AB Mahmoud and the three stages of public service, By Jibrin Ibrahim

The event drew distinguished personalities who witnessed the historic occasion, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kano state governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice-Presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Kano Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo. Other dignitaries include Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Kano NDC governorship candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and a host of dignitaries from across the country. There was also a strong delegation from civil society, academia, labour and social movements from across the country. Comrade John Odah, former General Secretary of the Nigerian Labour Congress led the radical wing adorned in a magnificent baban riga that was used for the very first time. Nurudeen Farah, the great African writer offered reflections on the rise of xenophobia in a well-attended side event. Not surprisingly, a large delegation of lawyers also graced the occasion.