Binta Masi Garba

Last updated

Binta Masi Garba
Senator for Adamawa North
In office
June 2015 –June 2019
Children3
Alma mater Harvard University,
Kaduna Polytechnic
Nickname(s)Iron Lady, Lady B and BMG

Binta Masi Garba (born 17 April 1967) is a Nigerian politician, businesswoman and administrator, serving as the Senator of Adamawa North Senatorial District of Adamawa State since 2015. She served as Chairperson, Adamawa State chapter of All Progressives Congress and she is the first female State Chairperson of a registered major political party in Nigeria. [1]

Contents

Binta served the Federal House of Representatives three times, from 1999 to 2011. [2] [3] She is the first politician to represent two different Federal in 2009, she was elected as the first Vice President of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) under Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in Cameroon. She is the only female Senator-Elect in all the 19 Northern States of Nigeria in 2015 elections. She was also, the only female delegate from Adamawa State to the National Conference in Abuja.

Early life and education

Binta Masi Garba was born in Kaduna Army Barracks to a Muslim parents. Her parents are Kamwe from Bazza, Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State. She is the second child of her parents, thus she was named Masi according to Kamwe traditional naming convention. Her father, Corporal Tumba Garba, was an army officer and driver. [4] He had driven several prominent military figures, including Muhammadu Buhari, Sani Abacha, Ibrahim Babangida, Olusegun Obasanjo and Murtala Muhammad. [5] [6] He grew up in a Christian family but converted to Islam later in life. At an early age, she converted to Christianity which angered her father who, according to her, "burnt everything I had". However, he later came to accept her decision. [5]

Between 1975 and 1981, she attended Army Children School, New Cantonment D, Hayin Banki, Kaduna. From there she proceeded for her Secondary School Education and obtained her (GCE/WAEC ‘O’ Level) in Government Day School, Kurmin Mashi, Kaduna South, Kaduna, between 1981 and 1987. She attended Kaduna Polytechnic and obtained Ordinary National Diploma (OND Marketing, 1990) and Higher National Diploma (HND Marketing, 1997). [4] In 2004, she went to Harvard Kennedy School of Government - Harvard University (Public Financial Management). She holds two Diplomas in Theology from the Bible School of Church Growth and Practical Ministry, and Matthew Owujaye's Ministry, Kaduna. She is a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Theology from Smith Christian University, Miami, Florida.

Political career

Binta Masi Garba started her political career in the year 1998 in Kaduna, Nigeria. Before that, she worked with the New Nigeria Newspapers as an advert officer, the year she was due for a promotion she was not given due to gender inequality. Binta Masi Garba always advocated for women rights; thus prompting her to take up the mandate to represent them in the Federal House of representative Kaduna South Federal Constituency. Not long from that gender inequality experience, she decides to venture into politics in 1998 in Kaduna South Federal Constituency, a place where the prevailing culture forbid women to be in public domain. [7] Her first bid in 1998 was not successful. she contested again in 1999 for the office of Federal House of Representatives and won with 5,000 votes. She was the youngest Federal legislator in Nigeria in 1999. After her first successful tenure, she contested again in 2003 and won against her opponent with a margin of not less than 50,000. [7]

In 2006, close to the end of her second term in the Federal House of Representatives, the then Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna, having heard of her excellent performance as a legislator representing Kaduna South, entreated her to come back to her State of origin, Adamawa State, and contest. [7] After making consultations, she consented and came down to contest for House of Representatives in Madagali/Michika Federal Constituency under PDP. She eventually won the seat and represented the constituency from 2007 to 2011. After the 2011 election a film, "“Dreams for Nigeria", was made by the International Republican Institute about leading female Nigerian politicians and Garba was one of the women chosen. The other women were Hon. Suleiman Oba Nimota, Adamawa State; Hon. Saudatu Sani, Kaduna State; Hon. Titi Akindahunsi, Ekiti State, Hon. Maimuna Adaji, Kwara State, Hon. Florence Akinwale, Ekiti State and Hon. Beni Lar, Plateau State. [8]

After her third consecutive tenure in the Federal House of Assembly, she re-contested and lost against Titsi Ganama. [9]

