KABIRU TANIMU TURAKI: A PROFILE IN INTEGRITY, COURAGE AND SERVICE TO HUMANITY
“The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.” ~Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S President
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“Within you lies a power which when properly grasped and directed, can lift an entire race out of the rut of mediocrity, poverty and failure and unto the shores of fortune”
~ Dennis Kimbro, U.S Black Motivational Speaker
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The two quotes encapsulate the altruistic motive behind Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN’s decision to serve the nation at the highest interest level for he knows that leadership is a privilege, and with it comes responsibility.
THE MAN
A democrat and an extremely loyal party man, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, FCIArb, FABS, FCIDA, HCILRM MPIN, MIICA (Dan Masanin Gwandu, Zarumman Kabi) is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (2013 -2015), former Supervising Minister, Ministry of Labour and Productivity (2014 – 2015) and current Chairman of PDP Former Ministers’ Forum of Nigeria.
He is presently a member of Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees (BOT).
QUALITIES
Integrity
Visionary
Well-educated and Knowledgeable
Dynamic
Courageous
Cosmopolitan
Bridge-builder/Patriot
Compassionate
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Born on 3rd April, 1957 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
Attended Nassarawa Primary School, Birnin Kebbi (1968-1975) after a stint at the Quranic School.
Appointed Deputy Head Boy and Time Keeper based on academic excellence and sterling qualities
Attended Barewa College, Zaria (1975-1980) where he served as Deputy House Captain and President , Young Farmers Club
Attended State College of Arts and Science, Sokoto for IJMB (1980-1982)
Attended University of Jos (1982-1985) and graduated with LL.B (Hons)
Attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986
NYSC (1986-1987)
Attended the Islamic Finance Institute of Southern Africa in 2010 to study Islamic Investment Structuring, SUKUK Master Class
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED WITH DATES
Nassarawa Primary School, Kebbi – 1968-1975
School Leaving Certificate/G.C.E – 1980
I.J.M.B. Certificate – 1982
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Hons. Degree – 1985
Barrister at Law Certificate (B.L.) – 1986
National Youth Service Corps Certificate (NYSC) – 1987
Notary Public – 2002
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) – 2002
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, (UK)(FCIArb) – 2009
Certificate in Training and Advisory Excellence in
Islamic Finance and Investment Structuring: SUKUK Master Class – 2010
A LIFE OF SERVICE
PUBLIC SERVICE
Member, National Political Reform Conference – 2004
National Chairman, Northern Union – 2004
Board Member, Team Nigeria Trust Fund – 2006
Member, Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of the Reforms in the Nigeria Police – 2009
Chairman, Nigerian Copyright Commission – 2012
Member, Committee on the Reconciliation of E-Payment in Kebbi State – 2012
Chairman, Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North – 2013-2014
Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs – 2013-2015
Supervising Minister, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity – 2014-2015
Head of Federal Government Delegations to Niger, Senegal and Belarus – 2014-2015
Chairman, White Paper Committee of Experts on Inter-Professional Relationships in the Public Health Sector – 2015
Appointed Dan Masanin Gwandu by the Emir of Gwandu in recognition of his community development service and youth empowerment – 2002
Conferred with the tradional title of Zarumman Kabi by Argungu Emirate for community development service – 2012
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Legal Adviser, Directorate of Food, Roads & Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI) – 1986-1987
Senior Counsel, Tijjani Abdullahi & Co (Barristers & Solicitors) 1987-1989
Principal Partner K.T. Turaki & Co (Solicitors & Advocates) – 1989
Member, Nigerian Bar Association – 1986
Member, African Bar Association – 1989
Member, International Bar Association – 1992
Member, Commonwealth Lawyers Association – 1990
First Lawyer from Kebbi State and the former North Western States to be elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). – 2002
Member, Council of Legal Education – 2005
Member, National Working Group on the Investment Laws in Nigeria – 2006
Member, National Executive Committee, NBA – 1990-1995
Member, Body of Benchers Committee for Resolution of NBA Crisis – 1992
Member Kano State Law reporting Committee – 1991
Member, Committee for Review of Northern States’ Penal Code Law – 1993
Member, Lawyers in Defense of Human Rights – 1995
Member, Inner Bar – 2002
Member Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – 2009
Member, Body of Benchers’ Committee for the Reform of the
Laws Regulating the Legal Profession in Nigeria – 2010
Member, Governing Board, National Judicial Institute – 2012
Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Committee on the Judiciary – 2012
HONOURS/AWARDS
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is a recipient of numerous awards in politics, business and community service.
