By Abba Anwar:
Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, is no stranger to political persecution, orchestrated machinations and creation of bamboozled lies against him even before he became DSP of the 10th Assembly.
Few months before the 2023 general election, he met stiff resistance and ploys against his political life and development. Let me cite an example here, there was a time, he brought Hummer Buses alongside smaller vehicles, for distribution to Students’ Union bodies, alongside other associations.
All the vehicles were inscripted with his name, as the person who donated them. They were all parked at Coronation Hall premises, at Kano Government House. To the chagrin of all, he was forced to effect the deletion of his name as the contributor of the vehicles. His name was replaced with another name.
To the surprise of all, during the presentation day of the vehicles, all those who spoke at the occasion didn’t recognize, even his presence, as Senator representing Kano North. Though he didn’t cry profusely then, to display his disappointment, but many of us spotted drops of tears in his both eyes. Naked humiliation and political persecution at play.
Before 2023 election, Barau had to press some buttons from Abuja, before he got the ticket. Not even the ticket, before he got the form for the contest. As Allah made it possible, after he emerged victorious from internal persecution, humiliation and frustration, as the only Senator under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kano, as the remaining Senators came from NNPP. He eventually became the Deputy Senate President. As Allah Wishes. That is how Allah Works.
Above are just few out of many persecutions and humiliations Barau got from the same party he belongs to, the APC. There are also lessons to learn from those experiences. Lessons of how Allah Works.
So the recent lies, hues and cries against him over the controversial screening by the Senate, of Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu, to become CEO/Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) are not strange to him. Neither could they derail him from focusing on his political ambition and genuine love for Kano, North and Nigeria as a whole.
Before touching some of the concocted lies against him, let me begin with what Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, the Director General of National Productivity Centre, said over the incident. He reveals how some individuals met him and invited him to join hands with them in discrediting Senator Barau over this screening palaver.
In a 2:54 minutes short video, Dan Agundi said, “I am doing this brief explanation for the people of Kano state. Especially those who feel bad because of the story going round that Senator Barau was responsible for not clearing the nomination of Eng Garba Ramat for the chairmanship of a federal government agency (National Electricity Regulatory Commission).
He continues, “What worries me the most is when some people who know that I am not a supporter of Senator Barau (in his political ambition), came to me and requested me to spearhead rumors, confusion and crisis over the issue….They wanted me to be part of the team aimed at tarnishing his image via allegations and lies.”
Dan Agundi further challenged them that, “I told them clearly that, it is absolutely not in my character to delve into such ploy for character assassination… I know he (Barau) has no hand at all, whatsoever, in stopping Eng Ramat’s screening and clearance.”
As he advised, “People should start asking questions, as to why Ramat was not cleared. Though Senator Barau as DSP is there… Senator Barau is absolutely innocent in the entire matter. I also came to know this later.”
Dan Agundi then warned, “Let me say this categorically clear that, if they dare to go to any other place and present what they came to me with, and I saw an execution of same, I will not hesitate to reveal their names.”
Even if I don’t always share similar political views with Dan Agundi, but I sincerely respect him when he further explained that, “Even if I don’t support Barau, but we still respect one another as human beings. People should understand that, all those things are orchestrated to give Barau a bad name.”
“Similar things were done against him in the past. All I know is, Allah Will not Hold him responsible for what he did not do,” he concluded.
Part of the wild allegations against DSP was that, they said the sum of $10 million exchanged hands. Few hours after the allegations, the Senate had spoken. In the Daily Trust of Friday, 7th November, 2025, it was reported that, “The Senate has denied allegations that its leadership received a $10 million bribe to block the screening and confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).”
Adding that, “… the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), described the allegation as baseless and mischievous. And that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on October 7, 2025, requested the Senate to confirm Ramat as NERC’s chairman. Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.”
When Senator Adaramodu said the following, I now sensed and felt, the end of the road for the nominee. He said, in that Daily Trust report, ” The Senate is statutorily bound to pause consideration of any nominee facing serious public petitions or controversies. Many nominees in the past have been stepped down for similar reasons. Mr. Ramat’s case is no exception.”
