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Opinion

Re:Kano govt. a rendezvous with recklessness and executive rascality

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By Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

I read with utmost bewilderment an article titled: “KANO GOVT: A RENDEZVOUS WITH RECKLESSNESS AND EXECUTIVE RASCALITY.” My greatest surprise is that such a piece of trash is coming from a journalist with self-acclaimed intellect and versatility like Bala Ibrahim. This is what we see in the Fourth Estate of the Realm when veterans who ought to hold on to objectivity are subjected to the whims and caprices of the drowning opposition elements, after eating fat from portions of state funds embezzled by their paymasters while in-charge of the affairs of the state and the commonwealth of the people.

Having dined and wined with the immediate-past administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has a number of cases of fraud and corruption to answer, Bala Ibrahim will be the least person to see anything good in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) administration in Kano, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf (Abba Gida Gida), the people’s Governor.

Does Bala Ibrahim actually understand the workings of government and governance? This is one question begging for answer. I do not want to go into judicial pronouncements, but the point I want to make clear is that the issue of Kano Emirship is straightforward with the repeal of the Kano Emirate Law (2019), enactment of Kano Emirate Law (2024), which gave Governor Yusuf the POWER to abolish the five Emirates and return Kano to its glorious and historic position of one EMIRATE (this is the wish of the good people of Kano state). The re-appointment of His Highness, Emir Muhammad Sanusi 11 did not also come to anyone as a surprise because his dethronement and consequent banishment by Ganduje and his co-travellers was done out of malice.

Now calling for the arrest of dethroned Emir Aminu Bayero was only done for public good as his entrance into Kano, shortly after his dethronement posed a serious security threat which is being managed up till today. Governor Yusuf remains the Chief Security Officer of Kano state, and no sane leader will fold his arms and watch Kano snowballed into a state of anarchy without taking action.

Again, the demolition of buildings and structures illegally acquired by former Governor Ganduje, his family and friends was an exercise carried out in good faith. It was an exercise pegged on the efforts to recover public property from the hands of very few individuals who believed they can pocket public funds, structures and resources and get away with them without giving a wink. We will not be deterred by propagandists like Bala Ibrahim doing the bidding of their paymasters, at the detriment of the welfare of the good people of Kano state and the socio-economic development of our dear state.

Indeed, it is childish of Bala Ibrahim to keep mentioning the rift between the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, which has been amicably settled by the two leaders. Who does he want to impress. In times like this, it is common for leaders to have misunderstanding, and also move on after ironing out issues. Now, who is Bala Ibrahim to query the Deputy Governor over his intention to apologise to the NSA in the spirit of brotherhood, and as a devout Muslim?

Bala Ibrahim’s, “rendezvous with recklessness and executive rascality,” will only gain weight and acceptance in the figments of his own imagination, when he has refused of appraise the uncommon achievements of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, even in the face of needless distractions by the weakened and frustrated opposition elements.

Recently, Governor Yusuf declared a State-of-Emergency on education in Kano state. This action was taken to revive the state’s education sector which was killed and almost buried by the immediate-past administration. In that occasion, Governor Yusuf made certain revelations on the state of our ailing education sector and what the government is doing to salvage it. Radical but practical measures are being taking to reposition education in our State.

There is no gainsaying the fact that our beloved State is witnessing an alarming proliferation of out-of-school children, (with the current figure standing at 989,234 children of both genders), a situation that threatens to rob an entire generation of their right to education and a brighter future. The statistics are grim and the faces of these children, devoid of the promise of learning, haunt us as a collective failure. Our schools, which should be sanctuaries of knowledge, discipline and growth, are in a deplorable state. Dilapidated infrastructure is a common sight—roofs caving in, walls crumbling, and classrooms that can no longer provide a safe and conducive learning environment. The
lack of instructional materials further
compounds the problem, leaving our teachers and students to struggle with outdated and insufficient resources. Above 4.7Million pupils are sitting on bare floors to take lessons while about 400 schools have only one teacher for all classes subjects and all pupils. Rather than building more classrooms and providing basic furniture in the schools, as well as hiring more teachers, the immediate-past administration chose to butcher the land belonging to those schools, in some places demolishing classrooms to create space for shops. Those schools that they could not sell, they closed them down and got them vandalized

The encroachment of public school lands and the conversion of these vital institutions into private business premises is an affront to our communal values and a direct assault on our commitment to public education. This reckless appropriation of educational spaces for commercial use is unacceptable and Governor Yusuf is ready to stop it no matter whose ass is gored.

