways. For example, some of the arrowheads of Tinubu’s estrangement from a government he helped form in 2015 are today out in the cold. But while he took the unfortunate happenings of that period with steely resolve and perseverance, they are took weak to persevere being out of the table. While he was mature and statemanly, they crying hoarse like a kid deprived of precious doll.

 

As a leader, the President amazes me with his resolve to take bold even if costly decisions. He embodies the principle that leadership is not about taking popular decisions but about taking right decisions even if painful and inconveniencing. Like a physician on duty, President Tinubu’s administration of some painful reforms were not contemptuos of the feeling of the people, as some analysts alluded. They were, rather, out of courage to take necessary actions to stop the hemorrhage of our country. The hemorrhage may favour those of us now but if not stopped it would certainly prove fatal for our future.

 

The President was conscious that those actions were not popular. In fact, he was not unconscious that they could be costly politically like it was seen happen in many countries. But the statesman that he is he chose the country over himself. AlhamdulilLah! Mr the President is being proved right with the emerging light from the economic tunnel.

 

On the occasion of Mr President’s birthday I pray pervently for better health and greater wisdom as he steers the ship of the nation to the shore of progress, stability and development.

 

Happy birthday, Sir.

 

Abdulaziz is a Senior Special Assistant to the President and member of the Presidential Communication Team.

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