Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso

By Muhammad Abubakar

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has brought relief to 84 students abandoned in Northern Cyprus after settling a massive N2.24 billion debt owed to Near East University, paving the way for the release of their academic certificates.

The students were part of a foreign scholarship scheme initiated by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso but were left in limbo when the succeeding administration halted funding. The withdrawal left them unable to pay tuition and accommodation fees, effectively trapping them in a foreign country without support.

Governor Yusuf, during a ceremony in Kano, described the situation as a national embarrassment and expressed satisfaction at resolving the crisis. “This marks the end of years of hardship, uncertainty, and humiliation for our children abroad,” he said.

The affected students, including 28 medical graduates and others in health and engineering disciplines, faced legal threats, eviction, and exclusion from classes during the years of neglect. Their ordeal sparked widespread concern both locally and internationally.

Stakeholders have commended the governor for the intervention, calling it a timely and compassionate move to restore dignity and hope to the affected families.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Following a prolonged silence and social media appeals urging NNPP chieftain and former governor of Kano State, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, to address the ongoing political situation in Nigeria, Kwankwaso issued a statement to the press through his social media accounts.

Kwankwaso strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The proclamation includes the suspension of Governor Similayi Fubara and all elected state legislators, a move Kwankwaso deems unconstitutional and dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.

Reflecting on past political lessons, he expressed concern over the National Assembly’s rapid ratification of the president’s decision, calling it a deviation from proper legislative procedures. “This 10th Assembly has become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also condemned the involvement of military leadership in a civilian power structure, warning that such actions could lead to chaos and erode public trust in democratic institutions. He emphasized the risks of permitting military influence over civilian governance, recalling the need to keep military forces away from political power.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for democracy in Rivers State and across Nigeria remain uncertain, highlighting the necessity for political and judicial bodies to uphold the rule of law.

By Uzair Adam 

Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism and avoid political bias, particularly in its operations within the state.  

This follows the controversy surrounding a terror alert issued by the Kano State Police Command on the eve of the annual Maulud celebration organised by the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.  

In a statement on his X handle, Kwankwaso commended the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for successfully hosting the significant event. 

He also congratulated Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their contributions to the event’s success.  

However, he expressed disappointment over the police alert, which he claimed caused unnecessary panic among Kano residents and attendees from across Nigeria and beyond.  

“The conduct of the police, which appears to align with the Federal Government’s habitual interference in Kano’s affairs, further erodes their credibility,” Kwankwaso stated.  

He warned that issuing unverified threat alerts could lead to public complacency during genuine security threats.  

“Issuing a false threat alert of this magnitude sets a dangerous precedent. It risks making people dismissive of genuine threats in the future,” he noted.  

Kwankwaso also criticised the global impression created by the police’s actions, given the international participation in the event. 

He called on the Kano State Police Command to prioritise professionalism and avoid partisanship, emphasising the need for the Federal Government to steer clear of interfering in Kano’s governance.  

“The Federal Government must resist involving itself in matters that complicate governance in Kano State,” he added.  

The Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration remains a prominent annual event for the Sufi order, attracting participants from across the globe.

By Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB)

The Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has made commendable strides in supporting education. Among these initiatives is the foreign scholarship program for postgraduate studies, a legacy dating back to the second tenure of former Governor Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. While this policy has benefited many, addressing the growing need to prioritise local scholarships for Kano State students studying in Nigerian institutions is crucial.

Since the 2019/2020 academic year, there has been a noticeable gap in the distribution of local scholarships in Kano State. Regrettably, since Governor Yusuf assumed office, no official scholarships have been disbursed to students in tertiary institutions nationwide. 

While it is laudable that the state government recently paid the fees of students affected by tuition hikes at federal universities such as Bayero University Kano, Federal University Dutse, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, and the University of Maiduguri, this initiative has excluded students from state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Many of these students face severe financial hardships, and some even drop out due to a lack of support.

With utmost respect, I urge His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to reconsider the state’s scholarship policy. The government must prioritise local students struggling to fund their education amidst the country’s economic challenges. Local scholarships would provide a lifeline to these students, ensuring they complete their education and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

Similarly, states like Katsina, Jigawa, Borno, and Kaduna support students with local scholarships every year for those studying at various institutions in the country. These local scholarships provided by respective state governments help alleviate the challenges students face on campuses.

