As the new government prepares to take office in Kano State, there is a sense of anticipation expectation and excitement in the air.

Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor-elect, is a leader who brings with him a wealth of experience in infrastructure, governance, and leadership.

With his strategic vision and dedication to progress, Abba Kabir Yusuf is without doubt well-positioned to take the state to new heights.

In this article, we will analyze the opportunities that lie ahead and how Abba Kabir Yusuf’s transformative agenda, coupled with the support of the citizens, will shape the future of Kano State.

A Track Record of Excellence

Abba Kabir Yusuf’s impressive track record speaks volumes about his commitment to public service. Having served as a commissioner in the executive council of Kano State from 2011 to 2015, he has already demonstrated his ability to drive change and deliver results.

His experience in the state’s Works, Housing, and Transport sector has equipped him with the necessary expertise to tackle the infrastructure challenges that lie ahead.

A Vision for Transformation

Abba Kabir Yusuf’s vision for Kano State is one of transformation and progress. With his background in the field of ⁰engineering and his understanding of the state’s unique needs, he is well-positioned to address critical issues such as transportation, housing, and water resources.

His commitment to improving the lives of the people of Kano State is unwavering, and he has outlined a comprehensive plan to ensure inclusive growth and development.

Infrastructure Development

One of the key areas where Abba Kabir Yusuf will make a significant impact is infrastructure development. He possesses the technical knowledge and expertise required to spearhead projects that will transform the state. From building modern roads and bridges to revitalizing the transportation system, Abba Kabir Yusuf will create an enabling environment for economic growth and improve the overall quality of life for the people of Kano State.

Economic Empowerment

Abba Kabir Yusuf understands that sustainable economic development is essential for the progress of any state. He recognizes the importance of diversifying the economy, attracting investments, and creating job opportunities for the youth. Through strategic partnerships and policies that promote entrepreneurship and innovation, Abba Kabir Yusuf aims to unleash the full potential of Kano State and position it as a hub for economic activities in the region.

Education and Human Capital DevelopmentInvesting in education and human capital is a fundamental pillar of Abba Kabir Yusuf’s agenda. He recognizes that a well-educated population is essential for the sustainable development of any society. By improving the quality of education, providing access to vocational training, and promoting skill development programs, he aims to empower the citizens of Kano State and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in the 21st-century economy.

Citizen Engagement and Inclusivity

Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership style is characterized by inclusivity and citizen engagement. He understands the importance of listening to the concerns and aspirations of the people he serves. By promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory governance, he will ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard and that their contributions play a central role in shaping policies and programs.

Conclusion
As Abba Kabir Yusuf assumes office as the Governor of Kano State, there is a sense of optimism and hope for the future. With his wealth of experience, strategic vision, and dedication to progress, he is well-prepared to take the state to the next level. Through infrastructure development, economic empowerment, education, and inclusive governance, Abba Kabir Yusuf will transform Kano State into a thriving and prosperous state that serves as a model for sustainable development. His commitment to improving the lives of the people, coupled with his expertise in infrastructure and governance, positions him as a transformative leader capable of bringing about positive change.

Under Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership, Kano State will witness a new era of progress and development. The opportunities that lie ahead are immense, and with the support of the citizens, the state will experience advancements in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, and economic empowerment. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s agenda encompasses the aspirations and needs of the people, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Moreover, his inclusive approach to governance will foster a sense of belonging and active participation among the citizens. By engaging with the people and valuing their input, he will create a government that truly represents their interests and works towards their collective well-being.

Abba Kabir Yusuf’s tutelage under Rabiu Kwankwaso as his leader is marked by loyalty, dedication to duty, and a corruption-free attitude. Abba has served the state of Kano in various capacities without any blemishes, demonstrating his commitment to honest governance. He has also made a notable commitment by stating that no member of his family will participate in governance, indicating his determination to run the state without engaging in corrupt practices.

Abba’s political journey began as a personal assistant (PA) to former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, a position he held for 12 years from 1999 to 2011.

He later served as a private secretary to the government and was later appointed commissioner for works, housing, and transport. Throughout this time, Abba remained dedicated to Kwankwaso’s leadership, describing him as his leader and expressing utmost respect and trust for him.

Moreover, Abba’s relationship with Kwankwaso goes beyond professional duties. He is also the son-in-law of Kwankwaso, further solidifying their bond. In 2019, Kwankwaso mobilized support for Abba to challenge the incumbent Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who had fallen out with Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya movement. Abba won the initial election but faced a supplementary election due to the declaration of some areas as needing a rerun. Ultimately, Ganduje was declared the winner.

Despite his ties to Kwankwaso, Abba has emphasized his independence and his commitment to governing in his own capacity. He has stated that Kwankwaso will not interfere in his work, but rather provide advice and guidance when necessary. Abba recognizes the value of Kwankwaso’s experience and welcomes his input for the betterment of governance in Kano state.

As the governor-elect of Kano state, Abba Kabir Yusuf carries the hopes of the people who expect him to bring an end to Ganduje’s administration and uphold the principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement. With his dedication to duty, clean track record, and determination to lead with integrity, Abba is poised to fulfill these expectations and steer the state toward progress and development.

As we look towards the future, there is great anticipation for the transformative changes that Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration will bring. With his strategic positioning, wealth of experience, and dedication to progress, he is poised to lead Kano State to new heights of prosperity and development.

The journey towards transforming Kano State begins now, and with Abba Kabir Yusuf at the helm, we can confidently embrace a future filled with boundless opportunities and achievements. Let us rally behind our new Governor and work hand in hand to build a better, brighter, and more prosperous Kano State for generations to come.

