By Abba Anwar

When the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, spoke at the Kano Emir’s Palace, to Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, yesterday, during his Sallah visit and condolence over the death of the Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, what readily came to mind was Ganduje’s peaceful posture and his Ambassadorial position of peace and tranquility.

He opened his speech with this “We are here for condolence over the death of Galadiman Kano. This is a great loss not only to Kano or North, but to the entire nation.

We also want use this opportunity to rejoice with you on Sallah occasion. Barka da Sallah. To thank you and commend you for aborting danger especially when crisis was about to erupt when court ordered that status-quo ante be maintained.”

To remind my readers, it was Ganduje, when he was governor, who was instrumental in reconciling between Northern Youth Groups and Igbo communities across the 19 Northern states. When youth issued quit notice to all Igbos across the 19 Northern states.

He convened a grand reconciliation meeting in Kano, with the leadership of those groups and all Igbo leaders across Northern Nigeria. Within two days of genuine discussions and transparent deliberations, Nigeria was saved from falling into disastrous national ethnic crisis. National tragedy was avoided. Kudos to our detribalized and patriotic political leader. Ganduje Dan Kishi Kasa Da Kishin Kano!

No wonder, that and similar patriotic efforts paved many corridors for him to be highly recognized by all sections of the country, as a true leader of substance and indisputable peace maker. Part of such recognition was when he was conferred with the traditional title of Aguna Echemba 1 of Igbo Land (A lion who protects his territory and his people).

At the Emir’s Palace, the National Chairman commended Emir Bayero for being an acknowledged lover of peace. While making reference to the recent cancelation of Sallah Durbar and many other outdoor Sallah celebrations, even before our respected law enforcers, the Nigeria Police, banned all Sallah festivities of horse riding.

He said, “Based on court ruling (of maintaining status-quo ante) the legitimate Emir who supposed to organize and engage in Hawan Sallah, Durbar inclusive, is Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano.

But because there was commotion – like situation, His Highness, the Emir accepted the advice of our respected religious leaders and other well meaning Kano people, he canceled Hawan Sallah. He didn’t want to see a drop of blood being wasted.”

With these and similar notes, Baba Ganduje, not only encouraging the Emir, to remain steadfast in promoting peaceful coexistence in Kano, but at the same time, he helped the Emir to further recollect the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and tranquility.

When he was governor, he included, very deeply, with brain exercises and committed commitment, traditional rulers, in what turned out to be dedicated community policing via Peace Summits across the five Emirates in the state and whisking away rivalry between security agencies. Where all the security agencies saw themselves as partners not rivals.

Good and effective security system was one of the ultimate feats achieved during his administration. I urge my readers to make an enquiry about this from all the security agencies in the state.

He requested the then administration of Muhammadu Buhari to turn the popular hide – out of organized crimes like cattle rustling, banditry, armed robbery, among others, Falgore forest, into military training ground. Before he left office, thousands and thousands of military were trained there. The forest was no longer a safe heaven for criminals. I don’t know of now.

It was at that material point in time, cattle rustling became a thing of the past in Kano. Clashes between communities especially within the metropolis, popularly known as Fadan Daba, subsided greatly. With little or no leftover in many areas. What is obtainable now is left for my readers to beam their searchlight.

We were all living witnesses that, Ganduje labored hard to maintain peace and security in Kano during his tenure. It could be a deliberate misunderstanding or mere personal hatred for any one to think that he (Ganduje) would now deconstruct or assist in the deconstruction of the security system he conceived, labored and gave birth to.

My boss carries along with him peace, peace and peace anywhere he goes. When he was Deputy Governor to Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso for eight years, no trace of open quarrel or clash between him and Kwankwaso throughout Kwankwaso’s two terms in office. Attitudes hardly spotted in Deputies. Damo Sarkin Hakuri with all political calculus coming to our mind.

When he was governor, Kano experienced the sweetness of peace and security all along. Just like no other. He was acknowledged both and outside the country. Community policing reached nadir position. He was an icon and full-fledged Ambassador of Peace and Tranquility. A detribalised political leader.

As a flagship of peace and modern security, at the comfort of his office as a governor, he could see what was happening in Falgore forest on television screen. That technology was linked to offices of some security agencies. He built technology hub/sophisticated control room, for crime detection, at Police headquarters, Bompai. As he equipped and commissioned modern security Centre at Rijiyar Zaki for effective policing purposes.

To protect Kano from outside infiltration by criminals, Ganduje administration established Security Domitories in all the exits of the state capital. That helped much in detecting movements of the underdogs. Apart from technology monitoring system installed in security head offices in the state. Many abducted people from other states were rescued from their abductors in Kano.

So I wonder, when handful few describe him as crisis loving political leader.

As the National Chairman of the ruling APC he brings peace and understanding within the National Working Committee and all other stages of the party leadership. Down to chapters. What more do we need from this gentleman with gentle soul and gentle approach to issues?

Madallah da Baba Ganduje Dan Kishin Kasa Dan Kishin Kano!!!

Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
Sunday April 6th, 2025

By

Kabiru Danladi Lawanti

There is something about us, mutanen Arewa. Whenever power shift south, we start lamentations, accusing the leader, who is from the south, of nepotism or initiating policies that are deliberately aimed at destroying our region.

We bought into this idea, we write them repeatedly. From 1999-2007, from 2010-2015 and now 2023-date. We always write this giving reference to our voting power.

Recently, I read an article like that comparing our voting power and support for Tinubu with other regions of the country. For how long can we continue these lamentations? When are we going to stop the lamentations and start acting?

We need to shift the discourse from an overemphasis on population-driven electoral power to a more strategic focus on economic productivity and revenue generation. The viability and strength of Arewa are not necessarily determined by the sheer size of our population, but by how effectively that population is harnessed for economic growth, innovation, and wealth creation.

