Abba Kabir Yusuf (Gida-Gida)

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

The Kano State Government has resumed awarding local and foreign postgraduate scholarships to indigenes of the state. 

This was made public on Friday through a statement signed by the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi.

Dr Bichi called for entreaties from qualified Kano graduates. Graduates with first-class honours who are from the state and are medically fit to travel abroad are eligible to apply. 

He also noted that the last time the state awarded scholarships of this kind was in 2025, during the administration of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Part of the statement reads: 

”Applications are invited from suitably qualified graduates for Kano State postgraduate foreign and local scholarships for the 2023/2024 Academic Session.

Recall that the last scholarship was offered in 2015 by Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s Administration which sponsored the third batch of 503 first-class graduates to 14 different countries.

After eight years without postgraduate foreign scholarship by the last administration, H.E. Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, The Executive Governor of Kano State, has approved the resumption of the postgraduate foreign and local scholarship with effect from the 2023/2024 Academic Session.”

Applicants are called on to fill out relevant application forms obtainable for free from www.kanostate.gov.ng/scholarship_application.

The state concludes that:

“Eligible applicants would be invited for a screening interview.

Completed application forms together with copies of credentials (indigene certificate, medical certificate, birth certificate, Primary School Certificate, WASC/GCE/SSCE certificate, Degree certificate etc) should be submitted to the secretariate of the screening committee, Old Conference Room, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Cabinet Office, 1 Wudil Road, Kano within two weeks of this advertisement.”

By Mohammad Qaddam Sidq Isa (Daddy) 

Notwithstanding the appropriateness or otherwise of the recent and unprecedented wave of demolitions in Kano by the newly inaugurated governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, it may have triggered a vicious circle of the incumbent governors and their predecessors taking turns revoking, converting and reallocating public land and facilities in the state. 

Though purportedly guided by relevant legislation and overriding public interest, successive Kano state governors have been involved, to various extents, in controversial public land and facility-related scandals. However, the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, having literally overdone it, has been particularly notorious in this regard. 

Now with the recent demolitions, Governor Abba has proven that it’s indeed his turn. The way they were conducted, which made the operation look more like mob action, has been effectively set as a precedent for future similar operations in the state. 

So, unless this looming vicious circle is averted, Kano may, after every four or eight-year tenure, witness similar operations with persistently worsening intensity and impacts.   

Having monitored the situation from afar, thanks to the viral video clips on social media, I felt not only sad but extremely embarrassed watching helplessly how my city, a supposedly aspiring mega city, was being systematically bastardized.

I watched in shocked dismay how the lives of innocent traders, who simply happened to be tenets in the targeted buildings, were being turned to, perhaps, perpetual misery overnight by crowds of sadist creatures feigning being human looting their (traders) merchandise. Some buildings had already been looted even before the demolition team got there. There are verified heartbreaking stories about the plights of many victims. In a particular instance, one was reliably reported to have gone mad out of frustration. 

The sheer ferocity with which the mob plundered traders’ goods suggests deep-seated populist sadism and sheer envy in a society where tacit gloating over the misfortune of any real or perceived wealthy person has become normal. I have also observed tacit attempts on social media by many otherwise reasonable people to underestimate the plights of the victims and even put the blame on them for their ‘failure’ to evacuate their goods in time. 

Meanwhile, the cumulative impacts of this vicious circle on the state’s economy and other strategic interests cannot be overestimated. It’s already seriously affecting local investor confidence, for no one will consider the viability of any significant investment, especially in, say, real estate development and other related sectors, knowing that the land allocation is prone to arbitrary revocation and the structures are subject to impulsive demolition at any time. 

Equally, banks and other financial institutions will have to discontinue recognizing Kano government-issued certificates of property ownership as collateral, knowing that they may at any time be rendered as worthless as takardar tsire. 

Likewise, the state’s attractiveness to direct foreign investment (if there is currently any) will be hit even harder, for no prospective foreign investor, being typically particularly sensitive to any red flag suggesting policy inconsistency, will consider investing in Kano knowing that whatever policy or incentive attracted him can be impulsively terminated at any time. 

Now, obviously, Governor Abba is aware deep down that that wasn’t how he was supposed to handle the situation in the first place. His approach is enough to vindicate those who insist that he is simply on a vengeance mission with a premeditated resolve to settle scores with political opponents and their associates on behalf of his political godfather, Rabi’u Kwankwaso. 

