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RE- Tinubu’s Visit To Kano Highlights Senator Barau’s Strength In Northern Nigeria
By Abba Anwar
I just stumbled on a piece authored by Alhaji Fahad Ogan Boye with the above caption, in the Daily Trust newspaper, of Today, Saturday 19th July, 2025. The piece is not only being “economical” – forgive my choice of words – with the so-glaring-truth, it does not state, in stronger and clearer terms, how the Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, should be seen, assessed and defined in the national scheme of things.
Author’s assessment starts with this, “The recent visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Kano State has underscored the strength and influence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, in Kano and across the North.”
Though a close ally and associate of the Senator, I still see him as somebody who didn’t appreciate how Senator Jibrin becomes an institution, first before any other encomium and acknowledgement. Almost all that he applauded about the Senator, came as a result of the strong foundation he laid ab initio.
It is absolutely true that, “The visit showcased the respect and admiration for the Senator, as well as his leadership and political prowess within the region.” I also add that, his unwavering popularity didn’t come to the fore by accident, it was as a result of many years of struggle, philanthropic engagements, focused political leadership and absolute loyalty to his mentors.
I thought the author would mention this aspect of total and absolute loyalty to Tinubu political leadership by the Senator, as among the reasons why his (Senator’s) contributions to humanity are appreciated in an enhanced manner and circumstances.
Appreciating Senator Jibrin’s influence, the author says “With this level of admiration from the people of Kano State, Senator Barau has distinguished himself as a leader and a strong pillar of the APC from Kano. His influence extends beyond Kano to other parts of Northern Nigeria, marking him as a significant leader in the region.”
Yes he states the obvious, with this remarks, that the Deputy Senate President is a significant leader across this region, North. As an addendum I can rightly say, the Distinguished Senator also has domineering relevance, influence and desired commitment to his people. Which Nigerian state can tap extremely well from him come next round of Tinubu’s rule.
It is absolutely true that, “Senator Barau didn’t achieve this by accident, he worked hard for it. He is a diligent senator, and his contributions are unprecedented in the North. He has initiated several developmental bills in the National Assembly and has made numerous interventions, including the recent establishment of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), which highlights his outstanding contributions,” as postulated by the writer.
I also believe with the writer’s submission that, Distinguished Senator was exceptional in his commitment for serious and productive legislative efforts. That was why, in my opinion, he excels in making diligent Bills presentations before the Senate Chambers, in broad areas that touch Nigerians as a whole. Not only those from his Senatorial District of Kano North, in Kano State.
As it is widely acknowledged and accepted, Senator Jibrin’s detribalised tendencies, as a national figure along other factors, are responsible for his nationalistic legislative engagements, where you see him presenting a Bill to establish schools and other life saving institutions across the breadth and length of Nigeria. This, in itself, is enough a reason why President Tinubu needs people like him closely.
As concluded by the writer that, “With this kind of performance, I believe Senator Barau can deliver the North for President Tinubu and our great party, the APC, in the forthcoming 2027 elections,” it is indeed an open issue to know and understand why Senator Jibrin is always busy with his legislative life. Even across ECOWAS states. As the First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament.
Even his colleagues at the Senate confirm his dedication, service to humanity, non-tribalistic approach, humane treatment to all and sundry, engaging discussions with sense of humility and above all, his unwavering loyalty to the party, APC, to the nation, to constituted authorities and to His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These postulations are always positive and will remain so for the humble Senator. Who sees reason in respecting people and who relates very well with his people. This is exactly what Northern people need from their leaders. Respect and humility. So Senator Jibrin can be a reliable ally and mentee for Mr President. This is just my humble opinion.
Anwar writes from Kano