BY Muhammadu Dan Sa’idu

My attention was drawn to a newspaper opinion article titled Dear Governor Abba Kabir, Beware of Waiya authored by one Isma’il Auwal. Ordinarily, I may not have bothered to respond to the baseless submissions of the author, but silence in the face of falsehood and mistepresentation of issues amounts to concent and endorsement of such reckless personal attacks on innocent law abiding citizen who by share destiny was called to serve his people.
The writer in the figment of his imagination thinks he can rubbish the decision of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in choosing one of the best

brains in the civil society community, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya to serve as member of the State Executive Council and Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs. This is in addition to other adhoc assignments such as the Chairmanship of the High-Powered Committee on the profiling of CSOs and NGOs in Kano State.
From the submission of Isma’il, it is clear that the writer lacks even elementary knowledge of how government works and how decisions are made. Also, it was clear the writer was acting a script of some unpatriotic and unscrupulous elements who are not pleased with the stirling performance of Comrade Waiya since he assumed office as the state Commissioner of Information. Moreover, the writer didn’t only show personal hatred and envy for Comrade Waiya but went so

low to attempting to armtwist the Governor into sack the workaholic, vibrant, energetic and creative Commissioner. This is uncharitable and uncouth for someone claiming to be a member of an enlighten society, the CSO.
The write-up was populated with fat lies, misrepresentation of facts and attempts to ignite in-house inferno among the appointees of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The writer failed to rewrite history by refusing to acknowledge the contributions of Comrade Waiya who was one of the leaders of the CSOs that stood behind Governor Abba Kabir in the 2019 and 2023 political and legal struggles to ensure justice was done in face of glaring attempts to deny justice for the people of Kano State.
Contextually, the write-up was a
U-turn against earlier resistance and

rejection of the state high-powered committe on the profiling of CSOs and NGOs by some dishonest, unrealistic individuals claiming to be speaking for the CSO/ NGO scommunities. This is because, having failed to armtwist, blackmail and intimidate the state government to rescind its decisions on the creation of the committee by dissolving and discarding the idea of profiling the CSOs and NGOs, the sponsors of the move resort to personal attacks on the Chairman of the Committee and Honourable Commissioner of Information, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya.
It is clear that the battle for the disbanding the High-Powered Committee was dead on arrival hence the resort to attack on the personality of the Chairman of the Committee. This too will definitely fail as the Governor has high confidence the ability of Comrade Waiya to deliver on

assignments given to him with optimum result. This is even more instructive going by the excellent performance of Comrade Waiya since he assumed duty as the state Commissioner for Information. Clearly, credible and genuine CSOs and NGOs don’t have any problem with both the profiling and the composition of the Committee let alone its Chairman. This is because as the saying goes ‘only the guilty are afraid’. Now we know, those that are likely to be exposed by the committee are the ones spearheading the move to cause confusion and distract the government from undertaking this all important assignment.
In the argument of the author of the sponsored attacks on the personality of Comrade Waiya, he argued that Comrade Waiya was a wrong choice for the job. I beg to disagree, this clearly shows the

naivety of the writer who failed to understand that for Waiya to be so appointed as a Commissioner, he has indeed underwent serious security due diligence and recieved all the necessary clearance less more of an adhoc committee work either as Chairman or a member. For the benefit of the author of the ill fated opinion article, committee Chairmanship of any sort doesn’t bestow absolute power on the Chairman. In the instant case, it is even an insult for the committee and the government that formed it to insinuate that the Chairman will use the platform to settle scores and advance his personal vindictive agenda. I urge Isma’il Auwal to apologise to the committee. This is because looking at the composition of the committee, the Chairman, Waiya is too small to outsmart them. Please Isma’il, I urge you to be

humble and apologise to the committee for portraying them to be a willing tool in the hands of Conrade Waiya. This is disgusting, reprehensible and irrational of you.
On citing some government appointees such Sanusi Bature, Iro Ma’aji and Muhiyi Magaji by Isma’il Auwal in his write-up, this is tantamount to igniting an in-house unhealthy rivalry that will do ko one any good thereby distracting the government. In this regard, I expect the aforementioned appointees to caution the witer, demand a retraction and dissociate themselves with the write-up. That is the only way to ensure cohesion and unity of purpose in serving the good hood people of Kano State under the government of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Anything to the contrary will send a wrong signal.
As for the genuine, law abiding and

patriotic CSOs and NGOs, it is expected that you will rise to the occasion and support the High-Powered Committee on Profiling to undertake its assignment diligently with a view to sanitising your operations for common good of all.

