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183 Kano civil society groups dissociate from call for Emir Sanusi’s dethronement
Nazifi Dawud
A coalition of 183 civil society and community based organizations under the aegis of the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) have dissociated from an alleged demand by some unidentified groups for the deposition of Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II, by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Kano Focus reports that Mr Ganduje, through his chief press secretary Abba Anwar had on Thursday confirmed receiving a letter from purported “civil society groups” calling on him to dethrone the Emir for alleged disloyalty to the government.
“Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has received a letter from a coalition of 35 civil society groups urging him to, in the interest of protecting the sanctity of the rule of law, and the mandate given to him by Kano electorate, as a matter of urgency, start the process of dethroning the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II,” the statement reads.
Mr Anwar said the letter was signed by one Ibrahim Ali, who reportedly spoke on behalf of the unnamed 35 civil society groups.
“The letter was signed by Comrade Ibrahim Ali, chairman of the coalition, which continues that, ‘Soon afterward, the same law which repeals all the existing Emirate Councils Laws, and consolidates it in the Kano State Emirate Council Law 2019, was again been challenged first by the purportedly five king makers from one of the emirates established by the said law,” he had said in a statement.
However, on Friday, the KCSF in a statement signed by Ibrahim Wayya Rano, its spokesperson dissociated itself from the call for the emir’s deposition, calling for the arrest of Mr Ali, the signatory to the letter sent to Mr Ganduje.
“It is disheartening that, some politically motivated and faceless individuals, would claim to be acting on behalf of a coalition of civil society organizations in Kano, who were alleged to have called on the Governor for the dethronement of the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II.
“Should these apparition group genuinely represent the civil Society organizations, their energy must have centered onpromoting peace and unity, promotion of good governance, socio-economic development, promoting the welfare and wellbeing of the good people of Kano, and ensure a peaceful co existence of our dear state, but not the other way round.
“It is on this note, we want to categorically lay bare and detach ‘Kano Civil Society Forum’ from the position of this unregistered, faceless and quarks Civil Society organizations, who proved from the content of their statement, to be unskilled, anti peace and politically sloppy,” the group said.
Read the full KCSF statement below:
KANO CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM (KCSF)
Open letter to the Executive Governor of Kano State and Security
Agencies
20th Dec. 2019
His Excellency,
The Executive Governor of Kano State
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR.
Government House,
Kano.
RE-DETHRONE SANUSI NOW, KANO CIVIL SOCETY ORGANIZATIONS TELLS GANDUJE:
KANO CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM (KCSF) DISSOCIATES ITSELF FROM THE ABOVE CAPTIONED STATEMENT EMINATING FROM SOME FACELESS AND FAKE ORGANIZATIONS – AND CALL ON THE KANO STATE GOVERNOR DR. ABDULLAHI UMAR GANDUJE TO DISREGARD IT.
Our attention has been drawn to the above subject matter in the daily post of 18th December, 2019 and has also been mischievously circulated on both conventional and social media.
Your Excellency sir, let us for the record briefly introduce the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) to you, once again. The Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF), is the key umbrella body of over 183 different Civil Society and Community based Organizations operating in Kano State, associating under a common platform with the aim of achieving human rights protection and promotion, promotion of democracy, good governance, policy change, health, peace, justice, Security and sustainable development in Kano State and Nigeria at large. Kano Civil Society
Forum (KCSF) is a registered forum with all relevant bodies including, Corporate Affairs Commission.
The forum has also for long been recognized and associating with all security agencies in the State.
It is disheartening that, some politically motivated and faceless individuals, would claim to be acting on behalf of a coalition of civil society organizations in Kano, who were alleged to have calledon the Governor for the dethronement of the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II. Should these apparition group genuinely represent the civil Society organizations, their energy must have centered onpromoting peace and unity, promotion of good governance, socio-economic development, promoting the welfare and wellbeing of the good people of Kano, and ensure a peaceful co existence of our dear state, but not the other way round.
It is on this note, we want to categorically lay bare and detach ‘Kano Civil Society Forum’ from the position of this unregistered, faceless and quarks Civil Society organizations, who proved from the content of their statement, to be unskilled, anti peace and politically sloppy.
It is our collective and unapologetic position that, the two exalted personalities in the State, which are the Executive Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi, are two important leaders we hold in high esteem and equally respect. It is our un-repentant belief that, should the two leaders work in unity and harmony, and placing the interest of the Kano People above all other interest, Kano would surely remain peaceful, prosperous and developed.
