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Commassie frowns at dethronement of traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria
A renowned Peace Ambassador, Hussaini Haruna Commassie, has frowned at the “irrational” dethronement of traditional rulers, particularly Emirs in northern Nigeria, by state governors, with a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to enact laws that will save the traditional institutions from “reckless abuse” by state governors.
KANO FOCUS reports that Ambassador Commassie, the Global Vice Chairman, International Commission for Peace and Good Governance, who reacted to the Emirship tussle in Kano, also urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to discard Emir Muhammad Sanusi ll and dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to pave way for the emergence of a new Emir in the interest of peace since the two brothers have refused to step down for each other.
Ambassador, Hussaini Haruna Commassie
“I am advising Kano state government that both Emir Sanusi and Emir Aminu should be kept aside since both of them are not agreeing to step down; and they are not the only Princes of Kano.
“So, they should be kept aside. The King-makers should appoint three persons that will contest for the throne. This will go a long way to solving the problem; and it will be better for Kano state government.”
The peace ambassador who is also the Head of Mission, International Peace Commission, Nigeria, blamed both former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for allowing the Kano Emirship tussle to to take peace-threatening dimension.
He said: “As a peace-maker, I have to be diplomatic and apolitical. The Governors in Nigeria should know that the traditional institurions are there even before the coming of the Whiteman.
“These Emirs are representing Islamic teachings! And they are very close to the grassroots. When you toy with traditional institutions, you are indirectly shooting yourself in the leg. These governors should know that the areas they are clashing with the Emirs are very alarming.
“It is time to put it on standstill. The Emir of Gwandu was removed just because of somebody’s selfish interest. Sultan Dasuki was equally removed, a Supreme leader of Islamic affairs, for that matter!
“And now, it is Kano. The way and manner the governors are bastardizing the system (let me use this word with emphasis) is very annoying and painful.
“If it continues like this, every Governor must come with his own Emir. I am not questioning the authority of the Governors, but some of the moves made by both former Governor Ganduje and Governor Yusuf are very wrong. I do not take sides, I am neutral in this case.”
Ambassador Commassie appealed to the Federal Government to accommodate the traditional institutions in the constitution so as to, “give the Royal Fathers cover, give them position, give them a stand in the constitution.
” They are not captured in the constitution at all, a Local Government Chairman is ahead of the Emir, no matter how highly placed he is—-whether First Class or whatever!
“But the Emirs were formerly the Governors in their states before colonialism. During that colonial era, they used our Emirs to get at us because they know we listened to them—that was indirect rule.
“So, why shouldn’t the traditional institution be captured in the constitution? If the Whiteman used them to get at us, why is the blackman trying not only to discontinue with the Emirs, but to bastardize the system or to abolish their activities and performances in Governance? ”
He insisted that, “it is too bad! It is time for the National Assembly to make laws that will empower the traditional institurion. It will not be fair for a Governor to remove an Emir without vetting. It must be vetted by the National Assembly.
” Look at a lot happening in Sokoto. A Sultan that is representing the Muslim world is being threatened by the Governor of a state! The Governor of a state is trying to bastardize the institution. If this is what is happening to us, I can see danger ahead. ”
Ambassador Commassie called on President Tinubu to, ” caution the governors now. If need be that the powers of the Emirs should be captured in the constitution, so be it.
“Let the National Assembly start making move. I am advising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to look into the constitution very well and see how they can accommodate the traditional institurion because the ordinary citizens are the ones suffering.
“The Governors stay, highest eight years, and they will go and leave us with all these crises they are creating.”
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, supported by the World Bank, has successfully renovated over 1,300 senior and junior secondary schools in the state in the last three years.
KANO FOCUS reports that the state commissioner for education, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, disclosed this during a visit to the Karaye Emirate on Tuesday.
He added that the AGILE program has enrolled more than 30,000 girls through targeted outreach, grants, and its Second Chance education initiative.
Makoda further revealed that the state government has finalized plan to construct 130 new schools in rural communities, with over 35,000 girls already benefiting from financial assistance under the scheme.
He urged the Karaye Emirate to lend full support to the program and prioritize girls’ education.
In his remarks, the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Maharaz, pledged the emirate’s commitment to advancing girls’ education in Kano State.
He commended the state government and the commissioner for their dedication to the programme’s success.
“It is our collective responsibility to support this initiative,” the Emir stated, calling for measures to ensure beneficiaries complete their education with strong academic outcomes.
The commissioner’s delegation consist of the Kano State AGILE Project Coordinator, Malam Mujitapha Aminu and other members of State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU).
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
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.
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