Opinion
Kano: Empty leadership, huge liability
Umar Haruna Doguwa
“We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth and listen to the song of that siren till she transformed us into beasts” – Patrick Henry
I was the pioneer elected All Progressives Congress (APC) party Chairman Kano State.
As Chairman, I organized, coordinated and spearheaded the processes and campaigns that brought Governor Ganduje to power in 2015.
It means I am well positioned to know all that has transpired before, during and after his emergence as candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and as Governor.
My reasons for writing this piece today therefore are: First, I am duty bound to review and reflect on the promises and pledges we made to the good people of Kano State against the backdrop of darkness, occasioned by misgovernance enveloping Kano today.
Secondly, I write this as a True Musilm knowing fully well how all religions implore its followers to fulfill promises and pledges made by individuals or parties.
Thirdly, my reason is to echo the silent screaming of the hapless majority bearing the brunt of an inept leadership that in any case, they did not vote for.
Kwankwasiyya Ambassador
At his inauguration for a first term of office as Governor, Ganduje uttered the folllwing words: “I pledge to continue with the good works we started since the first tenure of our administration (1999-2003/2011-2015).
“There is no gain saying that the APC as a party and we as contestants in particular, gained tremendously from this colossal giant (Kwankwaso) whose monumental strides virtually obliterated the relevance of other parties in the State.
“I on behalf of all elected office holders therefore, assure you that we will continue to be good ambassadors of the Kwankwasiyya movement in the service of our dear State and the country at large”(Gov. Ganduje’s inaugural speech 2015, page 1 paragraphs 2).
This was the first reassurance that Governor Ganduje gave to the good people of Kano State.
This inaugural speech was the seal on all promises and pledges made by myself as chairman of the party (APC) and leader of the campaign tour on his behalf and Governor Ganduje (Then Deputy Governor and our party’s candidate) to Kano State electorates during our tour of the 44 Local Governments Area councils which was delivered a few minutes after he was administered to an OATH of office by the then Acting Chief Judge of the State with the Holy Quran.
This was watched and witnessed by thousands of good people of Kano, including myself standing next to him on the podium.
Born on 25th December, 1949 (Officially, on Christmas day), Governor Ganduje must have known the gravity of making promises, pledges and his subsequent physical swearing with Holy Quran and its consequences before making it.
I am particularly craving the indulgence of Kano citizens and Nigerians in general to read and re-read that inaugural speech of Gov. Ganduje in 2015 to see for themselves the many mouthwatering promises and pledges it contains, especially on the continuation of the “Excellent works started under the able leadership of the indefatigable leader Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during his first and second tenure” as conspicuously stated by Gov. Ganduje in his inaugural speech 2015 page 2 paragraph 2, the promises of which he (Gov. Ganduje) has the power and resources to execute (if he’s willing to) as the Chief Executive Officer of Kano State.
Education on my mind
While reading and re-reading through the inaugural speech, one aspect that continuously caught my attention is Education. Obviously Education, because an ignorant man is doomed for poverty and the level of educational achievements made in the State by the Indefatigable Leader Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who bequeathed enduring and effective structures, from basic to tertiary levels, built solidly to stand the test of time.
The primary schools with well-structured schools feeding system that was envied by many States including the Federal Government, the two set of free uniforms to each primary schools pupil, the massive purchase of instructional materials, the thousands of additional new blocks built and equipped (an upstairs building that can be seen throughout the State known popularly as Kwankwassiya blocks), the regular training and re-training of teachers, the prompt payment of salaries on the 25th of every month, the recruitment of additional staff, the renovations of existing classroom blocks and offices through Community Re-orientation Committees (CRC), the re-introduction of boarding primary schools and the teacher: student ratio of 1:54 (source -Kano state school census data MOE 2014/2015) and many more.
The secondary schools also enjoyed that excellent strides from Kwankwaso’s purposeful administration were he built and equipped 100 new laboratories to WAEC and NECO standard, built four (4) mega secondary schools, apart from the many junior and senior secondary schools built across the state.
Additionally, he built houses for teachers in day secondary schools in most of the rural areas, provided large number of long luxurious buses that constantly convey girls to and from schools; specifically to encourage girl-child education which was applauded by world recognized NGO’s.
Also there was prompt payments of full salary every 25th day of the month, Car Loan for teachers, a teacher – student ratio of 1:31 in JSS and 1: 32 in SS ( source – Kano state school census data MOE 2014/2015) to mention just a few.
The tertiary education experienced a revolution, the conceptualization and actualization of two state owned universities; The Kano State University of Science and Technology Wudil and the Northwest University Kano, the establishment and maintenance of more than twenty additional new higher institutions; Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso College of Arts and Remedial Studies, Tudun Wada, College of Arts and Remedial Studies, Kunchi, Informatics Institute, Kura, Reformatory Institute, Kiru, Fisheries Institute, Bagauda, Horticulture Institute, Bagauda, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Madobi, to mention but a few.
