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Tag: Kwankwaso

  • Disquiet in Buhari’s camp over Saraki, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso

    Disquiet in Buhari’s camp over Saraki, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso

    •President’s men also worried about Wamakko, Goje
    •Say they are too silent to be trusted

    There is disquiet in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the camp of President Muhammadu Buhari over the disposition of some stalwarts of the party to the fortune of  the  party ahead of next year’s  polls.

    Senate President BukolaSaraki; House of Representatives Speaker YakubuDogara;Sokoto State   Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; ex-Governor Musa RabiuKwankwaso; ex-Governor AliyuWammako; ex-Governor DanjumaGoje;  ex-Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima and some APC governors are among such  party chieftains.

    Some of them dumped the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be part of the coalition which led to the birth of the APC.

    Authoritative party sources said last night that none of the leaders has made any commitment to a possible second term ticket for President Buhari because they are weighing their own options on the way forward.

    A few of them have a strong political relationship with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who wrote a toxic letter to the President during the week.

    Obasanjo,in the letter,asked Buhari to jettison any plan to seek reelection next year and pay attention to his health.

    He called for the formation of what he called a Third Force to wrestle power from the APC and stop the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from returning to power.

    Prominent politicians across party divide are said to be already lining up to join the “Third Force.”

    Investigation by our correspondent indicated that the Presidency is worried by what sources termed the “silence and cold attitude” of these leaders to Buhari’s second term bid.

    Although some of the leaders believe it is too early now to start politicking, some APC leaders and Buhari’s strategists are suspicious of such position.

    The closeness of some of them to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has compounded the fears of those in Buhari’s camp.

    It was learnt that a few of them, including some APC Senators and members of the House of Representatives, have practically abandoned the party.

    It was gathered that a minister recently met one of the leaders on the second term bid of the President but the highly-placed match-maker allegedly said: “It is the President who should tell me, not you.”

    According to findings, the development accounted for the series of dinners being organised by the President to interact with these leaders to gauge their mood and indirectly seek their support.

    The President has already dined with Senators and members of the House of Representatives.

    The last dinner he had was with a group comprising ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani, ex-Governor Orji UzorKalu, ex-National Chairman of PDP, AbubakarKawuBaraje and others.

    A top source in Buhari’s camp said: “Most of these top leaders have not been forthcoming on the second term aspiration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Some of these leaders are too silent to trust. Look, the loyalists of Buhari are also not taking things for granted at all.

    “Virtually every day, consultations and negotiation are going on with leaders, political groups across the six geopolitical zones.

    “While some are weighing options, we are also suspecting that some of them are behind the Coalition for Nigeria (CN) campaign by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo because they don’t want to come out ; they don’t want a direct confrontation with Buhari.

    “We are however giving some of them benefit of the doubt because the political climate might be unpredictable in their states and they may have no option than to remain in APC with Buhari.”

    But a source, who had attended some dinners with Buhari, said: “I think the President is also watching his steps because he has not come out categorically that he is interested in a second term.

    “For instance, at the last dinner with ex-Governor Kalu and others, he only ate with us. In spite of the fact that ex-Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso was at the session, Buhari did not tell us he would seek a second term ticket.

    “He gave us so much to eat and did the talking alone. The President’s handlers did not allow him to have any feedback from us.

    “Such a dinner would have been a golden opportunity to speak our minds and forge a new rapprochement.

    It is not sufficient to say at a dinner that you have not forgotten some party leaders without telling us what you are driving at.

    “In fairness, I do not see these leaders as mind readers. The President will now need to do more to consult individually and in group on his re-election ambition.”

    A source in Tambuwal camp, who spoke in confidence, said: “You should know better that the governor does not pretend.

    “When he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, it was obvious to all Nigerians that his heart was with the APC. I can tell you that by now, if he has alternative plan, you would have known.

    “I think some leaders in the party are suspicious of Tambuwal because he has refused to commit himself to the seven governors spearheading the second term aspiration of the President. Oga has repeatedly told them that the mood of this country is not for politics now. He has always said during politics, we will play politics.

