Headlines
Kano CSOs crisis: BOT endorses Waiya’s leadership
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board of Trustees of Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) has endorsed the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya.
KANO FOCUS reports that the BOT made this known on Thursday after a group of three persons who described themselves as ‘concerned’ members of the Form announced the suspension of the leadership of the Forum.
According to the BOT Secretary, Hamisu Isa Sharifai, there is no such thing as body of ‘Concerned Members’ that can exercise the powers of the Congress (which consists of over one hundred organizations) or the BOT and as such the suspension and announcement should be disregarded by both members and the general public.
He said, under the circumstances the BOT directs that the management team of the KCSF under the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya, should continue to do so, and the constituted Electoral Committee set uuo by the BOT 3 weeks ago should go on with the arrangements for the elections.
“We call on all members who are truly concerned with the progress of the Forum to stand together as a united body, so that the elections can hold in strict compliance with the KCSF Constitution”.
“Let us all remain resolute in pursuing the ideals of justice, good democratic practice and societal progress that brought us together”, he added.
Interim Leadership of Kano CSOs Dissolved Amidst Concerns of Democratic Breach
It will be recalled that the Concerned Members of the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) have officially dissolved the interim leadership of the forum under the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya.
In a statement released to newsmen from KSCF’s secretariat under the chairmanship of Abdullahi Y. Sule, disclosed the decision comes in response to what they claim are violations of democratic principles and good governance within the organization.
KCSF, which represents over 100 civil society and pro-democracy organizations in Kano State, was established in 2012 with the mission to promote democracy, human rights, good governance, and peace and security in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The Concerned Members expressed their deep concerns about ongoing violations of democratic principles and good governance by the current interim leadership.
One major issue raised was the extended delay in conducting democratic elections within the forum, which was initially mandated to take place within six months but had stretched to an astonishing seven years. This raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the commitment to democratic representation within the forum.
Another alarming issue brought to light was the forceful removal of members from the central WhatsApp group of the forum for expressing dissenting views. This authoritarian approach was seen as stifling freedom of expression and undermining the essence of a civil society coalition meant to foster dialogue and inclusivity.
Inconsistencies and contradictions between the interim leadership and the Board of Trustees (BOT) were also cited. These included disputes over the establishment of an electoral committee versus an election strategy committee, causing confusion and discord within the organization.
The Concerned Members also pointed out that the KCSF constitution, which the interim leadership frequently referred to, was still a draft and not yet adopted by the CONGRESS, making its provisions non-binding until formal adoption.
Furthermore, the growing partisanship displayed by the interim leadership was criticized for violating the core principle of impartiality and neutrality that should define a civil society coalition. It was argued that such partisanship undermines the forum’s credibility and its ability to work collaboratively with government institutions.
The Concerned Members emphasized that these violations have far-reaching implications, including undermining the forum’s credibility, advocacy capacity, and its ability to champion citizens’ rights.
They called for the dissolution of the interim leadership and urged the BOT to facilitate a congress meeting where democratically elected executives can emerge.
The Concerned Members however called for calm and law-abiding behavior among all KCSF members during these challenging times as they continue to push for the establishment of a democratically elected leadership within the forum.
They also requested the general public to refrain from engaging with the dissolved interim leadership and direct all official matters to the KCSF BOT until new leadership is established.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, a magistrate in Kano State, has been recommended for appointment as a judge of the Kano State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
KANO FOCUS reports that Hassan is among four judicial officers from Kano State recommended for elevation to the High Court bench out of 28 candidates selected nationwide.
The other nominees are Halima Yahuza Ahmad, Abdullahi Abdulsalam Bature and Musa Ibrahim Umar.
The NJC disclosed the recommendations in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, following its consideration of candidates for judicial appointments across the country.
The council said all recommended candidates were expected to be sworn in by their respective state governors without delay.
Hassan’s recommendation follows her years of service in the Kano State judiciary, where she has reportedly distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism and careful handling of cases.
She has been commended for her commitment to judicial ethics, diligence and fairness in the discharge of her responsibilities, achievements that contributed to her career progression within the judiciary.
Her elevation is part of a broader development in the Kano State judiciary, with four magistrates from the state successfully scaling the selection process for appointment to the High Court.
The four nominees were reportedly assessed during the selection exercise and demonstrated strong professional competence, while their service records were found to be free of adverse remarks.
Their recommendation marks a significant step in their judicial careers and is expected to strengthen the judicial workforce in Kano State upon their formal appointment.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) says it has tracked nearly 1,000 education projects across the state as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the education sector.
KANO FOCUS the coalition’s Co-Chair, Dr Auwalu Halilu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement and Project Monitoring.
Dr Halilu said K-SAFE had monitored projects in more than six local government areas, covering interventions implemented by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano State Senior Secondary Education Management Board and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
He explained that the monitoring exercise involved physical inspections and documentation of projects through photographs, videos and geographical locations.
According to him, reports of the findings had been submitted to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), highlighting projects that met required standards and those requiring further attention.
He cited Rimin Gado Local Government Area, where the coalition tracked more than 80 education projects, adding that it planned to extend the exercise to all 44 local government areas of the state.
The K-SAFE Co-Chair said the visit was aimed at presenting the coalition’s activities to the ministry and exploring areas of collaboration in procurement and project monitoring.
He called for the inclusion of civil society organisations in procurement and monitoring processes, particularly tender board activities and field inspections, to strengthen independent oversight and provide them with firsthand information on government projects.
Dr Halilu also requested the ministry’s support in organising capacity-building programmes for civil society organisations on procurement procedures, due process, project standardisation, monitoring and evaluation.
He said such training would enhance civil society organisations’ understanding of procurement regulations and the technical requirements guiding project implementation.
Responding, the Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring, Dr Nura Iro Ma’aji, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the coalition’s contributions to supporting the state government’s efforts in the education sector.
He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with K-SAFE through information sharing and other relevant engagements to strengthen accountability and ensure compliance with due process.
“From our side, we are ready to work together because we know what they have been doing to support Kano State Government in the education sector,” he said.
Dr Halilu further disclosed that the coalition and its partner organisations had carried out the monitoring exercise without financial sponsorship, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to sustaining engagement with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and the media to strengthen oversight of education projects across Kano State.
Ibrahim Khalil
Government Secondary School (GSS) Army Day Bukavu has emerged champion in both the male and female categories of the maiden Kano State Secondary Schools Tug of War Competition.
KANO FOCUS reports that the school clinched the double victory at the competition, which ended on Wednesday at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari, Kano.
Governors College finished as runners-up in the male category, while Government Girls College (GGC) Kano secured second position in the female category.
The competition was organised by the Kano State Tug of War Association in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kano State Sports Commission.
The maiden championship brought together secondary school students to promote teamwork, discipline, unity and sportsmanship, while raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Jamilu Uba Adamu, described the competition as a successful initiative that had achieved its objectives.
He commended the Ministry of Education, Sports Commission, NDLEA, Gongoni Company Limited and MAGZO Pharmaceutical for supporting the event, particularly through the provision of T-shirts and Pocari Sweat drinks.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Bashir Muhammad Sulaiman, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to developing grassroots and school sports.
He said the initiative would help identify and nurture young sporting talents across the state.
The closing ceremony was attended by a member of the Kano State Football Association Board, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, representatives of the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, the Sports Commission and other stakeholders in the sports sector.
The organisers congratulated the winning schools and commended all participating institutions and partners for contributing to the success of the maiden edition.
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