During your 2019 and 2023 campaigns, Sir, you pledged to prioritise education. While the foreign scholarship program for postgraduate studies is admirable, the pressing needs of local students studying on Nigerian campuses cannot be overlooked. I respectfully call on His Excellency to direct the State Scholarship Board to open its portal and ensure that students in Kano benefit from the state government’s scholarship program.

Investing in local scholarships is not just a fulfilment of campaign promises but a commitment to building a brighter future for Kano State. Students are the backbone of any society, and supporting their education is an investment in the prosperity of the state. Governor Yusuf, this is an opportunity to cement your legacy as a leader who prioritises education for all Kano students at home and abroad.

Bilal Muhammad Bello Department of Mass Communication Bayero University, Kano.

By Abdullahi Sulaiman

The Parents Teachers Association of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Bilingual College, Niamey, Niger Republic, has appealed to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to honour the promise made by the former Governor of Kano, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to return their children to their school in Niger Republic. 

The students have not been in school for over a year now, while their peers in the Niger Republic have already resumed classes in the new session five weeks ago.

Dr. Ibrahim Habu, Chairman of the PTA, commends Governor Yusuf for prioritising education with substantial budget allocations. However, he urges him to address the unresolved issues of Bilingual College students in Kano from the last academic session. He calls for immediate action to ensure no child from the college is left idle at home.

The PTA Chairman urges all stakeholders to work collaboratively to fulfil Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s vision of establishing a Bilingual college, emphasising the importance of equipping students with bilingual skills in French and English to enhance self-reliance and global competitiveness among Kano’s next generation of citizens.

The Chairman also calls on the people of Kano State to continue supporting Governor Yusuf’s educational initiatives. These initiatives will ensure sustainable development in the education sector and contribute to the overall development of Kano State.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, PhD, FNSE, National Leader of the NNPP, welcomed Nigeria’s top political dignitaries to Kano for his beloved daughter’s wedding.

The illustrious event, held under the serene ambience of Kano’s cultural heritage, saw the presence of Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf joined hands with his mentor and received many prominent leaders. Among them were Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, CON, former Governor of Zamfara State; Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi; and His Excellency Adamu Aliero, former Governor of Kebbi State.

Social media commentators praise the politicians’ display of unity. Others add that the occasion transcends political affiliations, bringing together leaders from diverse backgrounds to celebrate a union rooted in love and tradition. The wedding symbolises more than just a family milestone—it has become a testament to the power of unity, respect, and collaboration in Nigeria’s political sphere.

The event was a magnificent display of cultural pride and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees and further solidifying Sen. Kwankwaso’s role as a unifying figure in the nation.

By Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB)

It is widely recognised across Kano State that the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools have been abandoned and remain under incomplete construction. These schools were established in 2012 during the second tenure of former Governor Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. 

The initial progress on these schools was swift under Kwankwaso’s administration. However, the subsequent government, led by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, halted the continuation of the project.

The abandonment of these schools has not only led to their physical decay but also created opportunities for theft and vandalism, with some individuals stealing materials from the school premises. The neglected sites have also become hubs for illicit activities, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities.

It is crucial to bring this matter to the attention of His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, the current Governor of Kano State. Your commitment to advancing education in both urban and rural areas, particularly through the construction of classroom blocks, the reduction of registration fees for higher education institutions, and the provision of postgraduate scholarships, is commendable and has garnered praise from Kano residents and visitors alike.

During your 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial campaigns, you pledged to resume work on the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools. I respectfully appeal to your administration to take swift action to complete these schools. By doing so, you will transform these temporary sites into permanent institutions, ensuring they fulfil their original purpose and preventing further loss of valuable materials.

Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB) wrote from Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano.

By Ibrahim El-mu’azzam 

Four years ago, we witnessed the removal of Mallam Muhammadu Sunusi II as the Emir of Kano and the splitting of the Kano emirate a few months earlier. As they say, what goes around comes around.

Since then, many people have prayed, predicted, and foreseen that the action would be reversed. Thanks to time and destiny, we are now witnessing the return of the Emirates to one and the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sunusi II to Gidan Rumfa and the throne of Dabo. People forget too soon; if not for that, this wouldn’t have made these trends and surprises.

