Author Archives: MOONLIGHT NEWS

The west Africa Politcal Writers Association, Nigeria chapter has recommended the nomination of Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Fakai as Minister of Youth Development.

The Country Director General and coordinator of the group, Comrade Stephen Jonathan, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Abubakar Sadiq Fakai as minister of youth development to permit to serve as statutory member of the Federal Executive Council.

He made the call through a Press Statement issued to Journalists in Abuja.

He further explained that Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Fakai was one of the members of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, who was actively involved in the campaigns across the length and breath of Nigeria in order to get the APC and its presidential candidate succeed in the 2023 presìdential election.

He said, Abubakar Sadiq has demonstrated exemplary leadership in most of the responsibilities assigned to him that were youth-oriented, adding that if appointed, Abubakar Sadiq would work collectively to actualise the president Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope agenda for the Nigerian youth.

“Hon. Abubakar Sadiq is an experienced person who will pilot the affairs of programme and policies of Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration in the youth ministry if appointed”.

“He will play a major role in the government and he will demonstrate and display his potentials”.

The Coordinator reiterated that It is on this note, the west Africa Politcal Writers Association Nigeria chapter, wish to nominate the personality of Honourable Abubakar Sadiq Fakai, as Minister of Youth Development for his unprecedented track records.

“With his overwhelming wealth of experience and exposure, we are confident that if appointed as Minister of Youth, Abubakar Sadiq will transform the ministry into an enviable eldorado by employing the necessary mechanism to enable the ministry attain its full capacity,” he said.

The west Africa Politcal Writers Association, however stated with full confidence that appointing Abubakar Sadiq as Minister of Youths Development will be the best gift to Nigeria Youth and Nigeria as a whole.

Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Fakai is a native of kebbi State.

He has numerous record of youth empowerment, building youth and women in various leadership position.

He was a former banker, former member APC National executive committee (NEC), former APC National Zonal youth leader 2018-2022, presently National Leader of APC Integrity Movement, which contributed immensely for the successes of APC and president Bola Tinubu presidential election 2023.
He has bagged many honor and award in his name from reputable organizations towards his outstanding role and contribution in youth development.

The Group Managing Director and Staff of Blackwell Group felicitate with the Executive Governor of Zamfara State Dr. Dauda Lawal as he marks his birthday today.

In the Birthday message personally signed by the GMD of Blackwell Group, Alhaji Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, the Management commended Governor Lawal’s commitment to ensuring good governance in Zamfara State after he was sworn-in .

The message further reads:” As we wish the people’s Governor Happy Birthday, we pray for good health; long life and Allah’s Protection ,as we urge him to continue the good works of advancing the course of good governance and social harmony in our dear Zamfara State.

“We equally use this medium to commend your transformative,inspirational leadership and determination to make Zamfara State a secured and prosperous State.

” May Allah give you strength; bless you and give you long life to serve the state meritoriously.

“We wish you Allah’s Rahamah, countless mercies and protection from enemies.

” appy Birthday Sir !!!”

Treat journalists as partners not rivals, group tells lawmakers

The Association of Igede Media Professionals (AIMP) has urged lawmakers to always see journalists as partners and desist from attempts to intimidate them at the slightest opportunity.

In particular, AIMP urged the member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. David Ogewu, to make deliberate efforts to improve his relationship with journalists within and outside his constituency in order to avoid unnecessary friction and foster the much needed peace and unity in Igedeland.

In a statement signed by its President, Egena Ode, the group noted the invitation and interrogation of its member, Mr. James Ibechi, by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, a fortnight ago allegedly at the behest of Hon Ogewu.

AIMP argued that the journalist was made a scapegoat on the alter of political disharmony within the local chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement read: “Penultimate Thursday, our colleague and Editor of JamesIbechi.com, Mr James Ibechi, was invited by the DSS in Makurdi for interrogation over a report he published.

“We were informed that the DSS personnel took the action following a complaint to them by the member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable David Ogewu, alleging that Mr Ibechi was out to smear his character and political career with the said report.

“As a group of professionals with the sacred mandate of defending Igedeland and fostering unity among its people, we take issues of breach of journalism ethics very seriously. In this particular case, however, we have found that the essential requirements of an investigative report were carefully adhered to by the writer.

“We wish to clearly state that Mr. Ibechi, from our findings, is a victim and scapegoat of internal dispute in Oju chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) where party leaders and officials did not seem to be on the same page with respect to the Women Empowerment Programme of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

“We are, therefore, miffed by the action taken by Hon Ogewu for resorting to the security agents a matter that can easily be resoved in a brotherly way. This approach is condemnable and reprehensible, more so as it is happening at a time all Igede sons and daughters needed to bond together in view of the prevalence of inter and intra ethnic clashes arround the land.

“Despite the provocation that this mistreatment of our colleague has elicited, and the seeming calculated attempt to undermine our profession, we still have high regards for Hon Ogewu and have decided to treat this affront as a family issue. That’s why we have resorted to this advisory approach.