He can address whatever land use abuses his predecessor committed, which are so many, by the way, but he should do it in a civilized way through due process leading to the demolishing of what indeed deserves to be demolished and sparing what deserves to be spared for the purpose of reclaiming and converting it into a public facility. 

Mohammad Qaddam Sidq Isa (Daddy) wrote from Dubai, UAE, and can be contacted via mohammadsidq@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

Lamash Properties Limited demands N10 billion in compensation from the Kano state government for demolishing its property.

The firm said it entered into a public-private partnership (PPP) with the government of Kano to redevelop the Daula Hotel.

On assuming office, Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, ordered the demolition of “illegal property” built by the former administration of Abdullahi Ganduje.

In a statement on Sunday, Hassan Yusuf Baba, the firm’s executive director, said it was a “gross injustice” because they were not notified of the demolition exercise.

“Our bid, like every other bid submitted, went through all the processes including going before the state executive council after which we won the bid,” Baba said.

“We were issued the letter of award and we signed a PPP contract agreement with the Kano state government after which we began work on the project.

“The value of the land being the equity contribution of the Kano state government into the project plus the agreed profit share of the state government all in the sum N2,297,016,622.89 only was converted into the hotel and its ownership was given to the Kano state government as its share into the project under the PPP arrangement.

“On May 27, 2023, the immediate past governor of the state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, performed the commissioning ceremony of the hotel and it was handed over to the state government as its share in the project.

“To our utmost surprise, we received a call around 2am on Sunday June 4, 2023, that officials of the state government led by the new governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, have mobilized to the site of the project with bulldozers and were tearing down all the buildings on the land including the already completed 90-room 5-star Daula Boutique Hotel, the 90 percent completed commercial area (malls) as well as the ongoing residential apartments.

“We have instructed our legal team to institute legal actions against the state government to claim compensation to the tune of N10 billion already invested in the project and to stop the state government from further taking actions that will negatively affect us based on the PPP contract agreement we signed with it.”

By Mukhtar Jarmajo

The new administration in Kano has embarked on a commendable mission to reclaim the lands around schools that were allegedly wrongly sold out by the past government. Such action is important for the protection of public resources and the promotion of quality education. However, demolishing the shops built around the schools may not be the best approach to solving the environmental crisis created by the encroachment.

While it is understandable that the new government wants to send a strong message to potential land grabbers and illegal developers, demolishing the shops may cause unintended consequences that could hurt both the affected traders and the government. For example, many shops were legally acquired by small business owners who may have invested their life savings and borrowed money from banks to establish their businesses. Destroying their livelihoods without proper compensation or alternatives could lead to social and economic unrest.

Furthermore, destroying the shops may not solve the problem of encroachment. Once the shops are gone, the empty spaces may attract new forms of illegal settlements or waste dumping, further depleting the environment and posing health hazards to students and residents. Therefore, a more strategic and holistic approach to Kano’s environmental and economic challenges is needed.

One possible solution is to engage architectural and environmental experts to design sustainable solutions that could improve the safety, aesthetics, and functionality of the schools and the commercial spaces around them. For example, the shops could be redesigned to allow more natural ventilation, lighting, and greenery, enhancing the microclimate and reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting. The shops could also be integrated with the schools’ curricula and activities to promote entrepreneurship and civic engagement among students and teachers.

Another solution is for the government to acquire the shops and lease them out to qualified and responsible entrepreneurs who could operate them under certain conditions, such as payment of rent, taxes, and adherence to environmental and safety standards. Such an approach could generate revenue for the government, support small businesses, and foster a culture of responsible commercial activity in Kano.

Preserving our schools and small businesses requires a collaborative and creative effort from all stakeholders, including government officials, planners, architects, investors, traders, and residents. We must resist the temptation to resort to destructive means of solving complex problems and instead seek sustainable and inclusive solutions that benefit our communities and environment.

The demolition of shops around schools in Kano may seem like a quick fix to the encroachment problem, but it is not a wise or ethical solution. Instead, we should explore innovative and sustainable ways to protect our public resources, promote quality education, and support responsible entrepreneurship. Let us preserve our schools, our small businesses, and our dignity.

Jarmajo wrote from Wuse, Zone 2, Abuja. 

Dear Sir,

First and foremost, I must offer my humble congratulations on your election victory. By electing you into this exalted office, the people of my dear Kano State have no doubt placed their tomorrow’s trust in you to lead us with compassion and dedication towards a better, prosperous future, and we are hopeful that you will rise to the occasion.

