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  • Ex-LG chairmen adopt Barau as APC’s sole gov candidate for 2027

    Ex-LG chairmen adopt Barau as APC’s sole gov candidate for 2027

    Former local government chairmen in Kano state have adopted the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship race in the state.

    The former LG chairmen who served between 2019 and 2022, during the era of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as Governor of the state, adopted Senator Barau during a courtesy call to the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.

    A motion for the adoption of Senator Barau was moved by the former chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government Area, Barrister Dahiru Mannir Maigari, and seconded by the former chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Baffa Mohammed Takai.

    When the former chairman of Madobi LGA, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, put the vote, all the former chairmen unanimously approved it through a voice vote.

    Two members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon Zubairu Hamza Masu (Sumaila) and Hon Garba Yau Gwarmai (Tsanyawa/Ghari), witnessed the event.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on media and publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, said that after the voice vote, the local government chairmen appealed to Senator Barau to declare for the governorship race as soon as possible.

    Former chairman of Gwale LGA, Alhaji Khalid Ishak Diso informed the Deputy President of the Senate that the people of Kano, especially at the grassroots level, are eagerly awaiting his declaration for the race.

    “Kano people are waiting for you to declare for the governorship race. We recently organised an event, where we asked you to declare. You are yet to. The people of Kano are anxiously awaiting your declaration. When are you declaring? Please answer the call to serve our people,” he said.

    Also, the former Chairman of ALGON, Baffa Mohammed Takai, who led his colleagues on the courtesy call, said they adopted Senator Barau in view of his outstanding performance in parliament, adding that his contributions to Kano’s development are immense.

    “We are here to throw our weight behind you. We are 100 per cent with you. Insha’Allah, you will be the next governor of Kano State, come May 29, 2027. You have the capacity to address the challenges facing our state,” he said.

    Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate thanked the former local government chairmen for their support, describing them as grassroots politicians.

    Read Also: Barau leads Senate delegation on condolence visit to Sheik Dahiru Bauchi’s family

    “It’s indeed true that Kano was second to Lagos before, in terms of development, in terms of commerce and so on.

    “Unfortunately, Kano is now trailing behind due to a lack of good leadership. Let us not live in denial. This is a fact that we must all work together to address in the interest of our people and state.

    “I wish to assure you that by the grace of God, we will take bold steps to bring Kano back to its glorious days. We will succeed by the grace of God. We will always stand by the truth and for our people,” he said.

    Meanwhile, stakeholders from Tsanyawa and Ghari LGAs of Kano State have also thrown their weight behind Senator Barau’s candidature during their visit to him on Wednesday.

    A member of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai, representing Tsanyawa/Ghari, moved the motion, which Hon. Aminu Yakanawa seconded. A thunderous ovation from over 100 stakeholders in attendance followed the announcement of the endorsement.

    Yakanawa told the Deputy President of the Senate that the people of the two local government areas are solidly behind him.

    “By the grace of Allah SWT, you are the next governor of Kano State. Our people are solidly behind you, and we are committed to supporting you,” he said

    Responding, Senator Barau thanked them for the support, saying the massive support from all the people of the state is a signal of what will happen in 2027.

    On the security challenges facing some parts of Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs, he said, “We are not leaving any stone unturned in tackling this challenge. We are working underground to bring an end to it. We have taken all the necessary steps. It is not something that we go to radio stations to announce.”

  • Barau leads Senate delegation on condolence visit to Sheik Dahiru Bauchi’s family

    Barau leads Senate delegation on condolence visit to Sheik Dahiru Bauchi’s family

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin will lead a delegation of the Senate to pay condolence visit on the family of Sheik Dahiru Usman Bauchi, the people and the government of Bauchi State over the demise of the Islamic cleric.

    The Senate equally observed a minute silence in honour of the frontline Islamic cleric who passed on recently.

    Read Also: Senate may pass Pension Reform Amendment Bill Tuesday

    The Red Chamber urged the federal government to name a befitting monument to immortalise the late Sheik Dahiru Bauchi.

    The resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of a motion on the demise of Sheik Dahiru Bauchi during plenary.

    Senator Shehu Buba (APC- Bauchi South moved the motion.

  • Barau urges security agencies to prevent bandits’ incursion into two Kano LGAs

    Barau urges security agencies to prevent bandits’ incursion into two Kano LGAs

    The deputy president of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called on security agencies to go after the marauding bandits who have been terrorising some villages in Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs of Kano State.

    Reacting to the bandits’ attack in Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa LGA on Saturday night, Senator Barau appealed to the security agencies to double their efforts and take the fight to the criminal elements who are from neighbouring states.

    Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, stated that the incursion of criminal elements into the two LGAs must stop forthwith.