Muhammadu Sanusi II was legally appointed as the 14th Emir of Kano by Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso in 2014, following the passing of Alhaji Ado Bayero, the 13th Emir of Kano. Although he initially faced the usual opposition from some people, his appointment was eventually accepted by all, including the family of his predecessor, the Emirate council, the people of Kano, and the global community.

After about six years, a personal-political misunderstanding arose between him and the then-government of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje. This personal-political interest had no adverse effect on the Emirate or the good people of Kano state. However, despite calls from respected individuals and institutions worldwide, as well as a court order, Ganduje, in a display of power, divided the ancient Kano kingdom into five different kingdoms and proceeded to dethrone Sunusi on groundless grounds.

Ganduje didn’t stop there. He took the former CBN governor, the 14th Emir of Kano, an Imam, and the chartered Economist to Loko and later to Awe villages in Nasarawa state, where there was reportedly no stable electricity and water supply. His actions were only halted by the intervention of Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i, the then-governor of Kaduna state.

You see, I’m not a big fan of SLS. I disagree with some of his takes, but this is an apparent disrespect and damage not only to him but also to the Kano Emirate, the people of Kano, and the entire Kingdoms of Shehu Usmanu Ɗanfodiyo. It pained me more to divide the Kingdom into pieces than to even dethrone the King.

Alhaji Aminu Ado succeeded the central Kano Emirate and performed admirably. I admire his personal qualities, demeanour, lifestyle, and effective handling of the throne. I often tell people that Sarki Aminu Ado embodies more of the traditional King’s character than Sarki Sunusi II. But sad, Aminu Ado was alive and well when his father, Bayero, the 13th Emir, passed away, and Sunusi was appointed. Despite Aminu’s charisma, love of the people, and competence, Sarki Sunusi was chosen by the Almighty to ascend to the Kano throne.

Ever since the campaign of the current governor of Kano state, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, there have been suggestions to reinstate Sunusi and restore the Kingdom to its previous state. I supported this idea, but I didn’t fully agree with the decision to remove the Kano Emir again. I wanted the Kingdoms to be returned, with Aminu continuing as the King. I hoped Sunusi would oversee and move forward, especially with the furtherance that occurred and continue to befall him, like the Khilafa of Tijjaniya and more. I strongly oppose the idea of our honourable Kings to be played like toys by democratically elected governments. I even think of how unaware people were when the law of dethroning a King was made like this.

Although I have some doubts, I wanted everything to be very amicable, especially since all the parties are descendants of Malam Ibrahim Dabo—the same family, living in the same house and sharing the same bloodline. However, Sunusi’s return and acceptance of the reinstatement should not be blamed.

Firstly, for Emir Sanusi, it’s a repetition of history. The same thing happened to the King whose name he bears, Muhammadu Sunusi I. So, to cleanse their lineage of misfortune and bad luck, he can take this as a starting point.

Secondly, he was the last occupant of the undivided Kano throne. It is suggested that the five created kingdoms should be dissolved. Sarki Aminu has not been sworn in for the undivided Kano kingdom. If he is the one to continue, there must be an elevation that extends the continuity of the process. With this, reinstating Sunusi is more legal and straightforward. 

Furthermore, if Aminu is to continue, it will likely be forever prohibited for Sarki Sunusi to visit his origin, the Gidan Dabo. This is a hardly bearable consequence with the opportunity at Sarki Sunusi’s disposal. More importantly, everything is believed to be done on baseless grounds.

We should be reminded that the ultimate desire of every heir to a throne is to be crowned. In addition, Sarki Sunusi’s got the government at hand, the similar power that dethroned him before. Therefore, I don’t view this action as wrongful but rather corrective. The criticisms of Sarki Aminu’s supporters are expected and accepted.

Dr. Ganduje, the prior architect of the dilemma, is currently in a position where he has to watch everything unfold. He is even facing challenges in his current role. Whether he initiated this with a positive or negative mind, it’s up to him to reap. The important lesson to remember is that power is transient. If you have it now, use it wisely; it may turn against you in the future.

