Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin relocates his daughter’s wedding from Kano to Abuja, citing safety concerns amid Northern youth protests.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has relocated his daughter’s wedding from Kano State to Abuja amidst rising tensions in Northern Nigeria.
The move, announced last weekend, follows threats of violence from aggrieved youths over Jibrin’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reforms, which many perceive as anti-North.
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Jibrin, representing Kano North in the Senate, had initially planned the wedding in Kano at the temporary residence of former Emir Khalifah Muhammadu Sanusi II in Nasarawa.
However, the escalating hostility from youth groups and accusations of betrayal compelled the senator to shift the venue to ensure the safety of attendees.
The unrest stems from widespread dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s tax policies, championed in the Senate by Jibrin.
Critics argue the reforms disproportionately impact Northern states like Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto, which are already grappling with economic challenges and insecurity.
Youth groups from the region labelled Jibrin and other lawmakers “unpatriotic,” accusing them of neglecting the North’s interests in favour of personal political gains.
Public warnings from these groups included threats of violent retaliation and public humiliation should lawmakers visit any Northern states.
To avoid potential disruptions, Jibrin described the relocation decision as “difficult but necessary,” prioritising the safety of his guests over tradition.
Jibrin’s decision reflects the growing discontent between Northern political elites and grassroots communities.
His perceived alignment with policies that exacerbate poverty has fuelled criticism, with many accusing him of prioritising his political ambitions, including a possible gubernatorial bid in Kano State, over the welfare of his constituents.
Observers note that the relocation highlights the deeper socio-political divide and underscores the challenges facing Tinubu’s administration.
Balancing much-needed economic reforms with addressing the grievances of the North remains a formidable task.
Amid the rising tensions, analysts have urged urgent dialogue to address the root causes of discontent. Without immediate intervention, the unrest could escalate, threatening broader stability across the region.
While the wedding will now take place in Abuja, the political implications of Jibrin’s actions, alongside his role in supporting Tinubu’s policies, continue to reverberate across Northern Nigeria.