    “I have received the distressing report of the killing of a woman and the kidnapping of three persons in Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa LGA of Kano State by marauding bandits from neighbouring states on Saturday night when the villagers had retired to bed.

    “This incident occurred a few days after a similar one in Biresawa village, also in Tsanyawa LGA.

    “I, therefore, call on our security agencies, who have engaged the criminals on many occasions in the axis, to double their efforts to rescue these innocent persons and tackle the elements. They should take the fight to them.

    “We will not allow these marauding criminals who are on the run from neighbouring states following military operations to destabilise our communities. This incursion into the area must stop forthwith.

    “The security of our people’s lives and properties is paramount. No stone will be left unturned in achieving this,” he said.

  • Ganduje, Barau clash with Kano gov over arrest call

    Ganduje, Barau clash with Kano gov over arrest call

    • Yusuf politicising security issues – Deputy Senate President

    Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin have berated Kano state government for calling  for the immediate arrest of   the immediate past governor of the state (Ganduje) over alleged inflammatory remarks “capable of undermining” the state’s security efforts.

    Ganduje in a statement yesterday described the call for his arrest as baseless, reckless and a clear reflection of the incumbent governor’s desperation and incompetence.

    In a separate statement yesterday, Jibrin, took a swipe at Governor Abba Yusuf, urging him to tackle the insecurity in the state instead of politicising it.

    The state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Wayya, had after the state executive council meeting on Friday,  told journalists that cabinet members discussed Ganduje’s alleged provocative statement on the vulnerability of the state to banditry.

    “Council deliberated extensively over the recent inflammatory statements made by a former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who alleged that the state is vulnerable to banditry and further announced plans to recruit 12,000 individuals under a proposed religious police outfit named Khairul Nas,” the commissioner said.

    “Council noted that the utterances were inciting, reckless, and capable of undermining the security efforts of the Kano state government and the President Tinubu-led administration, which demonstrated genuine concern for the plight of its citizens and had continued to work tirelessly to safeguard their lives and properties across the nation.”

    READ ALSO: Delivering in despair: Why maternal deaths remain high in Cross River

    The commissioner said in less than 48 hours after the statements, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the state, raising concerns that the remarks might have been premeditated or linked to the assault.

    He said the council reaffirmed its appreciation of the federal government and security agencies for their ongoing support in the fight against the insecurity.

    Wayya called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former governor for attempting to create an illegal militia group.

    He urged public figures to avoid statements that could incite unrest, assuring citizens of the state government’s commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order across the state.

    Reacting to the call for his arrest, Ganduje, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu,

    noted that such an unfounded declaration by the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf amounts to an abdication of responsibility by a leader who has consistently failed to secure the lives and property of the people of Kano State.

    “It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures.

    “At a time when communities such as Bagwai, Shanono, and Tsanyawa, and other affected areas are living in fear, the governor has neither visited nor shown empathy toward the victims.

    “His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve,” he said.

    The statement added that Ganduje has never been associated with violence nor linked to any act that undermines the peace and stability of Kano State.

    The statement also stressed that as governor, Ganduje  ensured the state remained secure for eight years, earning national commendation for maintaining peace and safeguarding lives and property, stating that his record stands in stark contrast to the current administration’s ineptitude and lack of direction.

    Ganduje called on Governor Yusuf  to focus on his constitutional duty of protecting Kano residents, through purposeful actions, “instead of engaging in political theatrics and unfounded allegations.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, said, besides security challenges, there were numerous other problems bedevilling Kano State that require the governor ‘s serious attention.

    Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, challenged the state government to produce the clip in which he made a statement that tends to aggravate insecurity in Kano.

    “The attention of the media office of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, is drawn to false, reckless and malicious claims by the Kano State Government through the State Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, that the Deputy President of the Senate, made a statement capable of undermining the security efforts in the state.

    “It is unfortunate that the state government has relegated governance to this low by concocting and fabricating lies to tarnish the growing reputation of the Deputy President of the Senate.

    “There was no time when Senator Barau uttered any statement capable of undermining security efforts; instead, he has been at the forefront, collaborating with all stakeholders to address the insecurity challenges in Kano and other areas of the country.

    “We challenge them to produce the clip in which Barau made any statement that could undermine security efforts,” he said.

    Barau, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged the Kano State Governor to “wake up from slumber and take charge of the affairs of the state” to return Kano to the path of prosperity.

    He added: “Until governance was relegated to the background, our beloved state, Kano, used to be second to Lagos in terms of prosperity, but unfortunately, misgovernance has eroded that.

    “We have everything necessary to restore the glorious days of our state, but the governor is not taking steps in that direction.

  • Barau warns Kano governor against politicising insecurity issues

    Barau warns Kano governor against politicising insecurity issues

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has cautioned Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to stop politicising security matters and instead concentrate on tackling the multiple challenges confronting the state.