“Going forward, therefore, we advise Hon Ogewu to see journalists as partners rather than enemies or political rivals, by making conscious efforts to improve his media relations and calling his overzealous aides to order. We have no doubt that will do him a world of good. While we will not condone any form of recklessness by our members, we’ll also not tolerate any act of repression or intimidation of our members by any politician, no matter how highly placed. We won’t say more!”

Northern Coalition of Socio-Political Group has called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint the former All Progressives Congress (APC) zonal National Youth Leader (North West), Abubakar Sadiq Fakai as the Minister for Youth Development.

The group said Fakai who hails from Kebbi State is the most competent and one with the technical know-how to occupy such a noble position, more so that he worked for Tinubu’s presidential victory in North West.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Kaduna, the chairman of the coalition group, Comrade Musa Mohammed said, “We wish to show our support and solidarity to Hon. Fakai to succeed and eventually be appointed as the Minister for Youth Development.

“Fakai was the former APC Zonal National Youth Leader (North West) and is the most competent and one with the technical know-how to occupy such a noble position. We wish to show our support and solidarity to Hon. Fakai to succeed and eventually be appointed as the Minister for Youth Development.

“His role was from the primaries to the election. He played a vital role in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence as President of Nigeria.

“Fakai has the capacity to take the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian Youths. He has served both in the private and public sectors. As a card-carrying member of the APC, Fakai has been loyal, dedicated and committed to the party. Fakai also played a significant role in the successes recorded by APC nationwide.

“The coalition of the political support group supported the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Presidential election”.

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

The peace of the nation would be guaranteed with the appointment of Major General Chris Musa as chief of defence staff.

Hon. Abubakar Mahmoud Jarma made statement during an interview with Journalists in Abuja on Friday.

He said General Musa is a man with distinct in his profession.

“The defence of the nation is in good hand”.

“General Musa pedigree is well known. And I’m confident with Gen. Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, the defence of the nation is in good hands.”

“With the appointment of General Musa as the new Chief of Defense Staff, the armed forces will even do better”.

“We certainly are well pleased that the security and defence of our nation are in good hands.
“The growth and development of the armed forces is in good hands and so be rest assured that Musa along with his team of service chiefs will do their best to deliver”.

He said Gen. Musa has displayed an all-new level of patriotism, dedication, and service to the nation.

“We really appreciates the leadership strides of the new chief of defence staff, under whose leadership the Nigerian military are displaying a high sense of professionalism and loyalty to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when it matters the most. The recent seamless collaboration amongst the security agencies is a testament to one of the leadership qualities of Gen. Musa since he assumed office as the chief of defence staff”.

“The new Chief of Defence Staff with his team, will not rest on their oars until they tackle the country’s security challenges, he added.

A group under the auspices of Northwest Progressives Forum(NPF) has lent its weight behind the choice of former Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Badaru as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, saying President Bola Tinubu made an informes choice.

Addressing a Press Conference in Kaduna on Wednesday, the group’s Director of Strategic Communications, Adamu Isa said notwithstanding the mixed reactions that followed Badaru’s choice as Defence Minister, President Tinubu deserves commendation, given the new Minister’s trajectory.

“As Governor of Jigawa State, he received Security Report every morning as the first item on his official menu. This was moreso because the Chief Security Officer of Jigawa State. He cannot therefore be said to be a novice in modern governance and related issues of safety and security of citizens. Jigawa State today, is one of the most peaceful States in Nigeria”, the group argued.

Turning to the narrative that the new Minister may find the job hard without being a train as a soldier, the group declared: ” Those who are suddenly peddling the narrative that the Minister has no military training are merely out to distract attention because a Nigerian Minister’s role is coordination of the activities of core professionals under his supervision.

“We recall that another former governor from the Northwest, Engr(Dr) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso held the same portfolio of Defence Minister and performed effectively and efficiently. This was moreso because being a Minister is no rocket science”, Adamu argued.

The group expressed excitement over what it describes as news reports that “the new Minister of Defence has immediately swing into action as he is already assembling a team of experts to assist him in the discharge of this important assignment.”

Adamu explained that the effort by Badaru to assemble a team of experts was a proof that the man knows his focus and ” the correct team composition for effective and efficient delivery of his duties”.

The NPF also said ” His Excellency Badaru is not new to the critical details of National Defence Policy, the guiding norm of the entire Defence Ministry”.

They gave a list of the essential elements of the country’s National Defence Policy as follows:-

•Maintaining men of the Nigerian Armed Forces in a state of combat readiness on land, sea and air.

•Maintaining a proper balance in arms and men to meet the needs of internal and external security;

•Making provision for the welfare of the men of the Armed Forces in terms of training, accommodation, health care and other benefits aimed at boosting their morale.

•Enhancing the capability and sophistication of the country’s Defence Industries in order to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign sources of supply.

•Ensuring security in the African continent by the promotion of a collective defence system through bilateral, sub-regional and continental co-operation to ward off external aggression and to attain the African objective of the national foreign policy

•Contributing towards peace and stability in the world as a whole through the United Nations, African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The group s commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “considering a competent, patriotic person with proven track record of delivering on his assignments for decades.”