Dan Sa’idu writes from Hotoro Quarters, Kano

Aminu Bala Madobi Feb 24th, 2024

I’m compelled to respond to the recent letter published in the dailies, which launched a vicious attack on the person and character of Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, the Honourable Commissioner of Information in Kano State.

The letter, penned by a self-styled “Concerned Citizen of Kano”, is a tissue of lies, misrepresentations, and barefaced distortions.

Firstly, we take umbrage with the writer’s attempt to impugn Ambassador Waiya’s character by alleging that he has a history of conflicts with certain groups.

This is a blatant falsehood, as Ambassador Waiya has always been known for his bridge-building abilities and his capacity to work harmoniously with diverse stakeholders. In fact, Ambassador Waiya has been instrumental in fostering partnerships between the Kano State Government and various civil society organizations, which has led to significant improvements in the lives of the citizens of Kano State.

Furthermore, the writer’s assertion that Ambassador Waiya’s presence in the committee has turned what should be a platform for oversight into a battlefield for personal grudges is a gross exaggeration.

Ambassador Waiya has always conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and decorum, and his contributions to the committee have been invaluable. It is on record that Ambassador Waiya has been a key driver of the committee’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in governance, and his expertise has been sought by various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the media.

I also find it curious that the writer would suggest that Ambassador Waiya should be replaced by Sanusi Bature, the Director-General of Media. This is a clear attempt to sow discord and create unnecessary tension within the government.

Sanusi Bature is a respected colleague, but he is not a substitute for Ambassador Waiya’s unique skills and experience. Ambassador Waiya’s expertise in information management and his ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders make him an indispensable asset to the Kano State Government.

Moreover, flabbergastedly amazed by the writer’s audacity in attempting to dictate to the Governor of Kano State on how to run his government. The writer’s suggestion that the Governor should “pull Waiya back from the brink” is a clear example of meddling in the internal affairs of the government.

I’m using this podia to urge the Gov. Yusuf to ignore this unsolicited advice and continue to work with Ambassador Waiya and other officials to deliver on his campaign promises to the people of Kano State.

But what is most galling is the sheer hypocrisy of the self-styled “Concerned Citizen of Kano”. This individual, who has suddenly developed a keen interest in the affairs of Kano State, has no credibility whatsoever. Their track record of activism is non-existent, and their sudden concern for the welfare of Kano State is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to gain relevance.

We challenge this individual to come clean about their true motives and to explain why they have chosen to launch a vicious attack on Ambassador Waiya.

It is also important to highlight the significant role played by Ambassador Waiya in the Ministry of Information. Since his appointment, the ministry has undergone an amazing metamorphosis, transforming from a sleepy, ineffective department into a vibrant, dynamic hub of activity. Ambassador Waiya’s unique leadership style, which emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and results-driven performance, has been instrumental in driving this transformation. Under his watch, the ministry has launched a range of innovative initiatives, including a comprehensive reform of the state’s information management systems and a major overhaul of the state’s media landscape.

Ambassador Waiya’s historic background as a human rights activist and a champion of social justice is also worth noting. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to the values of transparency, accountability, and human dignity. His work has taken him to the forefront of some of the most pressing social and economic issues of our time, from the struggle for democracy and human rights to the fight against poverty and inequality. It is this wealth of experience and expertise that he brings to his role as Honourable Commissioner of Information, and it is this that has made him such a valuable asset to the Kano State Government.

In conclusion, we urge the good people of Kano State to disregard the malicious and unfounded attacks on Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya. Ambassador Waiya remains a dedicated and loyal servant of the state, and his commitment to the development and progress of Kano State is unwavering. We will not be swayed by the petty machinations of those who seek to undermine the government and its officials.