    “But some of these governors are in the forefront of second term agitation because their political fate is tied to Buhari because they have not performed in office.”

    A source in Saraki’s camp said: “The President of the Senate has cooperated with this government and he is focusing on governance. The truth is that as a politician, he prefers tactical maneuvering to doing the talking. And do not forget that his office is too strategic to be politically flippant.

    “I know we are already using an airline (APC) but we don’t know yet if we will stick to the airline or book another flight. One thing is sure; we will get a boarding pass at the end of the day. We are watching the lips of our leader although our dilemma is that it is difficult to read his body language on this type of issue.

    “You cannot rule out consultations and weighing of options by Saraki and others.”

    A close strategist of Kwankwaso said: “If the President is seeking re-election on the platform of APC, you should not expect that Kwankwaso with presidential aspiration to remain in the same party.

    “But if Buhari is not contesting, Kwankwaso will remain in APC. This is a straightforward matter and it is discernible.”

    Asked of the next move, the source added: “Once Buhari declares interest in running for second term, Kwankwaso may join a stronger party after weighing options and consulting widely.”

    A source in Dogara’s camp said: “I have not really discussed the issue with him. I will find out and get back to you.”

    Another source said: “Those leaders from the North are keeping their game plan to their chest because of the consequences of early opposition to Buhari’s second term ambition by some of his blind loyalists who can start hurling missiles at every occasion.

    “Some of those in this group include a few Northern governors who are not keen on Buhari project.”

     

  • Tension over Kwankwaso’s proposed visit to Kano

    Tension over Kwankwaso’s proposed visit to Kano

    The proposed visit of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to Kano on January 30 for campaign ahead of the forthcoming council poll is generating tensions owing to unending bitter rivalry with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for political supremacy, reports Sunday Oguntola 

    FEARS of political violence have gripped Kano ahead of next Tuesday’s scheduled visit of former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to the political headquarters of northern Nigeria.

    Kwankwaso, who represents Kano Central in the Senate, has been in a longstanding political face-off with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who was his deputy for eight years.

    The charismatic politician handed over the governorship seat to Ganduje in 2015, becoming one of the few incumbents to entrust power to their deputies in the nation’s political history.

    Despite the smooth transition and camaraderie that existed between the duo, the centre has refused to hold since Ganduje assumed office.

    The governor, according to insiders, believes Kwankwaso was forced to concede the governorship ticket to him at the last minute despite his loyalty of many years.

    His fight back strategies have seen him remove all aides and appointees of his predecessor from offices as the supremacy battle between them escalated.

    Ganduje has also seized control of the All Progressive Congress (APC) structure from Kwankwaso, replacing Kano APC chairman, Alhaji Umar Doguwa, a loyalist of his former boss, with Engineer Bashir Karaye, one of his men.

    The founder of Kwankwasiyya movement however remains hugely popular with massive grassroots support in the state, a development the Ganduje’s camp is never comfortable with.

    His scheduled visit to Kano, only the second since he left office, is creating apprehension among stakeholders concerned about the possible outbreak of political violence.

    This is because Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya supporters have a history of always attacking themselves during public events and outings. The attacks and counter attacks were normally in continuation of the cold war between their political principals and mentors.

    History of political clashes

    Last September, the two camps clashed at the traditional Hawan Daushe in Kano Emirate Palace, leaving a former Secretary to Kano State Government, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and younger brother to Kwankwaso, Sani Kwankwaso, among others seriously wounded.

    It was learnt the crisis started when members of Kwankwasiyya arrived the venue in their traditional red cap insignia, a development that provoked attacks from the other camp. Dangerous weapons were freely used, leading to disturbance of public peace.

    The media aide to Kwankwaso, Hajia Binta Spikin, alleged members of Kwankwasiyya were pushed back by policemen at the event after tear gas canisters were fired at them.

    “We just saw people hitting us with cutlasses, heavy sticks and other dangerous weapons. Then I fell down and my eyeglasses broke.