In Kano, we have the vast expanse of educational facilities that dotted our landscape including: 7,057 primary schools, 1,148 junior secondary schools, 813 senior secondary schools, and 49 science and technical schools. These numbers, while ostensibly impressive, belie the grim reality that lies beneath the surface. Let us delve deeper, and you will discover disheartening statistics: out of the 42,516 total classrooms available in our basic schools, a mere 22% meet the most basic standards of habitability. Let us pause to contemplate the implications of this revelation. Nearly four out of every five classrooms in our primary and junior secondary schools are marred by dilapidation and disrepair, rendering them unsuitable for the noble pursuit of knowledge.

In our senior secondary schools, the picture remains bleak. Here, less than 30% of classrooms can be deemed habitable, leaving a significant portion of our student population to grapple with inadequate facilities that impede their intellectual growth and development. In our science and technical schools, the bastions of innovation and ingenuity. Unfortunately, the situation here is even grimmer, with less than 20% of classrooms meeting the most basic criteria for habitability. How can we hope to nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers when the very environments in which they are meant to learn are rife with inadequacies and deficiencies?

As part of Governor Yusuf’s commitment to revitalizing education in Kano State, the administration has allocated an unprecedented 29.95% of our 2024 budget to education. This decision is based on the realization that only significant allocation of financial resources would address most of the hydra-headed problems afflicting our educational system, largely centered around under-funding. In his bid to revitalize the basic and post-basic education sub-sectors in the State, Governor Yusuf restored the upkeep and overhead funds for all secondary schools in the State. This injection of funds will enable the
schools to maintain their infrastructure,
procure essential teaching and learning
materials, and ensure the overall conducive teaching and learning environment that our
students deserve.

Furthermore, in recognition of the pivotal role of practical education in nurturing innovative minds, Governor Yusuf has unveiled plans for building an additional 300 state- of-the-art laboratories in 100 schools across the state. The provision of these facilities will provide our students with hands-on experience in scientific inquiry, fostering a culture of experimentation and discovery that is essential for their future
success. This is in addition to another 300 laboratories that will be comprehensively overhauled in 100 secondary schools.

Governor Yusuf’s administration is also constructing 1000 classroom across the State within the next academic session. This measure will, no doubt, mitigate classroom congestion that has become a common feature of most of our schools. He has also directed that all contractors handling inherited abandoned projects in tertiary institutions should go back to site immediately.

Governor Yusuf’s administration’ has also ordered the reopening of all the boarding schools, that were shut down by the immediate past administration. These schools will be reopened and re-boarded within the next academic year. Boarding schools play a crucial role in providing a supportive environment for students, particularly those from remote areas or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By reopening these institutions, we are expanding access to quality education and creating opportunities for students to thrive academically and sociallly.

One of Governor Yusuf’s vision statement is to make, “Every School, a good school.” He intends to make every public school in the state a good school with decent and standard infrastructure for teaching and learning as well as adequate, qualified and well-motivated teachers and support staff. Already, he has approved for the comprehensive renovation of all primary and junior secondary schools in all the 44 Local Government Council. This renovation will include providing students seats, painting, refurbishing toilets and staff offices. This exercise will be completed in the next two academic sessions. CRC, Kwankwasiyya, Lafiya Jari, and Kano Pro-PA will be responsible for handling minor repairs while Ministry of Education and SUBEB will shoulder all major repairs through competitive bidding.

The next statement of vision is: “Every child, enrolled in school.” In essence this is our expression of commitment to clear all out of school children from our streets and get them enrolled in schools. To achieve this, we must first of all provide classroom accommodation to house all the 989,234 out-of-school children in the State. A total of 28,264 classrooms will be built in the next three years across the State. The Ministry of Education and SUBEB will supervise the issuance of the works through competitive bidding while the Ministry for Project Monitoring will monitor execution and compliance.

