By Abbati Bako,Uni-Kent Alumni-The UK’s European University
abbatibako@gmail.com
+2349077889959

This writing may likely surprise the reader for the fact that the Democratic system never has concern for your region, religion, tribe or type of skin, but your quality of leadership.

And again, the system is more concerned for your competence, merit, patriotism, knowledge, experience, sound health and your ready to lead. There are 47 qualities of leadership if a country or society needs to be developed. America, UK, Germany, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Qatar and Rwanda are excellent examples. Leadership is about doing excellent for the yearning and aspirations of the leader. pure and simple!

*History of Democracy:

Democratic system was initiated in Athens in 508 BC and since then the system has been in practice in all Continents of the World. The democratic system in America has a rich history spanning over two centuries.

The roots of American democracy date back to 1792, when followers of Thomas Jefferson adopted the name Republican to emphasize their anti-monarchical views. However, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that the Democratic Party began to take shape not in the US but the World over. The system is beautiful and fantastic so long as the rules, key elements and principles of the system are strictly followed accordingly.

The modern Democratic Party emerged in the 1820s and 1830s, with Andrew Jackson being a key figure in its development. The party’s first national convention was held in 1832, where Jackson was nominated for president. Since then, the Democratic Party has undergone significant transformations, particularly during the Civil War era and the 20th century.

Today, the democratic system in America continues to evolve, with ongoing debates about voting rights, campaign finance reform, and government accountability. Despite its imperfections, American democracy remains a powerful example of representative government and the rule of law.

Other key 57 elements and principles of the system includes Constitution, citizen, Legislative, Judiciary, Executive, elections, human rights, right of expression, right to association, political parties, social media, press, economy, civil servants, campaign. Others are civil society organizations, money, Electoral Commission, Law and Order, debate, alliance, political rallies, and again, information and communications as well as the rest of them.

*The history of American Presidents:

All 46 Presidents of the United States have been from North America, specifically from the United States. Research indicates that right from George Washington to the newly elected president Donald Trump none have been from South America. Meaning that the issue of democracy is not about region, religion, tribe or what’s the type of your skin or section of the country you come from. That is real democracy!

All 46 of the American presidents were born in various states across the United States, with Virginia being the birthplace of eight presidents, followed by Ohio with seven. Other states like New York, Texas, and Illinois have also been represented.

Virginia and Ohio are tied for producing the most U.S. presidents, with eight each. Virginia’s impressive list includes George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.

Ohio’s notable presidents are Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding. Although William Henry Harrison was born in Virginia, he’s often associated with Ohio, where he spent most of his life and served as a U.S. representative and senator.

New York follows closely with seven presidents, including Martin Van Buren, Millard Fillmore, Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Donald Trump.

*Is Nigeria among the best democracy in Africa or the Global South?

According to the Democracy Index, the top-ranked countries in each region are:

Africa
Mauritius, with a score of 8.08 out of 10, is considered the most democratic country in Africa. It has a robust electoral process, respect for civil liberties, and effective governance.

Asia
Japan, with a score of 8.15 out of 10, is the highest-ranked democracy in Asia. It boasts a strong electoral process, a free press, and a robust system of checks and balances.

Latin America
Uruguay, with a score of 8.91 out of 10, is considered the most democratic country in Latin America. It has a long tradition of democratic stability, a robust electoral process, and strong protection of civil liberties.These countries serve as examples of democratic excellence in their respective regions.

To be continued Insha’Allah

Dr. Abbati Bako,psc,bsis,mti, Political Strategy and Communications Consultant and PhD,.Researcher in Globalization Policy@Skyline University Kano and Treasurer Kano Chamber of Commerce

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano

Muhammad Garba’s rise from a young man in Kano to a reputable figure in public service, media, and union leadership is evidence of his commitment, foresight, and ceaseless work to improve Nigeria. A number of noteworthy accomplishments throughout his more than three-decade career demonstrate his development, tenacity, and unshakable dedication to the media industry, public service, and the people he represented.

*Early Beginnings in Journalism*

Born and raised in Kano State, Muhammad Garba was exposed to the rich cultural diversity and vibrant political atmosphere of northern Nigeria. His early years in Kano shaped his outlook and provided the foundation for his future endeavors.

Garba started working as a journalist in 1989 for Triumph Publishing Company Limited, one of the Kano’s most well-known media outlets. As a journalist, Garba soon came to see how the media could affect national debate and public sentiment. His ascent in the media sector was driven by his love of impactful, accurate reporting as well as his natural grasp of the function of journalism in society.