Consequently, in the spirit of increasing development challenges of the state,it is a common knowledge in the public domain that, Kano is one of the most hit State with the menace of Almajiris, increasing rate of poverty, mortality rate, malnutrition, drug abuse,unemployment and educationally backward. Many development indices and practical statistics have placed Kano state high, and which is in dire need of down to business governance through multi-talented leadership skills to practically salvage the State from sinking.
This is a hard nosed demand that requires total dedication, commitment, focus, steadfastness, as well as total avoidance of any distraction.
Consequently every bit of energy is required to accomplish the tasking mandate of the Kano People within the stipulated and constitutional tenure of an elected leader, thus Your Excellency, such lowly distraction sponsored by some anti Kano people and anti peace, in the name of fake coalition of civil society organizations, should not be entertained by a responsible Government like yours.
It is on this note, we wish to emphatically draw the attention of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, that:
1. The faceless individuals who claimed to be a coalition of civil society organizations in Kano, are neither part of us nor share any of their opinion or position on the call to dethrone the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muahammdu Sanusi II.
2. The statement alleged to be signed by one Ibrahim Ali, who claims acting as the Chairman, Coalition for Civil Society Organizations is not known to us and therefore does not represent our forum.
3. The call by this so called coalition of the civil society organizations is evil, destructive, selfish, anti Kano people, and Anti Peace.
4. His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, shall apply acumen and his vast skills of life experience and a sense of maturity to find an amicable way to resolve the lingering emirate creation bits and pieces in Kano, to end the altercation between the Governor and the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi,
5. We also make a clarion call to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to do everything possible within his powers as a KANO LEADER, to end the lingering stage show on the Emirate Council creation and reconcile with the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, to cut short the drama of some gluttonous and egotistical people who take advantage of the situation and cash on it, for personal gains. Kano deserves a purposeful leadership devoid of any distraction, and the unity of our state should take the centre stage in the priority development scale.
We therefore urge the DSS and other security agencies to fish out one Ibrahim Ali, the signatory to the letter addressed to the Governor and investigate the Civil Society coalitions, he claimed to represent, for misguiding and impersonation. Ideally, civil society organizations are meant to be non-governmental organizations that should be pre-occupied on the promotion of peace, unity, justice and economic development.
We also urge His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Gunduje, to channel his active energy towards promoting good governance, socio-economic development of the state and building peace and unity which are the dividends of democracy that all citizens are yearning for at this present time.
We call on those sowing seed of discord to desist from it, it is destructive and have never helped any state or nation to develop and grow.
We urge His Excellency to shun away from people who are hell bent to create rift and misconstruction between the Governor and his fellow brother Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano.
We pray to God for continuous protection and prosperity of our dear State.
Long live Kano State!
Long live Nigeria!!
Ibrahim Waiya M. K. Adam Rano
President PRO
… As Gov. Yusuf Condemns CP Bakori’s Partisan Conduct
… Demands His Immediate Removal for Sabotage, Unethical Behaviour
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned in the strongest terms the unprofessional and partisan conduct of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, describing his actions as deliberate sabotage against the people of Kano and the Nigerian state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed outrage over the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the 2025 Independence Day celebration in Kano — an order CP Bakori issued just hours before the commencement of the event.
Governor Yusuf said the action was a clear demonstration of bias, insubordination, and betrayal of the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, we cannot tolerate sabotage to the peace, security, and wellbeing of our citizens. It is disgraceful that a Commissioner of Police would descend so low into partisan politics by boycotting a national event that symbolizes unity, patriotism, and democracy,” Governor Yusuf stated.
The governor accused CP Bakori of consistently aligning with political interests opposed to the will of the people of Kano, thereby eroding public trust in the police command. He described the CP as a “political police officer” who has abandoned professionalism and is actively undermining democracy.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” the statement added.
Governor Yusuf therefore led the voices of Kano stakeholders who were present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove CP Bakori from office and replace him with a competent and non-partisan officer who will restore confidence, fairness, and neutrality in policing Kano State.
The stakeholders who joined their voices with that of the Governor included traditional and religious leaders, NNPP members of the state and national assemblies, the business community, youth groups, and labour organizations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people, stressing that no act of sabotage from compromised security officials will succeed in destabilizing Kano under his watch.
He also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state — with the exception of the police.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the leadership of the state commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the State Directorate of Security Services, all of whom participated in the 2025 Independence Parade.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Dr. Musa Mohammed Bello, State Focal Person for the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), announced significant progress in a Gavi-funded immunization project implemented in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) across Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno states since September 2023.
