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How Ganduje hired fake NGO to rate Kano low in an attempt to cover his wasted 8 years

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Ganduje

By Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

Our attention has been drawn to an article entitled “Kano worst governed, least performing state in Nigeria – Report,” authored by Taofeek Lawal and featured on Tribune online on April 23, 2024.

Taofeek based his narrative on an alleged report by the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), which maliciously portrays Kano State as the most poorly governed and underperforming state in the nation since the inception of the new administration in May 2023.

Available records at both internet and CAC, confirmed that the NGO is not registered and in last few years of its illigal operation, it has engaged itself on various dubious and controvercial activities serving as a hired street dog.

Ganduje and his co-travellers who promote corruption are hiring fake NGOs who hide behind promoting good governance to share none existing reseaches in an attempt to damage the hard earned reputation of the arguably best performing governor in the 2023 new breeds of governors His Excellency Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The former Governor of Kano state who did nothing in his eight year wasted tenure between 2015 and 2023 other than promoting political violence through hiring of thugs to distroy, miame, injure or kill innocent citizens.

“No matter the cover up, Ganduje must face the consequencies of his utterances during which he governed Kano recklessly, with nepotism, corruption and impunity as guiding principles”

As it is well known, performance evaluation is done using specific parametres against indicators which the so called NGO did not anyway meet the requirememt for rating the performance of any governor against another. Thefore, we wish to dismiss in totality and declare the purported report as fake, malicious and ill intended to cover Ganduje’s failure to make Kano great.

Initially, we contemplated dismissing the report due to the questionable nature of the individuals associated with CEDEHUR.

However, upon further reflection, we opted to respond to prevent discerning Nigerians from being misled by the fabricated falsehoods propagated by dubious figures within CEDEHUR, who, in collaboration with the opposition and their backers, are engaged in a futile attempt to discredit the effective governance of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Undoubtedly, the report from CEDEHUR is not simply a piece of refuse; it is built upon malevolent, contrived, and unfounded information and misinformation sourced from the so-called “stakeholders” who were commissioned to distort truths and denigrate Governor Yusuf’s administration.

Despite the global recognition of the ongoing socio-economic transformation in Kano, spanning various sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and human development, it is evident that the members of CEDEHUR did not physically inspect Kano to ascertain the situation first-hand.

Instead, they chose to consort with politicians in Abuja and fabricate falsehoods for public consumption, following the exchange of monetary incentives.

I strongly urge Nigerians to disregard CEDEHUR and their web of deceit, as Governor Yusuf has achieved within a year what the previous administration and the sponsors of CEDEHUR failed to accomplish in eight years.

I challenge Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, who represented CEDEHUR at a Press Conference in Abuja aimed at tarnishing Governor Yusuf’s administration, to provide tangible evidence of any lack of transparency and accountability in the Kano state government under Governor Yusuf’s leadership.

On the contrary, Kano has maintained its reputation as one of the least corrupt states in Nigeria, with a renewed commitment to combating corruption through the revamped Kano State anti-corruption agency.

Furthermore, I challenge CEDEHUR to identify any political appointee in Governor Yusuf’s cabinet who is undeserving of their role—there is unequivocally none.

While the case of Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the Honourable Commissioner of Youths and Sports, may be raised, Governor Yusuf has consistently emphasized that Mustapha’s appointment was based entirely on merit: his unwavering party loyalty, youthfulness, dynamism, intelligence, and qualifications make him apt for the Ministry.

The concept of political vendetta from CEDEHR eludes me, but I am convinced that no conscientious and responsive government would permit the extensive corruption perpetrated by the previous administration to go unpunished.

We will in our endeavours to recover public assets and the billions of Naira embezzled by the prior administration.

Allow me to elucidate on some of the notable accomplishments of Governor Yusuf’s administration for archival purposes.

Infrastructure Development

Governor Yusuf, in the latter part of the previous year, inaugurated the N27 billion Interchange projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the heart of Kano city.

These projects include the Tal’udu interchange, featuring a cloverleaf flyover valued at N12 billion, and the Dan Agundi interchange, comprising a flyover and underpass estimated at N15 billion.

During the foundation stone laying ceremony, Governor Yusuf underscored the significance of these pivotal initiatives in addressing traffic congestion, enhancing transportation efficiency, beautifying the cityscape, reducing pollution, and fortifying the city’s infrastructure.

Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s dedication to advancing state infrastructure and expressed a firm resolve to deliver more equitable dividends, particularly to the marginalized segments of society.

He emphasized that Kano, as a burgeoning metropolis, necessitates substantial infrastructural enhancements to cater to its over 10 million urban denizens and uplift the socio-economic well-being of its inhabitants.

Governor Yusuf underscored that the 2024 budget, which he ratified, prioritizes capital projects, allocating a substantial 60% share to this crucial sector.

The impact of the flyover construction in mitigating traffic congestion has been evaluated in terms of traffic decongestion, time savings, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction.

Studies have confirmed that utilizing the flyover results in a notable 60 to 70 percent reduction in travel time compared to using the main road, particularly when traffic signals are predominantly red.

The savings in fuel consumption and associated costs accrued from waiting for signal changes are also significant.

The approval by the Kano State government for the construction of two new underpasses and flyovers has been welcomed by the city’s residents, where chronic traffic congestion has posed a social and environmental challenge.

Kano, being the most populous state in the country with approximately 100,000 registered commercial tricycles plying the roads daily, faces a congestion crisis exacerbated by the presence of cars, commercial tricycles, and motorcycles notorious for their impatience.

The primary objective behind the construction of these two Interchanges is to alleviate congestion at the bustling junctions, facilitate smoother traffic flow, stimulate commercial activities, and bolster the overall economic growth of the state.

The government has taken note of the public’s enthusiastic reception towards the planned construction of these two interchanges.

While a few individuals may lack comprehensive information regarding the rationale behind the government’s pursuit of these vital projects, the administration under Governor Yusuf’s leadership has demonstrated a paradigm shift in its approach to project execution, emphasizing probity, accountability, and transparency.

Governor Yusuf’s administration assures the public and the citizens of Kano State of the timely completion of these two projects and the initiation of additional public-centric and developmental projects in both rural and urban areas to enhance the general welfare of the populace and foster comprehensive development across all sectors, in fulfilment of its electoral pledges.

Agricultural Transformation

Undoubtedly, agriculture stands as the cornerstone of the economies of most nations across Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and serving as the primary employer for over two-thirds of the population on the continent.

The economic, environmental, and social prosperity of a country is intricately linked to the vitality of its agricultural sector.

Augmented agricultural investments can yield substantial developmental benefits, including bolstering rural incomes, enhancing food security, providing affordable and nutritious sustenance to Africa’s burgeoning populace, and promoting environmental sustainability through innovations like climate-smart agriculture.

On October 10, 2023, at the Coronation Hall in Kano, the Kano state government, in partnership with the African Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), extended opportunities to women in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and women cooperatives in Kano to engage in agriculture and earn a livelihood.

The program provided financial support to businesses in the form of performance-based grants, with a particular focus on empowering vulnerable groups such as youth, women, and those residing in fragile contexts.

The initiative also underscored the imperative of augmenting women’s participation across various agricultural value chains. Governor Yusuf’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering women in agriculture, recognizing the pivotal role they play in enhancing the state’s economic landscape, given Kano’s status as a prominent commercial hub.

Governor Yusuf has consistently affirmed that the state will collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that farmers in rural areas, especially women and youth, receive adequate support.

These ongoing projects exemplify how Governor Yusuf’s administration is leveraging agriculture to empower rural dwellers, particularly women and youth.

Grazing reserve development

The grazing reserve at Donsoshiya, Kiru Local Government is presently undergoing development, intending to plant 3000 hectares of grass.

Currently, about 324.3 hectares of grass have been sown. Contractors have been mobilized to construct schools, veterinary clinics, markets, hospitals, livestock loading ramps, dams, and other essential socio-infrastructural facilities to facilitate pastoralists in their day-to-day activities.

The primary objective of this initiative is to settle pastoralists at the reserve, thereby curbing uncontrolled movement, which has historically led to conflicts between farmers and herders.

Large scale (Commercial) fodder herders

The large-scale (commercial) fodder production project aims to graze approximately 1000 hectares. The process of selecting participants/beneficiaries is ongoing.

The project intends to promote commercial fodder production, enabling increased access to feed for livestock.

Commercial fodder farmers will invest in fodder production as entrepreneurs, and they will receive support in the form of baling equipment and capacity building.

