Opinion

Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, A Phoenix Rises

Published

4 years ago

March 13, 2021

By Muhammad Abu Ihsan

The news has just come this morning, of the installation in Sokoto yesterday, of His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Khalifa of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria, after the reign of late Khalifa Isiaka Rabi’u, who had risen to the position after the demise of HH MSII’s grandfather, Sarki Sir Muhammadu Sanusi I. Maasha Allah.

This is a very powerful spiritual and political position. Extremely so. It also comes with serious implications for the new Khalifa, and for governments, as well as for traditional leaderships around the country.

It compounds the Kano problem because Tijjanawa always projects their loyalty to the Tijjaniyya leadership, transcending all political and administrative boundaries. Since Kano is still a home of Tijjaniyya (as it is of Izala, and of Qadiriyya) the ascension of HH MSII to the leadership of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria seriously erodes the influence of Sarkin Kano Aminu Ado Bayero, and of any governor in Kano, as religious and political loyalty now go first to MSII.

Also, nationally, since Tijjaniyya is still the Islamic sect with the largest following in the Muslim North, and certainly the dominant theology in the Yoruba West, the religious and political influence of a dethroned emir, HH MSII, in Nigeria today, has grown substantially larger than it was when he was the Emir of Kano. His dethroned grandfather, Sarki Sir Muhammadu Sanusi I, although the leader of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria during his lifetime, had become ascetic after dethronement in 1963, and restricted himself, until his death, to personal spiritual asceticism without any public activity, even after the PRP government of Abubakar Rimi had made serious attempts to draw him out, after returning him into Kano territory (he chose Wudil) from exile.

However, with MSII active nationally and internationally in general public issues, in religious matters, in academic and intellectual engagements, and incorporate, as well as in multilateral engagements, his very high visibility, despite the limitations dethronement could have imposed on him, has just hit the stratosphere, and this is no exaggeration. For starters, elderly and revered Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, a Tijjaniya behemoth who was in serious rivalry with the late Khalifa Isiaka Rabi’u, has no such issues with the new Khalifa MSII. If anything, HH MSII is regarded as a student and son by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. Similarly, another great Tijjaniyya leader of far-reaching influence all over Africa and the Middle East, Sharif Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh, Nigerian Muslim’s Grand Mufti, plays a father role to HH MSII. It then means that the new Khalifa leads a fully unified Tijjaniya, whose call can pull both the Isiaka Rabi’u and Dahiru Bauchi millions into Kano Race Course, Murtala Square Kaduna, or the Eagle Square in Abuja.

Additionally, HH MSII has over the years, been quite close to the key ulama and followers of the Ahlus Sunnah side (Izala and Salafiyya), such that their continued cooperation and partnership can be taken as guaranteed. His strong disapproval for Shi’a and Shi’ism further enhances this relationship and partnership with the Ahlus Sunnah (Izala and Salafiyya).

It is also worth noting that the investiture of the Khalifa position, instead of holding in Kano, due to current constraints, but could have held in Kaduna, Abuja, Ilorin, or Ibadan, took place instead, in Sokoto. This is highly significant. The support of His Eminence the Sultan, while a boon, creates further problems because Sarkin Kano Aminu Ado, although hierarchically number three in the Sokoto Caliphate, and by protocol number four in Northern Nigeria, the recent butchering and subinfudation of Kano Emirate by Governor Ganduje has substantially diminished the current Emir, while the ascension of MSII to the position of the Khalifa of Tijjanniyya has compounded that problem. The excellent personal relationship between His Eminence the Sultan with MSII, something the dethroned Emir also has with quite a number of senior emirs, obas and obis around the country, all further elevate the status of MSII and unfortunately diminish the current Emir of Kano. This is potentially problematic and must be handled with extreme care.

Yesterday’s event in Sokoto may have been understated and deliberately underreported, but it registers very high on the Nigerian political Richter Scale. Tijjaniyya is a monolithic political force in West Africa, from Yoruba land, through Hausaland, into Ghana, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco. It goes through Algeria, Tunisia, troubled Libya, Egypt, down into Sudan and Chad, and other parts of Muslim East Africa. The prestige and influence of the Khalifa of Tijjaniyya extend into these territories.

14th Emir of Kano set to relocate to Azare

With Buhari’s popularity and support substantially diminished, reinforced by his entry into his lame-duck period before exiting office in 2023, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II may just have emerged as the most powerful, and influential Nigerian, despite his dethronement as Emir of Kano, just a little over a year ago. Again, while this is significantly positive, it can also be quite problematic, unless those problem areas are carefully managed. Tension within Kano and its subinfudated satellites of Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya, and especially with Sarkin Kano Aminu Ado, will continue. Also, for the remainder of his tenure, with Governor Ganduje and his small coterie of contumacious political allies and handlers, one of which, Abbas, is related to MSII.

