By Abba Anwar

First and foremost I used my real name to write my most recent article, captioned “Ganduje Repeats History : Takes Peace to Kano.”

Though it is not a sin for someone to use pen name and authors a particular piece. But in many instances, such happens because of many factors, among them are, the real author is either a coward or a serial liar or an envelope of many blunders. Whose faculty of thinking is either blocked or disappears in smoke. Or for mischievous reasons.

One so-called Gwadabe Abdullahi from Sanka quarters did a rejoinder of my piece on Ganduje, captioned “The Decoration of Ganduje As A Peace Ambassador : Unmasking A Legacy of Divisiveness And Manipulation.”

What “fascinates” me about the piece is the sequencing and the flow of blunders, missteps and ignorant disposition of his understanding of my article.

My reader please read me and enjoy reading.

In his 15-paragraph waste of ink and inaccurate presentation of what he calls “fact” nowhere, I repeat, nowhere, was he able to take my presented arguments that exist scientifically, one after the other and debunk them with superior arguments or manipulative tendencies. Nowhere!

Some of my examples of why the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, MY BOSS, is an Ambassador of Peace and an Icon of Community Policing are touchable, some are seeable and some are feelable.

One can touch the building and the equipments of the Bompai-housed security control room, provided by Ganduje administration, for detecting and following people’s movements in Kano. Dormitories built by Ganduje in all Kano exist points and the screen set in his office, where he monitored what was happening in Kano, were all touchables.

Turning Falgore forest into Military Training ground, is seeable. Because one could see the in and out of those military personnel with their hardwares. So also Security Summit across our five Emirates, was seeable. Because you could see the convergence of traditional leaders and other stakeholders coming together working towards enhancing security system in the state.

The two days grand reconciliation meeting between Igbo leaders across all the 19 Northern states and Northern Youth Groups, was seeable. You could see elements from both sides.

What was feelable was the enhancement and strengthening of security system in the state. You could feel peace and tranquility while in Kano then. Ganduje Gandun Aiki! Let me stop here and face the inaccurate understanding of my piece by Mr Sanka.

His first paragraph says, and I quote,
“In response to Abba Anwar’s piece, “Ganduje Repeats History, Takes Peace to Kano,” the author, an erstwhile Press Secretary to Ganduje, he portrayed his Principal, a former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje as a peace ambassador is a deeply misleading narrative crafted to cover the truth of his divisive and manipulative actions. It is bewildering that anyone would attempt to depict Ganduje as a beacon of peace, given his long-standing history of fostering division and political manipulation.”

I begin to wonder when political manipulation has become a sin in politics. And from this paragraph to the last paragraph I did not see a single line of accusation against my Boss, that can be proven scientifically without contemplation. Almost all are merely based on false accusation and rumor.

His sentiment goes like this, “The people of Kano are no strangers to the numerous actions Governor Ganduje undertook during his eight-year tenure that directly contradict the principles of peaceful coexistence. His tactics of sowing discord spanned across various sectors of the state.”

Just understand what he said very we please, that what Ganduje did in eight – year tenure”… contradicts the principles of peaceful coexistence.” I ask Oga Sanka, how can reconciliation of Igbo leaders and Northern Youth groups becomes contradictory to principles of peace?

How can turning Falgore forest to military training ground to tame banditry, robbery and cattle rustling becomes contradictory to peace? How can promoting harmonious working relationship between our security agencies becomes contradictory to peace? etc etc

As the writer, Sanka runs away from facing my piece on issue – based analysis, as I presented them, he derails this way, as he says, “Consider Ganduje’s treatment of religious leaders. This is the same Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje who created a parallel Council of Ulama for his own selfish political ambitions. In Fagge, he constructed a new mosque just meters away from the Friday mosque at Dandalin Fagge and built yet another within the Kantin Kwari market—both actions designed to instigate conflict between respected scholars like Sheikh Aminu Daurawa and Bakari Mika’il. A leader who truly seeks peace would never employ such tactics to create division.

Throughout the tenure of Baba Ganduje, there wasn’t any official Council of Ulama different form the one controlled by Shaykh Ibrahim Khalil. I stand to be corrected, but definitely with facts not rumor or idiosyncratic postulation of one’s selfishness and sentiment.

