The leadership of the Kano Civil Society Forum is now facing the threat of extinction and disintegration, as rebellion brews among its members.
A source well-versed in the situation revealed that for the past nine years, the forum’s executives have been reluctant to hold elections despite numerous pleas from fellow members.
According to the source, the current leadership, led by renowned civil society activist Ibrahim Waiya and his colleagues, has turned the forum into their personal domain, showing a strong desire to maintain control.
When questioned about potential breaches of the forum’s constitution, the source indicated that the current leadership has not allowed members access to the constitution, even if it exists.
The source also expressed uncertainty about the presence of a guiding constitution for the civil society forum, and even if one exists, the leadership seems intent on restricting stakeholders’ access to it.
The source revealed that the forum currently boasts over 140 members who have paid a 5,000 Naira registration fee in anticipation of upcoming elections. However, many members are disillusioned and have begun to leave the forum’s WhatsApp group.
In response, when contacted for his perspective, Ibrahim Waiya, President of the Kano Civil Society Forum, informed NIGERIAN TRACKER that registered members indeed have the right to call for an election, but emphasized that every procedure has a process.
He explained that the election process, which involves revalidating forum membership, began in August 2022 through a committee established by the Board of Trustees (BOT). The committee, headed by Umar Saleh Anka, included members such as Hajiya Rukayya Tofa, Aremu Adeniyi, Hajiya Rakiya Ladi Musa, I. G. Maryam, and Salisu Gambo Deetol, among others.
The committee worked diligently from August 2022 to March 23, 2023. Currently, 140 organizations have successfully paid their 5,000 Naira registration fees, and most have completed the necessary documentation, including form collection, filling, and return, along with the acquisition of membership certificates.
However, it is regrettable that certain members leading the charge for elections have yet to finalize their membership documentation. Additionally, some of these agitators were not even forum members during the membership revalidation period, which spanned from August 15 to March 23, 2023.
Recently, on August 10, 2023, the BOT held a meeting where Forum President Amb. Ibrahim Waiya presented the results of the membership revalidation exercise. Based on these results, the BOT agreed to form an election committee, with the committee members expected to be announced this week. Their role will be to outline the election’s modalities and oversee its execution.
President Waiya emphasized the forum’s commitment to conducting elections. However, he expressed reluctance to entertain the disruptive noise generated by some individuals who are envious of the Forum’s progress and success. He pointed out that some of these detractors lack operational offices and encouraged a firsthand visit to observe their situation.