    “Somebody from his behind hit the former SSG, Bichi, with a cutlass and another moved forward to stab him but Kwankwaso’s younger brother used his hands to block it and they nearly cut his hands,” she alleged.

    But Commissioner of Information, Mohammad Garba, debunked allegations the governor was behind the attack, saying he was away from the state when the incident happened.

    Garba claimed the event held peacefully after arrival of the governor who was earlier in Daura, Katsina State to pay Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    On January 14, there was another clash between both movements that left not less than six members injured. According to reports, the incident occurred around 11 am at Chiranchi quarters in Gwale Local Government Area of the state when the supporters attended two separate wedding Fatiha.

    “The Kwankwasiyya followers attended one and their counterpart of Gandujiyya attended another wedding ceremony. The one attended by members of Kwankwasiyya was contracted first. So, while they were leaving the area, they ran into the Gandujiyya group who were contracting another marriage,” the source said, an eyewitness recalled.

    A younger brother of the Commissioner of Special Duties, Abdullahi Abbas, and many others were among the injured after the clash.

    Stoking the fires

    There are fears that the same scenario could play out when Kwankwaso returns to Kano on January 30. A video clip by Commissioner of Special Duties, Abdullahi Sunusi, telling supporters to stone Kwankwaso has further exacerbated the apprehensions.

    Speaking in Hausa, Sunusi tagged Kwankwaso the “political Satan of Kano.” He said: “From today, the whistle of politics is blown on our in-house opposition. We met in Minjibir and dealt with them; we met outside the emir’s palace during the Sallah celebration.

    “Now their leader is coming and we will receive him at Kwanar Dangora or at Dakatsalle, you may be aware after the holy pilgrimage performed by Muslims is the symbolic stoning of Satan.

    “So you all should await official announcement of the day you will all be directed to stone the political Satan of Kano. We are not afraid of anybody; we will even take the battle to his room. Finally, my counterparts, let’s work to destroy Kwankwaso, as you all know he is afraid of us.”

    The video that went viral has raised fears both camps could be baying for blood on January 30. This is more so because they will be holding parallel rallies for the February 10 council polls.  There had been reports Kwankwaso had called off the proposed visit to avert bloodshed. He was said to have alleged to the proposal to call off the visit after an interventionist meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Who blinks first?

    But his camp has insisted nothing will stop the Senator from visiting and campaigning for his preferred local government candidates. There are insinuations that he could be sponsoring candidates in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of his reported defection to the party that bought him to power in the first term.

    Kwankwaso’s media aide, Spikin maintained: “Despite the purported rumours by the Ganduje-led faction of the APC, Kwankwaso will come to Kano on January 30 to help his people, especially those who are contesting in the forthcoming local government election in their campaign activities.

    “We are very much aware of the rumours going round that our leader will not come to Kano. The Ganduje’s people are circulating the rumours but I can assure you that this will not stop our leader from coming to Kano on the slated date.”

    Police security advice

    Bothered by the palpable tensions, Commissioner of Police Rabiu Yusuf, last Friday advised Kwankwaso to shelve the proposed visit in the interest of peace.

    He said it was advisable the former governor returns another day when “tension has died down.”

    The Police chief said any attempt to break down law and order will be dealt with decisively.

    But an infuriated Kwankwaso balked at the advice, stating nobody can stop him from visiting the state.

    Speaking through his media aide, Kwankwaso said he would proceed with the visit, saying he would even be there with “seven camera drones”, three international media outfits and ”a host of other top national and international friends of his.”

    The visit, he said, is well-planned to guarantee peace.

    According to him: “We are coming to visit friends, families and other relatives that for a long time, we have not seen.

    “We have coordinated this visit with seven camera drones and other apparatus that would make it a hitch free home coming.”

    On the same date, Ganduje’s camp will present flags to APC candidates at Kwanar Dangora along Kano- Abuja road. With the political tension in the State as well as the council poll seen as the test of grassroots popularity; it is almost impossible to imagine there would be no untoward incidents.

