Abba Kabir Yusuf (Gida-Gida)

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.

By Auwal Umar

The burden of expectation is often hard to shoulder. However, that won’t make the hope of the Kano people fade away on the good wish they bear for Abba to deliver Kano and bring the state out of the mess that engulfed her in the last eight years. Therefore, my constant prayer to Governor-elect Abba is: may the burden of expectation never dampen your indomitable passion, courage and vigour to serve and save Kano.

The menace of phone snatching is unimaginable. The slightest mistake of succumbing to the give-me-your-phone threat can easily land one in the most severe trouble of the loss of whole life. No being in the universe can create the wing of a fly. Imagine the priceless value of the Human soul! Think of how God created man most beautifully among all his creations. Unfortunately, some dim-witted dudes and miscreants, ungrateful and ruthless rascals, reduce human life to 20k or 30k. Sometimes, one’s life in their psyche is not worth 20k. 

Tackling phone-snatching head-on should be one of Abba’s plans. The threat dashes hope to see able-bodied men killing and maiming innocent humans for just some tokens they might forcefully make you depart this world and render the world into a darker place by destroying Allah’s beautiful creation that has no equal or duplicate. The perpetrators mostly go scot-free daily because impunity has already taken over the course of justice in the land. The absence of justice or lack of it can singlehandedly expedite the alarming rate with which new breeds of phone snatchers are hatched daily to get on with the dubious business as usual. 

This is the brain behind the meteoric rise of the devilish act of phone snatching. Placing a Sharp knife on one’s throat in a give-me-your-phone threat is no longer newsworthy as it has been reduced to the new normal in Kano. No one, I mean no one, can accurately estimate the number of people killed or rendered casualties from this unspeakable atrocity.

The joint task force should be initiated and equipped with modern security apparatuses in conjunction with vigilant groups in every nook and cranny of the state, with particular emphasis on the major roads that have almost become the constant targets and hubs of the perpetrators. Moreover, they should always have a system that may guarantee the check and balance process to sanitise the system from being hijacked by the invisible hands of the clandestine gangs of connivers.

The justice system should be sped up and established, or else jungle justice might be the last resort to curb the precarious acts of these people. I fear us all when people decide to have a recourse to bring them to justice through the backdoor without formal judicial proceedings. May the hand of justice be the mouth to speak the language and criminals understand better.

Dear Sir,

I shall begin by congratulating you for winning the governorship election in Kano state. I am thrilled to write this letter, and I hope it will reach you in a sound manner.

Sir, the awaiting day has arrived, and your dream and ours have come true. The long and rough journey we have been travelling on has now come to an end. A new journey has begun.

Sir, you have witnessed the outstanding hard work and roles played by scholars, educationists and students in bringing you to this stage. We must salute the investment in education by the father, founder and leader of “Kwankwasiyya” in the name of Eng. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Education is the backbone of the development of every society. Therefore, reformation of the lopsided education system in this state is what poor masses have been dreaming of, and it is one of their reasons (if not the major) for casting their votes for you, courageously hoping that you will repair the broken shoulder of the education system in this state.

I hope this letter will serve as a call for the revocation of the defraud-sold public properties: some parts of the land of some primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and some government organisations by the outgoing government around Kano state.

I shall also not be reluctant to mention the sale of GSS Panshekara, WRECA Quarters, land and defunct abattoir along Panshekara road. I am sure each of these lands is more than enough to build a new primary or secondary school or faculty for some of our state tertiary institutions.

Furthermore, civil servants should also not be forgotten or left behind. We hope that the incessant tears running in their faces for many years hope will be stopped and wiped by your blessing palms.

Sir, I hope you will act as your name implies, “Abban Kanawa”, which means “father of Kano people”. You will handle and take care of us as your children. May Allah help you and make it easier for you to carry out your duties and bring Kano state forward.

Yours faithfully,

Musa Idris Panshekara.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 
 
Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress was defeated in the Kano governor’s race by Abba Yusuf, a candidate for governor from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
 
Gawuna, the state’s deputy governor, is Abdullahi Ganduje’s chosen candidate, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and the NNPP’s presidential candidate, is a strong supporter of Abba Yusuf.
 
At the conclusion of the collation across 44 local government areas (LGAs) in the state, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Yusuf the winner.
 
