Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has accused the State Police Commissioner of disobeying his directives, particularly regarding the banning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

The Commissioner’s actions have been described as “disheartening and dangerous to peaceful coexistence” by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi.

The government explained that the Commissioner’s decision to ban the festivities was unilateral, without consulting the Governor or the State Security Council.

This has raised concerns, as the Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the State.

The government also addressed the recent judgment by the Federal High Court No. 3 in Kano, which claimed that the former emir’s fundamental rights were infringed upon, including allegations of house arrest.

The government disputed this, stating that the former emir was not forced into Gidan Nassarawa, a government property, and was accompanied by security guards.

The government reiterated the Governor’s constitutional duty to ensure the protection of lives and properties.

They urged the people of Kano to continue their legitimate activities peacefully and promised to keep them informed as events unfold.

The government called on well-meaning Nigerians and international friends to intervene and allow the people of Kano to live in peace, stating that any attempt to undo the peace is an assault on democracy.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kano State has announced a boycott of all Kano State Government activities, effective immediately.

This decision comes in response to the alleged persistent mistreatment of chapel members by the government and its agents while carrying out their duties.

According to Aminu Ahmed Garko, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, despite efforts to engage with the government to address these issues, there has been no improvement.

Members continue to face harassment, intimidation, and physical assault while performing their duties.

The government’s prioritization of non-professionals over trained journalists has also been criticized, with the chapel stating that this has become a state policy to sideline those best equipped to handle the job.

As a result, the chapel has announced that its members will no longer participate in press conferences, cover government events, or conduct interviews with state officials until a tangible commitment to press freedom and journalist safety is seen.

All members have been directed to comply with this directive and join the protest against the ill treatment of journalists in Kano State.

The chapel believes that a free and independent press is essential to a functioning democracy and will not stand idly by while its members are mistreated and intimidated.

Garko stated that the chapel will only reconsider its position when the government demonstrates a genuine commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their duties.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an order halting the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

The court’s decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Alhaji Aminu Bappa Dan Agundi, also known as Sarkin Dawaki Babba, on Thursday.

Justice A.M Liman, the presiding judge, granted an interim injunction suspending the implementation of the repealed Kano Emirate law, which aimed to reinstate Sanusi II as the Emir.

The court ordered that the operation of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024, be suspended, affecting all offices and institutions created under the provision of the Kano State Emirate Council Law, 2019.

The court also restrained the 5th to 8th respondents (not specified in the report) from enforcing, executing, or implementing the repealed law.

Additionally, the court ordered the maintenance and preservation of the status quo by all parties involved, pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiff’s originating motion.

The court also granted an order for an accelerated hearing on the matter.

This development means that Sanusi II’s reinstatement as Emir of Kano has been put on hold pending the court’s further decision.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reappointed Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, a position he was removed from in 2020.

The governor announced the appointment on Thursday at the Government House, shortly after signing the Kano Emirate Law as amended.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State Assembly, and other principal officers of the government.

With this development, Sanusi II has been officially reinstated as the Emir of Kano.

In a related development, Governor Yusuf has directed the five former emirs of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye to vacate their palaces within 48 hours, starting from 5:00 pm on the day of the announcement.

They have also been ordered to hand over all properties in their possession to the Commissioner for Local Government/Deputy Governor.

This move is seen as a reversal of the decision made by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who had dethroned Sanusi II in 2020 following a personal rift.

More details to follow…

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Kano state house of assembly has passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024 after scaling its third reading.  

The law has abrogated the establishment of five new Emirates in the state. All offices established under the repealed law have been set aside by the new bill. 

Also, all district heads elevated or appointed under the repealed law are to revert to their previous positions. 

The Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Law, 2024, was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing the Dala Constituency, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa.  

The law, which created five new emirates, was first assented to by ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on December 5, 2019. 

A principal officer of the assembly, who did not want his name mentioned, said, “No Jupiter can stop the assembly from amending the law.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Heavy security was present at the Kano House of Assembly on Wednesday as lawmakers commenced the amendment of the State Emirates Council law that created five Emirates.

The amendment, sponsored by the majority leader and member representing Dala constituency, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, scaled its first reading.

Armed security operatives from the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) took over strategic places at the assembly complex, while journalists who came to cover the day’s proceedings were asked to identify themselves before they were allowed entry.

All roads leading to the assembly complex were barricaded.The Kano state emirates council law, 2019, which created five new Emirates, was first assented to by the ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on December 5, 2019.

The governor assented to an amendment to the law on October 14, 2020, and signed another amendment on April 11, 2023.

Section 3(1) of the law established five distinct Emirates of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, with Kano and Karaye having eight local government areas of jurisdiction each, while Bichi and Gaya Emirates share nine local government areas of jurisdiction each, and Rano emirate enjoys jurisdiction over 10 local government areas out of the 44 local councils in the state.