Arewa’s fixation on political dominance through demographic advantage has often overshadowed the more critical question that we need to be asking ourselves.

How do we convert our vast human and natural resources into sustainable development outcomes?

While concerns about the inequities of political appointments and perceived nepotism under the current administration of Tinubu are valid, persistent lamentation over political spoils can become counterproductive if not accompanied by proactive strategies for economic transformation.

What happened to Arewa after all these years of political power? Or what becomes of the K states after every election season? What happened to Jigawa or Bauchi? Is it enough to just have a Badaru or Tuggar as compensation for the over 5m we gave the President?

What is required is a change of strategy. A deliberate and coordinated effort to leverage our expansive landmass and youthful population to drive industrialization, technological innovation, and inclusive economic growth. Our Governors need to be wiser. Have you ever checked the sum of the FAAC Allocation coming to our states and local governments? What are we doing with these monies?

In this regard, lessons abound from the developmental trajectories of nations like China and India, both of which have demonstrated how demographic advantage can be transformed into competitive advantage through disciplined policy, strategic investments in education and infrastructure, and a clear vision for economic self-reliance.

The path to power lies not merely in numbers – voting power, but in what those numbers produce after elections.

For me, I have learnt my lessons. What we need is not political power at the centre, but what we do with the power at the centre and what our Governors are doing with the huge resources coming to them from Abuja.

The agitation for removing Tinubu in 2027 can be compared to the agitations of removing the military in 1999 or Jonathan in 2015. They are driven by elite interests, not necessarily for situations we found ourselves in Arewa.

By Tijjani Sarki

The invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, by the Police Headquarters in Abuja for an investigative meeting raises several critical concerns that warrant immediate attention. This follows the tragic incident of attack on the Emir on Sallah day, March 30, 2025, which led to the death of one person and many others injured. While it is important to recognize the diligent efforts of the Kano State Police Command, which is actively investigating the incident, the Abuja invitation raises questions about whether such interference might inadvertently disrupt and undermine local investigative efforts.

The Ongoing Investigation by the Kano State Police Command

On April 2, 2025, Kano’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, established an 8-member Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to probe the assassination attempt on Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II after the Eid prayers. The panel’s mandate includes investigating the root causes of this tragic event and addressing any alleged violations of the Kano State Police Command’s ban on Durbar during the Sallah celebrations.

The Kano Police have made significant inroads in their investigation, arresting two individuals Usman Sagiru, aged 20, and Nasir Idris, aged 35 in connection with the crime. While the final reports are being awaited, it is evident that the investigation is progressing smoothly within the local jurisdiction, with the Kano Police having the necessary resources, context, and expertise to handle the case effectively.

The Invitation from Police Headquarters: A Cause for Concern

It is, therefore, troubling that the Police Headquarters in Abuja has issued an invitation to the Emir of Kano to attend an investigative meeting scheduled for April 8, 2025. The invitation, dated April 4, 2025, requests the Emir’s presence at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, raising several issues regarding the necessity and purpose of such an interference.

Potential Disruption to Local Investigations

A primary concern surrounding this invitation is its potential to undermine the ongoing efforts of the Kano State Police Command. The Special Investigation Panel was specifically created to address the matter within the state, where the incident occurred and where the local authorities possess intimate knowledge of the region and its dynamics. The involvement of the Police high command, Abuja could lead to confusion, duplication of efforts, or delays in the investigation’s progress.

Further interference, without clear coordination, risks causing conflicting investigations, which could not only lead to inefficiencies but also undermine the clarity of the process.

Lack of Clear Justification for the Invitation

The invitation letter from the Police Headquarters in Abuja describes the meeting as an “investigation meeting” but fails to specify the Emir’s exact role or the nature of his involvement. The letter asks the Emir to travel to Abuja, an impractical distance from Kano on April 8, 2025. Given that the incident occurred within the Emir’s jurisdiction, and considering the local authorities are already managing the case, it remains unclear why the FHQ feels it is necessary to summon the Emir for an in-person meeting.

To further complicate matters, the Kano Police Command has already invited the Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku the senior aide responsible for managing palace affairs for questioning about his

alleged defiance of the Durbar ban. The outcome of this invitation is also being awaited, adding to the confusion surrounding the investigation and raising concerns about coordination between the Kano Police and the Police Force Headquarters.

A Call for Clear Communication and Coordination

Given the restrictions already imposed by the Kano State Police Command such as the Durbar ban, announced by CP Bakori on March 28, 2025—it is critical that both local and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate effectively. Clear communication and coordinated efforts between all stakeholders are vital to resolving this matter swiftly and efficiently.

The Investigation Meeting: A Potential Disrespect to the Emirate and Traditional Institution

The invitation that was extended to the Emir of Kano for an investigative meeting seems unnecessary and, perhaps, demeaning to the revered Emir and the traditional institutions. This move risks complicating and compounding the investigation further, potentially providing an opportunity for individuals with ulterior motives to exploit the situation and sow discord within the state. A more effective approach would be for the Police Headquarters to respect the processes already in place within Kano, offering support where needed without overstepping the local jurisdiction’s authority.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Surajo Rabiu and the injuries sustained by Aminu Suleman demand swift justice, but it is essential that the investigation be conducted with clarity, transparency, and respect for local authority. The Kano State Police Command has already made significant progress in addressing the matter and deserves the space to complete its work without unnecessary distractions. External interference from the Police Headquarters in Abuja risks disrupting this process, and it is crucial for all relevant authorities to ensure clear communication, coordination, and respect for the integrity of the local investigation.

Tijjani Sarki
Public Policy Advocate and Analyst
Vice President, Human Rights Watch and

Youth Empowerment Foundation
April 5, 2025