The next statement in the vision is: “Every student, an engaged learner”
This requires the provision of modern, state-of- the-art teaching support services and tools. To keep pupils in schools and attentive in their classrooms, we would commence the distribution of one-meal per pupil per day in all primary schools. This would be a joint effort between state government, local government, development partners, philanthropists and host communities. Already, the Community Reorientation Committee (CRC) of the state has been directed to commence preparation and the hiring of cooks for the home-grown school feeding program. We would also re-introduce the distribution of free uniforms to all primary I pupils in all our primary schools.

During his tenure, His
Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso selected some private Universities across the country where scores of our students were sponsored for their first degree. Although these students graduated with good results, the immediate past administration refused to settle their tuition fees and left them for four years without being able to participate in the one year mandatory youth service scheme. Governor Yusuf has settled all the tuition fees and they have collected their certificates. The Universities include: Bells University Otta, Crescent University, Abeokuta, ABTI University, Yola, Igbenidion University, Okada and Al- Qalam University, Katsina.

Governor Yusuf adminstration met
a backlog of liability of examination fee to the tune of over N1.3billion which have been paid and got Kano State students registered for NECO and NBAIS. Alhamdulillah! This year, Goverjor Yusuf administration has approved for the payment of NECO and NBAIS registration fees to the tune of over N2.9Billion for 121,597 students that have four Credits in their Qualifying Examination in our public schools. This is apart from restoration of foreign scholarship programmes where Kano indigenes are currently doing their second degree studies in India, Egypt and other parts of the world.

Relating to health, Governor Yusuf administration has restored the Hasiya Bayero Pediatric hospital. The renovation of Nuhu Bammalli, Bela, and Nassarawa Specialist hospitals are ongoing. The free Pediatric and Maternity care programmes have also been restored. The Murtala Specialist hospital has been renovated. Ambulances have been distributed across the 44 Local Government Areas for easy movement of patients to hospitals across the state. Indeed, hospital renovations and restorations contribute to healthcare infrastructure development. Free Pediatric and Maternity care aligns with adequate health service delivery. Ambulance distribution supports emergency healthcare.

In human capital development, Governor Yusuf has restored the free weddings sponsorship. Over N4 billion was allocated for procurement of palliatives which are shared to the less privilege people across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state irrespective of political and religious affiliations. Islamic study schools have been reopened. Technical Colleges and Skills Acquisition Centres have also been reopened. It is important to note that free weddings and empowerment programmes contribute to social well being of the people, palliative allocations addresses economic vulnerability, while re-opening of educational and skill acquisition Centres align with human capital development.

In infrastructural development, Governor Yusuf has commenced renovation and construction of abandoned roads across the state. Street lights have been restored in streets across Kano metropolis, bringing down the wave of crime and as well, beautifying our great state, particularly in the night. Governor Yusuf has also commenced the construction of two mega flyovers that will ensure traffic decongestion and give Kano its pride of place as a mega commercial city. The administration is also ensuring renovation of many government infrastructures and restoration of clean and portable water supply. There is no gainsaying the fact that infrastructural development contribute to economic development. Street lights enhance urban infrastructure, while adequate water supply aligns with sustainable development.

Space may not allow me to mention all that have been achieved in agriculture, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) drive, establishment of the state Gross Domestic Product (GDP) under the state Bureau of Statistics, strengthening the Kano Bureau of Statistics to report monthly inflation rates and consumer Price index, updating of the social register, overhaul of the state civil service, prompt payment of civil servants salaries and pensions to pensioners which recently earned Governor Yusuf award as the best pension-friendly Governor, recruitment and training of over 2, 600 civil servants, among others.

There is a saying that, “any government without criticism is dead before it begins.” Governor Yusuf’s administration’ welcomes and appreciates criticism, but frowns at critics like Bala Ibrahim who are always induced by slices of bread laced with butter and a cup of tea with too much sugar. I urge him to take a deep look at Governor Yusuf’s uncommon style of governance and imagine how it will restore the lost glory of Kano within the next four years, and beyond.

Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa is the spokesperson to Governor Yusuf/ Director-General, Media and Public Relations, Government House, Kano

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Opinion

Political crisis: I weep for Kano, Northern Nigeria

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Ruqayyah Hamidu Muhammad PhD

 

The behind the scenes battle between the two prominent political figures of Kano state is affecting the political progress of the state and the entire northern region. The ongoing conflict in Kano State is more than a local issue; it is a matter of significant concern for the political progress and unity of the entire northern region of Nigeria. This rivalry has deep implications for governance, development, and regional solidarity. I am deeply shocked that we still have millions of sane individuals that support and encourage such attitude, let me open your eyes to the consequences of this battle, perhaps you see things differently and unite against it;

1. Undermining Governance in Kano State

Kano State, as a political and economic hub in Northern Nigeria, plays a pivotal role in the region’s progress. A divided leadership in Kano has severe consequences:

Distracted Leadership: Instead of focusing on policies and programs that benefit the people, resources and energy are being diverted toward political squabbles.

Delayed Development: Political instability creates a vacuum in decision-making, stalling critical infrastructure projects, economic initiatives, and social welfare programs.

Administrative Paralysis: Rivalries often lead to factionalism within government institutions, causing inefficiency and lack of coordination in service delivery.

2. Weakening Northern Political Unity

The northern region has traditionally relied on unity and consensus-building to maintain political influence in Nigeria. This rivalry is fracturing that cohesion and creating vacuums.

Factions and Divisions: The clash between the prominent political leaders polarizes supporters within Kano and across the north, creating camps that weaken the collective bargaining power of the region.

Loss of Regional Focus: Instead of collaborating to tackle shared issues such as insecurity, poverty, and youth unemployment, almajiranci, street begging, leaders are consumed by intra-party or inter-party conflicts.

3. Negative Perception of Northern Politics

These conflicts project a negative image of northern politics at the national and even international levels.

Leadership Crisis: Persistent fighting portrays northern leadership as disorganized and more interested in personal power than public welfare.

Reduced Influence: National political stakeholders may view the north as politically unstable, leading to reduced confidence in the region’s ability to present a united front.

Public Disillusionment: Ordinary citizens may lose faith in the political process, seeing it as a game of ego and personal ambition rather than a means to address societal challenges or issues

4. Impact on the Region’s Developmental Agenda

Kano’s position as a leader in commerce, culture, and population means its political health directly affects the broader northern region.

Economic Repercussions: Political unrest in Kano disrupts trade, investment, and business activities, which are critical for the northern economy.

Policy Inconsistency: Frequent political changes or standoffs can lead to abrupt shifts in policies, discouraging long-term development initiatives resulting in huge economics loses.

Stalled Regional Projects: Projects that require regional collaboration such as those in agriculture, education, and transportation may be delayed or abandoned due to lack of coordination.

5. Insecurity and Social Fragmentation

Political instability often exacerbates existing challenges, including insecurity:

Rise in Violence: Political feuds can trigger violent clashes between supporters, leading to loss of lives and property, further destabilizing the region.

Exploitation by Insurgents: Groups like Boko Haram and bandits exploit political disunity and weak governance to expand their influence in the region.

Ethno-Religious Tensions: The conflict may deepen existing ethno-religious divides, as politicians use identity-based rhetoric to mobilize support, leading to long-term social fragmentation.

6. Erosion of Political Ideals

One of the most damaging effects of this rivalry is the erosion of political ideals in the north:

Focus on Personal Agendas: The rivalry overshadows ideological debates and policy-driven leadership, reducing politics to a contest of personalities.

Youth Disenchantment: Young people in the north may become disillusioned with politics, seeing it as a tool for personal enrichment rather than societal progress.

Diminished Legacy: The contributions of Kano’s historical political leaders, who prioritized unity and development, are undermined by the current discord.

7. Spillover Effects Across the Northern Region

The instability in Kano has a ripple effect on the entire northern region’s politics and progress:

Divisive Influence: The rivalry may spill over into other states, encouraging similar conflicts among leaders who are aligned with either of the two factions.

Weakening of Political Alliances: Regional political blocs, such as those formed during elections, may lose their effectiveness due to infighting and loss of trust.

National Implications: The north’s reduced influence on the national stage could lead to diminished representation and marginalization in key decision-making processes.

