Monday, March 18, 2024

Senate leadership: What Barau Jibrin will bring to 10th Assembly, by Saajid Ibrahim

Must read

- Advertisement -
tiamin rice

It is no more news that the Akpabio-Barau joint ticket for the Senate President and Deputy for the 10th National Assembly has continued to gain ground through endorsements from relevant quarters. From President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and governors in the ruling and opposition parties like Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and the immediate past governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike. among others and still counting.

As excitement grows for the 10th Assembly, especially the much-taunted June 13 elections that would usher in a fresh leadership of the hallowed chambers, the profile of Senator Akpabio is already ricocheting around political leaders and stakeholders. The choice of the duo as Senate leaders are so strategic for the All Progressives Congress, APC, cheaply because Akpabio, a former governor Minister, and his running mate, Senator Barau Jibrin, achievers and accomplished politician.

While Akpabio needs little or no introduction, Barau needs to be spotlighted in this write-up. Born in the ancient city of Kano, Barau holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, master’s certificate in Financial Management and pricing, master’s certificate in Management and Masters of Business Administration (MBA). He also holds a certificate in Financial Management for business decisions from the prestigious Cornell University, United States.

A former Chairman of the Kano State Investment and Properties Ltd, and Commissioner of Science and Technology in the state, Barau’s ardent dedication to his constituents inspired him to contest the Federal House of Representatives election to represent Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano State during the 1999 National Assembly elections, a contest in which he was victorious.

READ ALSO:   Onne, Calabar ports secure ISO certification — NPA

After a term in the House of Representatives, Barau joined the Senate is now a fourth-timer in the Red Chamber. Barau Jibrin has amassed an unparalleled wealth of experience and profound expertise that places him in a league of his own. In fact, currently, he is the most ranking Senator-elect from the North West and Kano State, who has sponsored bills and motions due to his unequal legislative experience.

Recently, the Progressive Youth Intellectuals, in collaboration with the Youths Digest, the organizers of the annual Campus Journalism Awards, endorsed Senator Barau for demonstrating remarkable skill and honesty in his interventions at the legislative chamber, especially on education, skill acquisitions and youth development.

It is against this backdrop that the Progressive Youth Intellectuals became convinced that Barau, a candidate from the North West Zone, is deserving of the coveted position of Deputy President of the Senate.

While in the House of Representatives, Barau chaired many committees, including Appropriations and Power. During his stay in the Green Chamber, Barau displayed his well-known intellectualism in prioritizing education, particularly for the younger generation by constantly championing the cause of young Nigerians.

He was a strong supporter of a bill to build the Federal University of Education Technology in Bichi, Kano State. He also sponsored bills to establish the Federal Polytechnic, Kabo. Sen. Jibrin also introduced another bill in 2020 to create the North West Development Commission to address gaps in infrastructural development in the region.

READ ALSO:   APC wins Gwaram Federal Constituency by-election
whatsApp

Senator Barau was named Northern Senator of the Year by the Nigerian Senate Press Corps in 2017. His success attests to his various services to national peace and prosperity, which resulted in his being named Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.

He also performed critical roles in several development projects while serving on the Niger Delta, Industries, Land Transportation, and Appropriations committees.

Even in the 2023 presidential election, Senator Barau demonstrated his competence and popularity by securing the second-highest number of votes for the All Progressives Congress. More so, Senator Barau’s districts in Northern Kano accounted for nearly half (200,000 votes) of the APC’s 513,000 votes in the state.

Further examination of the election results revealed that Senator Barau’s zone, the North West, provided the most votes for the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 presidential elections, totaling 2.7 million votes.

It is telling that Sen Barau was the only APC Senator who withstood the tumultuous wave of the New Nigerian People’s Party, NNPP, in Kano state, triumphantly winning his re-election bid and returning to the Senate. This alludes to the truth that the Senator is doing something right for his people.

READ ALSO:   Nigerian govt warns fuel station operators against pump alteration

Senator Jibrin continued his political climb, winning election to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015, representing Kano North Senatorial District on the All Progressives Congress platform. He repeated this feat in 2019 and 2023, winning three consecutive Red Chamber elections.

Finally, Sen. Jibrin’s character and incorruptible nature stand out as his most admirable qualities. His untainted reputation sets him apart as a leader who can be relied upon to act in the best interests of the Nigerian people. This sets him apart as a paragon of virtue in an era where trust in public officials is of paramount importance.

As a result, the candidacy of Sen. Jibrin for the esteemed office of Deputy Senate President in the 10th Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria becomes a beacon of hope for the nation. The unwavering support of the Progressive Youth Intellectuals, coupled with Jibrin’s relentless commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes and combating corruption confirms his position as the unquestionably right option for this critical role.

Electing Senator Barau Jibrin, CON, as the running mate of Senator Akpabio for Senate leadership will undoubtedly pave the road for unprecedented progress and development in Nigeria as a cohesive unit. They have proven to be prototypical leaders capable of leading the upper chamber in a period of “renewed hope” for the entire country.

Saajid Ibrahim, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.

- Advertisement -

More articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

Latest article

- Advertisement -
X whatsapp