    Indications emerged last week that both camp movements are taking the rallies seriously, spoiling to outdo each other in mobilisation and attraction of crowds. Insiders who spoke with our correspondent said they were leaving nothing to chances.

    “This is a public popularity test. Whoever attracts more crowd will be seen to be in charge. So, we are more than prepared to emerge the victors. We will stop at nothing to mobilise and ensure nobody harasses our supporters,” a member of Kwankwasiyya confided.

    A mobiliser for Gandujiyya also confirmed plans were on to make sure the movement does not lose out in supremacy battle. “We are not in power for fun. We are here to stay. We shall not allow anyone to take the shine off our patron. We are more than ready to give all it takes to establish ourselves as the confirmed leaders,” he stated.

    Besides, the council poll is considered a litmus test by both camps for political relevance and control. While the Kwankwaso’s camp is desperate to assert itself as no pushovers, the governor’s supporters are eager to assert they are in power to rule.

    It was learnt security forces have been put on red alert to avert possible breakdown of law and order with nothing left to chances because of the weights of the forces at play.

    Kwankwaso is expected to make his way on road to Kano from Kaduna, which he has made his second home. His last movement through the route led to massive gridlocks and roadblocks by exultant supporters.

    The road movement is clearly a perfect plan to reinforce his popularity in Kano, an attempt that will not sit well with Gandujiyya members.

    Whatever happens, it is certain security operatives will have their hands full on Tuesday considering the two heavyweights are not willing to back down in the battle for the political soul and control of Kano.

  • Shelve planned visit to Kano, Police counsel Kwankwaso

    Shelve planned visit to Kano, Police counsel Kwankwaso

    The Kano State Police Command yesterday asked  the immediate past governor  of the state, Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, to suspend his proposed visit to Kano on Tuesday, January 30.

    Police  Commissioner, Rabiu Yusuf, speaking at a press conference yesterday, said  the advice was necessary in view of the tension generated by the planned visit  among the people of the state

    Yusuf said while Kwankwaso, “as a citizen of this country has the constitutional right of association, assembly, and above all, movement,” information at the disposal of the police revealed  that the proposed visit “has generated palpable fears in the minds of the people of Kano State.”

    He said, there is apprehension among the general populace, including the tendency to hijack the visit by some disgruntled elements and miscreants.

    He said the police owed it a duty to ensure that peace prevails in the state.

    “Therefore, any action or inaction by any person or group of persons that may jeopardize the relative peace the state is currently enjoying must be averted,” he said.

    He added: “It is the advice of the command that such a visit should be shelved by Sen Rabi’u Kwankwaso, until the tension generated by the planned visit is doused.”

    Yusuf however, pledged that the police will continue to provide a level playing field for all politicians, to carry out their political activities, without fear of molestation or intimidation.

  • Benue killings: Kwankwaso donates relief materials to displaced persons

    Benue killings: Kwankwaso donates relief materials to displaced persons

    There was palpable excitement in Benue State as Governor Samuel Ortom recently received Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano.

    Kwankwaso who was on a solidarity visit to the state courtesy the recent fulani herdsmen attacks, told his host that he came with 1,200 bags of rice for displaced persons numbering about 80, 000.

    He condemned the killing of 70 persons on January 1 and promised that the National Assembly would intervene and proffer permanent solution to the crisis.

    Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to unravel the reasons for mass killing in Benue and bring perpetrators to book, assist displaced persons and the state government to rehabilitate victims in Guma and Logo local government areas (LGAs).

    Governor Ortom thanked Kwankwaso for coming to the aid of displaced persons, adding that those affected would not forget the gesture.

  • Kwankwaso donates N40m to foreign medical students

    Kwankwaso donates N40m to foreign medical students

    Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano Central) yesterday donated over N40 million to Kano indigenes studying medical sciences in various institutions in Egypt and Sudan.

    Kwankwaso said the donation is to help in the upkeep of the students, who he described as the future hope of the state.

    The former governor who spoke through vice chairman, House of representative Committee on Sports , Dr Nuhu Danburam, at the Kwankwasiyya Foundation fund raising programme in Kano.

