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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
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
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