DANDALIN SIYASA ON-LINE FORUM RAPPATEURS REPORT ON THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY, TAGGED “GUSAU 2013” HELD ON 7TH AND 8TH DECEMBER, 2013 AT J. B. YAKUBU SECRETARIAT, GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE.

RAPPATEURS REPORT ON DANDALIN SIYASA 5TH ANNIVERSARY IN GUSAU December 8, 2013 at 1:14pm DANDALIN SIYASA ON-LINE FORUM RAPPATEURS REPORT ON THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY, TAGGED “GUSAU 2013” HELD ON 7TH AND 8TH DECEMBER, 2013 AT J. B. YAKUBU SECRETARIAT, GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE. Introduction: Dandalin Siyasa on-line forum which is a non-profit making and non-political organization organizes meetings on annual basis to review the forum’s achievements of the preceding year and discuss ideas, capable of moving the forum forward, burning Nsational issues, and exchanging views and opinions during the conference. Papers were presented and discussed in an open forum. The annual general meeting also paves way for members to meet outside social media. This year’s meeting takes place in Zamfara State, therefore, delegates started arriving Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, the venue of the event on Friday the 6th December, 2013. Members visited Gusau Central Prison as well as paid courtesy call to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katsina-Gusau and orphanage home. Gala night was held in the night at City King Hotel, Gusau. Proceedings: Saturday’s programme started with an opening prayer by Dr Ibrahim Mai Bushura at 10:52am. Thereafter, the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Zamfara State chaprter presented a welcome address in which he welcomed delegates to Gusau 2013 Annual General Meeting. The Right Honorable Speaker, House of Assembly, Honorable Aminu Tambuwal who was represented by Honorable Kawu Sumaila presented a goodwill message. He assured the support of the Honorable Speaker in all the activities of the forum. Earlier in his speech, the Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, represented by the Secretary to Kano State Government Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi expressed appreciation in the activities of Dandali On-line forum. He used the opportunity to briefly enumerate some of the achievements of Kano State Government. At the end, the Secretary to the State Government officially tendered the Governor’s request to host next year’s general meeting in 2014. In his remarks, the National Chairman, Dandalin Siyasa On-line Forum, Pharmacist Hashimu Ubale Yusuf traced the historical development of the forum from its inception to the present time. He stated that the first meeting was held in 2009 at Mambayya House, Kano; second meeting took place at Gamji Park, Kaduna; third meeting was in Sokoto, then Dutse in Jigawa State and the fifth in Gusau, Zamfara State. According to him, as at now the forum is blessed with prominent personalities such as the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State and the Secretary to the Kano State Government among many others. The Chairman extended the forum’s appreciation to all members who contributed towards the successful hosting of Gusau 2013 Annual General Meeting. At the end, Hashim Ubale called on the members of the National Assembly to be very cautious in restraining online users to exercise their fundamental human right as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Presenting his speech, the Governor of Zamfara State Alhaji Abdul-aziz Yari Abubakar who was represented by his Deputy Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala maintains that the importance of this forum cannot be over-emphasized. He therefore, called on the members of the Dandali Foundation On-line Forum to put more efforts in ensuring that north regain its lost glory. He then highlighted some of the achievements recorded by his administration which include sales of fertilizer at subsidized price; payments of fees for qualifying examinations; feeding pupils in primary and secondary schools; and rehabilitation of both state and federal roads among others. The representative of the Governor then urged members to remain committed, united and resolute in restoration of good governance in Nigerian polity at all times. First paper presentation by Dr Sa’idu Ahmad Dukawa titled “Northern Nigeria and the Discourse on National Conference”. Major points discussed in the paper are: The myriad problems in Nigeria include corruption, insecurity, injustice, lack of infrastructure, and election malpractice among others. Major problems that are so particular in Northern Nigeria are, poverty, educational backwardness, insecurity, and illiteracy. Outlines “SWOT” - (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). The analysis is indeed a food for thought for the discussions and strategy of Dandali Group. Inherent contradiction in the idea on the proposed conference by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan whether it is going to be national or sovereign. North is economically disadvantage which is as a result of leadership failure. Suggestions: Need for a collective aspiration and agenda for the region before the national conference North must ensure that the representative to the conference must be by local government not religion, region or ethnic nationalities. North must insist on Federal character before south- south can have 50% of petroleum revenue. Need for Dandali to consult all stakeholders to enlighten them on the disadvantage position of the nation. The presenter is in support of the conference since it is unavoidable. North must participate with collective agenda. Second paper presentation by Nasiru Wada Khalil titled “Virtual Communities of Interest and Political Economy of Nigeria: Remarks on the Role and Outcomes of Hausa Social Networks”. Major points discussed in the paper are: Outline various types of online Hausa social forums The existence of social media, change the people outlook about government and how they relate with their people. The paper traced the history of media usage in northern Nigeria. It explains the role of social media in society such as information sharing, education/indoctrination, means of self expression and a chance for its users to reach out. The paper argues that ethnicity, regionalism, religious differences are the major determinant of online social group members. Policy makers abhor social media because it gives unrestricted means of information gathering and exchange which is the most effective tool in bringing about transparency and accountability. Suggestions: The forum needs to be pro-active The forum needs to be focus and agenda setters for the government. There is also the need for the forum to be watchful of government influence in order to maintain their impartiality, objectivity and independent status. Comments/Contributions/Questions No patriotism in northern Nigeria. People should therefore be patriotic Selfish interest and greediness is one of the major