Improving animal health care

In the realm of animal health services, around 220 unemployed youths with relevant qualifications in animal health have been engaged. These individuals have been trained and empowered to provide private para-veterinary services in the 44 Local Government Areas of the state, serving as Community Animal Health Workers.

They also aid in the conduct of animal livestock vaccination exercises.

Veterinary reference laboratory

The Governor Yusuf administration has established a Veterinary Clinic in Gwale Local Government Area, known as the Gwale Veterinary Clinic. This facility provides referral services, drugs, vaccines, test services, and research into livestock diseases.

It operates in close partnership with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

Breed improvement

The state government has upgraded the Kadawa Artificial Insemination Centre, renovating the facility and providing state-of-the-art equipment.

Additionally, five purebred bulls were procured for semen collection, and the staff of the Centre were trained.
The Centre is expected to provide comprehensive services to 25,000 cows annually.

Demarcation of livestock routes

To address conflicts between farmers and herders, the state government has embarked on the demarcation of approximately 1,950km of livestock routes.

Survey, demarcation, and monumentation of these routes have commenced, with contractors already on site handling the development.

The initiative aims to reduce conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, with 30% progress reported thus far.

Furthermore, plans are underway to increase access for over 2000 farmers to engage in large-scale cultivation of crops three times a year, along with the creation of additional downstream jobs for youths and women in rural communities.

This project targets the development and irrigation of about 1000 hectares of land through the Watari dam irrigation expansion scheme.

Sasakawa cereal crops vale chain intervention

The Sasakawa Cereal Crops Value Chain Intervention aims to teach farmers how to utilize technology to expand cultivation and production of crops.

The project targets the empowerment of 450,000 farmers, with approximately 366,000 farmers already selected to benefit from the initiative.

It focuses on training farmers in modern technologies for rice, maize, millet, sorghum, tomatoes, onions, and cabbage crops production, and supports youths and women in establishing and improving agro-processing centres.

Similarly, the KNARDA legumes crops value chain project aims to empower about 100,000 farmers, with 55,000 already enrolled.

This technology-based project focuses on training farmers in new technologies for the massive production of groundnut, cowpea, and soybean crops.

Governor Yusuf’s administration has prioritized youth empowerment and skills development by reviving 26 Skill Acquisition Training Institutes across the state.

Plans are in place for training and admission into these Institutes, with graduates empowered with capital to start their own businesses.

Moreover, the administration has launched an empowerment programme targeting over 4,840 youths, women, and persons living with disabilities across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

This programme is designed to train beneficiaries in various skills and provide them with capital to start their own businesses. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce the Amana taxis and buses scheme to engage youths and upgrade the status of tricycle riders.

Furthermore, over 650 repentant influential youths (Yan Daba’s) have been offered amnesty and engaged in various empowerment and skills initiatives, fostering economic independence and contributing positively to the state and the country at large.

Education

In the realm of education, Governor Yusuf’s administration has achieved remarkable success, particularly in ensuring access to high-quality education for those residing in rural areas.

In addition to providing free and high-quality education for our primary and secondary school children, the administration has distributed complimentary exercise books, school uniforms, and other educational materials worth millions of Naira, with the greatest beneficiaries being children in rural areas.

Furthermore, the state government has covered the tuition, feeding, and accommodation expenses of 1001 postgraduate students studying in India, with a significant number of these beneficiaries hailing from rural regions.

The administration has also undertaken the payment of examination fees for 57,000 students sitting for WAEC and NECO, as well as settling tuition fees for 7000 students at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

Kano indigenes now receive a 50% discount on their fees, and the state has established 26 skill acquisition institutes to train and empower youths across all 44 Local Government Areas.

Moreover, the Governor’s administration has procured and distributed educational support materials to over 9000 schools, benefiting more than three million pupils, with a substantial proportion of recipients coming from rural communities.

Governor Yusuf’s administration swiftly took action to reopen Islamic Studies Schools, Technical Colleges, Skills Acquisition Centres, and Boarding Schools located in rural areas that were previously closed down by the previous administration, all within a span of less than seven months.

Healthcare facilities

In the healthcare sector, the Kano state government, under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, is revitalizing the health system, aligning with his campaign promises to enhance healthcare services, especially for rural residents.

