There Is More To Alhaji Aliyu Sabo Bakin Zuwo Than… By Oyewole Michael

Late Alhaji Aliyu Sabo Bakin Zuwo

Most Nigerians merely know this astute outspoken politician – Alhaji Barkin Zuwo as someone who during the campaigns for the 1983 general elections said Kano boasted many mineral resources like Coke, Fanta and Mirinda! Most Nigerians remember him for this. He’s more!

Thread.

Aliyu Sabo Bakin Zuwo born on 31st December 1931 was born in Kano city. The lexically challenged politician usually refers to himself as a student in the Mallam Aminu Kano Political School, Sudawa, Kano. He had no formal education but pulled a whole lot of political weight. In the second Republic, he was a Senator and was elected Governor of Kano in 1983. The military coup that took place in December 31 cut short his mandate as he only was a governor for a short period.

Barkin Zuwo was a vociferous politician.Very outspoken and plays the game well. Elected as a Senator in 1979, it is on records that he sponsored more bills than any of his contemporaries. Such bills were people oriented and quite noteworthy. He of the political school of thought of the late Mallam Aminu Kano, he publicly refers to him as his mentor and teacher. Barkin Zuwo would tell anyone who cares to listen that the Late Mallam Aminu Kano is indeed a champion of the people’s rights.

He was a member of the People’s Redemption Party PRP. The People’s Redemption Party PRP has resurfaced again in our political space.

Recall, this is the same party Senator Shehu Sani .@ShehuSani defected too after leaving the APC .@OfficialAPCNg and he will also be contesting for Senate in 2019 on that plartform. As Governor, he clamped down of houses where commercial sex held sway and vehemently fought against drug abuse, particularly among young people. Instituted mechanisms to ameliorate the living conditions of the common man.

No doubt, Alhaji Aliyu Bakin was a grassroots politicians and one who has the interest of Kano and its indigenes at heart. It was one reported that, he usually go out of his way to ameliorate and defend Kano indigene and Northerners at large!

There was a time that huge amount of monies was found in the Government house and when asked he said why will he be asked what Government money is doing in the government house. 😂 😂 .Alhaji Barkin Zuwo tends to have a response to everything. Most of which are hillarious.

At that time, he was one of the few politicians who understands the electorate and he uses every means available to connect and reach out with them. It is said of him that no Northern politicians in his time uses the radio to more effective than me. In fact, he was top notch.

Once he was asked on radio on the use of some sort of words termed offensive, he responded in this manner:
“I don’t use abusive language at all! But if you insult Mallam Aminu Kano, I must find out who is your father, your mother, your village, and the bastard that sent you…”

This grassroots politician later realigned politically with the late Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua and joined the political party led by Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua of blessed memory. The name of the party was Peoples Front of Nigeria PFN. Until his demise in Feb. 15 , 1989, he remained a member of that party and promulgated its political school of thought.

Records has it that he was a loyal and consistent and good party man. He contributed his resources, structures and time to this party. His membership was a boost to this party and it was formidable.

The December 31st coup that truncated democratically and democratically elected officers ushered in Buhari @MBuhari as the Head Of State. Alhaji Aliyu Sabo Bakin Zuwo was arrested and sentenced to 300 years imprisonment by a special Military Tribunal set up by Buhari in 1985.

Is it mere coincidence that that Alhaji Aliyu Sabo Bakin Zuwo who was born on the 31st of December was also ousted out of office on the 31st of December?

There is more to this man, I believe. The man was beyond naming Fanta, Miranda abd Sprite as mineral resources in Kano. Alhaji Aliyu Barkin Zuwo’s story has been written by several pple. I am merely attempting to go beyond what this man is known for and to inform us, mostly, we of the new generation about some of the unsaid beauties about this man who is lexically challenged. No formal education.

End.

Be Good.

OYEWOLE Michael Rolex writes from Ado-Ekiti and can be reached via 08038796168, @Rolex7Michael