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) under the Chairmanship of Bamanga Tukur had serious leadership crisis and a new faction emerged in 2013. The new faction of the PDP was under the Chairmanship of Abubakar Kawu Baraje. The new faction was called the new PDP (nPDP). Binta Masi Garba was appointed the Woman leader of the nPDP. [10] She later joined All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Murtala Nyako and other Governors. She contested and emerged as the Chairman of the Adamawa State Chapter of APC. The victory at the poll made her the first female State Chairman of a registered major political party in Nigeria. [11] The controversies surrounding the election of the Adamawa State Chapter of APC Executives election almost wrecked the party. Binta Masi Garba fought hard to unite the party in Adamawa state She oversaw one of the most successful party primaries in Adamawa State as a seating Chairman of the Adamawa State Chapter of APC. She was given a waiver to contest for the Senate seat in the party primaries and she eventually emerged victorious against her male contender. On 28 May 2015, she won the Senate seat of Adamawa North Senatorial District by winning in 3 local government areas of the 5 LGAs in the zone. [12]

There were over 100 senators elected in the 8th National Assembly, but only six of these were women. The others were Monsurat Sunmonu from Oyo state, Stella Oduah and Uche Ekwunife who both represent Anambra, Fatimat Raji Rasaki, Oluremi Tinubu and Rose Okoji Oko. [13]

Awards

Binta Masi Garba has won several awards, they include: [2]

Related Research Articles

Kamwe is a Chadic language native to Adamawa State and Borno State of Nigeria as well as to North-Western Cameroon.

Michika (Mwe-cika) is a town and Local Government Area in Adamawa State, Nigeria, it is the administrative headquarters of the local government. It is in Northern Adamawa State and located directly across the border from the famous tourist site of Mcedigyi in vecemwe Rhumsiki in Cameroon. Mwe-cika (Michika) is the fourth largest town in Adamawa State.

Garba Yakubu Lado Danmarke is a Nigerian businessman who became a Member of the House of Representatives (2003–2007) and was elected a Federal Senator in April 2007 for Katsina South constituency of Katsina State as a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kabir Garba Marafa</span> Nigerian politician (born 1960)

Kabir Garba Marafa,, is a Nigerian politician and a former senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who represented Zamfara Central senatorial district in the 7th and the 8th Nigerian senate, and served as the Chairman of the senate joint committee on petroleum resources. He is a member of All Progressive Congress (APC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aisha Alhassan</span> Nigerian lawyer and politician (1959–2021)

Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan, popularly known as Mama Taraba, was a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the Federal Minister of Women Affairs from her appointment in 2015 until her resignation in 2018. She previously served as the senator representing the Taraba North senatorial district from 2011 to 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rose Oko</span> Nigerian politician (1956–2020)

Rose Okoji Oko was a Nigerian politician and senator. She was a Member of the Federal House of Representatives from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), representing Yala/Ogoja Federal Constituency in Nigeria's 7th National Assembly. She was elected into office as the first female representative from her constituency in June 2011 and sat as Deputy Chairman House Committee on Education. She was the Senator representing the people of Cross River North Senatorial District. She was elected into office as the first female representative from her Senatorial District in June 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uche Ekwunife</span> Nigerian politician, DG. Southeast Governors Forum

Uche Lilian Ekwunife née Ogudebe born 12 January 1970), is a Nigerian politician who was recently a Senator representing the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District of Anambra State. She is known as one of the most active female senators in the House.

Binta Bello was a former class teacher, state commissioner, and current Deputy Minority Whip in the Nigerian House of Representatives. Bello represents the Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency of Gombe State. She is the only woman in the leadership of the House.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed</span> Nigerian politician (born 1971)

Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, also known as Binani, is a Nigerian politician and entrepreneur who was the senator for Adamawa Central from 2019 to 2023. On 30 March 2020, she was appointed Gimbiyar Adamawa by the Adamawa Emirate Council.

Ishaku Elisha Abbo is a Nigerian politician. He was the senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District in Adamawa State at the Nigerian 10th National Assembly until his removal by the appeal court on 16th October 2023. He is currently a member of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Suleiman Oba Nimota is a Nigerian politician. She is a member of the People's Democratic Party. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Adamawa State gubernatorial election</span> 2023 gubernatorial election in Adamawa State, Nigeria

The 2023 Adamawa State gubernatorial election took place on 18 March 2023, to elect the Governor of Adamawa State, concurrent with elections to the Adamawa State House of Assembly as well as twenty-seven other gubernatorial elections and elections to all other state houses of assembly. The election — which was postponed from its original 11 March date — was held three weeks after the presidential election and National Assembly elections. Incumbent Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (PDP) was re-elected by a 3.75% margin over first runner-up and APC nominee — Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed.