Inheriting a deficient healthcare system, Governor Yusuf wasted no time in restoring hope for the populace regarding adequate healthcare delivery, particularly for children, nursing mothers, and others across the state.

Notably, the Governor has instituted free maternity services for women in the state and distributed medical supplies worth over N53 million to various health facilities, benefiting pregnant women and those requiring assisted delivery.

The state government pledges to continue providing free health commodities throughout Governor Yusuf’s tenure.

Governor Yusuf fulfilled his promise to restore the Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital, the only pediatric facility in the state with an 86-bed capacity, catering to thousands of patients daily.

Through medical outreach programs, the Ministry of Health has been directed to reach underserved rural areas where healthcare services are lacking, providing free consultations for minor ailments and referring patients to specialized hospitals for more severe conditions.

Recognizing the healthcare personnel, Governor Yusuf initiated the recruitment of additional doctors and nurses in rural communities to enhance healthcare provision.

The state government is constructing one primary health centre in each political ward across the 44 Local Government Areas and has established a committee to assess the immediate needs of health facilities for rehabilitation.

Efforts are also underway to identify areas requiring primary healthcare centres urgent attention.

In conclusion, I wish to inform the esteemed citizens of Kano State about the ongoing dialogues with both local and foreign investors aimed at bolstering the state’s economy by harnessing its natural resources and economic potentials.

The state government has finalized plans to fortify the Kano Hydro Electricity Company to boost revenue generation. Governor Yusuf has conducted a comprehensive review of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue management, leading to the establishment of the IGR Standing Committee to ensure robust revenue generation.

Furthermore, Governor Yusuf has instituted the State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) under the auspices of the Kano State Bureau of Statistics.

The Bureau of Statistics has been reinforced to provide monthly reports on inflation rates and the consumer price index, fostering accelerated economic progress.

Governor Yusuf has instructed the Kano State Bureau of Statistics to update the Social Register to facilitate comprehensive data collection of residents and citizens, enabling the equitable distribution of democratic dividends among the burgeoning population of Kano State.

In his commitment to the advancement of Kano State and its populace, Governor Yusuf has expedited the enactment of “The Restoration and Transformation Budget,” ensured timely disbursement of civil servants’ salaries and pensions, expedited file processing, adopted a zero-tolerance stance towards corruption, disbursed retirement benefits, reinstated REMASAB, revamped the Civil Service system, and plugged revenue leakages.

These measures were implemented to uphold fiscal governance, quality governance, and institutional efficacy within the Civil Service system. Additionally, the Governor’s administration has reopened the Kiru Reformatory Institute, recruited over 2,600 security personnel, provided support and logistics to the police and other security agencies to bolster security of lives and property state-wide.

The government has introduced the E-Governance system, endorsed open government policies, supported the planting of millions of trees, and inaugurated sanitation projects to ensure a clean and healthy environment throughout the state. Kano is progressing.

Let us unite in solidarity to construct a better Kano! 

Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa is the spokesperson to Kano state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf writes from Kano

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Opinion

A Family of Huffaz: The Remarkable Legacy of Professor Salisu Shehu

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Saleh Adamu Kwaru

 

Prof. Salisu Shehu’s academic career is marked by a series of significant achievements that reflect his commitment to scholarly excellence. He has held various academic positions, contributing to the development of curricula and educational programs that emphasize critical thinking and ethical reasoning. He is celebrated for his excellence, perseverance, and hard work. He not only enhances every responsibility he takes on but also transforms tasks to provide better service. When confronted with a seemingly impossible challenge, Prof. Salisu finds a way to make it achievable.

 

However, beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, there are hidden treasures in Prof. Salisu’s life, particularly within the confines of his home. Navigating through his home reveals the hard work and dedication to nurturing a family grounded in Islamic knowledge and values. Recently, he hosted a Walima to celebrate the remarkable achievement of his seven children, all of whom have memorized the entire Qur’an. Among them is Ummu Sulaim’s extraordinary achievement of memorizing 20,000 ahadith. Before these remarkable children, the older siblings had already achieved similar successes.

 

These accomplishments are not mere coincidences; they stem from scholarly guidance, strong parenting, and mentorship, as well as the supportive and enriching environment that Prof. Shehu has cultivated at home. This dedication and success attest to Allah’s statement: “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” (29:69).