Adamu then declared: “Having done our independent checks and consultation with experts in modern military art and warfare, we are convinced that the appointment of His Excellency Mohammed Badaru as Minister of Defence is a game-changer, in the spirit of Renewed Hope.”

They also pledged to continue praying for the new Minister to succeed in the new national assignment.

‘Uba Sani will succeeded in changing the face of education in kaduna with so many success’.

BY COMRADE MUSA MOHAMMED

In a federation like Nigeria, development and growth of the country does not only depends on the leadership of the president who is at the center. State governors are also key in ensuring growth and development. In my view, leadership at the state level is even more important than that of the central government because Nigeria is a heterogeneous nation with different tribes and culture.
Over the years, all the states in Nigeria have been ruled by different people. Since Nigeria got her independence in 1960 and started practicing federalism, the achievements and accomplishments of some of our governors has been documented in different journals, books and even magazines.
Governor Senator Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Kaduna State is an example of an accountable and responsible governor.
Uba Sani is the only governor amongst the newly governors that has did something totally different to the development of education in Kaduna state.
Governor Uba Sani may not be the best governor kaduna State has ever had, but I must confess that he is one of the most performing amongst all the state governors in Nigeria currently despite with the challenges across the state.  
He is not like other governors that talks too much and not put their words into execution.
There are other wonderful things not mentioned here. He may not be perfect but he will be one of the best the kaduna State has had.
If you want to mention governors in Nigeria that talk and do exactly what they say, Governor Uba Sani is one of them. He is one of leaders that actually had a plan for his people before taking up the power to lead.

I strongly believe he is going to do more great things in Kaduna State with the kind of spirit he has.
The governor will definitely did well in the education sector, he would lay a solid foundation for the development of education in the state.
Uba Sani knows and appreciates the value of education in the socio-economic development of the society. He therefore not only identified education sector as a top priority of his administration as second to security, but also made education the centre-piece of his administration’s policies and programmes; hence his decision to invest massively in the sector in order to make kaduna work again and expand the horizon of good governance and accountable leadership in the state anchored on agenda.
With this commitment Gov. Uba Sani swung into action to fulfil his promises to the people.
His foresight over the downward review of all the State- owned tertiary institutions’ fees’, and  his determination to provide access to free and qualitative education for every child in Kaduna State from primary to secondary school, is a laudable achievement.

 The executive Governor has take a bold-step Governor by approving of the downward review of school fees for all state- owned tertiary institutions by 30 and 50 percent.
His action was a positive responds to the public outcry over hike in fees being charged by the state tertiary institutions and its effect on school enrolment and retention.

The reduction in tuition fees in all the state- owned tertiary institutions by Governor Uba Sani, including Kaduna Sate University, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, College of Education Gidan Waya,Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi respectively, is highly appreciated and commendable.
 His initiatives and policy on education are not only people oriented but friendly and good gesture worthy of emulation by all and sundry across party line.
Despite with the limited resources, intimidating debt profile and battered economy that depended solely on federal allocations and poor internally-generated revenue, Uba Sani will succeeded in changing the face of education in kaduna with so many success.

What we have seen so far in Kaduna state is of high quality and satisfactory. There is evidence of focus and commitment, and a clear interest in promoting education and empowering our children to survive in an increasingly complex technology driven global system.

