By Abba Anwar:
Even before the return of democratic rule in 1999, after prolonged period of military rule in the country, Barau I. Jibrin was soundly polished, civilized, energetic, down – to-earth and engaging. His days in the second republic politics were glaring and acknowledged. His progressive political engagement within the enclave of the former Governor of Kano State, Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi, was enticing and courageous.
When Barau was in his early stages of political activism, many of those, seen as his comparables today, were not even close to the stage. He could be at the tertiary level of political power play, while they, from all ramifications, could best be placed, at elementary level or even kindergarten.
His role in the First Assembly, after the return of the democracy in 1999, when he was at the House of Representatives, representing Tarauni federal constituency, chairing the House Committee on Appropriation, he was invaluable and vibrant. When late Ghali Umar Na’Abba was the House Speaker. Hon Barau, then, was one of the members who shaped the legislative arm to be what it is today. Service to the nation.
He did not start politics as a local champion. Not him alone, almost all those who were identified and behaved like progressive politicians, since then, had a global understanding of politics. Their role and self-civilization were already ahead of many of their contemporaries. Saboda haka Barau ba Kifin Rijiya Ba Ne.
If my reader wants to know more about this gentleman, from some decades ago, say second republic to Na’Abba’s Assembly, kindly go through some kingpins of Rimi’s or Malam Aminu Kano’s political sects, if you like. Liaise with people like the former Governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido, Dauda Raula, Hamza Darma, Aminu Nasidi and Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba of Kano Emirate.
When Barau becomes a Senator of the federal republic, from 2015 to date, his depth in national politics became more glaring and extremely strong. His strength and enduring calculation make him steadfast with unwavering commitment. He becomes humble with strong mind embedded with struggle.
Part of the reasons that helped shape his position in the 10th Senate, Deputy Senate President position, was his detribalised posture with an encapsulated genuine patriotism. He was Divinely structured in such a way that, ploys, brouhaha and hatred, build more walls for him, than exposing him to danger, to be firm. As any victory in human history, is a pregnant of hues, cries, struggle, ups and downs. Distinguished Senator is only following the hard and the only way to victory.
In his ability not to disappoint us, his (Barau’s) legislative actions and behaviors prove to all that, he is somebody with the appreciative understanding of our national political development. Here he is, an indepth and resourceful legislator. Whose zeal and will are geared towards national cohesion and integration. Yes his constituency is local compared to national space as a whole, but he refused to be tight down to his constituency only. Unlike many other legislators.
It is because of his civility, informed mind, unhindered understanding of national politics, that he was able to present many Bills for the development of other parts of the country. He doesn’t limit his impact to his local political space.
Some could argue, that, DSP Barau has this influence and national spread because of the chair he is occupying. That is, the position of Deputy Senate President. Partly agreed. It is also because of the same position that he is steps ahead of many of those who think they can match him. The issue is, you cannot be in bracket, with someone who has significant percentage ahead of you. It is Allah’s Plan, neither his nor theirs.
Since I am making reference to the nature of DSP’s national spread, I will not bother myself with his visible interventions in his constituency, Kano North and his state, Kano state. I think it will also be good if I didn’t touch his role in the establishment of North West Development Commission. In that case therefore let me share some of Bills that were presented by the Senator and were not exclusive to his primary constituency.
These are Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Bill (2023), Federal College of Education (Technical), Aghoro Bill (2019), in Bayelsa state, College of Mines and Geological Studies, Guyuk, Bill (2019), Federal University of Aquatic Studies, Ogharu, Bill (2019), in Anambra state and University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Bill (2017), Development Planning and Projects Continuity Bill (2023), among others. A Senator with national feeling, behavior and sensitivity.
It is as well because of his political reach and relevance, that, he is being invited to participate in some functions across state borders by other Nigerians, who come not even from his zone, North. He has recently been spotted in some Southern states attending one function or the other. They all believe in his patriotic posture as one of the detribalised pillars within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country. A bridge builder.
Just of recent he attended 2025 edition of the Oronna Ilaro Festival in Ogun State, alongside other Distinguished Senators from that side. Courtesy DSP and the celebrant amongst others, the event was blessed by other dignitaries from within and outside the country.
The event, themed “Festival of Joyful Grace,” took place at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground in Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State.
As revealed by the DSP on his Facebook page, he said, “The festival is organised annually to celebrate the rich heritage and strides the people of Ilaro are making towards a brighter future.
I congratulated the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Chiefs and good people of Ilaro, especially my friend and brother, Distinguished Senator (Dr) Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, on the successful festival.”
To show Nigerians that his office of the DSP, is itself, a symbol of authority, the Distinguished Senator hinted that, “With endorsement by the federal government as a national tourism festival through the Nigerian Tourism Development Council, NTDC, the festival will continue to serve as the fulcrum of showcasing the rich heritage of Yewaland.”
To always ascertain nationhood and brotherhood in his engagement, he fondly refers any good work and achievements to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government policies. After referring to a feat from the National Assembly when he said, “We at the National Assembly will continue to legislate and support all initiatives that will bring succour and development to our people and the nation,” he urged that, “We call on our traditional rulers and all Nigerians to continue their support for the reformist administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as we chart a new course of sustainable development for our country.”
Not only at the level of traditional celebration by traditional authorities, Senator Barau, had the time to attend other social gatherings across the Niger. This is to show how spread and how brotherly he is to all other parts of the country. Just recently, he attended the birthday celebration of the former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Ayo Fayose, in Lagos.
A Distinguished Senator of Excellence, dignity, humility, dexterity, workable actions against complexity, purposeful continuity, integrity and energetic sensibility.
After examining the manifold of his purposeful leadership and engaging political experience, the management of one of the strongest national newspapers in the country, The Sun newspaper. Nominated him for The Sun Humanitarian Service Icon Award 2025,which is slated to take place end of January, 2026.
This information was disclosed by the DSP himself on his Facebook page, few hours ago. He reveals that, “The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Newspapers, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, led a management team of the media outfit to me today to notify me of my nomination for the Sun Humanitarian Service Icon Award 2025.
The formal presentation of the award will take place at The Sun Awards 2025 ceremony, scheduled for January 31, 2026, in Lagos.”
The above submissions and others that I didn’t periscope, gave clear understanding of how nationally spread is Distinguished Senator Barau. He is not only miles away from many of his contemporaries, but the gap is, ocean away from others. Who erroneously think they can match his political relevance, experience, brainwork, capacity, ability and capability.
Anwar writes from Kano
Tuesday, 18th November, 2025