 

Prof. Salisu’s parenting philosophy is grounded in instilling a solid foundation of Islamic knowledge and values, which has clearly borne fruit in his children’s achievements. It is also on record that all the children have excelled in their academic pursuits, with some breaking graduation records. These children have ventured into various fields of knowledge, including law, medicine, science, and other critical areas of study. This remarkable feat highlights the importance of determination and dedication in the pursuit of knowledge. As stated in the Qur’an, “And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge’” (Qur’an 20:114).

 

The influence of Prof. Shehu’s family extends beyond their academic and spiritual achievements. The family’s home environment is characterized by a culture of continuous learning, mutual respect, and a commitment to community service. Prof. Salisu’s wives have played instrumental roles in nurturing their children and instilling values of discipline, empathy, and resilience. The family’s unity and shared values have created a nurturing space where each member can thrive and contribute positively to society.

 

As a respected academic and leader, he has played a pivotal role in the development of educational institutions and has served as a mentor to numerous aspiring professionals. His legacy is characterized by a commitment to instilling values of hard work, firmness, and faith in future generations. As John C. Maxwell said “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way”, Prof. Shehu’s mentorship and outreach programs have empowered many young scholars to pursue their academic and professional aspirations, creating a ripple effect of positive change within the community.

 

Truly, Prof. Salisu’s journey is not just about his own achievements; it also highlights the influence of his values and principles on those around him. The inspiring journey serves as a compelling case study in the intersection of personal success, decent, humble life devoted to serving humanity. His legacy is one of inspiring future generations to strive for excellence and to contribute positively to society. In Sahih Al-Bukhari, the Prophet (May Allah’s Peace and blessings be upon him) said ‘All of you are guardians and are responsible for your subjects. The ruler is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects; a man is a guardian of his family and is responsible for his subjects; a woman is a guardian in her husband’s home and is responsible for her subjects’. This hadith underscores the importance of fulfilling one’s duties and being accountable for those we care for, whether in positions of authority or within our families.

 

Indeed, if there is a life worthy of emulation and practice, it is that of Prof Salisu Shehu, Walin Tabawa Balewa. His unwavering principles and ethical standards serve as a model for integrity, excellence and devotion. Embracing the values and lessons from his life can guide us towards making meaningful contributions in our own endeavors and striving to create a better world for future generations.

 

Allah Ya karawa Wali lafiya da jinkiri mai alkhari.

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Opinion

IGP tenure elongation may spell doom on national security, Human rights lawyer Dantani raises alarm

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A human rights lawyer, Hamza Nuhu Dantani Esq, has faulted the National Assembly passage of the Police Act which paved the way for the tenure elongation of Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

The human rights activist insisted the IGP’s tenure extension, the sequel to President Bola Tinubu’s bidding for Egbetokun to remain in office till the end of 2027, may have far-reaching consequences on national security.

In a petition issued on Friday, Barrister Dantani worried about the action of the National Assembly, which he said has disrupted the leadership system in the police force, undermined the constitution, and eroded public trust in governance.

That apart, Dantani lamented the action of the President to extend Egbetokun’s stay in office amounted to a glaring example of nepotism and disenchantment to morale and career progression in officers.

Citing the provisions of the laws guiding the appointment and tenure of the IGP in Nigeria, Barrister Dantani insisted the extension of Egbetokun’s service may temper with national unity.

In particular, the human rights activist referenced sections 7 and 18 (8) of the Police Act. 2020, which stipulated the age of retirement, reminded the Federal lawmakers to contravene the provisions of the act with IGP Egbetokun’s extension.

The controversial amendment of the Police Act by the National Assembly in favour of an individual violates the sanctity of the rule of law, particularly equality before the law, Barrister Dantani submitted.

“No officer shall be allowed to remain in service after attaining the retirement age of 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service whichever is earlier. Mr Egbetokun was born on September 4, 1964, and by arithmetic computation, clocked the mandatory retirement age of 60 in September 2024.

“He is also not covered by the provision of (iii) above, as he is neither a judicial officer nor an academician. The implication of the foregoing is that, by operation of law, IGP Egbetokun, who had reached the mandatory retirement age of 60, should have retired from the Nigerian Police Force and consequently from his position as the IGP by effluxion of time”. Dantani worried.