    Members of the Kwankwasiyya raised N41 million through voluntary donations for onward distribution to the benefitting foreign students on behalf of Kwankwaso.

    Kwankwaso vowed to continue to support educational programmes that will contribute to uplift of the state.

    He said Kano indigenes studying various courses overseas deserve all the support to complete their programmes.

    On successful completion of their studies, he said they are expected to return and contribute their quota to national development.

    He insisted the planned visit to the state by Kwankwaso on January 30 has not been rescheduled.

    Danburam appealed to Kwankwasiyya adherents to work hard to ensure the planned visit to Kano by Kwankwaso is peaceful and symbolic.

  • Kwankwaso, Ganduge clash leaves 6 persons injured in Kano

    Kwankwaso, Ganduge clash leaves 6 persons injured in Kano

    No fewer than six members of Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya groups were on Sunday injured in Kano following a clash between the two political groups.

    Eye witness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Sunday that the incident occurred around 11am at Chiranchi quarters in Gwale local government area of the state.

    According to the witness, some members of the two groups were at the area to attend two separate wedding fatiha when the incident happened.

    “The Kwankwasiyya followers attended one and their counterpart of Gandujiyya attended another wedding ceremony.

    “The one attended by members of Kwankwasiyya was contracted first. So, while they were leaving the area, they run into the Gandujiyya group who were contracting another marriage, “The source said, adding about six persons were injured.

    NAN gathered that fighting started between members of the two groups when one of the groups allegedly attacked the other leading to injuring a junior brother of the Commissioner of Special Duties, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas and many others.

    When contacted, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Magaji Majiya confirmed the incident, but declined further comments.

    “I don’t have details of the clash. I will communicate to you as soon as I get details of the unfortunate incident, ” Majiya said.

    He said the Police had already begun investigation with a view to finding out the cause of the clash.

    NAN reports that the injured persons were earlier treated at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital. (NAN)

  • Ganduje: Kwankwaso is free to visit Kano

    Ganduje: Kwankwaso is free to visit Kano

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has said that former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is free to visit the state.

    According to him, he would welcome Kwankwaso on his planned visit to the state.

    The political associates have been in a strained relationship since the beginning of Ganduje’s administration, and their crisis has affected the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    Also, rumours were rife that Kwankwaso would visit the state on January 31. The rumours were greeted with different reactions from the warring party, casting fears that the visit may not augur well in the polity.

    But Ganduje, through the Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, said the Kwankwaso is free to visit the state as the government will welcome him.

    According to him, the government has, in the past, received high profile politicians and other individuals, and the same treatment would be accorded to Kwankwaso.

    Garba, at a news conference to highlight the achievements of Ganduje’s administration, said the governor is known for his generosity and hospitality to visitors.

    He explained that being the former deputy governor to Kwankwaso, he would not deprive any politician the opportunity to carry out political activities, provided it is conducted with decorum.

    His words: “Rumours are going on that the government of Ganduje will stop Kwankwaso from coming to Kano. This is not true.

    “This administration of Ganduje is known for receiving high profile politicians. Everybody is aware of Ganduje’s history of honouring people, irrespective of status.

    “We will welcome Kwankwaso. Let him come and conduct his political activities, but what we will not condone is violence. We will not stop any politician from conducting his activities if it is peaceful and honourable.”

  • ‘Kwankwaso, a dependable leader’

    ‘Kwankwaso, a dependable leader’

    It was a night of cheers and banters. Friends and associates of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, converged on Oriental Hotel Lekki, Lagos last weekend to celebrate his 61st birthday. Drawn mainly from Lagos and the south west, the associates included men and women from various professional associations. There were a few old men and women whose  grey hairs made them easily noticeable amidst the crowd .There were young persons too. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)  was well represented.

    While the guests waited for the arrival of the celebrant, a musical group gave the audience some old tunes by the late Fela Anikulapo kuti. The musical presentation came after a comedian had entertained the gathering with jokes.

