However, the issue of Alma-Jeri and nomadic life remains a source of worry in the state as government’s investment in the education sector seems to be insignificant or rather wasteful. The worst observation, as it is in most parts of the north is the migration of minors and northern youths down south for menial jobs, thus the high rate of influx of almost illiterate youths who do not even have First School Leaving Certificate and who find it difficult to communicate with non-Hausa speakers.

It has been said severally that the teacher and union leader turned politician has no house of his own; the question therefore, is ‘why?’ It is indeed a source of concern for the country how he would promote individual house ownership in the country.

Or, is the no own house claim a political strategy? After decades of senior civil service and seven years as Kano’s governor, Mallam Shekarau does not need to steel public funds to become a proud and lawful owner of a mansion in Kano State. Yes, because Nigerian politicians earn about the highest salaries world over.

Moreover, as a governor he spends none of his personal money as the law and convention makes provision for such elevated position in the country meaning that his entire family would be catered for.

It is possible that being a good governor may not translate into a potential good President of a diverse and secular society like Nigeria? Mallam, as he is popularly called, has done wonders in Kano in the areas of Security, education, health, etc, but the institution of Sharia is a somewhat infringement on people’s rights, especially women, so it is not the kind of policy that a transformation-thirsty society needs.

Though he could do well as the Presidency, it would be very difficult given the fact that, even the people around him may have been attracted by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Again, the sharia issue has claimed the lives and property of many in the north and equally rendered many useless since its introduction in parts of Northern Nigeria and should not be overlooked. Mallam Shekarau is very proud to have come into power with the promise of Sharia law to Kano people, which he eventually gave then.

Therefore, given the opportunity to rule Nigeria as its President, one may ask, wouldn’t Mallam Shekarau seek to make sharia prominent in Nigeria? Could anybody answer this question except the man himself? Obviously not!

Even when religion becomes so very important to a people, it is very reasonable that there should be trade-offs to avoid fanaticism, and coercion, at least in the interest of peace, unity and development. Think about it; in Tunisia, for example, which Nigerian Muslims cannot claim to be more Muslim than, bigamy is a big issue that is taken very seriously, yet Tunisia is a real ‘Arab country.’

I read a story done by one Femi Afolabi in The Tribune of Sunday, 08 August 2010, titled “Why Shekarau Must be President” and it was amazing how the author highlighted the achievements of Mallam-as he is popularly called, which confirmed reports that Kano, the most populous Northern Nigerian state has witnessed a good deal of changes under Mallam Shekarau in the past seven years.

Therefore, Mallam Shekarau deserves commendation, even from his fellow politicians, countrywide. Having listened to Mallam Shekarau and heard people speak about him live, as well as seen published documents of independent appraisal of his government, I can confirm that he has done better than most of his counterparts across the country. But is he really the best candidate in the race to Aso Rock today? The people will have to decide at the polls with their thumbs.