Dear Abba Gida-Gida, as you take on this vital role, we urge you to prioritise the needs of the good people of Kano above all else. 

Kano faces numerous challenges, including economic inequalities, healthcare disparities, educational deficiencies, traffic congestion, and dilapidated roads, which become hazardous for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists: increased crime rates, environmental degradation and strain on public services like schools and hospitals. We require a leader committed to tackling these issues head-on and finding lasting solutions that benefit all residents, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

During your campaigns, you have had the opportunity to mingle and connect with many individuals, giving you a deeper understanding of their struggles and challenges. Therefore I urge you to know their worth and show concern for their well-being.

I must also encourage you to prioritise transparency and accountability in your administration. The people have a right to know how their paid taxes are spent and whatever decisions are made on their behalf. Open communication and free accessibility to your office will go a long way in building trust with the general public.

Finally, we ask that you lead with compassion and empathise with the needs of your people. Our State is diverse, with unique, distinctive opportunities and perspectives that make us stronger and shoulder above our peers.

As Governor, you are responsible for ensuring that all residents feel seen, heard, cherished and valued. By working together, we can create a brighter future for all.

Once again, congratulations on your election. We look forward to working with you to make our state the best.

Abbas Datti wrote from Kano via abbasdattibashir@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

The declaration was made known on Friday 26, 2023, via a pess statement signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the chief press secretary to the Kano State Governor-elect, H.E. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The statement describes how the Governor-elect declared the assets and liabilities ahead of his inauguration on Monday 29, 2023. In accordance with the law, Engr. Yusuf submitted a completed form to the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Kano office.

Engr. Abba, who was received by the CCB State Director, Hajia Hadiza Larai Ibrahim, said his earnest declaration of assets is a demonstration of transparency and accountability that will form the bedrock of the incoming administration in Kano State.

He said: ”Today, I have fulfilled the constitutional obligation of declaring my assets before assuming the office, May 29.”

The Governor-elect, told his host that public service is a calling; it is a service to humanity and I am always ready to serve having won the confidence of the good people of Kano State.

Further, Engr. Abba declared that the coast is now clear for the journey of restoration of sustainable development in all the sectors, where every Kobo of the public fund spent will not only be justifiable but accountable in Kano State under his watch.

He assured that all the public officials including political appointees that will serve in his administration will be mandated to follow suit of asset declaration as required by the Law.

By Dansaleh Aliyu Yahya

The number of phone snatchers is outrageous in Kano because the government is not punishing the perpetrators. Instead, it allows the politicians to use them to win elections and even ask them to do many bad actions, including killing everyone who comes their way in every polling unit in the state. You, too, could all see the thugs that they hired in the recent election—their number is countless. Shame on those that kill their people for their selfishness!

These phone snatchers are those that I can describe as unkind, insensitive, and barbarous robbers that started to turn into vampires—they may eat every flesh of a human when they get patterns. They must be eradicated from the society of living humans to another world of theirs or put in a dungeon of some hungry beats to rot.

Due to their problem, I would like to give some ways to help fight and eradicate them and their scandalous behaviour of snatching people’s property in Kano state and any other place. The ways are here below:

Firstly, It’s time for the government to start neutralising all the obstinate hoodlums that use lethal weapons while snatching people’s phones—they snatch and even kill the victims after. What kind of aggressiveness is this?! Indeed, I stupefy everyone that doesn’t support their killings. But they kill, and they have to be killed! And, slaying them will be soporific to us all.

Secondly, I would like to call upon us all to reflect on and defy the thugs back. However, I don’t mean that you fight them back if you’re alone, but I mean that people shouldn’t always be afraid of those nincompoops—those that run when the action is taking place can stop it (I swear). It’s only that we’re always frightened.

You need to have something you can use to defend yourself. But, I must say, “Shame on those that will see one young man killing a baby in her mother’s back and do nothing to stop him!”

Lastly, I hope the incoming government will ensure that it enforces some laws that will authorise the above forms of penalty to be performed publically for the rest of these hoodlums to see—whoever sees it among them won’t dare to do it again. Indeed, people need a lot from you—not this only!

May you have the ability to do the right things, amin.

By Sadiq Ilyas

In 2017, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje reportedly disagreed with Sarki Muhammadu Sanusi II’s critical comments about the government’s handling of the state’s finances. Sanusi accused the government of mismanagement and corruption, particularly about the state’s debts.