He also Sponsored Kano State indigenes to various private universities at home and abroad based purely on merit for undergraduate and postgraduate studies respectively, which eventually placed Kano State among the States with highest number of Masters and PhD holders now.
He Improved infrastructure in all the existing tertiary institutions ; Audu Bako College of Agriculture , Dambatta, Aminu Kano College of Legal and Islamic Studies Kano, Kano State Polytechnic, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education Kumbotso, College of Arts and Remedial Studies, Kano.
The midas touch are verifiable.
There was prompt payment of Registration Fees for Kano State indigenes that got admission into The Nigerian Law Schools nationwide, least I forget, there was Total Free Education at all levels in the State.
Discontinuing the legacy
The Above picture and many more are what His Excellency Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje inherited on the 29th of May 2015 as Governor of Kano State in Education sector alone and which he eloquently described in summary on page 2 of the inaugural speech as “excellent achievements”.
These achievements are what Governor Ganduje promised, pledged and sworn with the Holy Quran to continue with, listened to by the mammoth audience physically present and on radio.
He also was watched on YouTube, Television, Twitter etc worldwide by millions of people interested in the development of Kano State. As the saying goes, promises and pledges are meant to be kept, because broken promises are like broken mirrors.
They leave those who held to them bleeding and staring at broken images of themselves.
They (Promises and pledges made during the campaign) must therefore be looked into in comparison with the sad story that obtains now.
“I pledge to continue with the good works”. Curiosity,
I picked up my Oxford English Dictionary to find the real meaning of these words:
I: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself
Pledge: (Noun) A solemn promise or undertaking. (Verb) Commit by solemn promise.
Continue: To persist in an activity or process.
Good: Having required qualities of high standards.
Work: 1)A task or tasks to be undertaken. 2) A thing or things done or made, the result of an action.
After going through these definitions and knowing fully well what is obtained now in Kano State from primary to tertiary institutions- the near non- existence of feeding program in primary schools, the cancellation of two sets of free uniforms to primary school pupils, the scarcity of instruction materials, the uncertainty of “full” salary even on the 30th of every month to teachers not to talk of car loans, the overcrowded classes with teacher-students ratio of 1:113 (Source – Kano MOE Schools Census Data 2018), the epileptic services of schools buses for girls where more than 60% of the vehicles were grounded over minor repairs, the overcrowded classes
with teacher-students ratio of 1:52 for JSS and 1: 42 for SS (Source – KMOE Schools Census Data 2018) which is below standard.
One may even be tempted to ask why I am using 2018 data when actually we are in 2020.
Well, that is the latest results available with the Government!
I seriously wonder which data do they use for planning!!!.
The monumental disaster of closing established schools e.g, School of Remedial Studies, Kunchi, the Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa and many more, the cancellation of free education at all levels, in its place announcing the free and compulsory education program for Primary schools only after amassing 15Billion Naira “Education Development Loan”, the Primary education that was made free and compulsory nationwide by Olusegun Obasanjo the then Head of State as far back as 1976 through UPE is now being made free again in 2020 (laughable).
With all these in my mind, I begin to ask myself whether actually Governor Ganduje wanted to say in his inaugural speech (2015), “I pleadge to DISCONTINUE with the Good works”, Yes to discontinue, if not, how can an elderly man (71years old officially) fall short of keeping his promises and pledges made under oath willingly watched and listened to by millions worldwide, even as he has the means?
This I think, provides the missing link, as to why Kano people voted the way they did in 2019 Governorship Election.
This Government is not worth re-electing and majority of Kano citizens did not re-elect it, but it was imposed on us and we are allowed to bear the cross of its emptiness, which Kano citizens saw right on time, accounting for why they refused to vote for it.
Umar Haruna Doguwa is a PDP Kwankwasiyya stalwart in Kano state.
Abdulrazak Ibrahim
During my undergraduate years in the 90s, I spent countless hours offering private lessons to the children of the affluent in Kano, especially within the Lebanese community around Bompai.
What began as a modest hustle blossomed into a wide-reaching network of tutors that spanned the city. That was just within the realm of teaching.
But as a son of Kano, my connection to the city runs far deeper. I’ve walked its pulse-literally. I would trek from BUK to Bata, soaking in the rhythm of life on every street.
I lived once in Kabara, where I was fully immersed in the city’s rich traditions, especially during the annual Durbar festivities at my late uncle’s house-he was the then Sakin Hawa of Sarkin Kano.
I watched Kano expand before my eyes.
I spent countless evenings at Wapa Cinema and served as a census enumeration officer, counting the people of Tudun Nupawa, Marmara, and Soron Dinki.
I travelled across the state-from Albasu to Zakirai-witnessing its cultural and economic breadth.