    His response followed a claim by the state government that his recent comments could undermine ongoing security operations. 

    The allegation was made at the end of the 34th State Executive Council Meeting chaired by the governor.

    Senator Barau, however, insisted that Nigeria’s security crisis—including the activities of bandits in parts of Kano—requires collective effort and cooperation from all stakeholders.

    In a statement issued by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy Senate President dismissed the government’s accusation and dared officials to present any video evidence showing he made remarks capable of worsening insecurity in the state.

    “The attention of the media office of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, FCNA, has been drawn to false, reckless and malicious claims by the Kano State Government through the State Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya that His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, made a statement capable of undermining the security efforts in the state.

    “It is unfortunate that the state government has relegated governance to this low by concocting and fabricating lies to tarnish the growing reputation of the Deputy President of the Senate. There was no time when Senator Barau uttered any statement capable of undermining security efforts; instead, he has been at the forefront, collaborating with all stakeholders to address the insecurity challenges in parts of Kano and other areas in the country.

    “We challenge them to produce the clip in which the Deputy President of the Senate made any statement that could undermine security efforts,” he said.

    The Deputy President of the Senate, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged the Kano State Governor to wake up from slumber and take charge of the affairs of the state to return Kano to the path of prosperity.

    “Until governance was relegated to the background, our beloved state, Kano, used to be a very close second to Lagos in terms of prosperity, but unfortunately, misgovernance has eroded this. We have everything necessary to restore the glorious days of our state, but the governor is not taking steps in that direction,” he said.

    To contribute to the enhancement of security in the state, Senator Barau has provided operational vehicles to all police formations in his senatorial district and some parts of the state, and has also offered motorcycles to all policemen serving in Kano North Senatorial District.

    Additionally, he renovated parts of the Kano State police headquarters and constructed police stations in different parts of the state. He had also rendered similar assistance to the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state.

    “The Deputy President of the Senate has also facilitated the establishment of the training college of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Gwarzo, the Nigeria Police Service Commission training institute in Kabo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service training school in Bichi, which are all being constructed.

    “He has also installed solar-powered streetlights throughout his senatorial district and other parts of the state to facilitate effective nighttime patrols. Senator Barau has made significant contributions to the enhancement of security in Kano State. The state government should emulate him and not cast aspersions on his personality,” he said.

  • Barau urges states, citizens to back Tinubu’s push to defeat insecurity

    Barau urges states, citizens to back Tinubu’s push to defeat insecurity

    Senate Deputy President, Jibrin Barau, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as decisive and sustained efforts toward curbing insecurity across the country, urging states, corporate bodies and citizens to actively support the ongoing fight.

    Barau, answering questions from journalists at the National Assembly, said Nigeria’s security challenges are not the responsibility of the Federal Government alone and require collective action to achieve lasting results.

    “Mr President is doing extremely well. All his efforts should be complemented by all Nigerians—state governments, private organisations, even ordinary citizens,” he said.

    “This is an issue for every Nigerian to admit and confront. With the trend and effort the President is putting in, we shall surmount this problem.”

    He particularly called on state governments to invest in surveillance infrastructure, intelligence channels and operational logistics to support federal security agencies.

    According to him, insecurity can be defeated faster if every state builds systems to monitor forests and communities within their jurisdiction.

    “State governments should help with necessary hardware and surveillance. If each state creates facilities to monitor activities in forests and local areas, the military can respond more effectively,” Barau explained.

    “When this is replicated nationwide, the results will come quickly.”

    Describing Tinubu as “a leader working daily to secure the country,” Barau referenced the President’s decision to shelve his trip to South Africa for the G20 Summit to focus on national security—an action he said contributed to the recent rescue of abducted victims in Kebbi State.

    “The President is serious about ending insecurity. He inherited this problem, but he is committed, and with collective support, this challenge will be addressed in a short time,” he added.

    On the Senate’s resolutions regarding national security, Barau said the leadership of the Senate would meet with the President to convey the urgency of the decisions taken.

    He expressed confidence that Tinubu would give full attention to the recommendations.

    Barau also weighed in on renewed calls for state police, stating that the priority should be funding, training and equipping security personnel rather than the label attached to the structure.

    “It is not about the nomenclature. Even the federal police need better training and funding—which the President has begun addressing. What matters is capacity, not just naming,” he said.

    He assured that the National Assembly remains committed to supporting ongoing reforms to strengthen policing and internal security.

    Barau concluded with a firm appeal: “The President is doing his best. Now everyone must come on board to help him.”

  • Barau rallies lawmakers, speakers for speedy conclusion of constitution review

    Barau rallies lawmakers, speakers for speedy conclusion of constitution review

    Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau Jibrin, has urged federal and state lawmakers to remain steadfast as the constitution amendment process enters its decisive stage.

