Political Persecution and the Struggles of Senator Barau I Jibrin
Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, has long been a target of political persecution. His journey through the corridors of power has been marked by orchestrated machinations and the creation of misleading narratives against him, even before he assumed the role of Deputy Senate President in the 10th Assembly.
Months before the 2023 general election, he faced significant resistance and schemes that threatened his political career. One notable incident involved the distribution of Hummer Buses and smaller vehicles to Students’ Union bodies and other associations. All the vehicles were inscribed with his name as the donor, and they were parked at Coronation Hall premises within Kano Government House. However, he was eventually forced to remove his name from the vehicles, which were then attributed to another individual.
During the presentation of these vehicles, many attendees did not recognize his presence, despite him being the Senator representing Kano North. Though he did not openly express his disappointment, those around him noticed tears in his eyes, highlighting the deep sense of humiliation and political persecution he endured.
Before the 2023 election, Barau had to navigate various challenges to secure the nomination. As Allah willed it, he emerged victorious, becoming the only Senator under the APC platform from Kano, while the remaining Senators came from the NNPP. He eventually became the Deputy Senate President, a testament to his resilience and determination.
The recent allegations and criticisms surrounding the screening of Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat for the position of CEO/Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) are not new to Barau. These accusations, which suggest he is responsible for blocking Ramat’s confirmation, have been part of a pattern of false narratives against him.
Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, Director General of the National Productivity Centre, addressed these claims. In a video, he explained that some individuals approached him to spread rumors about Senator Barau. He emphasized that he would not engage in such activities, stating that Barau had no involvement in blocking Ramat’s screening.
Dan Agundi also warned that if those spreading the rumors continued their actions, he would reveal their identities. He stressed that Barau is innocent in the matter and that the Senate has denied any allegations of receiving a $10 million bribe to block Ramat’s confirmation.
In the Daily Trust of November 7, 2025, it was reported that the Senate had rejected the allegations of a $10 million bribe. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the claims as baseless and mischievous. He also noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had requested the Senate to confirm Ramat as NERC’s chairman.
Senator Adaramodu further stated that the Senate is bound to pause consideration of any nominee facing serious public petitions or controversies. He emphasized that the Senate would not allow unfounded claims to undermine its integrity.
Engineer Ramat himself issued disclaimers on his Facebook page, denying any allegations against Senator Barau. He clarified that Barau had been supportive throughout the process and had made efforts to ensure his report was presented to the Senate for confirmation.
Despite these clarifications, some individuals continued to spread false information. Alwan Hassan, a member of the CPC, accused Barau of being responsible for Ramat’s ‘travail.’ However, his claims were met with skepticism, given the CPC’s history of opposing Tinubu’s presidency.
Alwan’s statements were seen as attempts to gain attention and relevance, but they were largely dismissed as baseless. His threats to take legal action against the Senate were met with a response that the institution would pursue legal remedies to address his allegations.
The presence of figures like Hon Muhammad Badaru Umar at Alwan’s press conference raised concerns. While Badaru is respected for his character, his association with Alwan’s event was viewed with caution.
For readers, it is essential to understand that attacks on leaders are not exclusive to any one group. These behaviors are often rooted in personal vendettas rather than genuine concerns. It is important to distinguish between valid criticism and baseless accusations.
Senator Barau’s contributions to Kano and Nigeria, including scholarships, educational institutions, and security interventions, reflect his commitment to the region. The allegations against him, particularly those suggesting he does not care for Kano, are not supported by his actions.
In conclusion, the recent controversies surrounding Barau highlight the challenges leaders face in navigating political landscapes filled with misinformation and personal agendas. Despite these obstacles, Barau continues to work towards the betterment of Kano and Nigeria, guided by his principles and dedication.