I also felt sorry for Eng Ramat and understood that, those spreading rumors against Sen Barau in the name of protecting the appointee, are doing more harm to him (Ramat), as Senate position goes this way that, “No one can drag the National Assembly into disrepute with unfounded claims in an attempt to arm-twist the legislature. We will engage Mr. Alwan in court to provide Nigerians with evidence to support his assertions.”
Another aspect that looks scary is the Senate’s stand that, “Nigerians deserve appointees who pass through rigorous and transparent screening processes, not those who attempt to bully their way into office through falsehood and blackmail,” as said by Senator Adaramodu.
At the hey hours of concocted lies against the Senator, the nominee Eng Ramat distanced himself from all the allegations. When he posted a disclaimer on his Facebook page.
In it he said, “My attention has been drawn to a post circulating online alleging that His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin, is blocking my confirmation as Chairman NERC. This claim is completely NOT true.”
He dismissed that, “I sincerely appeal to the good people of Kano State and the general public to refrain from sharing or believing such false information. The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (DSP), has actually been supportive and has continued to make commendable efforts to ensure that my report, which has already been cleared by the Senate screening committee chaired by Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, is presented to the 10th Senate for confirmation.”
As if those chanting political war songs against DSP on Ramat’s screening and clearance, were deaf, dump and blind, with all the disclaimer put forth by the nominee, rejecting all allegations against the Senator, they proceeded deeply in their machinations.
Engineer Ramat did not relent, he issued another statement for the second time within two days, which he tagged as public statement and posted on his Facebook page again.
In it, he clarified that, “My attention has been drawn to some online publications and public discussions that have attempted to link my name to statements or actions said to be against the Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON (sic).”
He disclosed that, “From the very start of my nomination as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Senator Barau Jibrin has been a strong pillar of encouragement and support. In fact, he was the first person to call me immediately after my announcement, and has since shown me nothing but goodwill and mentorship.”
To his chagrin Ramat reiterated that, “Let it be known that the very first day I noticed these stories, I posted a clear disclaimer disowning them and personally reached out to several people appealing for calm and restraint. Sadly, instead of easing the tension, those efforts seemed to encourage more of such activities, which I find unnecessary and unfair to everyone involved.”
To officially distance himself from the noise makers he highlighted that, ” I want to make it absolutely clear that I did not authorize any press conference, protest, or public statement by anyone in my name. The only time I spoke officially was during my screening before the Senate Committee, where I defended myself and was successfully cleared.
Those who continue to use my name in this manner are doing so without my knowledge or approval. Their actions do not reflect my views or intentions.”
He was also forced to warn his detractors. He said, “However, if these activities continue, I may be compelled to take appropriate steps through lawful channels to protect my name and integrity.”
In his noise making business, one Alwan Hassan, from Nassarawa local government, one of the remnants of Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), one of the political platforms that, along other political groupings, formed All Progressives Congress (APC), at a press conference he called during the heyhours of the debate, he condemned Senator Barau for being solely responsible for Eng Ramat’s ‘travail.’
To remind my readers, CPC faction of the APC, was the political group that fought Tinubu’s nomination before he got the presidential ticket for the party. It was CPC elements at almost all levels, that fought hard to see the fall of Tinubu during 2023 elections. The same experience was visible in Kano’s gubernatorial election, when His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, were the flagbearers of the party, in Kano, then.
So in his attack of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President, Barau, this diehard CPC man, Alwan, challenged that, “Ramat’s confirmation has been stalled reportedly due to the actions of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio Godswill Obot Akpabio and his Deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin. Unfortunately these two men are APC members who in public claim to support the President, but in private work against his decisions.”
Though I don’t even take him serious, neither his self-defeatist approach, in his utterances, his day dreaming goes this way, “It is deeply troubling that, according to credible accounts, this delay is not because Engr Ramat does not merit the job, or is it in the national interest, but rather it is rooted in Senator Barau’s political machinations and personal selfish interests.”