Constitutionally, HH MSII, like every Nigerian, has the freedom of movement. He can therefore travel and move around freely in any part of Nigeria. He can settle and live in any part of the country. The Constitution guarantees him this fundamental right. But for the moment, without and legal compulsion, he has constrained himself to stay away from Kano. This is understandable. But with his ascension to the position of the Khalifa of Tijjaniyya, a position based in Kano since its creation, and with the inevitable pull on him of Kano’s majority Tijjanawa for frequent presence and leadership, how long can the Khalifa keep himself away from Kano? And can Kano ever quietly receive Khalifa MSII, and not, literally bring out more than ninety percent of the citizens out into the streets to welcome him? “Ba a sarki biyu a gari daya” – there can never be two kings in one city/kingdom – according to an Hausa dictum. Are we going to see that in Kano?

From now on, wherever HH MSII goes in Nigeria and West Africa, he not only attracts bigger welcoming crowds than he did when he was emir, he also gets the reception of a head of state in some of those places. Especially in Ghana, Senegal, Niger, Morocco, and Sudan. Thanks to the spiritual and political power of Tijjaniyya leadership.

HH MSII must therefore ponder his new position, power and influence, and also take into cognisance his peculiar position of a dethroned emir of Kano. He should then evolve an appropriate administrative and protocol regimen that lessen, or ideally eliminate all possible jurisdictional conflicts with other leaders in their territories, most especially in Kano. Similarly, the government and traditional leaderships there should also evolve and adopt administrative and protocol flexibilities, accommodation, and general goodwill, for the sake of the people, and for a general peace, progress and security.

Wishing the new Khalifa of Tijjaniya in Nigeria a very peaceful and progressive reign.

Opinion

Periscoping Waiya’s Alleged Assault on Free Press Viz the Preponderance of Mob Reasoning

Published

3 days ago

March 27, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

By Al Amin Ubandoma

The recent controversy surrounding Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, has sparked heated debates about free press and mob reasoning. The controversy began with an opinionated article written by one Auwalu Ismail, which criticized Waiya that was widely circulated online.

The article contained allegedly malicious and defamatory statements about Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya. As a public figure, Waiya has the right to defend himself against such attacks, and his decision to report the matter to the police was a legitimate exercise of this right.

However, the response from journalists and Amnesty International was swift and merciless. Without recourse to the violation of Waiya’s rights, they condemned his actions as an assault on free press and a threat to democracy.

This mob-like response is a classic example of mob reasoning, where emotions and sensationalism override rational thinking and fairness.

The implications of this response are far-reaching. If public figures like Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya are not allowed to defend themselves against malicious attacks, it could create a culture of impunity where anyone can make false and defamatory statements without consequence.

Furthermore, the response from journalists and Amnesty International undermines the principles of fairness and justice as enshrined in journalistic ethics.

By failing to consider Waiya’s side of the story and his right to defend himself, Amnesty international, and its co-travellers perpetuated a one-sided narrative that ignored the complexities of the issue at stake.

The controversy surrounding Waiya highlights the need for fairness and balance in public discourse. While free press is essential to democracy, it is equally important to protect the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The mob-like response from journalists and Amnesty International is a reminder that even in the pursuit of press freedom, we must not trample on the rights of others.

Indeed, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mob reasoning and the importance of upholding fairness and justice in public discourse.

As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from Waiya’s experience and prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The protection of human rights is essential to creating a just and equitable society. By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures like Waiya, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In conclusion, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The debate surrounding Waiya’s actions is a reminder that the pursuit of press freedom is complex and multifaceted. While it is essential to protect the rights of journalists and writers, it is equally important to uphold the rights and privileges of public figures.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Waiya and the opinionated article highlights the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to public discourse.

As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The importance of protecting the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya cannot be overstated.

By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In the end, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing fairness and balance in public discourse, and it has indeed brought to fore how not to deployed mob reasoning on issues of human rights

Al Amin Ubandoma, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Lagos.

Opinion

Journalists: The Unseen Heroes of Development, Kano Desires Collaboration Not Confrontation

Published

3 days ago

March 26, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

BY AMINU BALA

By convention and practice, media houses and journalists have the right to express their opinions under guided principles, ethical compliance, and the rule of law.

The recent allegations surrounding the arrest and detention of two journalists in Kano State have sparked intense debate. However, it’s essential to set the record straight: the duo were only invited for questioning, not arrested or detained, for allegedly attacking the personality of Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in one online media platform, Kano Times titled “Dear Governor Abba Kabir, .Beware of Waiya”.

Some critics argue that the police’s invitation for questioning was improper. Amnesty International, in particular as a reputable organization, appears to have jumped to conclusions without proper due diligence by condemning the police invitation, describing it as a threat to free press.

It’s crucial to verify facts before making conclusions, and Amnesty should ensure they present accurate information to maintain their credibility. It was clear that Amnesty didn’t balance findings as one of the guided principles of journalism. According to Amnesty, it heard the tidings break from the grapevine.