He lamented how the national assembly reduced the power of the presidency despite the separation of power to amend the police Act for the sake of Egbetokun’s extension in office.

“Specifically, on July 23, 2024, the National Assembly led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas hastily passed the Bill to amend the Police Act 2020 in record time.

“Earlier that day, the House of Representatives had approved the Police Act Amendment Bill to allow the Office of the IGP occupant to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in his or her appointment letter.

“On the same day, the Senate also took the same action following an appeal by the presidency that Kayode Egbetokun, the IGP, be allowed to continue serving his four-year term in office even though he had attained the compulsory retirement age of 60 on September 4, 20204.

“The Executive Bill sought to amend Section 18 of the Police Act 2020 to allow an officer appointed as the IGP to serve beyond the current limit of 35 years in service or the age of 60. The Bill proposed to create a new section 18(8A) to enable the IGP to stay longer than 35 years in service and 60 years of age, whichever comes first”.

The human rights activist posited the decision to extend the IGP’s tenure has effectively blocked the advancement of other senior officers next in line for leadership roles while stagnating junior officers.

He called on the President to prioritize merit and competence over personal affiliations in appointments and promotions in the police force added that Institutions thrive when individuals are selected based on their qualifications and capabilities, not their connections.

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Opinion

Kperogi: A captive of raw emotions

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Professor Aliyu Barau

 

In adding my voice to the latest Kperogi’s punch on the Emir of Kano MSII; I opt to go the way of science. Scientists deploy tools such as ‘research questions’ to find answers for what is unknown and use ‘research hypothesis’ on things which little is known about both in theory and practice. Examples of research questions could be: ‘can influential individuals help the government’s economic policies?’; or ‘can an Emir speak openly in a democratic setting? Examples of research hypotheses could be: ‘Kperogi is a confused academic and journalist’; or ‘Kperogi is not a sadist academic.’ After conducting a study scientists find answers to the research questions through multiple opinions, perspectives, and contexts that deepen our understanding. For research hypotheses, we accept or reject whether Kperogi is indeed a sadist or not, a confused academic/journalist or not. If you profess professorship, you must divorce sentiments. Kperogi’s overloaded bag of insults are unguided by science or decent knowledge. For him, English is a language and a rough and raw tool to misinform the uninformed living in the neo-Babel Tower.

According to myths, arrogance and ignorance made humans build the Tower of Babel to outsmart God. Then, God avenged by sowing confusion and strife among them by making them speak different languages. When humans cannot understand each other bitterness flourishes. Thus, language underpins conflicts and is a strong weapon of disseminating misinformation and disinformation. On the other hand, the Ivory Tower is the rendezvous of knowledge, though an idiom – to ‘live in the Ivory Tower’ denotes being inexperienced or disconnected from the world realities. Nigeria is a Babel Tower in its own right and its Ivory Tower is both amazing and disgusting. Kperogi belongs to both towers – one for a curse and the other for a cause.

I am prompted to pick holes in the ways Kperogi takes a swipe on Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano. Of course, I am not raising a firewall to fortify the Emir. It is apparent that Sanusi has been in the crosshairs of Kperogi – who lays siege looking for any possible angle to strike. I am particularly distressed by the hideous and superficial scholarship that Professor Kperogi personifies. In 2022, I felt it was compelling to respond to Kperogi’s nonsense when he shamelessly threatened to renounce his Nigerian citizenship should Tinubu emerge as Nigeria’s President. I don’t think Kperogi is the right person to write about the rift between Tinubu and Sanusi because both of them are clowns in the sight of his pen. I know it is not a repentance, and I hope it is not a means to curry favour with Tinubu’s camp. Writing on Sanusi’s Lagos outburst, I expect Kperogi to be deeply critical and analytical.

Academics and outstanding journalists have emotions, but their professionalism guides them to be careful, disinterested, and cautious. I remember the clash of the African giants – Ali Mazrui and Wole Soyinka in the 1990s. It was a merciless and smoldering battle of pens from whose storm settles dazzling knowledge and mastery of language. The duo fired salvos at each other with supreme argumentation exuding sounds and aromas of philosophy, faith, science, logic and above all critical thinking. Kperogi’s attacks on Sanusi are essentially based on ‘out of context statements’ and very unscholarly. Expectedly, the Tinubu’s government responded through boilerplate statements typical of the Nigeria Government media portfolio. For Kperogi, everything is about Sanusi’s hubris and unguarded orals. To me, there is more to this, the examples of questions and hypothesis that I have raised drive how I respond to Kperogi’s unscholarly take on the ‘text’ instead of the ‘context’.