He has been honoured throughout Nigeria and outside the country in recognition of his contribution to the development of the country and humanity at large.
Such Honours and Awards includes:
Recipient of Special letter of commendation for national service by President
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR – 2015
Recipient of Distinguished Award by the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Abuja Branch – 2014
Recipient of Nigeria Union of Local Government (NULGE) Award – 2014
Recipient of Fellow of the Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration Award- 2014
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria – 2014
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – 2009
Recipient of 2009 KWAME NKRUMAH Distinguished Leadership Award – 2009
Recipient of African Role Model Leadership Gold Award for Excellence – 2009
Recipient of African Credibility Award – 2009
Life Patron, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) – 2009
Recipient of Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) Merit Award – 2008
Recipient of Nigerian Youth Ambassador Award – 2008
Recipient of African Meritorious Service Award for good Leadership – 2007
Recipient of Distinguished Alumnus of the year Award by SUG, University of Jos – 2006
Fellow, African Business School – 2005
Recipient of National Association of Mathematical Science Students of
Nigeria Award of Excellence – 2005
Patron, Association Deaf and Dumb, Kano State Branch – 1996
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has paid his dues having entered politics since 1981 as a young man.
His consistency and loyalty have earned him the following positions of trust in his party, the PDP:
Gubernatorial Aspirant PDP, Kebbi State – 2007
Deputy Director-General (North), PDP Presidential Campaign
Organization – 2014/2015
Member, Board of Trustees, PDP – 2015
PRIVATE SECTOR EXPERIENCE
Wide and varied experience as Chairman, Director and Board member in Banking, Insurance, and Media Companies such as:
Publisher, News Marshall Newspaper – 1992
Publisher, Festival News Periodical – 1992
Director, Champion Oil and Chemical Co. Ltd. – 1997
Director, Bank of the North Ltd. – 2003
Chairman, Bank of the North Trustees Ltd. – 2003
Director, Northlink Insurance Brokers – 2009
PUBLICATIONS
Intrusion of English Law on the Inheritance of Land in Nigeria – 1985
Problems of Bail in Nigerian Law and Courts – 1990
Problems Militating Against The Participation of Youths in the Politics of the Third Republic – 1996
Contribution of Nigerian Youths To Nation Building – 1997
The Challenges of Political Parties: INEC Regulatory
Functions vs Electoral ACT, 2010 – 2011
Legal Profession: Practice and Practice and Challenges – 2012
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, FCIArb, FABS, FCIDA, HCILRM MPIN, MIICA (Dan Masanin Gwandu, Zarumman Kabi) is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (2013–2015), former Supervising Minister, Ministry of Labour and Productivity 2014–2015 and current Chairman of PDP Former Ministers’ Forum of Nigeria.
A practising lawyer and a politician, he is presently a member of Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees (BOT).
CORE BELIEFS
Strong and honest leadership
Zero Tolerance to Discrimination and for Corruption, and
Empathy and Humaneness
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Kabiru was born on 3rd April. 1957 at the Nassarawa area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State to the family of Alhaji Tanimu Turaki. In order to equally acquire Western education, he was enrolled into the then Nassarawa Primary School, Birnin Kebbi(1968-1975). Kabiru Tanimu Turaki exhibited clear signs of a gifted child right from his days in Primary School. He distinctively excelled in his academic work. As a testimony of the commendable and sterling qualities of the young Kabiru, he was appointed the Deputy Head Boy and Time Keeper of the School.