To this extent, Amnesty, as a reputable organization, failed to verify information through official channels, thereby perpetuating misinformation and undermining its reputation. This lack of due diligence raises questions about Amnesty International’s commitment to accuracy and fairness. It’s crucial to verify facts before making conclusions, and Amnesty should ensure they present accurate information to maintain their credibility.

In this case, Amnesty International’s hasty condemnation of the police invitation of the two suspects was premature and unwarranted. By failing to engage with an official source, as it appears, its impromptu action spurs unnecessary tension.

It is common knowledge that the Kano State Government has no issues with media houses or journalists. Instead, it recognises the critical role journalists play in promoting development and accountability as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution as amended, which guarantees Press Freedom in Section 39 (1) and (2).Additionally, Section 22 guarantees the freedom of the press.

Against the odd, Amnesty must take steps to address its methodology and credibility concerns. This includes engaging with official sources, verifying information through multiple channels, and avoiding hasty conclusions and condemnation. Only by so doing can the organization regain its credibility as impartial human rights advocate.

The State government, in particular, acknowledges journalists as major stakeholders, bedrocks, and pillars of democracy and is committed to transparency and accountability. Collaboration, not confrontation, is the way forward. By working together, the government and journalists can provide essential information to the public, addressing the “oils and waters” of development challenges.

Naturally, every human on the surface of the earth might have or develop some glaring err, so Waiya is not an exception. It’s only God the Supreme that doesn’t err, As a vibrant human rights advocate, activist, and media acquaintance, Waiya possesses the enigmatic leadership skills to transform the journalism profession With his exceptional stamina, he is poised to re-energize and revitalize the industry and take it to new heights. As a seasoned media acquaintance and advocate, Waiya brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and commitment to bear on his job. His leadership is a beacon of hope for a more robust, responsible, and respected journalism profession in Kano State.

As Waiya navigates the complexities of his new role, he should remain steadfast in his dedication to the principles of journalism, human rights, and democracy. His unwavering commitment to the truth, coupled with his exceptional leadership skills, makes him an exemplary figure in the journalism profession. With Waiya at the helm, the future of journalism in Kano State looks brighter than ever.

In conclusion, to cut the story short, the K
It is instructive to note that the Kano State Government values the role of journalists in promoting development and accountability. With guided principles and a commitment to transparency, the government is eager to collaborate with media houses and journalists to drive progress in Kano State.

Aminu writes from Kano

Opinion

Unity Over Division: A Counterpoint to Ismail Auwal’s Incessant Attacks on Comrade Ibrahim Waiya

Published

4 days ago

March 25, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

As I scrolled through my Facebook feeds yesterday, I stumbled upon a disturbing trend. Ismail Auwal, a fellow young colleague and member of Kano’s civic space, has been relentlessly peddling misinformation about Hon. Comr. Ibrahim A. Waiya.

His latest piece, which according to him is a “lifeline” and “a plea to save Comrade Waiya”, is merely the latest installment in a series of attacks.

Your Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, I implore you to disregard the calls and claims being peddled by Ismail Auwal against Hon. Comrade Waiya. These claims have no basis in fact and are merely a thinly veiled attempt to discredit Waiya.

I have no personal axe to grind with Ismail, but I am compelled to set the record straight. Facts matter, and it’s disheartening to see Ismail Auwal dish out unbalanced narratives about Waiya.

Firstly, Ismail’s assertion that there’s a “rift and the civil societies are now in a locked bitter feud with Waiya” is patently false. The ongoing legal suit in the Kano Civil Society Forum, for instance, has nothing to do with just Waiya.

Rather, it’s a result of the over 115 registered members who were left out of the staged drama of the Board of Trustees’ election an election in which less than 60 organizations participated, some of which are not registered members of the Kano Civil Society Forum.

Comrade Waiya, like any other individual, will inevitably face criticism and disagreement. However, this doesn’t undermine his capacity to effectively carry out his duties as Kano’s Commissioner of Information & Internal Affairs.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s appointment of Waiya is a testament to his leadership and commitment to grassroots development. Before his appointment has never been a contestant for any political position lest it be considered compensation for an unsuccessful poll.

Under Waiya’s leadership, the Ministry of Information & Internal Affairs has transformed from a dormant entity to a vibrant and active ministry. This is due in large part to Waiya’s vast experience in community development, which spans over 27 years.

His inauguration of several committees and efforts to strengthen synergy with stakeholders have yielded tangible results.

If His Excellency’s goal is to bridge the gap between his administration, vocal groups, and the inter-tribal community in Kano, then Hon. Comrade Waiya is an excellent choice.

Waiya’s presence in the committee set up to profile civil society organizations in Kano adds prudence to its effective delivery.

Waiya is a proven unifier, his character is beyond reproach, and his commitment to Kano’s development is unwavering.

It’s puzzling that anyone or group with clean hands would fear or worry about him being part of the committee. As the saying goes, “A clear conscience fears no accusation.”

Amb. Michael is the Coordinator of the Inter-Tribe Community Support Forum. He can be reached via nworisamichael1917@gmail.com