Connect with us

News

RE: Kano State At A Crossroads: Setting The Records Straight On Baseless Allegations

Published

4 months ago

on

Kano Map

 

Kano patriotic coalition of 87 civil society organizations have rejected a biased and politically motivated statement by league of CSOs accusing present administration of corruption.

In a statement signed by the convener Hassan Ibrahim Gama and co- convener Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma in behalf of the eighty seven groups on late Monday, the patriotic CSOs advised civil societies operating in Kano to embrace responsible engagements guided by facts and constructive partnership with government rather than partisan-driven activism.

“CSOs, NGOs and CBOs operating in Kano State should utilise available accountability platforms and networks in the state covering various sectors (education, health, environment, budget etc.) to transparently engage state government and it’s institutions”

The statement said “the attention of 87 members of the Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (PCCSOs) in Kano State has been drawn to a press statement issued on August 23, 2025 by a group parading itself as the League of Civil Society Organisations in Kano State, wherein it made sweeping allegations of corruption and mismanagement against the present administration of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State”

The patriotic CSOs said, they acknowledged that every citizen and civic group has the constitutional right to demand accountability, but, they are deeply concerned that the said statement is not only premature, misleading, and politically motivated, but also a deliberate attempt to discredit the ongoing reforms of the current administration and misinform the good people of Kano State.

“The Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations therefore considers it necessary to set the record straight and defend truth against propaganda.”

OUR POSITION:
1. Allegations Are Not Convictions
The cases referenced in the League’s statement are still under investigation by the EFCC and ICPC. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, no individual can be pronounced guilty through civil society press releases. To do so amounts to media trial, character assassination, and disregard for judicial processes. As patriotic CSOs, we uphold the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

2. A Misleading Narrative
Contrary to the exaggerated picture of “systemic rot” painted by the League, facts on ground show that the present administration has introduced reforms to promote accountability, including:
a)Full compliance with external audits and fiscal reporting.

b)Adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which has reduced leakages and improved financial discipline.

3) Establishment of procurement monitoring units and anti-corruption desks across MDAs.

These are concrete actions that any fair-minded observer cannot ignore.

The group also expressed concern over Politicization of Civil Society in Kano.

“It is regrettable that the League has abandoned neutrality and chosen to align with partisan interests. True civil society does not serve as a propaganda arm of the political opposition. Reckless and alarmist statements risk scaring away investors, demoralising public servants, and undermining the developmental gains already being achieved in the state”

4. Constructive Engagement, Not Blackmail
Accountability requires sober reflection, evidence-based advocacy, and constructive dialogue with institutions—not media trials or sensational headlines.

The patriotic CSOs said it is evident that, the government of Kano State has consistently maintained an open door policy for engagement with genuine civil society actors, encouraging the League to use these platforms instead of playing to the gallery.

“OUR STAND AS PATRIOTIC CSOs
1. Due Process is Ongoing: The allegations remain under investigation, and it is reckless to hastily pass judgment before any court pronouncement.

2. Zero-Tolerance for Corruption by the Administration: The government has strengthened public procurement, treasury management, and digital payments to reduce malpractices.

3. Isolated Allegations, Not Government Policy: The acts of a few individuals under probe cannot be generalised to indict an entire administration.

4. On Development and Partnerships: Contrary to claims of lost confidence, Kano continues to attract investors and international partners in agriculture, education, and infrastructure.

The 87 groups further explained that, genuine CSOs should pursue fairness, patriotism, and fact-based advocacy rather than unverified claims that weaken democracy.

“CSOs, NGOs and CBOs operating in Kano State should utilise available accountability platforms and networks in the state covering various sectors (education, health, environment, budget etc.) to transparently engage state government and it’s institutions”

The group then called on the good people of Kano State to remain calm, discerning, and not be swayed by desperate attempts to create panic and distrust in governance.

“We urge the anti-graft agencies to continue their constitutional duties without fear or favour, but equally without yielding to media sensationalism or political manipulation”

“We advise civil society platforms in Kano to embrace responsible engagement, guided by facts and constructive partnership with government rather than partisan-driven activism”.

“We reaffirm our support for the government’s reforms and urge all citizens to join hands in preserving peace, stability, and development in Kano State”

It explained that, Kano State is not “at a crossroads” as sensationally claimed, but rather, the state is on a clear path of reform, modernization, and inclusive development under a leadership committed to transparency and accountability. No amount of blackmail or propaganda will derail the vision for a prosperous and united Kano.

“It is important to note that the so-called League of CSOs Coalition has demonstrated an inability to properly coordinate itself. This is evident as two or more individuals have openly issued disclaimers, stating that they were not part of the press release and have dissociated themselves from it.”

Advert

The Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations therefore rejects the biased and politically motivated statement of the League of CSOs and reaffirms its commitment to defending truth, justice, and the collective interest of the people of Kano State”.