    In her welcome address Mrs. Fisher Thomas, disclosed that the cocktail was organised by friends of Kwankwaso in the Southwest to  show their love for a man who has become a strong advocate of national unity. She said: “We would have opted for a big party but we are doing a cocktail because the celebrant is not a party man. He does not go out at night. He is an easy going, simple family man.

    We had to make him come out this night time because we want to show our love for a man who is a believer in national unity. I want all of you to join us this night to celebrate an achiever, a rising political leader, a man of peace, distinguished ladies and gentlemen let’s put our hands together for RMK, Mrs. Thomas beamed in the microphone. And the audience responded with a big round of applause.

    But, reporters were disappointed as Kwankwaso was not allowed to speak. The crowd kept flocking around him for photograph. Each time he tried to speak, his large retinue from Kano State sandwiched amongst the Lagos group of admirers kept shouting Kwankwasiya! Kwakwasiya! This is a political slogan meant, to show their admiration for someone they love.

    Ladipo Johnson, a Lagos lawyer, who is one of the organisers of the event, said the idea was to bring Nigerians together and rejoice with a man who is very well accepted all over Nigeria.

    Dignitaries at the event include Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, Senator Omoworare, Senator Omoworare, Honorable Yusuf Danbata, Alhaji Idi Farouk, Senator Gbenja Ashafa, Honorable Garba Michael Honorable Bode Mustapha, Engineer Abubakar, Alhaji Tajudeen Oyeleye, Dr.Ajibola Raheem, Mrs. Tokunbo Edun,  Mr. wale Ajao, Engineer Owolabi Solana, Barrister Demola Animashaun, Dr Ajibola Raheem among others.

  • Kwankwaso: Of character and grace

    Scholars in leadership have since concluded that the most important attribute of leadership is not power but character. According to this school of thought, every leader is only as safe and secure as his character. Indeed, character matters essentially because it preserves a leader’s cause and legacy.

    Adjunct to the above perspectives is also the view that the currency of true leadership is trust. In other words, trust is the product of character. As noted by Theodore Roosevelt, character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.

    Thus as Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso turns 61, this background is a fundamental basis for looking at his life and essence especially as regards his leadership. One is particularly interested in this interrogation of Kwankwaso’s celebrated life at this point in time in relationship with the concept of ubuntu, thereby factoring in his contributions (ideas and actions) to society and development as we can also possibly learn from his leadership ethos.

    Ubuntu as explained by Nelson Mandela in his preface to the acclaimed intimate work on him by his autobiographer and former editor of Time magazine, Richard Stengel, is the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievements of others. Yes, this is crucial in understanding Kwankwaso’s leadership principles.

    From a humble beginning in 1956 to his ascendancy as a top bureaucrat in the civil service of Kano State to his foray into politics where he has made a distinct mark and legacy, there is a subsisting evolvement of clear correlation between Kwankwaso’s enigma and substantive leadership. A correlation encompassing in the main, the critical values of character, vision, humanity and a general sense of what and how a better society should be.

    A scion of the Mallam Aminu Kano School of politics, Senator Kwankwaso has so far carried on with impressive record of achievements, building on that remarkable footprint of Aminu Kano as a spirited public servant devoted to the talakawa, making it very important to tailor public policies to properly address pro-poor agenda for development.

    In achieving this altruistic goal, we come face-to-face with his modern day political philosophy otherwise known as Kwankwasiyya, a model which emphasizes the core of human development as a function of government’s sincerity to the people and in the process making trust the fulcrum of leadership.