The man is keeping to his campaign promises.
He Will definitely make Kaduna great.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani has announced the downward review of current fees in state-owned tertiary institutions. 
Under the new fees regime, the fees have been reviewed as follows;a) Kaduna State University – Current Fee: N150,000 – Reduction (%): 30% – New Fee: N105,000b) Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic – Current Fee: N100,000 – Reduction (%): 50% – New Fee: N50,000c) College of Education, Gidan Waya – Current Fee: N75,000 – Reduction (%): 50% – New Fee: N37,500https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-3356599286540252&output=html&h=300&adk=1638997310&adf=2973097331&pi=t.aa~a.626518956~i.89~rp.4&w=360&lmt=1692633323&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=3239596023&ad_type=text_image&format=360×300&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsreservoir.com%2F%3Fp%3D16849&fwr=1&pra=3&rh=284&rw=340&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&sfro=1&wgl=1&fa=27&uach=WyJMaW51eCIsIiIsIng4NiIsIiIsIjEwOC4wLjUzNTkuMTI4IixbXSwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJOb3Q_QV9CcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTA4LjAuNTM1OS4xMjgiXSxbIkdvb2dsZSBDaHJvbWUiLCIxMDguMC41MzU5LjEyOCJdXSwwXQ..&dt=1692633321933&bpp=52&bdt=29987&idt=53&shv=r20230816&mjsv=m202308150101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D9fb88d33b9a1c3f0-227f2d7e9ce200f6%3AT%3D1688797158%3ART%3D1692633319%3AS%3DALNI_MaxyxLR9HVy_f2InTM4wpBGq_4igg&gpic=UID%3D00000c655e364d28%3AT%3D1688797158%3ART%3D1692633319%3AS%3DALNI_MYfQ9xVU12porRTl5RtyE4C6tqV6w&prev_fmts=360×300%2C360x300%2C0x0%2C320x50&nras=2&correlator=1565640972919&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=613591266.1692633318&ga_sid=1692633318&ga_hid=1582912989&ga_fc=0&u_tz=60&u_his=1&u_h=800&u_w=360&u_ah=800&u_aw=360&u_cd=24&u_sd=2&dmc=4&adx=0&ady=1977&biw=360&bih=656&scr_x=0&scr_y=1038&eid=44759837%2C44759876%2C44759927%2C31077090%2C31077093%2C31077148%2C44795922%2C31076998%2C44799580&oid=2&pvsid=1157984595337020&tmod=1268129617&uas=3&nvt=2&fc=384&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C360%2C0%2C360%2C712%2C360%2C712&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=7&uci=a!7&btvi=3&fsb=1&xpc=FLMg3CItjr&p=https%3A//newsreservoir.com&dtd=1262d) Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences & Technology, Makarfi •HND Courses – Current Fee: N100,000 – Reduction (%): 30% -New Fee: N70.000 •ND Courses – Current Fee: N75,000 – Reduction (%): 30% – New Fee: N52,000e) Kaduna State College of Nursing – Current Fee: N100,000 – Reduction (%): 30% – New Fee: N70,000.
In a press statement made available to Journalists in Kaduna, through theChief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kaduna State, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, said,“The Governor made this downward review known during a media parley with pressmen at the Government House, Kaduna on Monday 21st August 2023.”
According to the Governor, the review was part of his commitment in keeping his campaign promises to the people of Kaduna.
“During the electioneering campaigns and on assumption of office on May 29, 2023, we made a solemn commitment to the citizens of Kaduna State to run a people – centred, all-inclusive administration that shall leave no one or any part of Kaduna State behind. 
In response to the public outcry over the current fees being charged by tertiary institutions in Kaduna State and its effect on school enrolment and retention, I directed Heads of Tertiary Institutions in conjunction with the Ministry of Education to obtain relevant information on the extant fees regime in state owned tertiary institutions.” the Governor said.“This downward review of the extant fees regime aligns with KDSG’s commitment to offer palliatives to cushion the effect of general rising cost of living in the polity, especially in the wake of recent petroleum subsidy removal in Nigeria.
“The welfare of the people remains this administration’s topmost priority administration and the Kaduna State Government shall continue to take all measures necessary to ensure access to free and qualitative education for every child in Kaduna State from primary to secondary school; expand access to higher education; enhance Teachers’ Welfare & Teaching Standards: improve School Infrastructure; build ICT competence in our students from basic education level; and intensify investments.The statement emphasized.

Northern Youths Forum on Politcal Matters, a socio-political group, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider a young person like Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Sa’adu former APC National zonal Youth leader for appointment as the Minister for Youth in his cabinet.

The group made the statement through it’s National president Comrade Mohammed Abdallah Shani, in Abuja.

“With the current redeployment of ministers, he Federal Ministry of Youth is to be re-assigned to a Minister-Designate soon, we humbly call on Mr President to kindly consider appointing Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Sa’adu as the Minister of Youths.

“He has a vast array of qualities and experienced in where he served in both public and private sector.

“We believe that appointing him as a youth as the minister will enable Mr President leverage on the creativity, energy and resourcefulness of the Nigerian youth.

“This time, it should be youth for youth.He said that the group believed that nominating Sadiq Abubakar would add value to the youth.

“Abubakar Sadiq is the Best Man For Youth Minister”.

Comrade Mohammed Shani said, “Sadiq  Abubakar Sa’adu is the best man for the job, emphasizing that the position should be given to him if we look at his profile and his contribution to the success of APC and president Tinubu in 2023 general election”. 

 “He is the best man for the job. 
“You will be surprised what Abubakar Sadiq will bring to the youth and the country if appointed. 

Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Sa’adu Fakai, is Currently National Leader APC integrity movement, 2022 to date,One of the leading movement that supports His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency. 
Contested for APC Federal house of representatives, representing Zuru, Fakai, Danko-Wasagu andSakaba Federal constituency: 2022. 
Contested for office of National organizing secretary, APC National convention 2022.
Served as APC National zonal Youth leader, North-west zone/ member national executive committee (APC) NEC 2018-2022.  
North-West Youth coordinator, APC presidential campaign.
Member, contact and mobilization APC presidential campaign council.
Member, Women and Youth APC presidential campaign council.
 Chairman APC Non- NWC forum 2020-2022. 
Treasurer APC Non-NWC 2019-2020. 
National mover and kebbi state coordinator, not too young to run bill 2016.
Contested forAPC Federal house of representatives, representing Zuru, Fakai, Danko-Wasagu and Sakaba Federal constituency: 2019