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki proceeded to the famous Barewa College, Zaria (1975-1980). Even though the School was full of brilliant students, he proved an exceptional person because he stood out in whatever he did. At Barewa College, Zaria, he was the Deputy House Captain, Suleiman Barau House and President, Young Farmers Club of the School.
In furtherance of his education, Kabiru went to the then State College of Arts and Science, Sokoto for his I.J.M.B(1980-1982). It was another success story for Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as he passed all his papers brilliantly. This earned him admission into one of Nigeria’s most respected Universities, the University of Jos, to read Law(1982-1985). He graduated with LL.B (Honours) and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos where he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. He thereafter served his fatherland as a member of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in 1986/1987. He later attended The Islamic Finance Institute of Southern Africa in 2010 where he studied Islamic Investment Structuring, SUKUK Masterclass.
PERSONAL LIFE
Kabiru is happily married with children. He is a Muslim, Hausa-Fulani from Kebbi State.
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is the first Lawyer from Kebbi State and the entire former North Western States to be elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2002. Dan Masanin Gwandu, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, is a success story, an inspiration to the youth, a true Nigerian Patriot and an uncompromising believer in the continuous corporate existence of Nigeria as an indivisible nation.
In Kebbi State, he has contributed immeasurably to the betterment of lives of others through the provision of scholarships, employment opportunities and other forms of moral and financial support and encouragement.
He was appointed the Dan Masanin Gwandu by the Emir of Gwandu in February, 2002, in recognition of his achievements and support for the development of his community. He was also conferred with the Traditional title of Zarumman Kabi by Argungu Emirate in 2012.
The Distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria has been a member of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chairman Nigerian Bar Association Committee on the Judiciary, as well as a member of the Governing Board of the National Judicial Institute. He was also appointed as the Chairman of the Nigerian Copyright Commission by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR in 2012, a position he held until his appointment in 2013 as a Minister in the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a Minister, he was saddled with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the then newly recreated Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. He was also appointed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, to serve as the Honourable Supervising Minister of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity between 2014 and 2015. As a result of his dedication and team work, he was made the Chairman, White Paper Committee on the Report of the Presidential Committee of Experts on Inter-Professional Relationships in the Public Health Sector. President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR also recognized Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN’s effort and identified him worthy of bringing an end to the deadly security challenge in the North-East by appointing him as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the region.
In recognition of his contribution to the development of Nigeria and humanity, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has been honoured throughout Nigeria and outside the country.
HONOURS/AWARDS
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is a recipient of numerous awards in politics, business and community service.
He has been honoured throughout Nigeria and outside the country in recognition of his contribution to the development of the country and humanity at large.
Such honor and award includes
Recipient of Special letter of commendation for national service by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
Recipient of 2009 KWAME NKRUMAH Distinguished Leadership Award
Recipient of Fellow of the Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration Award
Recipient of Nigeria Union of Local Government (NULGE) Award
Recipient of African Role Model Leadership Gold Award for Excellence
Recipient of African Credibility Award
Recipient of African Meritorious Service Award for good Leadership
Recipient of Nigeria Youth Ambassador Award
Recipient of National Association of Mathematical Science Students of Nigeria Award of Excellence
Recipient of Distinguished Alumnus of the year Award by SUG, University of Jos
Recipient of Distinguished Award by the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Abuja Branch
Recipient of Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) Merit Award
Patron, Association Deaf and Dumb, Kano State Branch
Life Patron, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
On graduation from the Nigerian Law School, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki opted to be a private legal practitioner. He became a counsel with Alhaji Tijjani Abdullahi and Company (Solicitors and Advocates) in 1987. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki needed only two years to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the legal forestry of Kano and its environs. This solid resolution gave birth to K. T. Turaki and Co. in 1989.