Hon.Adeboro Onibalusi writes from Akure, Ondo state

By Louis Odion, FNGE

One read with bewilderment, even a sense of dark foreboding, the statement by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday calling for the cancellation“of all elections that do not pass the credibility and transparency test” during the Saturday (February 25) presidential elections.

We have always known Chief Obasanjo to harbour anti-democratic proclivities. But never did one anticipate this effrontery, this in-your-face audacity by the General and his co-travellers to seek to re-enact the perfidious circus that eventuated in the June 12 annulment of 1993, thereby plunging the country into needless catastrophe yet again.

There is clearly no basis — whether legal or moral — to cancel an election which, on the whole, has been adjudged by the Commonwealth Observer Group as a significant improvement on all previous elections.

Nothing perhaps readily exemplifies this than the outcome of the presidential election in Lagos where the ruling party, APC, lost to Labour Party the home base of its candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the first in the last 24 years!

Of course, the “feat” has since been celebrated with wild jubilation in social media as proof of “transparency and credibility” of the Saturday elections. But the song of celebration echoed by Obasanjo and his cohorts seems to change only where APC won! Note, on the same day that Labour won Lagos, opposition PDP also won the following key states namely Katsina (home of President Muhammadu Buhari); Plateau (home of DG of APC Campaign, Governor Solomon Lalong who also lost his senatorial election); Nasarawa (home of APC National Chairman, Senator Adamu); Kaduna (home of Governor El Rufai, Special Adviser to APC Campaign) and Kano (home of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, another Special Adviser to the APC Campaign whose son also lost House of Reps bid).

So, considering this overwhelming backdrop, what else could still be driving the cry of “massive rigging” and call for outright cancellation of results if not perfidy and pure treason? Just how possible is it to nurture democracy without democrats?

For instance, results authenticated by INEC show that Obasanjo, the promoter-in-chief of the Labour Party candidate, could not deliver his polling unit in Abeokuta, Ogun State to his anointed as he only secured 9 votes to the 56 votes scored by the APC candidate. Part of the issue with Chief Obasanjo is indeed the lack of shame and comportment expected of his stature as former president. Otherwise, having openly expressed partisan interest in Peter Obi and proceeded to campaign vigorously for him and then getting beaten soundly in his own very polling unit in Abeokuta, he should know he had ipso facto forfeited the privilege to invoke the spirit of statesmanship to speak in the lofty terms he now aspires.

To be sure, one aligns oneself with competent opinion already offered by legal authorities that the INEC is in order thus far vis-a-vis the announcement of results, consistent with the extant provisions of the Electoral Act. In any case, the provisions of the law clearly avail anyone with contrary view to take advantage of the Election Petition Tribunal.

Inviting the cancellation of the results like Chief Obasanjo did is, therefore, akin to seeking to abort a pregnancy when the midwives already delivered the baby. A laughable exercise in futility indeed.

With this, Chief Obasanjo appears to finally confirm wild speculations that started gaining traction in the last several weeks of a subterranean resolve by some anti-democratic forces to short-circuit the 2023 electoral exercise and foist another Interim National Government on Nigeria by any means possible.

They are the amorphous group of self-interested, self-styled “owners of Nigeria” who arrogate to themselves the prerogative to forever dictate the outcome of every electoral exercise in Nigeria, in utter contempt of the democratic yearning and aspirations of the rest of the populace.

The owl’s flight in daylight is ominous indeed. How ironic that Obasanjo, who had absented himself from the Council of State meeting held two weeks ago at the Presidential Villa, out of spite, is suddenly adopting a solicitous language in an open letter to the same President Buhari.

Symbolically, what Chief Obasanjo is offering President Buhari in the unsolicited epistle is a poisoned chalice indeed. With the Saturday polls already receiving plaudits from all and sundry as “one with little or no monetary inducement of voters”, Chief Obasanjo must be stung to the marrow by bitter jealousy.

Out of mortal envy, he would not want President Buhari to go down in history as organising polls better than his, thereby potentially displacing him as the new authentic “moral voice” of the African continent after iconic Nelson Mandela. For the better part of President Buhari’s two terms, Obasanjo did all within his power to undermine the latter.

At international fora, he never let any opportunity pass without attempting to discredit the incumbent president who ironically is widely adjudged to have recorded more tangible achievements in office with lesser resources compared to the preceding 16 years of PDP profligacy of which Obasanjo had the distinction of squandering billions of dollars with nothing to show.

A classic example was the $16b splurged on phantom power projects that only generated more darkness for Nigerians by 2007 when Obasanjo’s tenure ended. Now that he has a sinister agenda, the Ota famous letter-writer is suddenly shouting “hosanna!” to the same President Buhari, in a shameless emotional blackmail.

Throughout his eight-year imperial reign, the name, Obasanjo, was of course a by-word for bare-faced electoral robbery and willful subversion of due process. Nigerians will indeed never forget how Obasanjo’s enforcer and INEC chair, Professor Maurice Iwu, had, for instance, appeared in Abuja in 2007 to declare PDP winner of Katsina elections while voting was still ongoing!

So indefensible was the process that eventually ushered in President Umar Yar’Adua that he was forthright enough to openly admit Obasanjo’s “electoral atrocities”, and thereafter sought atonement by instituting electoral reforms contained in the Justice Uwais Report.

Against this backcloth, it might not be out of place to now ask lovers of democracy in Nigerian to stay vigilant at this critical moment against the antics of Obasanjo and other so-called “owners of Nigeria” intent on derailing democracy with a view to sustaining their chokehold on the neck of the Nigerian nation.