BY DR. MAHMOUD DANTSOHO

This special piece is a tribute to the late Emir of Zazzau Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku Dan Abdullahi Dan Hammada Dan Yamusa, the sixteenth Emir of Zazzau who passed away on Friday, August 21st 1959. To day is exactly sixty-four years since he left this world. Sarkin Zazzau, Limamin-gari, Alkalin-gari, builder of modern Zazzau Emirate, the embodiment of humility and leadership. In fact, let truth be told, records have shown that Emir Malam Ja’afaru had never in his reign as Emir to publically humiliate or disgraced  his subjects or his perceived adversary royal ranks. He had never betrayed the royal confidence reposed in him by the four royal dynasties and he was always amending fence between the ruling dynasties. However before going into the subject matter, it is pertinent to state that quite a lot has been written, said and still people are saying good things about Emir Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku in Zaria and beyond. In fact, no Emir of Zazzau had enjoyed such a feast from 1903 to date. He was a beacon of peace and comfort to his subjects and all the four ruling dynasties in Zazzau Emirate. To those who do not know, Zazzau Emirate is located in the Northwest of Nigeria in the present-day Kaduna State and north of the state. For centuries, it has been a land of diversity and it retained this unique heterogeneous nature even before the Sokoto Caliphate, colonial administration and post-independence period of Nigeria. The Emirate has served as a bridge and is still serving as a political, economic and cultural centre of importance to the geostrategic corridor of Hausaland for the flow of goods, services and ideas from the North to South as well as South to North of present-day Nigeria. 

The hospitality of its people and the leadership styles of its Emirs are some of the raison d’être that attract people to the Emirate. The position Zazzau is occupying now is naturally not by accident but through the hard work and foresight of its past leaders’ right from the 16th century, when the legendary Queen Amina completed the unification process of Zazzau state from settlement-centres to statehood down to the period of modern day Zazzau Emirate.  However, the Emir that uniquely stands out, and extends the frontiers of a solid foundation of a modern heterogeneous and cosmopolitan Emirate, which subsequent Emirs built on was Sarkin Zazzau Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku Dan Abdullahi 1937-1959; the sixteenth Emir of Zazzau under the Fulani rule and the ninth Emir from the Barebari dynasty line; the fourth Emir of Zazzau to be crowned by the colonial government and the last to be installed by them in Zazzau Emirate in 1937. And the first Katukan Zazzau to ascended the throne of Zazzau since then! Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku Dan Abdullahi Dan Hammada Dan Yamusa ascended the throne of the Zazzau Emirate midway into colonial rule in Northern Nigeria in 1937. 

His enthronement as Emir of Zazzau marked a watershed and a defining period in the Emirship rule in Zazzau Emirate in view of the great changes that were taking place in the colonized world. It was also a period when new colonial policies in Africa were taking shape and great depression of 1930s was overcome. Similarly, it was a period, when the colonial administrators, especially Great Britain were disturbed by Adolf Hitler of Germany war drum beat. Also, it was during his reign in Zazzau that the British administrators sought the cooperation and support of traditional rulers towards mobilizing Africans to participate in the World War Two. Ja’afaru’s ascension to the throne of Zazzau coincided with the period, when African nationalists such as Zik, Awalowo, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sa’ad Zungur and Malam Aminu Kano to mentioned but few were agitating for participation in colonial administrations in Northern Nigeria in particular and Nigeria in general. It is also instructive to note that Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku ascended the throne of Zazzau barely a year when Sultan Hassan Dan Mu’azu passed away and Sir Abubakar Dan Shehu Usman III emerged as the new Sultan of Sokoto in 1938. Ja’afaru’s appointment from the title of Katukan Zazzau was the third successive appointment to the throne by the British from offices which had not previously supplied Zazzau with any Emirs. 

Therefore, Malam Ja’afaru by his appointment as Emir with the title of Katukan to ascend the throne of Zazzau had increased the qualification of it holders to the throne of the royal ranks. Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku remained the first longest reigning Emir in Barebari dynasty line with twenty-four years and some months as Emir and the second longest reigning Emir of Zazzau after Sarkin Zazzau Alhaji Shehu Idris with forty-five years since the establishment of the Emirate system of government from 1808 to date. Also, Ja’afaru’s grandfather Abdullahi Dan Hammada, who ascended the throne of Zazzau with the title of Madakin Zazzau is the third longest reigning Emir with twenty-one years while Sarki Alu Dan Sidi of Mallawa dynasty is the fourth longest reigning Emir in Zazzau with seventeen years on the throne and closely followed by Emir Alhaji Muhammadu Aminu of Katsinawa dynasty with fifteen years clinching the fifth position as the longest reigning Emir in Zazzau.  Indeed, the ascension to the throne of Zazzau Emirate by Mallam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku marked a turning point in the history of Emirship in Zazzau as he remained the first Emir to ascend the throne as a grandson of Emir rather than being a direct son of Emir since the establishment of Zazzau Emirate in 1808 by Mujahidun. 