African leaders like their counterparts everywhere can be understood better by looking at their complete lifecycle. This can be achieved through readings to dissect their histories, thinking, feelings, physique and emotions. PBS’ Frontline documentaries cover leaders such as MbS, Putin and Xi Jinping by tracing their lifecycle and stages. Each film on these personalities traces their childhood moments to background how and why they behave the way they do. Critics of Sanusi should at least use Johari Window theory (from Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham) to understand him in light of the theory’s four windows. Although this theory is meant for individuals to understand themselves heuristically, we can apply it in understanding why people behave the way they do.

There are many Nigerians – living under democratic atmosphere- who wish to see Sanusi and the like silenced or be as silent as a statue. Such people think traditional rulers are meant to be permanently reticent. Such notion or belief is actually backgrounded in colonial mentality and is aimed at gagging the colonized. The British royals are known for observing what is called ‘stiff upper lip’. I am not disputing royal etiquettes which also weakens progressively with time. However, in recent times, we have seen how Prince Harry, born by the stiff upper lip, butchered it in the most horrendous way. Even the heir-apparent, Prince William is widely reported calling the royal stiff upper lip dangerous to their mental health. Kperogi should learn to let Sanusi speak his mind. On the other hand, it is insulting that traditional rulers are caged as ‘agents’ of every governor or government – the good, the bad, the ugly.

On the matter of his friends, unknown to Kperogi, methinks Sanusi plays very smart and proud in his talks. As an economist, he knows the value of the ‘Stop Rule.’ It is called the hard-and-fast simple rule of avoiding frustration. Gerald M. Loeb (1899-1974) in his classic, The Battle for Investment Survival cautioned that investors must apply a Stop Rule once the values start declining. Maybe, Sanusi applies the Stop Rule to his friends whose behaviors apparently honk at him signaling devaluation of the friendship. Many scientists postulate that only 20% and to the maximum of 50% of our friends are real, others are just numbers.

Relatedly, many people felt Sanusi is a narcissist for saying he withheld his advice to the government. I see it differently, individuals with knowledge and proven track records can help governments to turn around the economy. The controversial US ‘Prime Minister’ Elon Musk as Jeffery Sachs calls him is an example. Today, no one in Nigeria would deny that petroleum pricing including subsidy removal is the most frustrating economic issue for both Government and the citizens. Again, nobody can deny that Ali Dangote is the most important private sector player in the petroleum sector. In Nigeria, nobody can deny that the Government has frustrated Ali Dangote to the highest skies. Nobody can deny that Dangote is inflammably incensed. Dangote’s historic shame-breaker investment in the sector should earn him the best spectacular rewards and not the hell he sees. In the US, Beta, Apple, Amazon, Google, Walmart and many others are seen as the face of America and these giants enjoy apparent and cryptic support from every Government in the US. In China Tiktok, BYD and Alibaba and the rest are seen by the Government as the scions of the Government. Dangote is being orphaned and humiliated. This dehumanizing treatment Dangote is receiving is costly for Nigeria. It will take years and prime efforts to fix it. I learned that some investors from North Africa recoiled on the grounds that if Dangote is mishandled in his fatherland, what would be for them. Now, nobody in Nigeria can deny that Emir Sanusi and Dangote are trusted friends. I assume Sanusi could ‘help’ the government to reconcile with Dangote. The Government needs to be assisted to restore the confidence of local and foreign investors. Dangote testimony is about the only one that investors would believe and not any choreographed statements of the Government.

This is how I choose to deconstruct Kperogi by adding my opinion and perspectives to answer the question I raised in the beginning. It is left to the reader to either accept or reject my hypothesis on who actually Keprogi is. One thing I am sure of is that Kperogi’s pen swims in raw emotions. I repeat that betrays his academic ranking and position which I queried for being not-flying in my earlier treatise on his petty products.

 

Professor Aliyu Barau
teaches at Bayero University, Kano. This was first published on his Facebook page.

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