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