Since that time, the successive Emirs that followed him are all grandsons of Emirs. Thus, Emir Alhaji Muhammadu Aminu Dan Abubakar the immediate successor of Mallam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku was the great grandson of Sarki Abdulkarim, the founder of Katsinawa dynasty in Zazzau. Emir Alhaji Shehu Idris also of Katsinawa dynasty, who succeeded Muhammadu Aminu, was the grandson of Emir Muhammadu Sambo. 

The last but not the least on the list of grandsons that ascended the throne of Zazzau is the present Emir Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli of the Mallawa dynasty who is the great-great grandson of Mallam Musa Bamalli, the founder of Mallawa dynasty and the first Fulani ruler of Zazzau. Therefore, in the last sixty four years, it has been only grandsons ascending the throne of Zazzau; a gate opened by Mallam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku. Mallam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku, being the precursor of all grandsons of Emirs that ascended the throne of Emirship in Zazzau Emirate to date, became a reference point in the criteria of selection of Emirs in Zazzau Emirate, especially if reasons that contributed to his appointment are put into consideration. Some of these reasons that contributed to the appointment of Mallam Ja’afaru as 16th Emir of Zazzau are; the consideration by the colonial authority that caution must be exercised if only indirect rule is to maintain a complete hold on the Emirates of Northern Nigeria with long history and experience of governance. Put differently, colonial authority needs an Emir, who could unite the four ruling dynasties of Zazzau Emirate, the people of the Emirate that are heterogeneous by nature; an Emir who commands respect in the Emirate and above all an Emir, who had formal western education. It suffices to state here that Malam Ja’afaru Dan-Isiyaku had gone to Dan-Hausa school in Kano. In fact, Sarki Ja’afaru was the first Emir in Zazzau Emirate to be installed during the colonial era that had formal western education and vast Islamic knowledge. None of the past Emirs in Zazzau during the colonial era; Alu Dan Sidi, Dalhatu Dan-Yero and Ibrahim Dan Kwasau, had formal western education. Such opportunities gave Emir Ja’afaru an edge over other contestants to the position of Emir of Zazzau.

Therefore, colonial authority’s conclusions fall on no other person than Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku, who was until his appointment holding the traditional tittle of Katukan Zazzau and district head of Zangon Kataf in the southernmost of the Emirate of Zazzau. Indeed, the appointment of Emir Ja’afaru to the throne marked the beginning of modern Emirate system of government in Zazzau. In addition to the factors stated above, the past records of Mallam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku as the district head of Zango Kataf together with his remarkable performance in handling crisis and managing the multi-ethnic groups in his district were commendable. As such, the colonial resident of Zaria became greatly satisfied with Katukan Zazzau, Malam Ja’afaru.  Katuka Ja’afaru had become a symbol of unity and simplicity in the whole of colonial-Zazzau Emirate. Consequently, these traits as well as his loyalty drew him closer to the colonial administration. Because they were watching, observing every movement of all the princes of Zazzau, especially district heads. Therefore, right from that period loyalty and dedication to duty became attributes that matter most and not individual flattering or whom you know or relate with, as we are witnessing today in appointing Emirs in Northern Nigeria. In fact, all these were central in the production of the kind of administrative prowess that manifested in the years of his reign as the Emir of Zazzau.

 It is indeed commonly held view around Zaria city and Zazzau Emirate as a whole that loyalty, confidence, hard work and education which the British authority had in Malam Ja’afaru earned him the throne of Zazzau against other candidates that contested with him. One unique attribute that distinguishes Malam Ja’afaru from his predecessors-Emir was his policy of bridging gaps and strengthening the relationship among the ruling dynasties of Zazzau through reviving and restoring some traditional titles and offices that had been rested or put on halt or the officers that had been suspended by the past Emirs because of palace intrigues and dynastic politics and sometime rivalry within the same family. For example, throughout my research on the life and reign of Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku as Emir in Zazzau I have never come across any historical evidence or heard from any reliable source that Sarki Ja’afaru had disrobed, removed or attempted to wipe up, ridicule or ruin any royal rank or house. Instead, he restored and revived most of the royal houses that were put up in comatose by the previous Emirs. Put differently Sarki Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku during his reign had extend a hand of followership to all the four ruling dynasties.