The disagreement between the two escalated in 2019 when the Kano State government created four other emirates, reducing the powers of the Emir of Kano, who was Sanusi then. 

Sanusi challenged the creation of the emirates in court, arguing that it was politically motivated and designed to weaken his position as emir. However, in March 2020, a Kano State High Court ruled that creating the emirates was legal.

In March 2020, Sanusi was removed from his position as Emir of Kano by the Kano State government, citing insubordination and disrespect to the governor and other officials. Sanusi denied the allegations and challenged his removal in court, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

Since the removal of Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano, many people have reacted differently, and that generated sympathy around the Emir, who was seen as a victim, while the Governor is seen as the villain. 

The Kano Governorship election result is believed to be won majorly as protest votes against Ganduje’s policies, including creating new emirates and his perceived allegation of corruption. On the other hand, the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, gave a margin of 128,000 votes to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Although the APC plans to challenge the victory in court, the likelihood of overturning the election is slim.

The 14th Emir of Kano is believed to have supported the NNPP with many antics. First was his appearance in a white and red outfit, the Kwankwasiyya insignia, just before the election when he visited his mother. People also rumour that he financed the campaign of the NNPP of the Governor-elect Abba Kabir Yusuf. Though the 14th Emir was out of the country during the election period, he was believed to be in Makkah praying for the victory of the Governor-elect.

Since the announcement of the Governorship results in Kano, social media space was filled with slogans such as “Sabon Gwamna, Sabon Sarki”, meaning “new Governor, new Emir”. The atmosphere in the Emir’s palace becomes tense, and the Emir’s outfit choice for the Hawan Daushe Durbar says it all. He wore golden armour, which some analysts say is a sign of confrontation in times of war. But now that the battle with swords is over, the question is who is playing with the lion’s tail. 

Kwankwaso VS Ganduje

In a recent interview with reporters, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the NNPP and presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, has stated that the incoming government of Abba Yusuf, the Governor-elect of Kano State, will review the dethronement of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

“We tried not to intervene in the issue of bringing or removing any Emir. But now, an opportunity has come. Those given this opportunity will sit down and see the issues. Then, they will look at what they are expected to do. Besides the Emir, even the emirate has been divided into five places. All these need to be studied,” Kwankwaso stated.

He also said that, as elders, they would continue to advise the incoming government to do the right thing.

Meanwhile, Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has reiterated that the four new emirates created by his administration are here to stay.

“The four new emirates are a symbol of unity, progress, and the well-being of the people. They were created to honour the people of these regions and recover the reputation of the traditional institutions,” Ganduje said during the Workers’ Day celebrations held at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

He added that the emirates were created to upgrade and promote their tradition, and they have brought development to these places. “I assure you that these emirates are permanent. They have come to stay. Even if we are not in government, these emirates are untouchable. I promise you this by the grace of God, they have come to stay,” he added.

It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in Kano State regarding the dethronement of Sanusi II and the creation of new emirates.

History may repeat itself

During the administration of Governor Abubakar Rimi in the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was an attempt to create five emirates in Kano state by splitting the Kano Emirate into five. 

This move was met with opposition by some members of the royal family and other traditional rulers, who saw it as an attempt to weaken the influence of the Kano Emirate.

However, Governor Rimi went ahead with the plan and created the new emirates of Gaya, Karaye, Bichi, Rano, and Kano. 

The Kano Emirate was reduced in size and given a more ceremonial role, while the new emirates were granted more administrative and political powers.

When Governor Sabo Bakin Zuwo took over in 1983, he reversed the decision and restored the Kano Emirate to its original size and status, with the other emirates abolished. 

His decision was seen as an attempt to restore the traditional balance of power and to address the concerns of those who opposed the creation of the new emirates.

In 2019, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje created four new emirates in Kano State, including Gaya, Karaye, Bichi, and Rano, in addition to the Kano Emirate. The move was met with controversy and legal challenges, with some arguing that it was politically motivated and aimed at reducing the influence of the Kano Emirate. This followed the dethronement of the 14th Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. And from all indications, history may repeat itself, with the NNPP becoming a new government.

Experts opinion 

Following the recent dethronement of Sanusi as Emir of Kano and the creation of new emirates by the Ganduje administration, Nadir Nasidi, a historian at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, has spoken out against the move, stating that it is unnecessary and unpalatable.

In an interview, Nasidi stated, “Kano is the only emirate in the whole country with one unifying emir, but the creation of unnecessary emirs isn’t a palatable one. Many people, including myself, told the Ganduje administration that what he was doing wasn’t a good one.”