KANO FOCUS reports that the project has recorded notable reductions in the number of zero-dose children those who have not received any vaccines particularly in Kano, where 15 local governments were identified as high-burden areas.
During a recent review meeting focusing on Kano State, stakeholders assessed successes and challenges related to immunization budget allocation, vaccine supply chain disruptions, cold chain management, and access to immunization services by parents and caregivers.
Dr. Bello commended the Kano State government for consistently allocating above 15% of the budget to health surpassing the Abuja Declaration recommendation but pointed out issues with approval and release of funds that hinder smooth project implementation.
He also stressed the need for Kano State to reduce its heavy reliance on donor funding from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by strengthening local counterpart contributions. Isyaku Lawan Dawakin from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
Dr. Bello further highlighted the strengthening of advocacy and government relationships through the 2023-2024 Accountability Scorecard initiative, which has enabled better communication and cooperation with key government committees on health and appropriation. Evidence-based advocacy built on decentralized immunization monitoring assessments by AFENET has helped identify specific challenges at the local government and health facility levels, informing targeted interventions.
He presented recent data from September 2025 showing high reporting rates from primary health care facilities on routine immunization services via SMS across the targeted local governments, reflecting increased monitoring and responsiveness. The project has fostered deeper understanding of the budgetary process among civil society and health stakeholders, contributing to increased awareness and coordinated action to address zero-dose children.
Crucially, Dr. Bello revealed that Kano State has seen a tremendous decrease in zero-dose children—from over 539,000 in 2020 to around 120,000 by December 2024—attributed to collaborative government and partner efforts.
This achievement underscores the positive impact of strengthened immunization systems, accountability frameworks, and partner coordination in improving child health outcomes across the region.
”This initiative forms part of a broader push to improve immunization coverage and accountability in West Africa, aiming to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and vulnerable to preventable diseases,” he said.
Isyaku Lawan Dawakin Tofa from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
The Kano State chapter of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has inaugurated a new executive committee to steer its affairs for another three years, pledging to deepen its role as a unifying voice for northern Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the swearing-in ceremony, held during the Forum’s state congress in Kano, drew a distinguished audience of political leaders, elder statesmen and community stakeholders.
Re-elected Chairman Dr. Goni Faruk-Umar will lead the 12-member team, which includes Hajiya Aishatu Yakubu Maijamaa (Deputy Chairman), Alhaji Abubakar Idris-Ahmad (Vice Chairman) and Dr. Aminu Usman Jibrin (Secretary).
Other key officers are Alhaji Lawan Garba Namakka (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Mairo Bello (Treasurer), Hajiya Binta Rabiu (Assistant Treasurer), Comrade Hadiza Kishimi (Auditor) and publicity secretaries Alhaji Bello Sani Galadanchi and Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim, alongside members of the Board of Trustees and Ex-Officio representatives.
Some diginatries at the event
Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Haliru Akilu (Rtd.), described the meeting as “more than a statutory gathering,” calling it a reaffirmation of collective commitment to regional unity, purposeful leadership and national progress. He urged the new executives to consolidate on existing gains while championing peace and dialogue across the North.
The ACF’s National Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Dalhatu (Wazirin Dutse), commended the Kano chapter’s “exemplary strides” in poverty alleviation, youth empowerment and participation in trade fairs and conferences.
He challenged the leadership to sustain momentum by completing a permanent state secretariat, finalising the long-awaited ACF Kano Book, and empowering 1,000 youths through the Akhuwat Empowerment Centre.
National Secretary-General Alhaji Murtala Aliyu clarified that while state chapters cannot speak for the national body, earlier misunderstandings had been resolved.
ACF Kano
He commended the Kano team for its achievements and urged them to scale up their efforts.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Goni Faruk Umar pledged to build on past successes and expand the forum’s reach beyond Kano metropolis.
“Our focus will be the completion of the ACF Kano Book, construction of a permanent secretariat, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods through the Akhuwat Empowerment Centre,” .
The event also featured the presentation of awards to six individuals for outstanding service, including Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the Kano State NDLEA Commandant, for his commitment to combating drug abuse.
Stakeholders such as former Kano Commissioner for Commerce and Industries Alhaji Ahmad Rabiu lauded the chapter’s leadership and urged a redoubling of efforts to tackle poverty, insecurity and other socio-economic challenges facing northern Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that Arewa Consultative Forum ACF, founded in 2000, remains one of the region’s most influential socio-political groups, advocating unity and development across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
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