The returning officer, Ahmad Dokko Ibrahim, declared that Yusuf got 1,019,602 votes, while Gawuna got 890,705 votes.
 
In 2019, Yusuf ran against Ganduje in what was viewed as an extremely contentious election that was considered rigged.
 
 
 

By Uzair Adam Imam

As votes were cast yesterday, the Kano State people continue to wait for the official announcement of the Governorship and the State House of Assembly elections` results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The umpire electoral body has this evening started the official announcement of the result today as returning officers of various polling units across the 44 local government areas submitted their elections results to the INEC.

However, some supporters of Eng. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the gubernatorial candidate of Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso`s New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), have started celebrations, given the wave of success they see from the results of various local government areas of the state.

The supporters took to their various social media platforms to celebrate Eng. Abba Kabir Yusuf said they foresee a better Kano under his administration, adding that they voted for him to continue the good work of his political godfather, Eng Rabi`u Musa Kwankwaso.

The supporters predicted that Abba would win the election, and their posts, “Abba is coming, in sha Allah”, went viral on Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, among many other social media platforms, including Tiktok.

Eng. Abba Kabir Yusuf, popularly known as Abba Gida-Gida, has been the major opponent of Dr Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Gawuna, who is the Deputy Governor of the state, was nominated by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to succeed him.

During the BBC`s debate for the governorship candidates in the state, Gawuna was also reported to have said that he would continue the good works of all his predecessors, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Eng. Rabi`u Musa Kwankwaso and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Other candidates include Sadiq Wali of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sha`aban Sharada of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Malam Ibrahim Kalil of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), among other candidates.

By Auwal Umar

Fifth, the Kano people versus the Kano Government Act of Butchery on Land: The writer of this piece is neither environmentalist nor a climate expert, but from the little I know, it is never good for the health and wellbeing of the environment when open spaces in schools, road pavements, school premises and graveyards are fully or partially commercialised. Does this mean our urban areas are as well-planned as other major cities in Nigeria?

Kano’s schools and higher institutions were butchered not to afforest some trees to save us all from the danger of climate change or to provide new classes to alleviate overcrowding in our jam-packed classes that make the teaching and learning environment unconducive. The glutinous act of butchery of the Kano land by the invisible knives of the state government has not spared school vicinities, mosque premises or even graveyards in some instances.

As an illustration, many plots of land were carved out from the School of Management Studies Kano, located near the Sheikh Ja’afar Road and inexplicably allotted to the highest bidders to construct houses. If shame were an animal or human, it would surely be skinned alive. Arguably in most of our primary schools, one class is forced to accommodate two or three hundred pupils. It is surprising that there’s still a government in existence whose target is to commercialise the available spaces that are yet inadequate.

Sixth, Ƴan Adaidaita-Sahu (tricyclists) versus the Kano APC Government: No serious government attempts to base its decision solely on a profit-oriented venture instead of people based. The socioeconomic importance of this socially commercial venture to the state cannot be in any way overemphasised. It would be a minor miracle for business moguls like Dangote and BUA to be able to fully employ these youth when they are forced off the road to look for livelihoods elsewhere. Alarmingly, most of them might resort to illegal ways to sustain themselves.

Despite the huge amount of money the state government generates daily from these hundreds of thousands of youth, the tricyclists operate under constant threats from the KAROTA MD, who wants to ban the profession, notwithstanding the precarious consequences the so-called action may have on the whole state. For example, the Kano market experienced a drastic reduction in the number of customers because the state government has failed woefully to make necessary provisions to cater for the needs of the commuters due to its hasty decision to frustrate the people, perhaps owing to the perceived grudges they had with the governor. Many issues transpired as a result.

The tricyclists were forced to pay about ₦20,000 for a tracker. It is common knowledge that a ‘tracker’ is a technological device that provides much range of functions, including tracing the location of the vehicle, mileage report, stay report, overspeed report, fuel consumption report, travel report moving overview, driver’s behaviours and more importantly, it ensures the security of both the vehicle and the rider. This seemingly new development was welcomed by all and sundry. But to our chagrin, the supposed tracking device mysteriously transformed into a sticker.

The riders used their hard-earned money and tolerated the wonderful disappearance of their sweat for the love of peace. The maltreatment they were subjected to was best explained by both Barrister Abba Hikima and Malam Mubarak Ibrahim Lawan, who stood out and sacrificed their time to fight for them, with the former being their advocate in and outside the court.