When did building of a Mosque become a sin? Haba Sanka wane irin son zuciya ne wannan? What kind of upside-down disposition is this? And who told him that Ganduje wanted to pitch Daurawa against Bakari or vice versa? People of his nature always work with lies, rumors and self – created stories.

From all indication, next time in Kano when wives of the people like Sanka have miscarriage, he will say, Ganduje at fault. When I saw the caption of the write-up, I thought he is a modern man, who works with facts and emerging arguments. Though it appears trashy, but it can still be useful as a reference point.

Again in the relief aspect he posed that, “Additionally, his deliberate efforts to create factions within religious groups such as:Tijjaniyya, Qadiriyya, and Izala movements against one another further expose his agenda of discord rather than unity.”

Though the writer fails woefully to tell us undefeating arguments as his reason for saying this. The way I know it during Ganduje is this, whenever there was anything concerning religion, he organised meetings upon meetings with all Clerics from all sects of Islam to deliberate on it before government takea any decision.

A typical example was during COVID-19, before the suspension of Friday prayers he engaged all scholars with health experts. That was why when the decision was taken nobody resisted. In fact, it was those scholars who were deeply engaged in awareness creation campaign.

Without thinking of the Day of Judgment, Sanka said, “It is difficult to paint the picture of Ganduje as a peace ambassador because of the fact that he unilaterally established a new Emirate in a region where no such institution had previously existed. This was not a signal of peace, but a calculated move to further fragment the people for his personal and political gain.”

Hahahaha did he say” unilaterally? Haba Malam! Unilaterally? Please go and check the correct history of Kano Emirate and other Emirates existed before Kano Emirates. Please go and read more about this, then come back and educate me.

The writer posits that, “Moreover, when Ganduje used his powers as governor to depose Emir Sanusi II, the impact was felt far beyond the corridors of power. Now, his attempts to destabilize the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi by backing the forceful return of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero speak volumes about his true intentions.”

Let me laugh lightly hhh. Go and check in whose hand does the power of deposing Emir exists? Alhamdulillah he said Ganduje used his power to depose Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. If I may ask, where is the power of the current governor? Can’t he also use power to depose Aminu Ado Bayero? Or is Sanka confessing that the current governor lacks the needed power? So what is he saying? Does he also mean Ganduje outside power is more powerful than the current governor in Kano affairs? Please don’t belittle a serving governor Malam Sanka.

I consider taking the author on some of the arguments as mere waste of time. While he lacks clear understanding of them, his presentation of them is half – baked. Places like this, “Ganduje’s internal party politics further exposes his divisive nature. His actions prior to the 2023 governorship election caused significant rifts within the APC, damaging relationships between prominent party members such as Senator Barau Jibrin, Murtala Sule Garu, and H.E. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna… ”

Have this one sentence kawai, at a point in time Garo was Barau’s Campaign Director General and the same Garo was Gawuna’s running mate for guber race. So where is the rift?

When he said,” Additionally, his alleged manipulation of lecturers and student protests at the Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, exemplifies his willingness to use public resources to divide rather than unite,” I now clearly understand his relationship with the issue. Period.

The writer said,” At the national level, Ganduje’s alleged role in blocking the North-Central region from securing the position of National Party Chairman reflects his disregard for fairness and unity. Is this the behaviour of a so-called ambassador of peace?

My friend please go and understand how national politics is being played. The writer and his likes, only understand local politics Alaji. Kifayen rijiya kawai.

Part of Ganduje’s “sins” according to the author is where he said, “His renaming of state institutions provides further evidence of his divisive mindset. The renaming of Northwest University, originally established by his predecessor to erase its historical context, along with the renaming of cities such as Kwankwasiyya City, Amana City, and Bandirawo, is a clear attempt to erase history in favor of his narrow political agenda. These are not the actions of a leader committed to peace.”

Northwest University was renamed Yusuf Maitama Sule University. While Kwankwasiyya City was renamed Shaikh Khalifa Isyaka Rabi’u, Amana City renamed Shaykh Nasiru Kabara City and Bandirawo City renamed Shaykh Ja’afar Mahmoud Adam City. Mr Sanka, Mr Sanka, Mr Sanka, I called the name three times, is he saying these gentlemen of blessed memory do not deserve to be immortalized? Is Sanka really in his… hmm?