In conclusion, it is very significant to call on the Sultan, the high-ranking Emirs, and other stakeholders to address the law that allows Governors to singlehandedly dethrone their Emirs. It doesn’t make sense at all. These Emirs were the foundation. They founded these communities and controlled them for centuries. Then why on earth should a borrowed phenomenon dominate the founding one? Why should an Emir be selected or dethroned without the consent, not even the approval, of the Sultan or his Emirate council? This is the major issue that needs to be addressed.

For Gidan Dabo. Sarki Sunusi, Sarki Aminu, and Sarki Nasiru, you all come from that house. It’s your base and heritage. Why would you allow the government or any external party to distort your peace and relationships?

Sarki Sunusi and Sarki Nasiru lived in the same room for over a decade. Sarki Sunusi’s first wife, Sadiya Ado Bayero, is a biological sister to Sarki Aminu and Sarki Nasiru. Sarki Ado Bayero was on good terms with Sarki Sunusi I. It’s your family. Why would you let an outsider tear you apart? Assume the government dethroned Sarki Sunusi II in the first place, and you all disagree with it; none of you accepted it. Can Ganduje give it to an outsider? “Sai bango ya tsage ƙadangare ke shiga” – “It’s when the wall cracks that a lizard gets a passage,” as Malam Bahaushe says. Please give this a concerned look.

I believe it’s high time for the Emirs and Kings of our respective Kingdoms in Nigeria to stand firm in upholding their dignity and that of their kingdoms. It’s hard to believe that an Emir needs the consent of his local government chairman for his outings and some of his activities. I understand the importance of the position of a local government chairman, but when compared to that of an Emir or a King, there’s a clear distinction. Let’s face reality, set aside selfishness and personal interests, and work together for the betterment of our lands.

A person’s power is his greatest enemy. He either uses it well, or it uses him well.

Sarki Muhammadu Sunusi II (the 14th and 16th Emir of Kano), may Allah protect and guide you. Sarki Aminu Ado, Sarki Nasiru Ado, and the others, may the Almighty accept the right you have done and overlook the wrong. May the blessings of the Almighty be upon all of you for eternity.

Ibrahim El-mu’azzam wrote via elmuazzammail@gmail.com.

By Dr Raji Bello

Following encouragement from some friends, let me say what I’ve been a bit reluctant to say. It is based on my conviction as a dispassionate and non-partisan observer and of course, as a non-indigene of Kano State.

The root cause of the emirship imbroglio in Kano, in my view, was the inability of Muhammadu Sanusi II to subordinate himself and his office to the Ganduje administration as required by the terms of his appointment. This is essentially what triggered every other thing that has happened and which has led us to where we are today. To correct any problem permanently, we need to examine its root cause.

I am not saying that Sanusi is not an emir of high intellect who is enormously popular among the people. This assessment of mine is based on only one criterion — his willingness or ability to comply with the terms of his appointment — and it is made without prejudice to his qualities, endowments and accomplishments as an individual, technocrat and emir. Like other human beings, the emir is not perfect. He might have excelled in 9 out of 10 criteria but his failure in the 10th is the cause of the emirship crisis because it happened to be a very important criterion.

All post-colonial emirs and traditional rulers have been obligated to demonstrate loyalty and due courtesy to government be it colonial, democratic or military. History is replete with examples of the huge price that was exacted each time an emir fell short on loyalty towards government.

As an intellectual of high standing, the emir must have been aware of that history. When he set out to be emir, he should have been conscious of the terms of appointment and should have fully reflected on whether it was the appropriate platform for someone of his disposition or not. The emir seems to want the Kano emirship in its pristine 19th century form when it didn’t answer to a non-traditional authority. This betrays a lack of situational awareness and good judgement because the reality is that the 19th century is long gone and can never be brought back. So if anyone is interested in becoming emir in the 21st century, it has to be under 21st century terms.

The Ganduje administration had accused the emir of multiple infractions from political partisanship, insurbordination and failure to demonstrate courtesy towards it. Some of these infractions had played out in public for all to see and hear which means that they were not false accusations. I do not fully endorse the former government’s actions (which bore traces of the usual Nigerian impunity) but it is clear that it was provoked into taking actions against the emir. I believe that all state governments are inclined by default to respect the traditional institutions within their states and hostilities only break out when there is a breach of the terms of appointment (usually, but not always) on the part of the traditional rulers.

