.Using influence with purpose in the face of political jealousy.
By Shariff Aminu Ahlan
When a man begins to shine beyond the imagination of his rivals, envy becomes the weapon of the weak. In Kano today, the political atmosphere is thick with bitterness, intrigue, and baseless propaganda, all targeted at one man: Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President and one of the North’s most influential political figures.
The question echoing through the corridors of power is simple yet profound, Why always Barau Jibrin. For months, a cabal of disgruntled political elements, both within and outside the ruling party, have waged a coordinated campaign of blackmail and deception aimed at discrediting Barau’s towering image. Every delay, every perceived setback, every unconfirmed appointment from Kano is quickly twisted and weaponized against him.
When the appointment of Engineer Ramat to head the Nigerian Electronic Regulations Agency was temporarily delayed for Senate confirmation, the usual suspects jumped out with their familiar chorus — “Barau is behind it!” They accused him of blocking the appointment out of fear of being outshined, a laughable and shameless lie with no factual basis.
Barau, as the Deputy Senate President, presides over a chamber guided by due process and merit, not petty jealousy. But in Kano’s toxic political environment, facts often take a back seat to fabricated stories designed to malign rising stars. It has become a disturbing trend: any misfortune or delay involving a Kano-born appointee in Abuja is instantly traced to Barau Jibrin. The enemies within, blinded by envy and desperation, have turned blackmail into a profession.
When Dr. Maryam Shetty’s appointment into the North West Development Commission was reportedly replaced, the same desperate voices screamed that Barau influenced the decision. Again, no evidence. No logic. Just noise. They have woven an entire narrative portraying him as the puppeteer behind every federal appointment, the invisible hand dictating Abuja’s favour. Yet, the truth remains simple, Barau Jibrin’s only offence is his growing political influence, his visible developmental projects, and his increasing acceptance among the people of Kano.
Also Read:KANO STANDS STILL: A UNIFIED CALL FOR SENATOR BARAU JIBRIL’S GUBERNATORIAL BID
One of the most laughable accusations against Barau Jibrin is the claim that he uses his close relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure appointments for his political allies. But what exactly is wrong with that? In politics, influence is power, and power is meant to be used for strategic advancement. Barau’s ability to leverage his national connections to attract appointments and opportunities for his allies is not sabotage, it is political sagacity at its finest.
His open influence in the appointment of the Minister of State, the Chairman of the North West Development Commission, and the recent appointment of Salisu Sagir Takau as State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu are clear examples of his calculative brilliance. Yet, contrary to propaganda, Barau has never blocked or opposed the appointments of other Kano indigene to key federal positions. On the contrary, he has publicly expressed happiness and pride whenever people from Kano are given national recognition, irrespective of political ideology or allegiance.
He simply understands that in the chessboard of politics, one must build a formidable structure to survive and remain relevant. His actions are those of a strategic leader, not a selfish politician. He is using his privilege with vision, building bridges, not walls. Beyond politics and influence, Senator Barau I. Jibrin has earned the love of the people through visible and verifiable impact. Across Kano North and beyond, Barau’s name is attached to projects that have transformed communities and improved livelihoods.
From massive road constructions, school renovations, and modern healthcare facilities, to youth empowerment programs that cut across gender and social divides, Barau has redefined what it means to serve. His educational interventions, scholarships for indigent students, sponsorship of postgraduate studies, and rehabilitation of learning institutions, continue to empower thousands of families.
Under his watch, hundreds of youths have received motorcycles, sewing machines, irrigation tools, fertilizer, and startup capital, enabling them to start businesses and live independently. These are not mere promises; they are visible testimonies that have turned Barau Jibrin into a household name in every ward of Kano North.
What sets him apart is consistency. Even long before becoming Deputy Senate President, he was known for quietly transforming communities without seeking praise or political reward. His empowerment programs are not seasonal or politically motivated, they are strategic investments in people, designed to secure the future of the next generation. It is this unmatched record of service that unsettles his political adversaries. They know that his performance speaks louder than their propaganda.
Barau’s steady political rise has unsettled those who built their careers on manipulation and noise. His calm disposition, unmatched intellect, and close ties to the Presidency make him the most strategic powerbroker in Kano’s current political architecture. For these disgruntled politicians, Barau’s rising profile ahead of 2027 is a nightmare. His achievements, mega road projects, educational initiatives, youth empowerment programs, and national visibility, have turned him into a symbol of credible leadership in a state yearning for competence. Unable to compete on merit, they resort to cheap propaganda, a tactic as old as politics itself.
It’s quite glaring watching Barau becoming a man they fear to compete with. While his detractors waste energy spreading rumours, Barau Jibrin remains focused on governance, national unity, and development. He has consistently demonstrated loyalty to President Tinubu, stability within the APC, and maturity in managing both state and national politics.
He neither responds to their lies nor retaliates against their mischief, because leaders of substance don’t wrestle with mediocrity. Instead, Barau continues to rise, earning respect across the federation as a bridge-builder and a patriot who places Nigeria above personal ambition.
The Real Intrigue revolve round the fear of 2027. Let’s be clear, this entire campaign of deceit is not about appointments. It’s about 2027. Those who failed to match Barau’s achievements on the field are terrified of his inevitable political influence in the next general election. They see in him a man destined to redefine Kano’s political future, one whose credibility and integrity command loyalty far beyond party lines. So they fight him the only way they can, through lies, slander, and coordinated blackmail. But history has never been kind to merchants of falsehood. Their propaganda may trend for a while, but truth always endures.
Barau Jibrin has become the target of envy because he represents what many in Kano politics fear, competence, credibility, and connection to the people. His name now symbolizes stability, intellect, and influence, while his enemies represent decay, deceit, and desperation.
The campaign of blackmail against him will collapse, just like every structure built on falsehood. For Barau Jibrin, the path ahead remains clear: to continue serving Nigeria with courage, humility, and unshakable integrity. The people of Kano have seen through the lies. And very soon, the question will no longer be “Why always Barau Jibrin?” — but rather, “Who can stand against Barau Jibrin?”
Shariff Aminu Ahlan A Media Aide to the Deputy Senate President and an APC Intellectual Warrior.r ealahlan0101@gmail.com