As a lawyer, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has practised in virtually every court and tribunal in the country from the Magistrate Court, High Court, the Court of Appeal, Armed Robbery Tribunal, Miscellaneous Offences Tribunal, Election Petition Tribunals, Failed Banks Tribunal and even to the apex court, the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In all these, he had recorded successes that are certainly beyond the ordinary. He has held professional responsibilities that are too numerous to be mentioned. However, it is worthy to note that Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is a retained external solicitor and legal adviser to many organizations throughout Nigeria.
As a compassionate person, he has held briefs for clients free of charge. This is a testimony of his love for the down trodden and less privileged. It is a fact also, that the second Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Kebbi State and the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Sokoto State have all passed through his tutelage. Indeed, his law firm has produced no fewer than five (5) Senior Advocates of Nigeria to date, some of whom had become Attorneys General in many States and of the Federation.
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was appointed a member of the Kano State Law Reporting Committee in 1999 and a member of the Committee for the review of current legislations in Kano State. The following year, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki served in the committee that reviewed the Northern States Penal Code Law in 1992.
When the Nigeria Bar Association was going through one of its trying moments, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was one of those called upon to resolve its crisis in 1993.
The Dan Masanin Gwandu was a member of the National Political Reform Conference in 2004, as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Team Nigeria Trust Fund, a body that was set up to galvanize private sector participation in the sports development and financing in Nigeria.
When the defunct Bank of the North was in murky waters, Barrister Turaki, SAN, was among the intervention Board that was set up by the Regulatory Agencies (CBN/NDIC) to restore the Bank that was on the verge of collapse to profitability.
He was at various times a member of the Council of Legal Education, as well as member of the committee for the review of Investment Laws in Nigeria. He was also a member of the Ministerial Committee for the Implementation of Reforms in the Nigeria Police Force as well as the Committee set up by the Body of Benchers to review the laws regulating legal practice in Nigeria.
His contribution to the development of the law and the legal practice in Nigeria led to his appointment as a Notary Public by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and his elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2002.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Dan Masanin is a member of many professional bodies, such as:
1. Nigerian Bar Association
2. African Bar Association
3. International Bar Association
4. Commonwealth Lawyer Association
5. Lawyers in Defense of Human Rights
6. Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
7. Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
In addition, he has attained the following Professional / Academic status of excellence:
1. Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)(FCIArb)
2. Fellow of the African Business School (FABS)
3. Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (HCILRM)
4. Fellow, The Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration (FCIDA)
5. Member, Professional Institute of Nigeria (MPIN)
6. Member, Institute of Industrialists and Corporate Administrators (MIICA), among others
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
i. Secretary, Youth Wing, National Party of Nigeria (1981)
ii. Member and Gubernatorial Aspirant for Kebbi State, United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP-1996)
iii. Member and Gubernatorial Aspirant for Kebbi State, All Peoples’ Party (APP-1998)
iv. Member, National Executive Committee, All Peoples Party (1998)
v. Member, Board of Trustees All Peoples Party (2000)
vi. Member and Gubernatorial Candidate, United Nigeria Peoples Party(UNPP), Kebbi State (2003)
vii. Member, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP – 2003)
viii. Gubernatorial Aspirant PDP, Kebbi State (2007)
ix. Deputy Director-General (North), PDP Presidential Campaign Organization (2014/2015)
x. Member, Board of Trustees, PDP (2015)
PUBLICATIONS
a) Intrusion of English Law on the Inheritance of Land in Nigeria – (1985)
b) Problems of Bail in Nigeria Law and Courts – (1990)
c) Problems Militating Against The Participation of Youths in the Politics of the Third Republic – (1996)
d) Contribution of Nigerian Youths To Nation Building – (1997)
e) The Challenges of Political Parties: INEC Regulatory
Functions vs Electoral ACT, 2010 – (2011)
f) Legal Profession: Practice and – (2012)
HOBBIES
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki loves reading, travelling and sports.