This CPC guy thought he could intimidate Akpabio and Barau, when he ‘warned’ that, “Today, we are calling for Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin to allow due process to prevail. They must refrain from interference, respect the President’s mandate, and stop working against both the party and the interest of Kano citizens.”
I wonder between him and these gentlemen, who is working against Kano and its citizens. This is somebody who was Special Assistant to the then Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, but from the start of his appointment to the end, he has nothing to show for it. As his contributions to his people or community.
In trying to call attention for recognition, not in trying to become relevant, BECAUSE ALWAN CAN NEVER BE RELEVANT IN KANO POLITICS, he goofed and disappointed Eng Ramat. I made reference to what Ramat said above. Also in trying to call attention for recognition again, he made a wild allegation against the Senate and DSP. Which the Senate notified him of their decision to take him to court of law, for him to substantiate his ill-informed and ill-advise utterances against the institution of the Senate.
On an online Dokin Karfe TV short interview, Alwan asked rhetorically, “What has Ramat done to him (Barau)? What Kano people did to him to deserve this? We will not leave this man to become a Governor of Kano.”
I laughed profusely when he said so. This is someone who cannot even win his chapter during elections, not Ward or local government. Hear him boasting they would not allow Senator Barau becomes a Governor in Kano. Laughable, disappointing and dramatic.
Readers should understand that, CPC, is no longer relevant in Tinubu’s administration. He knows how they fought his presidential ambition. And how they frustrated the entire process for him. So, who among CPC elements could now come forward and say he or she is supporting Tinubu’s administration. Too late to cry. I mean at all levels. They don’t actually have any bearing under the current dispensation.
What is so worrying during the press conference he convened was the presence of the former Chairman of Ungogo local government, Hon Muhammad Badaru Umar. One of the strongest pillars in Gawuna circle. The worrying part of it was, I know Badaru for over 20 years back, I have been relating with him since then. I knew him and I still know him as a gentleman, reserved, religious and organized.
Though I believe, had Badaru known what Alwan would spit at the conference, he wouldn’t have been there at all. Because Badaru has never been that low. The way I knew him. Which I’m sure he still maintains that. I also tell people that, Badaru was former Ungogo local chairman as Ramat was. His presence, could also be seen as solidarity to another former chairman of his local government.
But all my excuses and expression of benefit of doubt, cannot exclude other people from seeing Badaru, from the other side of the coin. That some may see and understand him as a representative of Gawuna at the event. I think all people are entitled to their respective opinions.
When Alwan said DSP Barau doesn’t like Kano and its people, I then asked myself, what this guy is saying? All the scholarships for thousands of our people from Kano under Barau Foundation, sponsoring students abroad for their postgraduate studies, the establishment of North West Development Commission, establishment of Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, upgrading Federal College of Education, to University (the position removed by Muhammadu Buhari administration) and later reversed by Tinubu administration for the FCE, Kano to become Federal University of Education Kano, as being facilitated by Senator Barau. And the renaming of the University after Yusuf Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano, among others are all not show of love to Kano and her people?
What of DSP’s immense contribution to Security agencies, especially Nigeria Police Force, Kano Command, with operational vehicles and other interventions? Are these all not show of love for Kano? So I don’t comprehend what Alwan means by saying Senator Barau doesn’t like Kano.
I will advise the Distinguished Senator Barau to send emissaries to Alwan, to come and kneel before him, to please and kindly allow Barau to become Kano State governor. Very funny indeed!
For Ramat, he is one of the former local governments APC chairmen, that I respect very much. His credentials are there for him as fine and refined documents. Ramat was the most digitally compliant local government chairman amongst all chairmen from all the 44 local governments in Kano. During their reign. Is someone I salute comfortably for his intellectual capacity and prowess.
For my readers, let us all know that, abuse and castigation of leaders, are not the monopoly of any fellow among us all. These are characters or habits that are not skilful. One needs no skill to master such behaviors. In fact even mad people in the street can engage in these, perfectly well. So it is not something to boast about and raise shoulders for.
Anwar writes from Kano,
Sunday, 9th November, 2025