    Speaking on Monday at the joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitution Review with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Abuja, Barau said the engagement was aimed at firming up positions earlier agreed upon and ensuring full collaboration with state assemblies before transmitting approved bills.

    The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together members of the National Assembly, state assembly speakers and consultants working on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

    Barau recalled the committee’s previous meeting in Lagos, where members debated the amendment bills and agreed to reconvene for further consultations.

    He commended lawmakers for their “commitment and dedication” to what he described as one of the most important legislative assignments before the 10th National Assembly.

    He noted that the Abuja meeting was not designed for fresh debates except where there was a substantive motion to revisit an already concluded matter.

    Instead, he said, members were expected to adopt agreed positions and receive reports from sub-committees working on specific areas, including state and local government creation.

    Barau said the presence of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly was crucial, describing them as “critical and strategic partners” whose concurrence is required under Section 9 of the Constitution before any amendment can become law.

    Read Also: Minister Atah rejects Kano APC warning, reaffirms support for Barau

    “This meeting offers the state assemblies the opportunity to be fully brought on board on the issues we have sieved after public hearings and consultations across the country,” he said.

    “Their observations and inputs are important as we prepare our final report to the plenary.”

    The Deputy President of the Senate urged all stakeholders to remain committed to ensuring that the amendment bills are transmitted to the state assemblies before the end of the year.

    He added, “We are in the last lap of this assignment. Nigerians are looking up to us, and we must fulfil our purpose by ensuring that the constitution amendment bills get to the state houses of assembly this year.”

    Barau thanked committee members, state speakers and consultants for their efforts and wished them successful deliberations.

  • Barau mourns Senator Ezea

    Barau mourns Senator Ezea

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has mourned the passing of Senator Okey Ezea (Enugu North), who died on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Born on August 11, 1963, the late Senator, a lawyer and businessman, was elected on the Labour Party platform to represent Enugu North Senatorial District during the 2023 general elections.

    Senator Barau, in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, extolled the virtues of the late lawmaker, describing him as a pan-Nigerian politician.

     He said the late lawmaker, who was until his demise the Vice Chairman of both the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, and the Senate Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, contributed immensely to the promotion of unity and progress in the country.

    Read Also: Senate mourns Enugu North Senator Okey Ezea

    Describing the death as shocking, he said the late Enugu politician would be remembered for his commitment to the Nigerian project through his various contributions in and outside the Senate.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of my friend, his wife, Madam Chioma, his children, the entire people of Enugu North Senatorial District, and Enugu State in general.

    “May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Senator Okey Ezea was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence, who worked hard to enhance the standard of living of the people of Enugu North Senatorial district and beyond,” he said.

  • Barau beat Rangers to swim out of relegation zone

    Barau beat Rangers to swim out of relegation zone

    Nigeria Premier Football League newcomers, Barau FC have zoomed out of the drop zone after they defeated Rangers International FC 2-0 yesterday in a rescheduled tie played in Kano.

    The Maliya Boys got their goals through  Muhammed Umar and Joseph Kemin in the 26th  and 76th  minutes to record their third win of the season.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    They have moved to the 16th spot with 13 points from 12 games but the loss by the Flying Antelopes see them slid to the seventh spot with 19 points from 13 games.

    The home win is no doubt a relief to Barau FC head coach, Ladan Bosso who has seen his job brought under scrutiny following the Maliya Boys impressive start to the season.

  • Barau: National Assembly committed to people-centred, timely constitution review

    Barau: National Assembly committed to people-centred, timely constitution review

    • …lawmakers to consider 69 amendment bills, 55 state creation requests

    Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering a people-centred and timely review of the 1999 Constitution, assuring that the first set of amendments would be transmitted to state Houses of Assembly before the end of the year.

    Speaking at the opening of a two-day joint retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos, Senator Barau said the exercise was aimed at addressing the yearnings of Nigerians through wide-ranging reforms.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Jibrin said, “It has been a long journey bringing together the Senate and House of Representatives’ constitution amendment proposals, which cut across several sections and address diverse subject matters.”

    According to him, the committees had, over the past two years, engaged extensively with constituents, stakeholders, institutions, civil society organisations, and interest groups through town hall meetings, interactive sessions, and public hearings — a process that culminated in the consideration of 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation proposals.

    Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, noted that the retreat would enable members to review the proposed amendments clause by clause and make recommendations for adoption by both chambers.

    “It is not going to be a simple task to achieve within two days, but I believe we can do it, especially as we have promised Nigerians that we will deliver the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of this year,” he stated.

    The Deputy Senate President, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged lawmakers to approach the task with patriotism and unity of purpose.

    “We are seated here as one committee. There should be no ‘we’ and ‘them’; we should be guided by the interests of Nigerians,” he said, expressing hope that the committee’s recommendations would meet the approval threshold stipulated under Section 9 of the Constitution.