Section 4 of the law established the state council of chiefs membership, which includes the five emirs, secretary to the state government, commissioner for local governments, and five chairmen, with one each from the Emirates, as well as 10 kingmakers and representatives from the business community and the security agencies, and not more than two appointees by the governor.

Section 5 provides for the chairmanship of the council of chiefs, which shall rotate among the emirs. When Emir Muhammad Sanusi, who chaired the council, was deposed on March 9, 2020, the law was amended to read, “there shall be the chairman of the council, who shall be the emir, Kano emirate.”

A principal officer of the Assembly, who does not want his name mentioned, said, “We were ready for this a long time ago, and only God can stop this amendment.

“We wanted all these emirs to go 20 days after this administration was inaugurated, but here we are. So, tomorrow (Thursday) there would be a special session of the assembly to consider and pass the amendment.”

However, the minority leader of the assembly, Abdul Labaran Madari, told BBC Hausa, “12 APC members in the assembly were not opposed to the amendment, provided none of the five Emirates would be dissolved, and the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, would not be deposed and replaced with Muhammad Sanusi.”

Madari said, “Though the NNPP lawmakers in the assembly have the numbers to effect the amendment, the opposition members would ventilate their opposition.” He added that the ruling party had perfected its plan to dissolve Bichi Emirate, as well as reinstate the deposed Emir Sanusi.

“The other emirates would be left with three local government areas of jurisdiction each.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider reopening the country’s borders for the importation of foodstuff in order to address the current food crisis.

Governor Yusuf stressed that the closure of the borders has had a significant impact on the people of Kano State, leading to increased food prices and suffering.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf called for the reopening of the country’s borders to address the current food crisis.

The statement was released following a meeting between the governor and the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the Government House in Kano.

Governor Yusuf noted the critical condition of hunger and starvation in the country, which has been exacerbated by the sharp increase in commodity prices.

The statement read in part; “We wish appreciate the President’s intervention on the ongoing national food initiative which he considers Kano as the host for the initiative to be launched believing that the programme will cushion the effects of food scarcity if implemented”

Governor Yusuf stressed the urgent need for intervention, including the reopening of the borders to allow for the importation of commodities.

In his meeting with the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Governor Yusuf highlighted the hardships faced by the people, particularly during Ramadan.

He stressed that the opening of the borders would be a crucial step in alleviating the distress of the people.

In addition to advocating for the reopening of the borders, Governor Yusuf commended the Customs Service’s initiative to distribute food items to the people of Kano, who have been facing hardship and hunger.

He urged the Customs Service to ensure that the food reaches those who are most affected. The governor also pledged his support to the Customs Service in its efforts to benefit the people of Kano and Nigeria as a whole.

In his response, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of building strong ties between the Nigerian Customs Service and the Kano community.

He emphasized the Service’s commitment to collaboration and constructive dialogue, and pledged to implement policies that would improve business processes and strengthen engagement with all stakeholders.

In addition to his interaction with stakeholders, the Controller General Adeniyi revealed that the Customs Service had made extensive plans to address the challenges of food scarcity and hardship in Kano. This includes the distribution of food items to the people of Kano.

By Auwal Sani

In the heart of Kano State, recently, conflict ensued between the state’s religious police popularly known Hisbah [Command], Kano State government and the controversial TikToker, Murja Kunya. This conflict has not only sparked public debate but also highlighted the critical role of effective public relations (PR) in governance.

It all began with Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf’s critique of Hisbah’s modus operandi, particularly in response to perceived deviations from the established laws. The governor’s remarks triggered a flurry of reactions, especially online, culminating into the unexpected resignation of Hisbah’s Director-General, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa. This abrupt departure further fueled tensions and political discord within the state.

However, amidst the turmoil, the saga took an intriguing turn with the involvement of Murja kunya, an ardent supporter of the Governor and his party (NNPP). Murja’s arrest by Hisbah and her miraculous release from prison without proper legal procedure raised eyebrows from various quarters, prompting questions about influence and justice.

Central to this unfolding drama is the apparent lack of effective PR strategies employed by both the government and Hisbah. A failure to conduct thorough situational analyses, engaging stakeholders, and maintaining open communication channels exacerbated the crisis, leading to a breakdown in trust between the authorities and the public.

Governor Yusuf’s comments, though well-intentioned, underscored the importance of a robust PR team to navigate sensitive issues and convey messages effectively. Collaborating with Hisbah’s leadership could have fostered dialogue and addressed concerns constructively, preventing further escalation of the situation.

Furthermore, the need for a crisis communication response team within the government and Hisbah is imperative. Timely and convincing damage control measures are essential to clarify intentions and restore public confidence in governance institutions.