While acknowledging that Sanusi’s dethronement was final and he could not be brought back, Nasidi suggested that the other emirates be reduced to local chiefs under the overall Emir of Kano, who would be chosen from among the existing kings.

He said, “Nobody will bring back Sanusi. He’s gone already. But the other emirates must be reduced to local chiefs under the overall emir of Kano. They can choose amongst all the kings one person to be the overall king.”

Nasidi’s suggestion comes amid ongoing debates about the wisdom and legality of creating new emirates in Kano State. The creation of four new emirates in the state was met with widespread criticism, with some people accusing the government of trying to weaken the influence of the Emir of Kano.

Critics argue that the move is politically motivated and aimed at reducing the Emir’s power and influence. On the other hand, supporters of the new emirates say that it will promote development and bring the government closer to the people.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the incoming administration will consider Nasidi’s suggestion or continue with its plans to bring back Sanusi Lamido as the Emir and reverse the creation of the emirates in Kano State.

Sadiq Ilyas wrote via silyas1989@gmail.com.

By Auwal Umar

The transition process, as it is seen today in the Kano political culture, is something that can be squarely described as unprecedented if the nonchalant and lackadaisical attitude exhibited by the Kano state government is looked into properly. The transition chairman appointed by His Excellency, Governor-elect Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, had decried the total absence of any cooperation, not even lack of it, from the Kano state government to form its own transition committee with a deliberate view to scuttling the smooth transition process.

Myriad of pictures going viral of one of the best social investments that the state has ever witnessed was initiated by Dr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso in his second spell as a governor, on which he spent 2.4 billion to empower the teeming youth in the state with employment opportunities across the 44 local government areas. Unfortunately, despite the suffocation of the process to make it work as planned for the public to benefit, now this invaluable treasure meant for the public good has been reduced to something like booty looted at the last minute to deprive the good people of Kano of the initial goals.

In addition to thousands of sewing machines that have been metaphorically remanded and cut off from the general public good, some reports of many mysterious disappearances of public properties should be thoroughly investigated when Engr. Abba assumes the number one seat in the state.

It is normal for any right-thinking person to believe that a leader should be a father figure so engrossed in compassion, sympathy and empathy. Still, here in Kano, despite all the wanton destruction and disruption they brought to drag Kano down, all they have is total apathy towards the awful loss they brought about to the state. It is unimaginable to expect what we see today from the people who should regard the Kano people as their sons and daughters with every sense of mercy and magnanimity.

It should not go in vain; all the perpetrators have to be brought to book. Impunity is the main motive behind the abuse of any public office in this country. The more it is welcome, the faster public institutions are utterly weakened. The ills and evils meted out by these people should be revisited judicially. I hope they will serve as a deterrent to others.

Anyone that seems to be conversant with the art of governance knows fully well that Engr. Abba Kabir, alias Abba Gida-Gida has a hefty mountain to move. One can say with a sense of certainty that the outgoing government has braced for the moment to meet out their concealed evil intent against the incoming administration. May he take off his Babba Riga and roll up his sleeves to make Kano breathe again. I hope people should learn to forbear some certain inconveniences. Most importantly, Abban Kanawa needs sincere prayers from the teeming Kano populace for success.

Auwal Umar writes from Kano and can be reached via: auwaluumar9@gmail.com.

By Sadeeq Sheshe

I am writing to express my firm belief in the need to consider re-installing Sarkin Kano Muhammad Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. As you are fully aware, Emir Sanusi II was illegally dethroned in 2019, allegedly for supporting your governorship ambitions, despite the absence of credible and substantiated evidence to support that claim. However, reinstating him will set your tune of kicking out all illegalities perpetuated by the Ganduje administration over the years. Additionally, I believe that his installation is one crucial point for you towards your effort to bring back Kano on the route of development previously set by the administration before Ganduje’s.

During his previous reign as Emir, he brought about innovative changes that standardised the ethics and customs of the institution. He organised massive seminars, workshops, and symposia for title holders to share ideas and strengthen the Kano traditional/sarauta institution. He also ensured that any member found violating standard ethics or even involved in immoral activity was thoroughly punished.

Additionally, he was reported to have improved the welfare package of junior workers of the emirates. He provided career opportunities for many of them, something that anyone could not have imagined many years ago. Therefore, it was safe to say Emir Sanusi II laid the foundation for the institution’s changes to strengthen its course as a principal legacy of the Kano people and “Kasar Kano’.