I understand the true direction of the writer when he lamented that, “The injustice surrounding the inconclusive 2019 gubernatorial election results, Ganduje’s handling of the situation in Gama is yet another example of how his political manoeuvring has caused nothing but turmoil and grief for the people of Kano.”

Though I am from Bakinruwa quarters in Dala local government, but an important link with Gama makes Gama my second Quarters (Unguwa). I know a lot about that development. So I advise him to go and revisit what he said on 2019 inconclusive election. And it’s aftermath. I won’t go further.

“Finally, Ganduje’s record on security deserves scrutiny,” I agree with him hundred and one percent (101%). Had it been you did the scrutiny objectively, you wouldn’t have come this way.

Sanka amplified, “In conclusion, Abba Anwar’s attempt to glorify Ganduje as a champion of peace is a flagrant misrepresentation of reality. The facts are clear, Ganduje used his position to divide, manipulate, and conquer the people of Kano, leaving behind a legacy of political instability rather than peace.” Bari in dariya dan kadan hahahahaha.

Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
Monday 7th April, 2025

The Decoration Of Ganduje As A Peace Ambassador: Unmasking A Legacy Of Divisiveness And Manipulation

In response to Abba Anwar’s piece, “Ganduje Repeats History, Takes Peace to Kano,” the author, an erstwhile Press Secretary to Ganduje, he portrayed his Principal, a former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje as a peace ambassador is a deeply misleading narrative crafted to cover the truth of his divisive and manipulative actions. It is bewildering that anyone would attempt to depict Ganduje as a beacon of peace, given his long-standing history of fostering division and political manipulation.

The people of Kano are no strangers to the numerous actions Governor Ganduje undertook during his eight-year tenure that directly contradict the principles of peaceful coexistence. His tactics of sowing discord spanned across various sectors of the state.

To shed light on his divisive actions, let me highlight just a few key examples.
Consider Ganduje’s treatment of religious leaders. This is the same Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje who created a parallel Council of Ulama for his own selfish political ambitions. In Fagge, he constructed a new mosque just meters away from the Friday mosque at Dandalin Fagge and built yet another within the Kantin Kwari market—both actions designed to instigate conflict between respected scholars like Sheikh Aminu Daurawa and Bakari Mika’il. A leader who truly seeks peace would never employ such tactics to create division.

Additionally, his deliberate efforts to create factions within religious groups such as:Tijjaniyya, Qadiriyya, and Izala movements against one another further expose his agenda of discord rather than unity.

It is difficult to paint the picture of Ganduje as a peace ambassador because of the fact that he unilaterally established a new Emirate in a region where no such institution had previously existed. This was not a signal of peace, but a calculated move to further fragment the people for his personal and political gain.

Moreover, when Ganduje used his powers as governor to depose Emir Sanusi II, the impact was felt far beyond the corridors of power. Now, his attempts to destabilize the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi by backing the forceful return of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero speak volumes about his true intentions. His role in fostering instability within Kano’s traditional institutions can not be overlooked. His interference has stirred a cultural upheaval that has persisted for months, and it is a far cry from the image of a peacekeeper.

When examining Ganduje’s record, it becomes apparent that his actions have been focused more on consolidating power and deepening divisions than fostering peace. His alleged deliberate attempts to disrupt unity in the Gaya, Karaye, and Rano Emirates, regions historically aligned with Kano, underscore his disregard for harmony and tradition.

Ganduje’s internal party politics further exposes his divisive nature. His actions prior to the 2023 governorship election caused significant rifts within the APC, damaging relationships between prominent party members such as Senator Barau Jibrin, Murtala Sule Garu, and H.E. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, etc. This kind of internal squabble runs counter to any notion of peace.

Additionally, his alleged manipulation of lecturers and student protests at the Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, exemplifies his willingness to use public resources to divide rather than unite.

At the national level, Ganduje’s alleged role in blocking the North-Central region from securing the position of National Party Chairman reflects his disregard for fairness and unity. Is this the behaviour of a so-called ambassador of peace?

His renaming of state institutions provides further evidence of his divisive mindset. The renaming of Northwest University,originally established by his predecessor to erase its historical context, along with the renaming of cities such as Kwankwasiyya City, Amana City, and Bandirawo, is a clear attempt to erase history in favor of his narrow political agenda. These are not the actions of a leader committed to peace.