    In an article published in 2014, I had advocated that Kwankwasiyya be made a national ideology based on first-hand experience of vast development initiatives during a visit to Kano towards the end of Senator Kwankwaso’s second term as Governor of Kano State. I joined senior editors who were taken round several projects across the state for two days and at the end, it was too clear to all that Kano had actually witnessed a major renewal: from sterling education to infrastructure, roads, bridges and underpasses, modern housing, power, integrative agriculture,  creative empowerment and a general sense of societal regeneration. What we also saw and assessed was the methodical way the then governor carried out his duties, anchored on the true spirit of Kwankwasiyya that ensures prudence, transparency and accountability. The results were everywhere and we saw how Kwankwaso’s noble deeds had elevated his accomplishments in the minds of the people, casting him in the mould of a messiah and hence his huge popularity and followership. Thus beyond the ubiquitous symbolic red caps, Kwankwasiyya was and remains a workable model the nation could borrow to rejig our national development paradigm with the main focus on two basic parameters:  leadership trust and true development.

    Grippingly, the leadership question subsists as a national albatross. But the situation is not insurmountable if we as a people are ready to confront the dilemma squarely and conquer our collective fear. Of course, we must necessarily break from our past by reckoning with and taking decisive steps towards practicable and effective leadership which also transcends the enlightened self interest of the elite formation in the society. But certainly this mentality cannot take us far, not even in the least towards making a meaning of what really should constitute the basics in our search for a new direction.

    The crux of my thoughts in the foregoing were reflective in Senator Kwankwaso’s manifesto of revival tagged “Change is Possible” which also formed the kernel of his address during his declaration for president in October 2014. And until we are ready to tackle the inherent issues in our leadership odyssey as encapsulated in that major address, the jarring cries of national rot may yet remain a constant.

    The situation is really sad. A nation so endowed is now practically run aground with mind-boggling revelations of scandalous graft in high places. Tell me what an individual needs 56 houses for, more so when we realize these houses were built from our common patrimony by virtue of being in public office!  Obviously we are very sick as a nation. Thus a reordering of our values is basic to a new sense of direction in our national life—the beginning of the healing process. This is why the concept of ubuntu referred to in the beginning of this piece needs a closer look so that we can share a sense of sanity, brotherhood and togetherness as no one is an island. We must begin to believe that we exist for others as others also strive to serve a noble cause in our shared humanity. In this kind of consciousness, the resort to such brazen kleptomania in high places will probably be reduced to a tolerable level in our national life.  This is the higher purpose we can also pick from Kwankwasiyya as a leadership model. Admittedly the leader of this movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso continues to inspire, matching noble character with realism and grace.

    Succinctly, we need to inculcate a new ethic of responsibility and selflessness in public service and go beyond platitudes and tokenism in our resolve to tackle the scourge of corruption and underdevelopment. We owe ourselves a duty to enthrone men and women of integrity who can actually commit themselves to a new set of social contract— binding and altruistic.

    We have so far seen in our national history that power itself does not guarantee good governance; hence we need to place emphasis on the character of the office holder, men or women of distinguished character who will do us proud as patriots, who see public office as a TRUST. These are solemn thoughts for national rectitude as we celebrate with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on the occasion of his 61st anniversary.  Change is possible!

     

    • Olutomiwa, a journalist and public affairs analyst writes from Lagos.
  • Kwankwaso and his 2019 calculations

    Kwankwaso and his 2019 calculations

    As political actors warm up for the 2019 elections,  Correspondent KOLADE ADEYEMI writes on the activities of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, who is believed to be eyeing the presidency.

    Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has many followers across the country. He is an experienced politician. In 2015, he came second during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary. He was the only governor who handed over to his deputy, Abdullahi Ganduje. But, later, both fell apart.

    As the polity  warms up for 2019 elections, eyes are on him. Kwankwaso has said that his body and soul remained in the APC. However, there are indications that his influence is being threatened in the party. Recently, there were speculations that Kwankwaso would defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    A thick cloud is hovering over his future ambition. Through his Kwankwassiyya Development Foundation and the Kwankwassiyya movement, the eminent politician has continued to wax stronger among the people. He is mobilising supporters, empowerment programmes and building bridges, ahead of 2019 polls.

    Sources said that the former governor will contest for the highest office, if President Muhammadu Buhari will not re-contest. According to the source, if he is edged out of the APC, he may retrace his steps to the PDP.

