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Who Holds the Walls of Kano?-Abdulganiyu Rufai

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7 months ago

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By Abdulganiyu Rufai Yakub

When city walls keep collapsing while houses remain bare, and there seems to be no ready replacement in sight, a deep emptiness echoes across the land. This thought has haunted me since the passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, the last of a dying breed whose mere mention commanded reverence and whose doors remained open to all peasants, royals, politicians, and technocrats alike.

I remember vividly an interview granted by the late Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano, in which he spoke about the death of Malam Aminu Kano. That death, he said, left a vacuum in the state a vacuum for the occupant of what he described as “the Good Office.”

After Malam Aminu’s death, Maitama Sule was approached to come back from his diplomatic duties to take up that mantle. His response was a revelation of true self-awareness. He told them he was not in good standing to occupy the Good Office of Kano. He said he could not replace Malam Aminu Kano, citing his weakness for pleasure and his inability to fully accommodate the plight of the ordinary people of Kano.

Yet, as time passed, Kano saw him rise to fill that very role he humbly rejected. He became the rallying point for the oppressed and the convenor of the Manyan Kano men like Alhaji Tijjani Hashim, the late Galadima of Kano; Emir Ado Bayero; Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata; the late Magaji Dan Batta; and many others. His words became almost final in Kano. When Maitama Sule spoke, even the most powerful listened.

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Years later, in a quiet conversation with an elderly statesman, I was told of how Maitama Sule sent his disciples to meet the late Alhaji Bashir Tofa, urging him to take up the mantle of the Good Office. In his message, he asked Tofa to drop his exclusive Western lifestyle and return to embrace the people as their shield, leader, and conscience.

Maitama Sule said Bashir Tofa was the man who understood the intricacies of Nigerian politics and its shifting dynamics, a businessman with the economic intellect to steer the Good Office with dignity. And it came to be. Alhaji Bashir Tofa became the leaning shoulder of the oppressed, the well of wisdom in political decisions, and the rallying point for direction in Kano. He often convened the remaining Manyan Kano: Barr. Auwalu Yadudu SAN, Prof. Sule Bello, Barr. A.B. Mahmood SAN, Dr. Shamsuddeen Abubakar, and others.

But even he faced obstructions from Ganduje, the then Governor of the state; his boss, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; and other powerful actors in the shadows of Kano’s politics. Today, almost all of them are gone. Only Alhaji Aminu Dantata remained as the final say, and now he too is no more.

So I ask, as one haunted by history and fearful of a rudderless future:

Who holds the Good Office of Kano today? Who remains as the wall of Kano?

Is it Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso? I doubt it. Deeply political, he cannot handle the Good Office in its purity. His rivals and antagonists will never voluntarily submit to his authority in matters beyond politics. Is it Sanusi Lamido Sanusi? Perhaps. Had he not chosen to return as Emir of Kano and maintained his Khalifaship, perhaps he would have earned that final moral voice.

Ganduje? His charisma has been eroded by scandalous campaigns during his time in power, and his moral capital lies deeply fractured.

Today, the walls of Kano lie bare. The houses remain exposed to the storms of selfish politics, unchecked economic sabotage, and moral bankruptcy. There is no single person who can call anybody in or outside power – in Kano or in Abuja – and they will come without hesitation. There is no one who looks at the interest of Kano and its people without political or personal bias.

So, who will be the man with the Good Office? Who will become the walls of Kano?

Perhaps, just perhaps, it is not about a man anymore. Perhaps it is time for a generation to rise and become the moral wall not one person, but a collective shield of conscience, compassion, wisdom, and service. For if no one steps up, the city walls will keep collapsing, and one day, even the houses will no longer stand.

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Ganduje Hints at Reconciling with Kwankwaso

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7 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has extended an olive branch to his longtime political rival, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Ganduje expressed a desire to mend fences and reunite for the progress of Kano State.

“I am hopeful that very soon we will reconcile with Kwankwaso so we can move forward together. We have shared a political camp in the past and remain brothers,” Ganduje stated.