I’ve seen immigrants from across the Sahel flock to this city, drawn by its promise of life and trade.
My own town of birth, Kura-a local government in the state-is now home to some of the largest rice production and processing clusters in Africa, a true testament to Kano’s agricultural prowess and enduring relevance in food systems development.
I frequented Kofar Ruwa market, where my father’s spare parts shops were located, and where I regularly interacted with Igbo traders from across Nigeria.
I was creditworthy to the newspaper vendor at Bata and the Tuwo seller near a filling station in Kabuga.
Life in Kano was textured and vibrant
As university students, we attended musical concerts at Alliance Française and danced the night away at Disco J.
As secondary school students, we debated fiercely and won inter-secondary school quizzes and competitions, sharpening minds and building futures.
Almost every doctor, engineer, pharmacist, or scientist from Kano passed through one of our renowned science secondary schools-many of them going on to set records on both national and global stages.
Kano is not just a city-it is a living legacy. It pulses with innovation and enterprise. From agriculture to industrial production, logistics to sustainable manufacturing, food and nutrition to textiles and services, Kano is a mosaic of possibilities.
Here, livelihoods are not stumbled upon-they are forged with creativity and intent.
In this city, it’s nearly impossible not to find a means of sustenance. Kano is, indeed, abundance in motion.
Our story is not a modern miracle. Our industries and institutions are rooted in antiquity, stretching back thousands of years.
Perhaps that is why Kano is so often misunderstood-and even envied, as seen in the recent uproar sparked by a misguided, lowbrow TikToker with neither education nor depth.
From distant corners, individuals from places ravaged by material lack and intellectual barrenness often log on to the internet to hurl slurs at a people and culture they neither understand nor care to.
But we know who we are.
And we will protect that identity.
We will labour to ensure that Kano continues to flourish, to lead, and to evolve-technologically and economically-without losing its philosophical soul or cultural roots.
As Professor Uba Abdallah so wisely declared: “When a man is tired of Kano, that man is tired of life.”
And Kano-our Kano-is still full of life.
Still bold, still brilliant, still ours.
Opinion
Support for President Tinubu’s Policies and Call for the Appointment of Hisham Habib as Political Adviser
By Auwal Dankano
We, a coalition of concerned citizens and political stakeholders, express our unwavering support for the bold and decisive policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at revitalizing our nation and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s commitment to economic reform, infrastructural development, and social welfare initiatives demonstrates a clear vision for progress. We commend his administration’s efforts to address the challenges facing our country, and we believe that with continued dedication and strategic leadership, Nigeria will overcome these obstacles and achieve its full potential.
In light of the recent resignation of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as Political Adviser, we urge President Tinubu to consider the appointment of Hisham Habib as his successor. Hisham Habib is a seasoned political strategist with a proven track record of effective communication, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the Nigerian political landscape make him an ideal candidate to serve as a trusted advisor to the President.
Hisham Habib’s qualifications include: A degree in English and attended courses in politics and journalism in both local and overseas. He works with media houses up to the level of managing editor, and he was the first set of publishers of online newspapers in Nigeria.
He also served a the Director media of NNPP presidential and govarnatorial election, as well as appointed as Managing Director of Kano State own Radio station.
Many remember him as the pioneer chairman of NNPP, Kano state chapter , whose political expertise help the party win the number one seat in Kano.
As he decamped to the ruling APC, he build a strong chain , that will make our great party victorious at the fourth coming elections.
We believe that Hisham Habib’s appointment would strengthen the President’s advisory team and enhance the effective implementation of his administration’s agenda. His expertise in political strategy and his commitment to national development align perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria.
We call upon President Tinubu to give serious consideration to Hisham Habib’s candidacy and to appoint him as Political Adviser. We are confident that his contributions will be invaluable in advancing the President’s goals and ensuring the success of his administration.
We also want to call the attention of Mr President to consider Auwal Dankano for a national assignment. Auwal is the chairman of Rwinwin, a movement that worked tirelessly toward the success of president Tunubu in the last elections year.
Dankano is a quantity surveyor, with over two decades of field experience, and always promote APC and President Tunubu masses oriented policies.
Ha was a board member of Kano Micro finance, as well as Representative of Kano State , in Northern Governor’s Forum.
We reaffirm our unwavering support for President Tinubu and his efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
Auwal Dankano
National Chairman
APC Forum of Intellectuals.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) receives the sad news of the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and a tireless champion of education and development, Dr. Auwalu Inusa Mohammed, former Chairman of the Education Support Group (ESG).
Dr. Auwalu was not only a pillar in the education sector but a beacon of hope and resilience for all who believed in the power of knowledge and community development. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes have left an indelible mark on our state and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire development community. His legacy of service, advocacy, and dedication to humanity will continue to inspire us.
May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Co-Chair (CSOs),
Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) .
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