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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
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.
By Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Kano State has the highest number of zero-dose immunization cases in Nigeria, with 15 local government areas (LGAs) identified as high-burden, according to Save the Children.
This alarming figure has prompted the launch of targeted interventions under the Boost Project, a collaborative initiative by Save the Children and GSK aimed at reducing the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children in the country.
During an engagement meeting held on Thursday with the Kano State Community of Practice (CoP) on Immunization, stakeholders renewed commitments to tackling the issue.
The project is currently being implemented in Kano and Lagos States, with focused interventions in Ungogo and Gezawa LGAs, which are among the most affected areas in Kano.
Speaking at a media and civil society dialogue, Taiwo Folake, Coordinator of the Boost Project, emphasized the critical role of public engagement in reversing the trend.
She called for increased media support to drive awareness and community action on immunization.
Folake explained that the Boost Project works closely with state and local governments, traditional and religious leaders, and caregivers to ensure that children who have never received routine vaccines are reached, while also reintegrating those who have dropped out of immunization schedules.
Dr. Itunu Dave Agbola, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator of the project, said the initiative is also focused on improving domestic resource mobilization for immunization funding, strengthening governance, and developing a Kano-specific immunization policy to enhance planning, funding allocation, and accountability.
She noted that building trust through community leadership is vital for vaccine acceptance.
Also speaking, Salisu Yusuf, Co-Chair of the Kano CoP on Immunization, reiterated the group’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to reduce the number of high-burden LGAs.
He dismissed widespread misconceptions about vaccine safety, assuring that vaccines are safe and scientifically approved.
Yusuf pledged to intensify sensitization efforts through media outreach, house-to-house campaigns, and community meetings.
The meeting marks a renewed drive to improve immunization coverage in Kano State, with a strong emphasis on reaching vulnerable and underserved communities.
Governor Yusuf Champions Education, Resolves Certificate Crisis for Kano Graduates
Governor Yusuf Bags Vanguard’s 2024 Good Governance Award
Kano Tops Nigeria’s Zero-Dose Immunization List as Boost Project Targets Urgent Action
Kano, 12 others prone to meningitis
Uromi killings: Kano deputy Governor leads fact-finding team to Edo state
Book Review: Quintessential Elegance in Islamic Scholarship, Sheikh Ibrahim Khaleel
Emir Sanusi II Calls for Justice Over Killing of Kano Indigenes in Edo
Emir Sanusi II Warns Against Internal Betrayal and External Meddling in Kano
IGP Orders Kano Police to Investigate Emir Sanusi, Withdraws Invitation from Force HQ
