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

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. 

By Imam Murtadha Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! One of the most effective ways Islam employs to combat crime, prevent it, and reduce its prevalence is through purposeful education. This education is considered one of the most important means to resist evil and corruption, and it has a profound impact.

Islamic education is distinct from other forms of education in the sense that its primary and ultimate goal is to create virtuous individuals. While other educational systems aim to prepare citizens who may differ in their qualities and philosophies, Islam seeks to educate individuals regardless of their gender, race, language, or nationality.

As far as Islamic education is concerned, the human being is the focal point in all aspects: intellect, soul, body, and instincts. Islam provides a comprehensive framework and methodology to guide individuals toward achieving this goal.

Moreover, Islamic education seeks to guide individuals towards becoming the most righteous and Allah-conscious people. It emphasises that one’s worthiness or nobility in the sight of Allah is determined by their level of piety and consciousness of Him. As mentioned in Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse: 13:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”

Islamic education encourages people to be devout worshippers, recognising that the primary purpose of their creation is to worship Allah alone, as mentioned in Surah Az-Zariyat, Verse: 56:

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”

Furthermore, it calls for individuals to seek the pleasure and guidance of Allah in both their private and public lives, following His guidance wholeheartedly. As mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse: 38:

“So if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter].”

Islamic education is not only characterised by its focus on humanity but also by its deeply rooted religious aspect. It connects individuals with their Creator, instilling in them hope and fear of Allah. It addresses human nature, awakening the innate factors of goodness within them. As mentioned in the book “Islamic Studies,” the connection of the human conscience to Allah is the primary line in profound ethical education. This necessitates that religious beliefs serve as a fundamental basis for individual or social education, aiming not only to achieve social or national interests but also to attain a higher, fundamentally human goal characterised by the desire to please Allah alone and sacrifice for His noble countenance.

Islamic education aims to shape the Muslim individual and Muslim society, guiding lost humanity towards divine faith and the Islamic perspective on humans, the universe, and life. This concept is beautifully summarised in the book, Islamic Education between Tradition and Modernity, page 98.

What confirms the role of Islamic education is that it is a practical type of education that calls for goodness, emphasises it, prohibits evil, and warns against it. This is reflected in the verses where Allah seeks faith accompanied by righteous deeds, e.g:

“Those who believe and do righteous deeds – those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 82]

Islamic education is not theoretical and far-fetched from practical application; rather, it is within the capabilities and limits of human potential. In this regard, the exemplary model for humanity is the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), whom Allah has made a role model for all people through his words, actions, and character, e.g:

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” [Surah Al-Ahzab, 21]

Therefore, he is the embodiment of all the principles, values, and teachings of Islam, making Islamic education a blend of theory and practical application, with a strong focus on the latter.

One of the characteristics of this education is that it is continuous and comprehensive, involving everyone. Hence, we find a strong emphasis in the Prophetic Hadith on the role of the family in education. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“Everyone is born a Muslim, but his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

This highlights the pivotal role of parents in the upbringing of their children for Islam places this responsibility on their shoulders. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The Imam who is over the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock; a man is a shepherd in charge of the inhabitants of his household and he is responsible for his flock; a woman is a shepherdess in charge of her husband’s house and children and she is responsible for them; and a man’s servant is a shepherd in charge of his master’s property and he is responsible for it. So each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.” [Bukhari]

He also emphasised the importance of good manners in upbringing, saying:

“There is no gift that a father gives his son more virtuous than good manners.” [Tirmidhi]

Indeed, the role of schools is crucial in shaping the minds and characters of young students due to their natural inclination to imitate. This is why the early generations of Muslims were very particular about selecting righteous educators for their children. As mentioned by Sheikh Uthaimin, the Islamic spirit within students largely depends on the teachers and their knowledge and conduct. Teachers who embody this spirit can effectively nurture it in their students.

Then comes the role of the society that is based on virtue. It assists in promoting goodness, condemns evil, distances itself from those who engage in it, and tightens the social bonds around them. We can see this in the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, (Peace be upon him), when he ordered people to boycott those who had lagged behind from participating in the Tabuk expedition. Their punishment was social isolation until they repented to Allah. (He turned in mercy also) to the three who were left behind; (they felt guilty) to such a degree that the earth seemed constrained to them, for all its spaciousness, and their (very) souls seemed straitened to them,- and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah (and no refuge) but to Himself. Then He turned to them, that they might repent: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.” [Surah at-Tawbah, 118]

In this way, Islamic law focuses on nurturing and reforming the individual throughout all stages of their life. It provides them with noble Islamic values, guides them towards high moral standards, instills faith in their hearts, and directs them towards goodness while steering their thinking away from evil and corruption.

Undoubtedly, true faith and sincere conviction serve as a strong fortress and a protective barrier against committing indecent acts and violating prohibitions. Genuine faith is what guides towards the right path, and hearts filled with faith, relying on Allah, provide no openings for the devil to enter. As they say:

“Faith is the source of virtues, the bridle of vices, the foundation of conscience, and the strong bond between humanity and its noble values.” [See Islamic Guidance for Youth, page 38]

This faith is the barrier between a person and evil, because the believer knows with absolute certainty that Allah is watching over them. No matter how hidden their actions may be from people, they cannot escape Allah’s knowledge. If they evade worldly punishment, they will not escape the punishment of the Hereafter. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

“The adulterer is not a believer at the moment when he is committing adultery. The wine drinker is not a believer at the moment when he is drinking wine. The thief is not a believer at the moment when he is stealing. The robber is not a believer at the moment when he is robbing and people are looking on.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Dear servants of Allah! One of the results of education in the history of Islamic society is that crime has been confined to the narrowest of limits, even after the Islamic society deviated significantly from the comprehensive meaning of Islam. However, it has remained one of the least deviant societies among human societies to this day. Sheikh Abu Zahrah states:

“A single glance at the state of a community that applies Shari’ah law and the level of security within it, compared to a city in Europe teeming with people who have torn apart the bonds of law because it is a human-made construct, and among them, you’ll find a lack of belief in it, demonstrates to us the impact of faith in people’s hearts.”

This perspective shows us that crime correlates inversely with civilisation. In communities that follow heavenly laws, as urbanisation increases alongside faith, hearts become more refined, and crime decreases. In the Islamic civilisation during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and the era of the Companions, crimes went in the opposite direction to the growth of Islamic civilisation. As civilisation expanded, crime decreased.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.

This Friday sermon (Jumu’ah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 13 Jumadal Ula, 1446 AH (November 15, 2024).