Let everyone know that Adaidaita Sahu is not a venture that benefits only a few people. No, the entire Kano populace benefits from it directly or indirectly. For example, traders, students, guests, civil servants and the whole commuters are direct beneficiaries. The state government only suspends the ban for a while because of the looming election and the fear of the backlash from the teeming tryclists. But if they assume power again, nothing may stop them from going ahead with the ban. It is only God who knows how much billions several people invested in the Adaidaita Sahu business. What will be the fate of such a huge investment if this government reinstates the purported plan to ban this profession? The voters will answer these questions on 18th March 2023.

Seventh, the State Civil Servants versus the Kano APC Government: There is constant uncertainty about the actual amount of salary of civil servants in Kano and the time salary is paid in the state. I can vividly remember the biting economic conditions the generality of the Kano civil servants were subjected to during annual fasting periods and Sallah festivities. They were deliberately abandoned at the mercy of lenders and virtually inaccessible bank loans. In the spirit of mercy and compassion, they should have been paid on the 25th of the month of either Sallah or Ramadan fasting due to the increasing demand for money in such periods. This has been the story of Kano civil servants for so long.

In most cases, there is an urgent need for manpower in many ministries, with the education sector needing it the most. Our primary and secondary schools need more staff, but the government does not care to recruit new and competent hands, thereby leaving the current teachers with a heavy workload and a suffocating welfare package. The issue of promotion has become a serious headache for the poor teachers who deserve a promotion but cannot have it without a kickback, especially if you do not know who pulls the string in the top offices in the sector.

Eighth, the Kano Traders versus the APC-led Government: The highhandedness of the Kano state government towards marketers has made the business environment unfavourable. Gone are the days when a person could go freely to Kantin Kwari or Kofar Wambai markets without much apprehension about the parking lots. The lanes are not spacious enough due to the greediness that prompted the allocation of the space meant to be unquestionably public for commercial purposes. Many people can still recall how flood-ravaged many areas of the market recently. The unjust and greedy allocation of shops makes it difficult for the staff of the state’s fire service department to fight fire during some catastrophic infernos. Instead of the markets being decongested, the government created the very problem that made them jam-packed, thereby making it hard for business activities to run smoothly.

Ninth, commercialisation of public places: One can hardly explain what the Kano town plan looks like right now and how it used to be. Everything was thrown into confusion. Kofar Mata Eid prayer plot has been butchered and allocated to the highest-bidding traders. The famous Masallacin Waje was subjected to a similar fate. Many roadsides have experienced the same. Even schools. and graveyards are not spared from this unnecessary marketisation. Heck! Even some parts of the storied Sabon Gari stadium are commercialised.

In conclusion, the surge of anger in the minds of voters is an indication that the people are tired of this government’s style of administration. The issue of transparency and accountability are essential to any good governance. But many statistical data show that this government has performed so woefully in that areas. If we are serious and concerned about the state and overall development, we have cogent reasons to punish them with our PVCs on the D-Dsay.

Auwal Umar wrote from Kano. He can be contacted via auwaluumar9@gmail.com.

By Auwal Umar

One thing that is exciting about democracy is its being internally endowed with an inbuilt system that avails citizens with an automatic power to punish or reward their benefactors or tormentors every four years. Politically, many causative factors bring down elected officials or traditional leaders from their seats or rob away their sceptres.

In a democratic setting, nothing so precarious leads to the downfall, even more, dangerous than powerful political opposition than the collective power of protest votes. Protest votes are votes cast by various aggrieved members among frustrated citizens dissatisfied with the incumbent government and determined to cast their votes to penalise the leaders they perceive as incompetent or self-serving. In the last US election, former president Donald Trump and his fanatics were made to understand the power of protest votes. Here in Nigeria, ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had his taste in 2015.

With less than a week left for the gubernatorial election, the Kano political thunderstorms have gathered. Kano has various groups of people that have grown dissatisfied and overly tired of the APC government under Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his deputy, Malam Nasiru Gawuna. These aggrieved groups include students, Adaidaita-Sahu (tricyclists) riders, Kwari and Kofar Wambai markets traders, civil servants, and many others. These people consider voting for the current APC gubernatorial candidate and his deputy as a celebration and incentivisation of their unwanted act that led to the worst rerun election in the history of Kano polity.