There is no individual who is so important or popular that they would enjoy exemptions from complying with the terms of their appointment. This is an incontrovertible fact. A friend told me that the emirship style of Aminu Ado Bayero is a bit bland compared to that of Muhammadu Sanusi II. I replied that this is true but the Aminu style is actually the correct one.

Post-colonial emirship is not a radical or revolutionary platform and, after the 1976 Local Government Reforms, the traditional institutions in northern Nigeria lost all the vestiges of authority that were previously delegated to them under the Native Authority system. The post of traditional ruler is now just a custodianship of heritage whose essential features are loyalty, co-operation and circumspection.

Yes, Sanusi is wildly popular, has a deeper intellect, a gifted oratory and displays a higher sartorial elegance but it was Aminu Bayero who was doing the emirship correctly under its current terms. Those who cheered Sanusi as he breached the terms of his appointment were not helping him or the Kano emirship institution.

Mohammad Qaddam Sidq Isa (Daddy)                     

The return of Muhammadu Sunusi ll as Sarkin Kano is yet another manifestation of the influence of politics on the traditional Masarauta establishment, which, after all, has always been used and abused by politicians.

Since the British conquest of the Usman Dan Fodio Islamic sultanate in what subsequently became part of today’s northern Nigeria, the enthronement and dethronement of emirs (Sarakuna) have always been motivated by underlying political interests. 

Throughout the colonial era, the British would only enthrone aspiring princes deemed the most loyal to the British colonial establishment as leaders of their respective emirates. This practice enabled them to maintain their colonial grip through those proxy-Sarakuna. And since then, successive generations of military and civilian administrators have followed suit, enthroning and dethroning Sarakuna literally at will. 

The only shift in this regard is that, in the past, the influence of political leaders would mostly come to play only when a throne became vacant mainly due to the death of the Sarki, when the incumbent governor would influence the emergence of his successor, as it happened in 2014 in Kano that led to the enthronement of Sunusi. However, now that the trend is becoming systematic, it will indeed, if left unchecked, render the reins of Sarauta effectively tenured, subject to the tenure of the governor behind it. 

After all, just like his enthronement in 2014 by then-Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his subsequent dethronement in 2020 by then-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Sarki Sunusi’s return to the Kano throne remains politically motivated within the context of the power struggle in Kano politics between Kwankwaso and Ganduje, two provincial vindictive enemies hell-bent on finishing off each other.  

By the way, as a subservient Kwankwaso ‘boy’, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf himself is a mere fighting tool in the hands of his godfather in the struggle. 

Interestingly, Kwankwaso has tactically put his vengeful mission against Sunusi on hold for now, pending finishing off Ganduje and his legacy. 

Sunusi incurred then-Governor Kwankwaso’s wrath as a then-Lagos-based bank executive when he kept dishing out disparaging criticisms against Kwankwaso and his government. For instance, in an article he titled “The Kwankwaso Phenomenon”, Sunusi described then Governor Kwankwaso as a “rural aristocrat” who “surrounds himself with provincials and places key posts in the hands of rural elite”. He also compared Kwankwaso’s government to “the classic comedy of the Village Headmaster in a village council”. 

Kwankwaso got mad at Sunusi and demanded his sacking by his then-employer, United Bank for Africa (UBA). He threatened to stop his government’s dealings with the bank in case of non-compliance. 

Anyway, now that Sunusi is back, it remains to be seen how it plays out between him and Governor Abba, considering Sunusi’s penchant for publicity stunts involving controversial utterances against government policies and wrongdoings. 

As much as Sunusi is excited about his return to the Kano throne, the development represents a tricky dilemma for him that also tests his supposed commitment to outspokenness against government wrongdoings. 

On the one hand, Governor Abba won’t tolerate his stunts in the name of outspokenness; no governor will, either. And unless he (Sunusi) has, this time around, decided to desist from his stunts to keep his throne, Governor Abba, under Kwankwaso’s influence, won’t hesitate to go to any extent, including dethronement, to deal with him. 

On the other hand, his distance from his stunts would undoubtedly mean the end of the reputation he has somehow earned as an outspoken critic of government wrongdoings.  

Mohammad wrote from Dubai and can be reached via mohammadsidq@gmail.com.