Emphasizing a departure from past rivalries, he noted that current political realignments in Kano have ushered in a new era of cooperation focused on governance rather than conflict.

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“With the present realignment, the politics of rivalry in Kano may be over. Our priority now is delivering good governance to our people,” Ganduje explained. “If Governor Abba Yusuf succeeds, we all succeed—and if we succeed, he also succeeds. It is vital for all of us to understand this so that the government can thrive.”

Ganduje, drawing from his experience as former APC National Chairman, added that his tenure provided him with deep insight into party operations and conflict resolution mechanisms.

When questioned on whether Governor Abba Yusuf would receive an automatic ticket in future elections, Ganduje acknowledged party conventions while underscoring adherence to established rules.

“I am familiar with the party’s workings. There are rules and there are traditions. The tradition grants a sitting governor the right of first refusal, though this principle does not extend to other positions,” he clarified.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was anointed by his predecessor and long time political associate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during the 2015 general elections after which the duo fell out in March 2016 due to some differences that suddenly emerge less than a year into the tenure of Dr Ganduje as Governor of Kano state.

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JUST IN: Work Resumes at FCTA Following Court Order Suspending Strike

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7 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Normal operations resumed at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) secretariat and its affiliated Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Wednesday, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ordering the suspension of an ongoing industrial action.

The court, presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, on Tuesday directed the immediate suspension of the strike embarked upon by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to allow for continued dialogue.

In response to the ruling, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, called on all employees to return to their posts promptly. While acknowledging the right to lawful protest in a democracy, the Minister emphasized the importance of respecting judicial directives.

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To ensure full compliance, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular dated January 27, 2026, instructing all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies to reopen offices and maintain strict staff attendance registers. The circular directed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, Parastatals, and Agencies to enforce the immediate resumption of duties.

Observations across various FCTA offices and MDAs on Wednesday indicated a substantial level of compliance, with staff present on the premises and engaged in their official responsibilities.

The FCTA administration has reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue with union representatives and to the continued improvement of staff welfare.

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Reps Summons Finance, Agriculture Ministers, Auditor-General Over Agricultural Funds

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7 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Agricultural Subsidies, Intervention Funds, Aids, and Grants Programmes has summoned the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture and Food Security, as well as the Auditor-General of the Federation, to account for expenditure on agricultural programmes between 2015 and 2025.

The summons was issued during a public hearing held in Abuja on Tuesday, where lawmakers demanded explanations regarding funds released for key agricultural initiatives over the past decade.

The committee directed the officials, or their duly authorized representatives, to appear before it on February 3, warning that failure to comply would result in legislative sanctions in accordance with the powers vested in the National Assembly.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Jamo Aminu (APC-Katsina), stated that the investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds intended to boost food production, support farmers, and enhance national food security.

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“The interventions under review were designed to strengthen our agricultural sector and ensure food security for all Nigerians. However, persistent concerns over food insecurity, rising food prices, and the effectiveness of past programmes have made this scrutiny imperative,” Rep. Aminu said.

The chairman expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for its failure to provide audit reports on several agricultural subsidy and intervention programmes during the specified period.

He emphasized that comprehensive audit documentation is essential for tracking the disbursement, utilization, and outcomes of the funds.

“We cannot effectively conduct this investigation without proper audit records. These funds span a decade and involve critical national programmes. Transparency and accountability in this process are non-negotiable,” he stated.

Earlier in the hearing, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, a Deputy Director from the Office of the Auditor-General, attributed the lack of completed audit reports to insufficient cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

According to Adamu, the Auditor-General’s office has repeatedly requested necessary documents related to agricultural subsidies, grants, aids, and intervention programmes but has not received the required information from the ministry.

“The primary source of these documents is the Ministry of Agriculture. Without their cooperation, finalizing the audit process has been challenging,” he explained.

The hearing continues as part of the House’s ongoing efforts to enhance oversight and ensure that public funds are used effectively for national development.

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