    Pundits are rasing some pizzles. What are his chances? If he returns to the PDP, can the party trust him?  PDP leaders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, his predecessor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and former Jigawa State Governor  Sule Lamido may not be comfortable with him. But, a party source said the PDP really wanted him to return becaue he is an asset and not a liability.

    The recent APC mini-congress held at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, was boycotted by Kwankwaso and his men. It was a fallout of the feud between him and Ganduje.

    Kwankwaso and Ganduje are friends. But, they are also rivals. Both wanted to be governor in 1999. Ganduje was asked to step down for Kwanlwaso. He later served as deputy governor under Kwankwaso. Even after losing his re-election bid, Kwankwaso and Ganduje remained close political associates.

    In 2011, the two leaders joined forces once again and returned to the Kano State Government House. Ahead of 2015 polls, both of them defected to the APC.

    There was no succession battle in the Kano APC. Ganduje was the APC candidate. He won the poll through Kwankwaso’s support., crisis erupted, following Ganduje’s inauguration as governor.

    Kwankwaso allegedly wanted juicy appointments for his followers. The distrust heightened when the transition committee headed by Ganduje’s deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, made startling revelations on the debt profile of the state, which the committee put to over N300 billion. Kwankwaso claimed that he left N21 billion debt behind.  The outcry of some contractors who complained that the previous government owed them was infuriating to Ganduje. But, some critics have pointed out that it was a hypocritical cry because Ganduje was part of the Kwankwaso administration.

    The management of the debts and the need to complete uncompleted projects further aggravated the animosity between the two leaders.

    The climax of the crisis was when Kwankwaso paid condolence visit to Ganduje over the death of his mother. A month after the controversial condolence visit of Kwankwaso to Ganduje, the dust raised by the visit refused to settle. The battle for supremacy between the duo led to protracted party crisis and the indefinite suspension of the APC chairman, Alhaji Haruna Umar Doguwa.

    Doguwa’s trouble started when he denied ever condemning  Kwankwaso’s action.  However, about a week later, Doguwa, a former Commissioner for Higher education under Kwankwaso, organized another media briefing where he claimed that he was under duress to condemn Kwankwaso.  He was accompanied by the Organizing Secretary, Sanusi Suraju Kwankwaso. The two APC leaders were later suspended  over allegations of anti-party activities.

    The suspension did not go done well with Kwankwaso. The die was cast between him and the govrnor.  The Kwankwassiyya was divided. Some went with Kwankwaso. Others went with Ganduje.  Later, Ganduje dismantled the political structure of Kwankwaso known as Kwankwasiyya Amana within the government circle and replaced it with Gandujiyya Akida. The action was taken to enable the governor take full control as the leader of the APC in Kano, following what they described as undue interference on the affairs of the state by  Kwankwaso.

    However, loyalists of Kwankwaso have continued to complain they were marginalised in the government and shoved aside in a move to hurt the support base of the senator. Many of Kwankwaso’s former appointees and aides have been complaining of being shut out of the current administration, which they claimed they worked to install. Ganduje is enjoying the loyalty of 24 members of the House of Representatives and two senators representing Kano South and Kano North districts,  Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya and Barau Jubril.

    Kwankwaso have many hurdles to cross. He is losing his hold on Kano politics. His group has been decimated by Ganduje, who has the largesse. Owing to the goodwill which Ganduje enjoys at the presidency and the party’s national secretariat, coupled with the incumbency factor, there are strong indications that Kwankwaso’s loyalists at National Assembly and the Kano State House of Assembly  may lose their return tickets, unless they shift their loyalty to the governor.

    If the former governor defects to the PDP, some of his followers may stay back in the APC. The camp of the president may also continue to suspect him because he is a rival still nursing presidential ambition.

    According to observers,  Kwankwaso’s decision to defect to the PDP may be suicidal, unless the party decides to give its presidential ticket to him.

    However, a source said that Kwankwaso cannot be underrated because he understands politics. He has fought many battles and survived.

    Kwankwaso has served as a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, governor and minister. He is now a senator. His target is the Presidency. Will he make it? Time will tell.