The 2019 Nigerian Senate election in Adamawa State was held on February 23, 2019, to elect members of the Nigerian Senate to represent Adamawa State. Binos Dauda Yaroe representing Adamawa South and Ishaku Elisha Abbo representing Adamawa North won on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, while Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed representing Adamawa Central won on the platform of All Progressives Congress.

The 2015 Nigerian Senate election in Adamawa State was held on March 28, 2015, to elect members of the Nigerian Senate to represent Adamawa State. Binta Masi Garba representing Adamawa North, Ahmad Abubakar representing Adamawa South and Abdul-Aziz Nyako representing Adamawa Central all won on the platform of All Progressives Congress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Nigerian Senate election</span> Elections in Nigeria

The 2019 Nigerian Senate election were held in all 109 senatorial districts where voters elected senators using first-past-the-post voting. Most elections were held on February 23, 2019, with some elections running into February 24 while others had supplementary or rerun elections that took place at a later date. The last regular senatorial elections for all districts were in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Nigerian Senate election</span> Elections in Nigeria

The 2023 Nigerian Senate elections were held on 25 February 2023 in all 109 senatorial districts where voters elected senators using first-past-the-post voting. The last regular senatorial elections for all districts were in 2019.

The 2019 Nigerian House of Representatives elections in Adamawa State was held on February 23, 2019, to elect members of the House of Representatives to represent Adamawa State, Nigeria.

The 2023 Nigerian House of Representatives elections were held on 25 February 2023 where voters elected members of the House of Representatives using first-past-the-post voting in all 360 federal constituencies. The last regular House elections for all districts were in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Nigerian Senate elections in Adamawa State</span> 2023 Senate elections in Adamawa

The 2023 Nigerian Senate elections in Adamawa State will be held on 25 February 2023, to elect the 3 federal Senators from Adamawa State, one from each of the state's three senatorial districts. The elections will coincide with the 2023 presidential election, as well as other elections to the Senate and elections to the House of Representatives; with state elections being held two weeks later. Primaries were held between 4 April and 9 June 2022.

The Kamwe people is a Chadic language speaking group, native to Adamawa State and Borno State of Nigeria and Northwest Cameroon. The Kamwe Language is called Vecemwe in the native tongue. Kamwe is a compound word formed of 'Ka' and 'Mwe' meaning people of the same consanguinity and affinity. The Kamwe are industrious and enterprising. They are usually equated to the Igbos of South Eastern Nigeria

References

  1. ↑ Muhammad, Muhammad K. (13 June 2009). "My father was IBB's driver —Hon. Binta Masi Garba". Daily Trust. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  2. 1 2 Assembly, Nigerian National. "National Assembly - Federal Republic of Nigeria". www.nassnig.org. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  3. ↑ "Binta Masi Garba: The story of first female party chairperson". Dailytrust.com.ng. 25 May 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  4. 1 2 "Nigeria News". Archived from the original on 14 April 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  5. 1 2 Livinus, Hindi (12 May 2018). "Buhari could spend five hours on a bottle of soft drink –Garba, ex-driver". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  6. ↑ Adebulu, Taiwo (16 April 2018). "Senator Binta: My father burnt everything I had because I accepted Christ". Cable NG.
  7. 1 2 3 "My leadership of APC is divinely ordained – Hon. Binta Garba". Archived from the original on 11 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-04-11.
  8. ↑ ""Dreams for Nigeria" Documentary Premieres | IRI". www.iri.org. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  9. ↑ "NASS Poll: ACN Presidential Candidate Ribadu Beaten In Adamawa" . Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  10. ↑ "NPDP Sets Up Committee To Receive Five New Governors". Sahara Reporters. 10 November 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  11. ↑ "Adamawa Makes History as Woman Emerges Chairperson of APC, Articles | THISDAY LIVE". Archived from the original on 11 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-04-11.
  12. ↑ Agbo, Catherine (10 October 2021). "REVEALED: Top women in politics who are now missing". 21st CENTURY CHRONICLE. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  13. ↑ The 6 female senators in 8th National Assembly, Naij,com, Retrieved 15 February 2016
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.