Notable were Garba’s strong work ethic, ability to meet deadlines, and astute editorial judgment. From reporter to sub-editor, chief sub-editor, group news editor, and finally deputy editor, he rose through the ranks quickly.

He developed his leadership skills in each of these positions while gaining the knowledge and expertise necessary to handle the intricacies of newsrooms. Garba played a crucial role in determining Triumph Publishing’s editorial direction as he rose through the ranks, helping to preserve the publication’s standing as a high-caliber news outlet.

*Union Leadership: A Champion for Journalists*

In addition to his achievements as an editor, Garba’s strong participation in unionism showed his leadership potential. He thought it was important to safeguard the rights and well-being of journalists, particularly in a setting where press freedom was frequently threatened. After being elected as Chapel-The Triumph’s chairman, Garba started his union involvement by assiduously defending the rights of the organization’s journalists.

Soon after, Garba’s leadership abilities and influence helped him rise to a higher position as president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). His career took a significant turn at this point. In this esteemed position, Garba promoted press freedom, improved working conditions, and moral principles for journalists throughout Nigeria.

Significant progress was made in press organization during his time as NUJ president, guaranteeing that journalists’ rights were upheld and their voices heard. Under his direction, the union consolidated its standing as a powerful force in Nigerian media, capable of interacting with employers, government officials, and civil society organizations to defend journalists’ rights.

*Transition to Public Service*

Given his extensive background in media, leadership, and public affairs, Garba’s move from journalism to public service was a logical one. He was in high demand for government jobs due to his reputation as an excellent communicator and his in-depth knowledge of the political environment.

He first served as the press secretary to both the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Deputy Governor of Kano State. In these roles, Garba was responsible for managing the flow of information between political offices and the public. His work as press secretary required him to be tactful, efficient, and strategic, ensuring that the political leaders he represented had a strong, clear message that resonated with the public and stakeholders.

Garba was appointed as the Commissioner for Information in the Kano State Government under former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR because of his expertise in media management and public relations.

As Commissioner for Information, Garba was tasked with managing government communications, including handling media relations, overseeing the dissemination of government policies, and ensuring transparency in governance. His ability to navigate the complexities of state media and his flair for crafting compelling narratives helped elevate the public image of the Kano State Government.

*Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the All-Progressive Congress (APC)*

Garba’s career achieved a new height when he was named Chief of Staff to Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, the National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC). In this capacity, Garba rose to prominence inside the ruling political party’s organizational apparatus. Managing the party’s operations, supervising communication tactics within the APC, and organizing important assignments for the National Chairman were among his responsibilities.

Garba was recognized for his extraordinary organizational and strategic skills when he was appointed Chief of Staff. He was given important assignments requiring a thorough comprehension of Nigerian politics, the objectives of the APC, and the effective execution of those goals.His behind-the-scenes efforts, which made sure the APC’s message reached its supporters efficiently, were crucial to the party’s operations and electoral campaigns.

Being Dr. Ganduje’s close advisor, Garba was essential in shaping the party’s policies and tactics, especially those concerning election and governance. In both local and national politics, the APC’s success was greatly aided by his capacity to organize extensive political operations.

*A Legacy of Service and Leadership*

Throughout his career, Muhammad Garba has exemplified the qualities of a servant leader: dedication, humility, and a tireless commitment to the people he served. Whether as a journalist, a union leader, or a public servant, Garba’s primary focus has always been on serving the public good. His influence in Nigerian journalism, unionism, and politics has left a lasting impact, one that will be felt for generations to come.

Garba has made a significant impact on the media landscape. More press freedom and a more professional media environment have been made possible by his efforts to improve the working circumstances of media practitioners and to fortify the Nigerian journalistic union. He demonstrated his capacity to serve the public with honesty and openness during his tenure as a public servant, making sure that the programs and policies actually benefited the populace.

As a political leader, Garba’s work with the APC influenced the party’s communication approach, which helped it remain effective and relevant in Nigeria’s rapidly changing political environment. His attempts to make sure the party ran smoothly contributed to its standing as one of Nigeria’s most powerful political organizations.

Muhammad Garba’s rise from the press to the top levels of public service is a compelling illustration of what is possible with diligence, tenacity, and a strong sense of purpose. He will always be regarded as a person whose contributions influenced the political, media, and public service environments of Nigeria. His career is a testament to the virtues of integrity, leadership, and determination.

In conclusion, everyone who wants to change their community can find inspiration in Muhammad Garba’s incredible journey. His accomplishments serve as evidence of the strength of dedication, development, and societal contribution. Future generations of Nigerian and international journalists, leaders, and public servants will surely continue to draw inspiration from Garba’s legacy.