 He distributed royal titles equally among the royal ranks. This is a fact-checking and I stand to be corrected! Sarki Ja’afaru’s administrative and uncommon leadership style is a complete departure from the style of his predecessor-Emirs, whereby whenever a new Emir emerged; he would embark on personal dismissal, removal and reorganisation of some Emirate officials to favour his dynasty and clienteles. A point in sight is when Alu Dan Sidi of the Mallawa ruling dynasty became the Emir of Zazzau in 1903, he disrobed Barebari dynasty line some titles, especially the sons of the deposed Emir Kwasau (1898-1902)from the offices and replaced them with his clienteles and Mallawa line supporters. For example, Madaki Ibrahim was removed from the office of Madaki and his son Madaki Saidu replaced him. As a testimony of his administrative prowess, Mallam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku on assumption to the throne of Emir of Zazzau revived, restored and re-instated some titles such Galadiman Zazzau to Hayatu Lawal Kwasau, the son of Emir Kwasau from Barebari dynasty line and the title of Dan Madami later from Zubairu Dan Ibrahim to Umaru Dan Ibrahim. This gesture of Sarki Ja’afaru earned him respect among late Emir Ibrahim family (especially Hayatu’s family) and reduced the feud that was within the dynasty. Also, as part of the process of bridging the gaps and restoring confidence into the traditional system of government in the Emirate as well as strengthening the relationship among the ruling families of Zazzau, Sarki Ja’afaru reinstated Muhammadu Sambo, the grandson of Malam Tajo Dan Musa of the Mallawa dynasty line, who was stripped up of his position as Wambai and Sarkin- Sabon-gari-Zaria respectively by late Emir Ibrahim Dan Kwasau because of his popularity among colonial administrators and the achievements he recorded. In addition to this, Emir Ja’afaru revived the title of Magajin-garin Zazzau which was put up on comatose when Magajin -gari Malam Muhammadu Maikawari Dalhatu and Magajin-gari Abdu passed away from Barebari line and bestowed to Muhammadu Sambo from Mallawa line, the title of Magajin-Garin-Zazzau and district head of Kaduna, the most metropolitan district in the whole of Zazzau Emirate. Muhammadu Sambo nurtured the title and promoted it and discharged his duties effectively and diligently; a development that made the title of Magajin-Gari-Zazzau famous and the pride of every prince of Zazzau till date. Today, in Zazzau, Magajin-gari title is the pride of Mallawa ruling dynasty and one of the princely titles being sort for by princes of Zazzau. This had shown that Emir Malam Ja’afaru was the Sarki for all the four ruling dynasties not for the Barebari line alone! Another charismatic leadership style of Emir Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku that changed the narrative and trajectory of Emirship of Zazzau Emirate, is appointing prominent, hardworking and deserving persons into positions and offices of importance in the Emirate without considering their dynasty line. He bestowed the title of Ciroman Zazzau in the Emirate to Muhammadu Aminu, and also the district head. Ciroman Zazzau Aminu was from the Mallawa dynasty and from the family line of Abubakar Darda’u, one of the sons of Sarki, Malam Musa. Interestingly, Ciroma Aminu is a paternal uncle to the present Emir of Zazzau and one of the grandsons of Sarki Malam Musa family line.It is also pertinent to note that Ciroman Zazzau Aminu was the first person to be conferred with that title in Zazzau Emirate. Since then, Zazzau Emirate has had five people conferred with the titles of Ciroman Zazzau, they are; Ciroma Muhammadu Aminu, Ciroma Muhammadu Hayatu; the son of Galadima Hayatu Lawal Kwasau, Ciroma Abdullahi Nuhu, the great – grandson of Emir Abubakar Mai Kofa and the fourth was Ciroma Alhaji Sa’idu Mailafiya, the great grandson of Alu Dan Sidi, who was stripped up of his title by the present Emir Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli and the fifth person currently holding this title is Alhaji Shehu Tijjani Alu Dan Sidi, the grandson of Sarki Alu Dan-Sidi. A cursory look at the list of those that held the title of Ciroman Zazzau reveals evidently that with the exception of Ciroma Muhammadu Hayatu all the remaining four people came from the Mallawa ruling dynasty. Sarki Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku also extended this magnanimity to Katsinawa dynasty line by elevating Alhaji Muhammadu Aminu son of Abubakar, son of Usmanu, son of Abdulkarim the founder of the Katsinawa dynasty, from Sarkin Sabon-garin-Zaria, a position sort of village head to the title of Iyan Zazzau. Before then, the title of Iyan Zazzau had remained vacant since the demise of Iya Abdullahi Dan Tajau Dan Musa Bamalli. Fortunately, Iyan Zazzau Muhammadu Aminu later succeeded Mallam Ja’afaru as the 17thEmir of Zazzau in 1959. It is instructive to note that from 1903-1937 there was no Emir in Zazzau that had exhibited high level of generosity, fairness and high-mindedness in the distribution of traditional titles that cut across all dynasties and social strata like Sarkin Zazzau Ja’afaru. In fact, one can say without any doubt that without the mentoring and promotional gestures of Sarki Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku, Alhaji Muhammadu Aminu Dan Abubakar would never have become the Emir of Zazzau. It was due to open mindedness of Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku, Iya Aminu was projected and promoted above the rest of the princes of Zazzau in spite of the fact that Iya Aminu came from the Katsinawa dynasty line, another dynasty rival to the throne. Moreover, as part of his fairness, kind heartedness, just and balance rule of law to all ruling classes in Zazzau, Sarki Ja’afaru refrained from disrobing his nephew Madaki Shehu from the position of Madakin Zazzau despite all the opportunities open to him to do so and replaced him with his brother Suleiman Dan Isiyaku as was the tradition then. Instead of doing so, he conferred his brother Suleiman Isiyaku the title of Katukan Zazzau. Toward the end of Sarki Ja’afaru’s life, he transferred Katuka Suleiman from Zangon Kataf district to Anchau district so that they could be seeing each other as brothers.Therefore, it would not be out of place for one to say that Sarki Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku Dan Abdullahi was a humble Emir, who had never been proud of his humility, who listened to the advice of his subjects no matter how low they were. A bridge builder Emir among the four ruling dynasties of Zazzau, who played the role of powerbroker between the royal houses of Zazzau through amending fences and reviving royal ranks, those were in comatose. Indeed, Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku was an embodiment of peace and tranquillity throughout his reigning period in Zazzau.  Put differently, Emir Ja’afaru throughout the period of his reign in Zazzau 1937-1959 had never hurt any of the four ruling houses in order to feel powerful or to demonstrate his dominant authority in the affairs of the Emirate as was the practice before his ascension to the throne.  Furthermore, Emir Ja’afaru had also played a mediating role between the British colonial authority and Nigerian political elites, especially during the period of anti-colonial struggle for self-government.