Recommendations for Resolving the Conflict

To address the negative impacts of these conflicts and restore political progress, we need to come together as a people and implement the following;

Respected northern elders and traditional rulers (if we have any) should be encourage to come forward and mediate between these figures, emphasizing the importance of unity for the progress of Kano and the entire region. There is also need for civil societies members and the electorates to hold the leaders accountable, demanding and encouraging a focus on governance, collaboration on non-partisan issues such as insecurity, poverty alleviation, and youth empowerment rather than personal feuds. It is also high time that His excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf activates the activities of the established council of elders, to promote dialogue and collective decision-making, which will eventually radiate within the entire northern region for a transformative Journey.

In conclusion, we need to shine our eyes and know that the rivalry between the prominent figures in Kano is more than a localized political battle. It is a threat to the northern region’s unity, development, and influence. Resolving this conflict should be given optimum and immediate priority and sustained efforts from stakeholders at all levels to refocus leadership on governance, regional collaboration, and addressing the pressing needs of the population than personal gain and ego.

Finally Allah says: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.. (Surah Al-Imran 3:103).

 

Ruqayyah Hamidu Muhammad PhD
Executive Director NASSDEV
Email: info@nassdev.ng
Tel: +234(0)8032014161

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Opinion

The Rich Tapestry of Northern Nigeria

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Saleh Adamu Kwaru, CNA, FCCSA (USA)

 

 

In the face of our challenges, we must recognize the immense potential that lies within the Northern Nigeria. A region brimming with untapped potentials is more than just a geographical expanse. It is a treasure trove of natural resources, a fertile ground for innovation, and a home to a vibrant and resourceful people.

From the vast agricultural lands of the Middle Belt to the mineral-rich deposits of the North-East, and the abundant natural resources of the North-West, our region possesses the essential raw materials needed to drive economic growth and prosperity. These diverse resources provide a strong foundation for various industries, offering opportunities for development and investment that can significantly enhance the region’s economic landscape.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Imagine a Northern Nigeria where every child, regardless of their background or location, has access to quality education. Where classrooms are equipped with modern learning tools, skilled teachers inspire young minds, and a strong emphasis is placed on STEM subjects to prepare our youth for the future. Picture a region where technology revolutionizes agriculture. Where farmers utilize innovative techniques such as precision farming and drone technology to increase yields, conserve water, and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
Imagine a region where agro-processing industries flourish, creating jobs and adding value to our agricultural products. Envision a Northern Nigeria where our abundant natural resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations. Where renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are harnessed to meet our energy needs. Where forests are protected, water resources are conserved, and biodiversity is preserved.

Mobilizing Our Strengths

We must harness the immense potential of our region by capitalizing on our greatest assets: our fertile land, our industrious people, and our rich cultural heritage. Through investing heavily in education, we can empower our youth to become the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Quality education will equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to drive economic growth and social progress.

For the region to attain sustainable development and equitable distribution of resources, we must foster a culture of integrity and accountability in leadership. Transparent governance, effective public service delivery, and the eradication of corruption are essential for building a prosperous and just society. Indeed, when we prioritize good governance, we can create an environment that attracts investment, encourages innovation, and empowers our people.

This transformation cannot happen in isolation. It requires the active participation of all stakeholders— the government, the private sector, civil society organizations, and the communities themselves. The government, through sound policies and effective implementation, can provide the necessary framework for economic growth and social progress. With investment huge in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, the government can create the conditions for businesses to thrive and individuals to prosper.

The private sector, with its resources and expertise, can drive economic growth and create jobs. Scale up investment in local businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and adopting sustainable practices, the private sector can contribute to the overall development of the region. The civil society organizations play a crucial role in advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and good governance. In the course of community mobilization, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, civil society can help ensure that the benefits of development reach the grassroots level, improving the lives of all.

Our rich cultural heritage is a profound source of strength and identity, reflecting the vibrant history and diverse traditions of Northern Nigeria. Through promoting tourism and cultural exchange, we can showcase the beauty, diversity and uniqueness of our region with the world. This not only spurs economic growth but also fosters pride in our communities and encourages the preservation of our traditions and community empowerment.

Northern Nigeria’s potential is not confined within its borders; it reaches far beyond, promising substantial growth and development. Through fostering collaboration with neighboring regions and countries, we can build a strong and interconnected trade network that enhances economic opportunities. Regional partnerships can facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and collective problem-solving, leading to greater prosperity as well as pave the way for a mutually beneficial exchange of goods, services, and expertise.