The injustice surrounding the inconclusive 2019 gubernatorial election results, Ganduje’s handling of the situation in Gama is yet another example of how his political manoeuvring has caused nothing but turmoil and grief for the people of Kano.

Finally, Ganduje’s record on security deserves scrutiny. While he may tout community policing as an achievement, his administration often relied on heavy-handed tactics that undermined the very essence of peace. The notion that his tenure was defined by peace is, at best, a convenient fiction to obscure the true nature of his actions.

In conclusion, Abba Anwar’s attempt to glorify Ganduje as a champion of peace is a flagrant misrepresentation of reality. The facts are clear,Ganduje used his position to divide, manipulate, and conquer the people of Kano, leaving behind a legacy of political instability rather than peace. It is insufficient to claim the mantle of reconciliation in one isolated instance while perpetuating chaos and division across all other aspects of governance. Let us not allow this distorted narrative to mislead us into accepting a version of Ganduje’s legacy that bears no resemblance to the truth.

Let us not allow this attempt to whitewash Ganduje’s legacy to deceive us into accepting a narrative that is far from the truth.

Gwadabe Abdullahi
Writes from Sanka, Kano
6th April, 2025

By Abba Bala Ibrahim

I read with astonishment, the invitation by the Nigeria Police Force to the 16th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The official letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, Commissioner of Police (Operations) which was sent to the Emir, stated that the invitation was made under the directive of the Inspector General of Police. It requested the Emir, to report to the Force Intelligence Department headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by 10:00 a.m for questioning.

Can this type of invitation be formally extended to any Oba of Yorubaland, the Benin Kingdom, the Niger Delta Chief, or Igwe in Igbo land?
From the prism of rational thinking, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might find it difficult to do that and your guess is as good as mine.
While it is difficult to logically understand the objective behind this formal invitation of the Nigeria Police Force to Khalifa Malam Muhammad Sanusi ll, the motive behind it might not be farfetched. Just to destroy the revered Traditional Institutions in the North.

Just before the commencement of Eid el Fitr festivities in Kano last week, the State Police Command had issued a statement banning Sallah Durbar celebration. They hinged their decision on security threats which may lead to

breakdown of law and order, should both the incumbent Emir, Khalifa Malam Muhammad Sanusi ll and the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero hold Sallah Durbar the same day, hence, allowing that to happen might be a recipe for chaos and breakdown of peace in the State. Good reason.

For those who know how Sallah is being celebrated in Kano, there was no Durbar held during the just concluded Eid celebrations. What took place then was the normal traditional practice where the Emir in company of the palace guards leave the Palace through Kofar Kwaru enroute the Eid prayer ground at Kofar Mata and traditionally changes route through Kofar Wambai back to his palace. In Islamic tradition, a Muslim is enjoined to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, that enjoins taking a different route from the one

followed while going to the prayer ground and on returning home.

The Emir’s procession just complied with the Islamic tradition, as his entourage was limited to the palace guards and officials who adheres to the simple practice of the Islamic tradition, contrary to the Durbar that involves district heads and other traditional aristocrats in a colourful outing.

The question, is the Federal Government now using the instrumentality of the Police to come from behind and unleash coercion on the sanctity on Kano Traditional institution and by extension, the Northern Nigeria?

While the Kano state command of the Nigeria Police Force deserve commendation for their swift action in making arrests on the frontal attack on the

Emir, which is an important step toward uncovering the full extent of the individuals and networks behind these destructive activities, one wonders why conflicting statements on the preliminary report and the latest interference of the Police headquarters was extended to the Emir.

Constitutionally, it is within the purview of the Nigeria Police Force to impose ban or cancel any event that can cause possible breach of law and order. But, the nation will be closely watching the import behind the move. To cause chaos and have another Rivers State scenario, or it is an attempt to destroy the sanctity of the revered traditional heritage?

As one writer rightly observed, “President Tinubu has swallowed the Devil. He was weaned from the furnace of a heartless street”.
As the destruction of democracy has apparently commenced with his attack on Rivers State, may the destruction of revered traditional heritage never commence with the invitation of the Emir of Kano Khalifa Malam Muhammad Sanusi ll.

Let whoever matters in the North rise up and defend the sanctity of the institution. The Emir is the symbol of the institution and attack on him is just an attack in the institution.

Bala is public affairs analyst, writes from Kano .