Written by a digital journalist Umar Idris Shuaibu, from Kano.

By Auwalu Musa Yola.


Tucked away in the heart of Kano State, Nigeria, lies the ancient city of Madobi, a thriving community with a rich history and culture. Despite its significance, Madobi Local Government area remains an anomaly in the modern financial landscape ,it is one of the few cities in Kano State without a single commercial bank.

This glaring absence of banking services has far-reaching implications for the residents of Madobi, affecting every aspect of their lives, from commerce and trade to education and healthcare.

The lack of access to formal banking services has led to a reliance on informal financial systems, such as thrift collectors and money lenders, who often charge exorbitant interest rates.

Other challenges facing by the Community includes , Limited Access to Credits Without commercial banks, residents of Madobi struggle to access credit facilities, making it difficult for them to start or expand businesses, or even meet basic financial needs.Cash-Based Economy, The absence of banking services forces the community to rely heavily on cash transactions, making them vulnerable to theft, robbery, and other financial crimes.

Inefficient Payment Systems. The lack of electronic payment systems hinders the smooth operation of businesses, leading to delays and inefficiencies in transactions.

Limited Financial Inclusion.The unbanked status of Madobi excludes its residents from participating in the formal financial system, denying them access to essential financial services and opportunities.

The absence of commercial banks in Madobi Local Government area is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. To address this challenge,  I urge

Financial Institutions, Commercial banks, Like ,UBA, First Bank, Fidelity Bank, Jaiz Bank, G.T Bank  and other financial institutions to consider establishing branches in Madobi, providing much-needed financial services to the community.

Government Agencies, Relevant government agencies to support initiatives that promote financial inclusion and provide resources to facilitate the establishment of banking services in Madobi.

I also urge Community Leaders, as well as the Local Government Council Chairman to provide the unused Madobi Micro Finance Bank to one of these commercial banks mentioned above.

By providing this Micro Finance Bank to one of the commercial Bank , I belief  this  can bridge the financial gap in Madobi and unlock the community’s full potential.

Signed
Information Officer
Madobi Local Government
Auwalu Musa Yola
23/12/2024.

By: Dr. Sagir Buhari FCIA

Governance has been defined in various ways by scholars. Sir David Easton defines it as the process of making and implementing decisions that are binding on society. Harold Lasswell views governance as the study of the shaping and sharing of power. Robert Dahl defines it as the process of making decisions that affect citizens’ lives. In contrast, James Rosenau defines governance as systems of rule, the exercise of authority, and the provision of public goods and services. According to the World Bank, governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which an organization, institution, or state is directed and controlled.

These definitions collectively emphasize key aspects of governance, including decision-making processes, power dynamics and authority, provision of public goods and services, and rule of law and institutional frameworks. This highlights the complexities and nuances of governance.

Governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which an organization, institution, or state is directed and controlled. It encompasses the mechanisms, relationships, and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their rights and obligations, and mediate their differences.

As a political scientist, I emphasize the vital role of objective criticism in promoting a healthy democracy. This approach focuses on policies, actions, and ideas, rather than personal attacks, facilitating respectful engagement, informed discourse, and the exchange of ideas.

In the realm of politics, objective criticism is essential for fostering a healthy democracy, wherein citizens’ voices are heard, and their concerns are addressed. By maintaining a clear distinction between objective criticism and personal insults, we can promote a culture of civility, respect, and open-mindedness in politics.

The benefits of objective criticism are numerous and multifaceted. Firstly, holding leaders accountable ensures that they are answerable for their actions and policies, which promotes transparency and accountability within the government. Secondly, improving policies and decision-making helps refine policies and decision-making processes, leading to more effective governance.

Thirdly, encouraging transparency and accountability promotes a culture of openness and honesty within the government, which is essential for building trust between citizens and their leaders. Lastly, fostering informed public discourse enables citizens to engage meaningfully in the democratic process, making informed decisions, and participating actively in shaping their country’s future.

In the context of International Relations, understanding the complexities of global issues requires a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating aspects of politics, economics, history, and cultural studies. This holistic approach enables us to analyze the world and its complexities on a broad scale.

In conclusion, objective criticism is a cornerstone of democratic governance, and its importance cannot be overstated. By embracing constructive criticism and objective analysis, we can promote a healthy democracy, foster respectful dialogue, ensure that leaders are accountable to the people, and ultimately, build a more just and equitable society.

Dr. Sagir Buhari FCIA
(Studied Political Science and International Relations)
buharisageer@gmail.com
21 December, 2024