By Al Amin Ubandoma

The recent controversy surrounding Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, has sparked heated debates about free press and mob reasoning. The controversy began with an opinionated article written by one Auwalu Ismail, which criticized Waiya that was widely circulated online.

The article contained allegedly malicious and defamatory statements about Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya. As a public figure, Waiya has the right to defend himself against such attacks, and his decision to report the matter to the police was a legitimate exercise of this right.

However, the response from journalists and Amnesty International was swift and merciless. Without recourse to the violation of Waiya’s rights, they condemned his actions as an assault on free press and a threat to democracy.

This mob-like response is a classic example of mob reasoning, where emotions and sensationalism override rational thinking and fairness.

The implications of this response are far-reaching. If public figures like Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya are not allowed to defend themselves against malicious attacks, it could create a culture of impunity where anyone can make false and defamatory statements without consequence.

Furthermore, the response from journalists and Amnesty International undermines the principles of fairness and justice as enshrined in journalistic ethics.

By failing to consider Waiya’s side of the story and his right to defend himself, Amnesty international, and its co-travellers perpetuated a one-sided narrative that ignored the complexities of the issue at stake.

The controversy surrounding Waiya highlights the need for fairness and balance in public discourse. While free press is essential to democracy, it is equally important to protect the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The mob-like response from journalists and Amnesty International is a reminder that even in the pursuit of press freedom, we must not trample on the rights of others.

Indeed, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mob reasoning and the importance of upholding fairness and justice in public discourse.

As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from Waiya’s experience and prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The protection of human rights is essential to creating a just and equitable society. By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures like Waiya, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In conclusion, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The debate surrounding Waiya’s actions is a reminder that the pursuit of press freedom is complex and multifaceted. While it is essential to protect the rights of journalists and writers, it is equally important to uphold the rights and privileges of public figures.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Waiya and the opinionated article highlights the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to public discourse.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The importance of protecting the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya cannot be overstated.

By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In the end, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing fairness and balance in public discourse, and it has indeed brought to fore how not to deployed mob reasoning on issues of human rights

Al Amin Ubandoma, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Lagos.

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

By Abba Anwar

Neither Abba Anwar, then Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State, nor Saluhu Tanko Yakasai, then Special Adviser, Media, to the Governor, petitioned the then noise maker, Ibrahim Waiya, who was busy making drum beats, to attract recognition from, the political opponents of the then Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, when Waiya organised a press conference, under the guise of an emotionless group, Renaissance Coalition, describing Anwar and Yakasai, as elements threatening the peace of the state. Over face-off between Ganduje and then Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Waiya was the spokesperson of the Coalition then, as reported by Daily Trust newspaper of Tuesday 11th June, 2019, by Richard Ngbokai, when he blamed Anwar and Yakasai of fueling crisis between governor and the then Emir, “… over alleged insensitivity in handling information concerning the lingering crisis between the governor and the emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.”

He made the wild allegation against us reacting to, as reported by Daily Trust and other national papers,”… a statement credited to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Abba Anwar about the reconciliation moves initiated by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in collaboration with Alhaji Aliko Dangote to broker peace between the two leaders.”

He concluded that, I, as Chief Press Secretary denied that there was a move in process for reconciliation, which the organization considered as insensitive and dangerous to the peace of the state.

Daily Trust continued that” According to Waiya, “As concerned citizens of Kano state we wonder how some elements of the society will be so determined to fuel the crisis between the emir and the governor of Kano which is capable of threatening the peace and security of the state.”

The noise maker continued that,” Our major concern is more on the people who are officially recognized as the spokespersons, the image makers of the Kano state government, who included Salihu Tanko Yakasai… and Abba Anwar who had recently exposed their incompetence and sense of immaturity and diligence in the discharge of their official duties in reaction to the widely circulated report on the reconciliation efforts by the government of the federation and some other individuals claiming that there was no reconciliation effort between governor and the emir of Kano.”

Hear the relevance seeker,” It is on this note we wish to state that Nigeria is facing many challenges bothering on security and peace, it is therefore un-call-for (sic) for some people to be making some unguarded utterances that are capable of jeopardizing the peace we enjoy in Kano.”

Pleading Governor Ganduje that,” We therefore request the governor to disregard their statement and relief them of their appointments immediately because they are not fit to be there.”

When the story was published by many newspapers at the time, I personally took all the papers to my Boss, Ganduje and showed him the story requesting him to sack us, myself and Saluhu Tanko Yakasai. Baba Ganduje read through all the story and laughed. He said “Press Secretary you are doing a good job!

Myself and Saluhu did not raise an eye brow for Waiya. Talk less of taking him to the Police, with all his frustration to the extent of showcasing us as becoming threat to the peace of the state. Because we knew he didn’t deserve any attention from us.

So I wonder when I heard that the same Waiya, who is now Commissioner for Information is at cross road with some two young journalists Buhari Abba and Isma’l Auwal for publishing and expressing an opinion, captioned “Dear Governor, Yusuf Beware of Kano Information Commissioner, Ibrahim Waiya,” published in Kano Times.

It is just my thinking being vindicated. When Waiya was appointed Commissioner for Information, I said to myself, this is one the messier appointments, of this administration. I understood that the Governor was not provided with the platform to differentiate between professionalism (journalism) and activism.

Waiya is nowhere close to journalism profession. He is only an “activist”. I believe very firmly that, with all the shortcomings of Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, he can make “a good” Commissioner than Waiya. No two ways about this. Talk less of Mustapha Muhammad, the recently appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, whose pedigree is neater than all media related people of this administration. I mean all of them. That is why I still wonder, why is he Deputy Spokesperson. Very summersaulting.

Though I don’t share many parts of the opinion expressed by Isma’l, in his Letter to the Governor on Waiya, but I still don’t support any form of Intimidation meted on him, as a professional colleague. Because gagging the media is completely anti – people, anti-democracy and injustice.

So media anywhere in the world are partners in progress. I concur with Yakubu Musa, when he called on Waiya to be busy making friends than enemies. You just can’t fight the media and think you can succeed alone. Even if you are not a media man.

Throughout the Eight years administration of Ganduje, his Commissioner of Information, Malam Muhammad Garba never, for once, petitioned any journalist, to the Police. He believed in the freedom of opinion and expression. That didn’t mean all practitioners were ethical. But as a professional, he knew how to handle them professionally, without any rancor.

I suggest that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf should look into Isma’l’s Letter and address issues raised. He is calling on the Governor to be very careful in handling issues related to Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

The letter says, “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.”

And Isma’l was very clear when he said,” 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.”

I salute my professional friends for standing behind the truth, Isma’l and Buhari in this respect.

Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com