causative agents in poor leadership particularly in northern Nigeria. Northern part is confronted with numerous problems and as such where do we go from here? We should learn how to elect qualitative leaders who would promote our aspirations. The influence of social media cannot be over- emphasized. Apart from information sharing, enlightenment and entertainment, it also contributed immensely in Middle Eastern uprisings. No consensus leader in the whole of Arewa but, with the emergence of Dandali On-line forum, there is hope for Northern Nigeria to regain its lost glory. People in the north should not be afraid to participate at the proposed national conference. People should go with open minds to discuss issues freely. Response by presenters: 1. Dr Saidu Ahmad Dukawa: Shed more light on the abundant natural and human resources endowed in the northern part especially population and economy. Those who want Nigeria to be divided from the north are responding from southern pressure. Northern leaders do not empower people like what previous leaders such as Sardauna did. They don’t want the country to be divided because they want to sustain themselves in power. Ibrahim Babangida, Abacha, Obasanjo did similar exercises to maintain power. The same thing President Ebele Jonathan has embarked upon. 2. Nasir Wada Khalil: Called on members of the forum to be very vigilant on government domination about the activities of the forum and to be wary on the postings of government activities in the forum because of their own interest. We must keep vigilant, focus and maintain our interest. Vote of Thanks Malam Umar Sa’id Tudun Wada urged members to work hard in promoting the activities of the forum. He said the postings on the forum are very encouraging, they indicate that our efforts are not wasteful. He thanked everybody for their resilience and patience throughout today’s deliberations. And this is because of the situation the north and Nigeria has found itself and the need to have solutions to our numerous problems. Lastly the Secretary to the Government of Kano State Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi said he has listened to all deliberations and he understood them perfectly but, the policy decision Kano has taken over the national dialogue not to participate has been commendable on so many grounds. Namely among which is just a waste of time and resources. Besides, there is scarcity of leadership in the north and also the followers do not believe in the leadership which is supposed to be a mutual trust between the leaders and the followers. The national dialogue has history of dividing Nigerians and the committee itself is led by questionable characters that in their past activities, they were found to have intention of dividing the country in a coup and also the committee is composed of characters that are not patriotic to Nigeria as such Kano would not participate. The South-West also indicated similar concern and General Buhari our leader, has clearly come out criticizing such fora. Other Matters Arising Four additional members were incorporated into the membership of Board of Trustees. These members are: Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala; Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi; Senator Isah Yahaya Zarewa; and Malam Ahmed Sajo. The Deputy Governor of Zamfara State led members in prayer for Saleh Dakata who had accident and being hospitalized in Kano. Zamfara State Government is of the opinion that National Conference is not in any way the solution to the numerous national problems. Communiqué on the 5th Anniversary of Dandalin Siyasa On-line Forum, Theme “Northern Drawing Board: Who Leads The Way? Held on 7TH and 8TH December, 2013 at J. B. Yakubu Secretariat, Gusau, Zamfara State. Communiqué: At Dandali 5th anniversary forum tagged “Gusau 2013” held on 7th and 8th December, 2013, major burning national issues were identified and discussed amongst which include: Anti Cyber Proposed bill by the National Assembly; National Conference/ Dialogue and Socio-Economic Challenges bedeviling Northern Nigeria. The forum observed with regret that, the anti-cyber critic Bill, is undemocratic, unconstitutional and outright infringement on people’s fundamental freedom of self expressions in a democratic setting. As such it will and most be resisted by all concerned. On National Conference/Dialogue, the forum believed that it is never a solution to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political crisis, hence, the forum calls on National leaders to rescind the decision and be popular on policies amongst Nigerians. Major Challenges of the North were identified as poverty, lack of education, political rights, Security and Civic Education especially through social media. Other major observations noted are: No patriotism in northern Nigeria. People should therefore be patriotic Selfish interest and greediness is one of the major causative agents in poor leadership particularly in northern Nigeria. Northern part is confronted with numerous challenges, such as its political destiny. There is the need to be decisive. That North should learn how to elect qualitative leaders who would promote their needs and aspirations. The influence of social media cannot be over- emphasized. Apart from information sharing, enlightenment and entertainment, it should also be a veritable instrument of civic education for the average Northerner. No consensus leader in the whole of Arewa but, with the emergence of Dandali on-line forum, there is hope for Northern Nigeria to regain its lost glory. Based on the aforementioned observations, recommends as follows: 1. There is need for the 19 northern states to take pro-active measures in tackling socio-economic problems bedeviling the region. 2. There is need for concerted effort from all and sundry, to find a lasting solution to the lingering and deadly security problems in the region. 3. If the region must attain the up-coming national conference, there is need for the region to go with common sets of agendas. 4. As 2015 general election is approaching, we recommend massive voters education in the region. Civil societies, NGOs and government need to design robust measures in order to enlighten the general public on how to stop rigging and other mal- practices during elections. 5. We also recommend that, National Assembly members from the North must make sure the anti- cyber critic bill is not passed. We believe it is unconstitutional and undemocratic and cannot stand a taste of time. 6. We also urge both the Federal Government and ASUU to quickly resolve their differences so that students can go back to classes. 7. The forum wishes to extent its heartfelt condolence to the people of South African Government and Africa in General over the death of Nelson Mandela. 8. Lastly, the forum is immensely very grateful to the Government and people of Zamfara State for their wonderful reception and hospitality. Dr Usman Muhammad Muhammad Fatuhu Mainasara Yakubu Kurfi (Chairman) (Member) (Secretary)