Equally crucial is, the proactive engagement of relevant stakeholders by Hisbah before undertaking operations. Consultations with religious, governmental, and civil society leaders, among others, would ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing societal issues while mitigating potential conflicts.

Moreover, adequate training of Hisbah members on legal frameworks and rules of engagement are essential in preventing human rights violations and ensure professionalism in their duties. Additionally, investing in PR expertise within Hisbah’s communication department is essential to bridge the gap between the organization and the general public.

In hindsight, the confrontational response of Hisbah’s former Director-General to the governor’s criticisms highlights the need for professionalism and diplomacy in addressing internal challenges. Written correspondence or a formal meeting could have provided a more constructive platform for dialogue and resolution.

As the saga begins to fade, however, it serves as a stark reminder of the intrinsic link between effective public relations, transparent governance, and social harmony because, only through proactive engagement, strategic communication, and a commitment to openness can institutions like Hisbah navigate the complexities of contemporary society while upholding their mandates with integrity and accountability.

Auwal Sani writes from Kano State and can be reached via auwalsani986@gmail.com

By Ibrahiym A. El-Caleel

Resignations are normal in the corporate world. Corporate culture makes employees understand that they work for their bosses, not really the organization per se. Your deliverables are the deliverables of your boss. If you achieve them, he will achieve his. If you fail, he fails. This is why bosses hold employees with high sense of accountability.

As such, employees leave bosses. They don’t really leave organizations. Whenever it goes sour between you and your boss beyond reconciliation, then you look for another job! Take a bow and go. It’s very normal there. That’s what they do. In fact I have met a high performing CEO of one of Nigeria’s beverages companies who told me that he spends a maximum of 5 years in any organization that hires him. And he leaves whenever the ovation is high. Within 15 years of starting his career, he is already an MD/CEO!

It’s only in civil service and public service that people think resignation is a big deal. In corporate world, it’s part of the culture. It is okay for both employee growth and corporate efficiency and effectiveness. An organization does not deserve an employee who is not happy with his job, or who believes his boss is frustrating his job. It impacts corporate performance. You cannot get anything significantly great from an employee who is not motivated to deliver.

Shaikh Daurawa’s resignation from Kano Hisbah is both good for him as an individual, and perhaps Hisbah as an organization. Had he stayed, he will feel tied down by the public condemnation he received yesterday from his boss, Gov Abba Kabir Yusuf. He will not be able to give Kano Hisbah his very best again. He would be an apathetic leader, who no longer cares about how TikTok’s Murja is corrupting the moral upbringing of Kano adolescents. He will now be very doubtful of every single operation he is going to make. What will be the reaction of my boss, Gov Abba? Will he be happy or not? Will he publicly lash me? These questions will always ring a bell in his heart.

Now that he has resigned, he has saved his image and mental peace. It also opens doors for him to greater job opportunities because his next boss will know that the man cannot compromise on his work ethics. It will be part of his discussion with his next boss. And if there’s a governor who truly has interest in moral policing, he would be happy to employ Shaikh Daurawa.

For Kano Hisbah, perhaps Gov Abba will have time to reflect on what he truly wants the organization to be doing under his tenure. Chase alcohol only? Or cut the hair of youth who styled them badly? This resignation gives the governor an opportunity to re-define how the enforcement agency will function in his tenure.

If you ask me, Shaikh Daurawa did very well by resigning. I could have done the same. I wish him the very best in his next job. I also wish Kano Hisbah the very best in getting their next Director-General.

Ibrahiym A. El-Caleel writes from Zaria, Kaduna State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Commander General of Kano Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, has tendered his resignation following criticisms from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over the board’s methods of operation. 

Sheikh Daurawa announced his resignation in a brief video clip posted on his official Facebook page on Friday.

His departure comes less than 24 hours after Governor Yusuf expressed disapproval of the tactics employed by Hisbah in combating acts of immorality within the state. 

Governor Yusuf, while addressing Ulama at the Government House on Thursday, voiced his objections to the approach of Hisbah, particularly condemning their practice of conducting raids on public spaces to apprehend individuals engaged in immoral activities, which he deemed uncivilised. 

The governor also expressed dissatisfaction with the methods used by Hisbah in apprehending suspects, urging the board to reevaluate its current operations to address societal wrongs. 

In response to Governor Yusuf’s remarks, Sheikh Daurawa defended the actions of Hisbah under his leadership, stating that the board had taken measures to combat immorality, particularly targeting social media influencers.

He asserted that Hisbah’s actions were in accordance with Islamic principles. 

However, acknowledging the governor’s stance, Sheikh Daurawa announced his resignation from his position and extended well wishes to Governor Yusuf and his administration. 

The resignation of Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse surrounding the methods and effectiveness of Hisbah’s operations in Kano State.