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