Aminu Bala Madobi, writes from kano, Reach me via aminubalamadobi00@gmail.com

By Ismail Auwal

Greetings from a heart that beats for Kano’s progress. I begin with gratitude and congratulations. Since you took office, your efforts to restore hope through grassroots projects and a commitment to correct past wrongs have ignited pride in all of us. We see the roads taking shape, schools rising, and the promise of a better Kano unfolding. For this, we thank you, sir, for leading our state toward a long-awaited dawn.

But let me take you back, Your Excellency, to a tale of loyalty forged in the fires of struggle. Picture 2019: the streets of Kano buzzing with hope, ballot boxes heavy with our dreams, and civil society organizations (CSOs)—those tireless watchdogs of justice—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you. When the election dust settled and the courts became battlegrounds in the just concluded election, they didn’t waver.

Through 2023, as legal storms raged, they marched alongside you, their voices loud, their resolve unshaken. They were your constituency of conscience, a coalition of citizens who believed in your vision. I know, deep down, you cherish this bond—a sacred thread tying you to the soul of Kano’s people. It’s a constituency no leader would let slip through their fingers.

Yet, a shadow looms, threatening to unravel this trust. Your Excellency, a rift has opened, and it’s one you cannot ignore. The civil societies, your steadfast allies, are now locked in a bitter feud with your Honourable Commissioner of Information, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya.

It’s not just whispers in the wind—this clash has spilled into the courts, a legal tangle that pits Kano CSOs against one of your own. I’ve watched this unfold with a heavy heart, like a family quarrel spiraling out of control, each side digging in deeper, the wounds festering.

Let me be clear: if your intent is to have an overseer, someone to bridge the gap between your administration and these vocal groups, I understand the instinct. Governance thrives on harmony, and oversight can sharpen focus. But, sir, Ibrahim Waiya is not the man for this task. There are others in your circle—steady hands with proven mettle—who could mend this divide without lighting new fires. Take Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, the Executive Chairman of the State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. His dogged pursuit of justice and his knack for navigating thorny issues make him a natural fit. Or consider Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji, your Commissioner of Public Procurement, whose quiet competence and results-driven approach could steady this ship. These are men who command respect without courting chaos.

Even though the group argues that the committee is unconstitutional, I find myself drawn to a different concern—one rooted in human nature. Imagine a referee stepping onto the pitch, not to ensure fair play, but to settle old scores. That is exactly what Waiya’s presence in this committee feels like. His history with certain groups casts a long shadow over its credibility, turning what should be a platform for oversight into a battlefield for personal grudges. And even if, by some stretch, that is not his intent, the perception alone is damaging enough. A neutral figure—one without baggage, without past feuds—would not only do a better job but would also restore trust in the process.

Now, let me speak plainly about Waiya. I have nothing personal against him—none at all. This isn’t a vendetta; it’s a plea to save him from himself. He’s wading into a storm he may not weather, a clash that could tarnish his name and, by extension, yours. Picture this: a man stepping into quicksand, too proud to see the danger, while those around him shout warnings he won’t hear. That’s Waiya right now, Your Excellency. I’m throwing him a lifeline, not a stone.

Instead of this distraction, why not let him join forces with Sanusi Bature, your Director-General of Media? Sanusi’s been a rock—steady, focused, lifting your image with every move he makes. I’ve seen him weave your achievements into stories that resonate, from the markets of Rimi to the villages of Dawakin Tofa. He doesn’t stumble into quarrels; he builds bridges. Waiya could learn from that, channeling his energy into amplifying your legacy rather than wrestling with allies you can’t afford to lose.

Your Excellency, this is more than a squabble—it’s a crack in the foundation of your support. The civil societies aren’t just a noisy crowd; we’re the pulse of Kano’s conscience, the ones who’ll stand by you when the winds howl fiercest. Don’t let this rift widen. Pull Waiya back from the brink, task someone else with the bridge-building, and let us keep marching together toward the Kano you’ve promised. The story of your tenure is still being written—make it one of unity, not division.

With utmost respect and hope,
A Concerned Voice from Kano

Ismail Auwal writes from Kano and can be reached via Ismaaga6@gmail.com