A Clarion Call to Action

The time has come for us to unite and take decisive action to transform our fortunes. Let us advocate for policies that recognize and integrate the abundant resources of our region, fostering a shared vision for Northern Nigeria’s growth. Moreover, let us invest in our youth, equipping them with the necessary tools and opportunities to succeed. Their potential is immense, and nurturing it will drive the region’s future progress.
The future of Northern Nigeria is undeniably bright, but it is our collective responsibility to turn that potential into reality and to hold our leaders accountable, demanding transparency and integrity in governance to ensure our collective prosperity. Together, we can build a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Saleh Adamu Kwaru, CNA, FCCSA (USA) is a retired CBN staff. 

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Opinion

The Menace of Begging and Misuse of Public Trust: A Call for Dignity in Kano State

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Ruqayyah Hamidu Muhammad PhD

 

Begging (also known as panhandling) is the practice of imploring others to grant a favor, often a gift of money, with little or no expectation of reciprocation. A person doing such is called a beggar or panhandler. Beggars may operate in public places such as transport routes, urban parks, and markets. Some beggars adopt a persistent approach, approaching motorists in traffic, and creating nuisance along major highways. How ever begging, no doubt, is a downgraded act which leads to the image tarnishing as well as loss of prestige and dignity of any person engaging in it.

Islam prohibits begging as a profession, and considers it to be lazy work that goes against the strength that Allah gives. The Prophet Muhammad advised people to try to earn a living through lawful and good means, encouraging self-reliance and hard work. The only condition for one to beg is when he is extremely poor and in dire need, then such an individual can approach others for assistance and once his need is met, he goes back to his normal business. Islam frowns at taking begging as a means of livelihood.

Although contributing factor to this issue is the economic downturn, resulting in the closure of industries and factories, fuel subsidy removal, different acts of terrorism, leaving many without alternative means of livelihood. While discouraging begging, Islam also stresses the responsibility of those with resources to provide charity (zakat and sadaqah) to alleviate poverty and prevent people from resorting to begging.

The issue of begging, especially in places like Kano, where cultural and religious values encourage generosity, reflects a troubling misuse of kindness and a lack of systemic solutions to poverty. While the Islamic principles of charity (zakat and sadaqah) aim to create a safety net for the needy, the exploitation of this benevolence has led to social and urban challenges.

I want to commend and encourage the Kano State Government for its efforts to address the issue of begging, as it reflects a thoughtful recognition of the need to tackle this societal challenge. Taking decisive action against the menace of begging is crucial, not only to restore the dignity of individuals (who risk losing their sense of self-worth) but also to enhance the social and urban fabric of Kano.

The issue of paramilitary organizations like KAROTA (Kano Road and Traffic Agency), Federal Road safety Corps (FRSC) officials, and other related entities soliciting bribes or “begging” from motorists on Kano streets is indeed troubling. This practice undermines public trust in these institutions, compromises their integrity, and creates an atmosphere of lawlessness and embarrassment for both the authorities and the public.

To rebuild trust and professionalism, the government must make accountability and ethical behavior non-negotiable priorities. Ensuring that institutions like KAROTA and road safety agencies operate with transparency and respect for the public will not only enhance their effectiveness but also restore the dignity of both the enforcers and the citizens they serve.

The issues of begging and the misuse of public trust in Kano are deeply intertwined with broader societal and institutional challenges. While poverty and economic downturns have pushed many into desperation, the exploitation of kindness and corruption among enforcement agencies exacerbate these problems. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that combines compassion, accountability, and systemic reforms.

The Kano State Government’s efforts to tackle begging are commendable, and they should be bolstered with robust policies that empower individuals to seek dignified livelihoods. Similarly, eradicating unethical practices within paramilitary and traffic enforcement agencies must be a top priority to restore public trust and professionalism.

By fostering an environment of dignity, transparency, and responsibility, Kano can pave the way for a more equitable and harmonious society where charity serves its true purpose, laws are upheld with integrity, and every individual is encouraged to contribute positively to the community. Let this be a collective commitment to reclaim the soul and pride of Kano for the benefit of all.

 

Ruqayyah Hamidu Muhammad PhD, is the Executive Director Network for Awareness for Socio-economic Rights and Sustainable Development (NASSDEV). 

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