More challenging was the period, when Zazzau Emirate became a safe ground for NEPU elements and therefore Sarki Ja’afaru found himself in the midst of political rows between Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and NEPU, especially in Zaria where one of the NUPE elements Mahiru won the seat for federal Assembly against Turaki Ali a royal blood of Zazzau. Here Sarki Ja’afaru handled the case with care and pointed out to the premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto (his distant cousin) that as Emir, he was for all; the good, the bad and the ugly. He maintained that they were all his subjects and he must treat them equally. And that is what leadership requires! As such, he must remain neutral and non-partisan to his subjects. That was why Zazzau Emirate throughout his reign had never experienced or witnessed any kind of political skirmishes as it happened in Kano during the reign of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi I.Furthermore, it was during his reign the foundation of renovation and rehabilitation of the palace of the Emir of Zazzau started to a modern taste that other Emirs emulated. In fact, it was during his reign that the Emir of Zazzau house in Kaduna was relocated from Tudun Wadan Kaduna to Anguwan Sarki Kaduna. Similarly, it was during the reign of Sarki Ja’afaru that many areas were upgraded to the level of districts while the statuses of other districts were redesigned. For example, Sabon-garin Zaria was upgraded to the level of district from village with headquarter at Bomo. And the first district head of Sabon-gari was Alhaji Muhammadu Aminu, the Iyan Zazzau. 

It is pertinent to conclude by restating the fact that Emir Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku Dan Abdullahi Dan Hammada Dan Yamusa came to power in 1937 after the death of Emir Ibrahim Dan Kwasau at Kachia while touring the districts of the Emirate. Sarki Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku spent his youthful in the pursuit of knowledge of Islam. His close relation with past Emirs of Zazzau such as deposed Emir Alu Dan Sidi, late Emir Dalhatu and late Emir Ibrahim, colonial Administration as well as his dedication to duties and acquiring formal western education were some of the reasons that helped him in standing out among equals.From his appointment as acting district head and later district head of Zangon Kataf, the most multi-ethnic district in Zazzau Emirate, as well as his conferment with the title of Katukan Zazzau, Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku, is the Emir that both served as Sarki- Limamin-gari as well as Alkalin-gari whose taste and standard of living were a mark of simplicity, humility and embodiment of peace, tranquillity and bridge builder. He is a leader to every sons and daughters of Zazzau Emirate whose genuine smile, courteous and charming manner served as a beacon of comfort, generosity, fairness and justice to all Bazazzagi! Sarki Ja’afaru, who died on Friday August, 21st 1959 (sixty-four years ago), was the first Emir in the Barebari dynasty, whose remains was buried at gidan-Bokwa; the present day Zazzau palace. He would continue to be remembered as the founding father of modern Zazzau Emirate, an Emir held in high esteem by all the people of the Emirate and beyond, and also seen by many as a jinx breaker of the domineering posture of the direct sons of Emirs on the struggle for Emirship position in Zazzau Emirate as well as a revered saint (waliyi). No wonder people still continue to shower prayers seeking Allah’s blessings on his only male biological son, the Madakin Zazzau Malam Muhammadu Munnir Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku, Dan Abdullahi Dan Hammada, Dan Yamusa, the founder of the Barebari dynasty and the Second Fulani ruler in Zazzau Emirate.The question now is would princes that are direct sons of Emirs of Zazzau like Madakin Zazzau and others reclaim their domineering position of ascending the throne as immediate sons that has been taken away from them sixty-four years ago by Malam Ja’afaru? Would they continue to see grandsons of Emirs clinching the EMIRSHIP OF ZAZZAU? This and many other questions would only be answered by time and the will power of the princes of Zazzau.

 May Allah in His endless compassion grant Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku, Sarkin-Zazzau Na Sha-shidda (1937-1959) Al-janna Firdausi. Ameeen.
By Dr. Mahmoud Dantsoho.