That infamous rerun election has become a memory that still haunts us and deprives the Kano people of peace, especially with the daily sight of thugs taking over localities and the government seemingly unflustered. Therefore, the people seem to bear an implacable feeling of revenge towards the APC with their most potent weapon at the moment— PVC. This might be glad tidings for the NNPP and its boss, Dr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who fields the same gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, alias Abba Gida-Gida.

Abba Gida-Gida won the previous election with an unbeatable lead before it was dramatically declared inconclusive, which eventually changed the course of his victory. The kinds of people who still feel shortchanged by the results of the rerun election have come from diverse social statuses among the good people of Kano.

First, the collective electorate versus the indelible scar of “Inconclusive”: Looking at his wide popularity and acceptance across the teeming population of the state, especially among the youth, nothing was surprising in Abba’s victory in the 2019 gubernatorial election. The electorate toiled and moiled hard all day from dawn to dusk to ensure their favourite candidate emerged victorious. But inadvertently, some unscrupulous thugs led by the current deputy governor, the APC gubernatorial candidate of the ruling party, Malam Nasiru Gawuna and his deputy gubernatorial candidate, Murtala Sule Garo, disrupted the whole scene, which led to the worst rerun in our living memories.

The drama leading to the rerun is an ignominious act that still haunts our psyche and traumatises our brains. That utter embarrassment has planted an undying seed of revenge in the hearts of the Kano people for the upcoming election, irrespective of who is fielded as the APC candidate. The rerun had exposed the deeply insatiable lust for power at all costs. What else can explain the action of someone who hired the services of vampiric thugs that were so thirty of the blood of innocent voters just to ensure the will of the majority was ruthlessly robbed with not an atom of compassion?

Today, such social, psychological and physical casualties of the sham called election are still alive, hale and hearty and fully ready for revenge. People living at Gama ward, in particular, and places affected by the consequences of the terrible rerun need no more explanation of the horrors they saw with their own eyes.

Second, the Kano APC government versus scholars: Kwankwaso’s government had sponsored some brilliant Kano indigenes who went abroad to study different courses for the good of the state and the nation to add more value and human resources for the good of the general public. Some of these students who could not finish their studies during Kwankwaso’s reign needed registration and upkeep allowance to continue their studies during the outgoing Ganduje’s reign. But for the sake of bitter politics, these students were wholly ostracised despite being Kano indigenes who were abroad to study and not for tourism. These people are now ready for the 11th March in the eleventh hour to take their revenge.

Third, the Kano APC-led government versus the Kano state Students at Higher Institutions: Kano state students studying at various institutions of learning across the country have already come to terms with the deafening silence of the Kano state government that no longer gives them their meagre annual scholarship which amounts to nothing but a token of concern and appreciation of their struggle to study and liberate themselves from the darkness of ignorance. From the onset, it began with a wicked issuance of useless award letters; then, it metamorphosed to sample payment before gradually morphing into total non-payment of the scholarship. Therefore, these students are neither blind nor deaf. However, their anger is reserved and will be vented on election day.

Fourth, during Kwankwaso’s and Shekarau’s eras, Kano indigenes who successfully studied bachelor’s of Law were sponsored to attend Law School. That gesture helped many Law graduates from poor economic backgrounds realise their dreams of being called to the bar. But for this humanitarian service rendered by these two governors, many of them I know of would not have been officially addressed as barristers or learned colleagues.

The exorbitant fee for Law School has already risen, leaving many Law graduates roaming the streets with their hope dashed. But based on what I see from the lawyer-cum-activist, Abba Hikima, popularly known as ‘Champion of the Downtrodden”, he pledges to lend his voice to the cause to take those people whose hopes were dashed by this APC-led government. Of course, it is not incumbent upon the government to do that, but it’s something very laudable that might help bridge the wide gap between the haves and the have-nots in the state.

In addition, this act places Kano students in an advantageous position ahead of many students who might not benefit from the same gesture in their states. For the war to save the potential barristers and the stranded Law graduates left in limbo due to their financial status, they will express their anger through their PVCs.

Auwal Umar wrote from Kano. He can be contacted via auwaluumar9@gmail.com.