Considering the unity of the system, Emir Sanusi made sure that all other members of the ruling houses and other renowned houses of royals and clerics who felt neglected were brought back and given a sense of belonging. For example, he brought back the house of the late Emir of Kano Muhammad Inuwa Abbas (1963-1963) by turbaning his son Yahya Inuwa Abbas as Dokaji and later Dan Maje. In addition, he settled the dispute surrounding the Wazirin Kano title by giving the title back to the Waziri Gidado family. He also revived the houses of Sarkin Kano Alu (1894-1903), Danlawan Ayuba, Sarkin Shanu Hamza, Danburam Abubakar, Magajin Gari Inuwa Wada, Sarkin Fada Sule Gaya, Marafan Kano Sule, Danmasanin Kano Yusuf Maitama, Ma’ajin Kano Umaru, and many other aristocratic houses in Kano.

Furthermore, as part of his bicentenary celebration to mark 200 years of establishing the Dabo dynasty, preparations were in the final stages to bring back other houses, including your own house/family (descendants of Galadiman Kano Yusufu Maje Garko), Danburan Haruna, Galadima Khadir, Dan Isa Sanda, Sarkin Shanu Hassan, and surprisingly even the descendants of Sarkin Kano Tukur (1893-1894). The importance of bringing back these houses cannot be overemphasised, particularly in establishing unity and stability of the traditional institution in Kano.

According to many people, the neglect of many of these houses over the years has contributed to the continuous down-spiralling route the emirate had faced, something anarchists like Ganduje took full advantage of to bring destruction to family and the Kano traditional institution.

Emir Muhammad Sanusi is the only capable, noticeable figure within the “Bani Dabo” (apart from you) who has the resources, power, and connection to shoulder the burden and drive the institution to further development and greatness. He commands respect among government officials, fellow traditional leaders, clerics, and politicians from different backgrounds and sections of this country. In this aspect, your government can take full advantage of that. As an Emir, he can lead the Kano contingent on any assignment to boost Kano’s image and prestige. You have nothing to worry about with Emir Sanusi going anywhere because, as the famous Hausa praise saying goes, “Ranar fita kunya sai da Muhammadu.”

Emir Sanusi could also foster religious unity in Kano and, by extension, the country. With his position as the Khalifa of the Tijjaniya Sufi sect, he commands complete allegiance and fellowship of the sect. Additionally, his cordial relation with Izala scholars in the state and beyond, such as Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, Dr Nazifi Inuwa, Prof Mansur Sokoto, etc., as well as the Qadriyya, particularly its leader Sheikh Kariballah Kabara is vital to foster the religious unity and harmony thereby ensuring peace and stability in the state.

In terms of government policy development, Emir Sanusi is the perfect ally. You could wisely tap into his vast connection around the globe alone. He can lead an economic revolution in the state, provide advice on economic policies and be at the forefront of wooing investors. His connections to international firms like black rhino, African development bank, Islamic development bank etc., is the perfect avenue for you to exploit to bring about the much-needed changes Kano state needs. As I read, some of your campaign promises can be achieved swiftly with his insight and possibly heading.

For example, the policy of sending students (Kano indigene) abroad to postgraduate training. With his connection to educational centres and institutes worldwide, he can link with many universities and your government to achieve understanding and agreement. Knowing him, he may even convince some institutions to set up campuses and centres in Kano to facilitate educational growth further, as it is on your agenda for the state.

Like your proposed health policy, his connections with United Nations as a Sustainable Development Goals advocate, and health NGOs worldwide suit your government’s exploit. Through these bodies, grants and funding could be accessed by your government to improve health infrastructure, particularly in our rural areas suffering from difficulties in health care infrastructure.

Finally, it is important to note that bringing back Emir Sanusi II will benefit Kano State and the entire country. He is known to be a vocal advocate for good governance, accountability, and transparency, which are much needed in our country today. He has also participated actively in national discourse and contributed immensely to shaping public opinion on critical issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare. His return to the emirate will undoubtedly enhance his capacity to contribute to national development, a benefit that cannot be overstated.

In conclusion, I hope you will consider reinstating Emir Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. His reinstatement will bring stability and development to the Kano traditional institution and provide a platform for the state government to tap into his vast wealth of knowledge, experience, and connection for the overall state development. Thank you for taking the time to read this piece.

Best Regards

Sadeeq Sheshe can be contacted via sadeeqsheshe@yahoo.com.