Below are the groups that endorsed this position

S/N
Name
Organization

1
Farouk Umar
Citizens for Development and Education (CDE)

2
Peter Hassan Tijani
Network for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEDIN)

3
Yahaya A. Yahaya
National association of persons with physical disabilities Kano Chapter (NAPWPD)

4
Hassan Ibrahim Gama.
Masses First International Organization -MFI

5
Wali Ado Rano
Voice of the Hopeful Enlightenment and Development Initiative (VOHEDI)

6
Nworisa Michael
Stand For Peace Initiative

7
Dr. Kabir Hamisu Kura.
Community Development Initiative

8
Rakiya Abba Tahula
Interfaith Peace Foundation

9
Dr. Ramatu Garba
Support for Women and Teenage Children (SWATCH)

10
Maimuna Umar Sheriff
Centre for Gender Base Violence Advocacy

11
Ahmad Tijjani
Alkali Ahmad Center For Development

12
Ibrahim Muhammed
Rural – Urban Slums Development Initiative (RUSDI)

13
Abubakar Shariff Jaddah
Society for Women and Child Health Initiative (SWACHI)

14
Saratu I. Maigida
Lifeline Initiative For Widows Empowerment and Economic Development (LIWEED)

15
Ali Suleiman
Friends of the Community Organization (FOCO)

16
Halima Titi Bello
Women Gender Developers (WOGEND)

17
Dr. Yahaya Danjuma
International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS)

18
Safayanu Bichi
Kano Budget Working Group

19
Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma
Community Rights Initiative of Nigeria (CORIN)

20
Abdulrahman Uba Daushe
Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN)

21
Rakiya Ladi Musa
Ansar Women Development

22
Sabo Bello Madaki
Kiru Community Development Association

23
Sunusi Hashimu
Society for Child Support and Economic Empowerment (SOCSEE)

24
Samaila Namadi Ahmad
Yadfulde kiru local government Association and development

25
Asaju KolawoleKola
Kola and Funke Care Foundation

26
Ruth Stephen
Touch and Care Foundation (TOCAF)

27
Bashir A Bashir
Diamond Youth For Community Development

28
Salisu Gambo Ditol
Youth mobilization by media

29
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Non-formal Development for Education and Health Initiatives ( NDEHI)

30
Dr. Tanimu Adam Ibrahim
Gwarzo Initiative Forum

31
Ola Taiwo
Mari-Care Foundation for Widows, Single Parents, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Nigeria. (MARI-CARE)

32
Suleiman Idris
Northern Youth Assembly

33
Mohammed Hussaini
Nigerian Democracy Working Group

34
Haj. Aisha Ahmed Abdulkadir (Dangi)
Sustainable Diana mic and Human Development Initiative

35
Gharzali Ibrahim Ungogo
Ummatee Centre for the Promotion of Public Education, Accountability and Social Safety (Ummatee-C4PASS) –

36
Rabi Yusuf Gezawa MON
Center For Empowerment Of Older Persons And The Vulnerable (CEOPAV)- Formally know as GADIAC

37
Mustapha Muhammed
Social Awareness and Community Development Initiative (SACDI Nigeria)

38
Prof Muhammad Bello Shitu
Inclusive Community Education and Development Association ( ICEADA)

39
Ismail Kanye
KABO Local Government Development Forum

40
Bello Karaye
Karaye Initiative Forum

41
Sani Bello Madaki
Kiru Community Development Association

42
Hassan Musa Yaro
Cardinal and Development Support Initiative

43
Maimuna Shu’aibu
Muna Helping Hand Foundation

44
Aisha Halliru
Halliru Memorial Youth Development and Empowerment initiative (AYDI)

45
Yusuf Muhammad Anas
Dawaki Youth Network for Better Tomorrow Initiatives

46
Abdurrashid Salisu Baba
Tsakuwa Mu Farka Development Association

47
Umaima Muhammad.
Aminci Multipurpose Development Association.

48
Hassan Jibril
Gano Development Association

49
Nusaibatu Muhammad
Iyayen Giji Development Association.

50
Adamu Balarabe Sarbi
Sarbi Development Association

51
Abdurrazak Ayuba usaini
Minjbir East Community Development Association(Mecda)

52
Zubairu Bala
Kwarkiya Youth Mobilization Forum

53
Ismaila Abdullahi
Gidan Kankara City Community

54
Audu Saidu
Mu Tallafi Juna Kadawa (B) Gwale Local Government

55
Umar Iliyasu Madobi
Madobi Youth Development Forum

56
Nura Lambu
Tofa Youth Development Forum

57
Shehu Isah
Gajida Youth Development Associations

58
Abdulaziz Habibu Bello
Yanoko Youth Development Association

59
Suleiman Lawan
Gulu Community Development Association

60
Ubale Yusuf
Kofar Gabas Development Association

61
Dalhatu Jibrin Dalhatu
Karaye Initiative Forum

62
Abubakar Auwal Ahmad
Diso Self Help Group ( DISHEG) Gwale Local Government

63
Murtala Muhd Rabiu
Hannu Dayawa Youth development Association Bachirawa – Ungogo Local Govt

64
Habibu Barau Ruwantsa
Ruwantsa Youth Development Association, Dambatta

65
Sulaiman Yusuf Maitama
Dambatta Reporters

66
Kabiru Balarabe Dambatta
Dambatta Academic Forum

67
Auwal Idris Dorayi
Center for Peace and Environmental Justice CEPEJ

68
Garba Lawan
Rano Development Association

69
Adamu Umar
Rano Youth Enlightenment Forum

70
Auwal Ayuba
Toranke Educational care & support Association.

71
Aminu Sa’ad
Consolidated Ajingi Development Association.

72
Saminu Yusha’u Chula
Chula Area Development Association.

73
Abdullahi Madaki
Kunkurawa Youth Development

74
Sunusi Garba Shehu Gajale
Kafin maiyaki Community Development Association (KACODA), Kiru Local Government Area.

75
Ahmad Tahir
Doguwa Tailoring association.

76
Abdulrazaq Ado Zango
Kano Initiatives Of Persons With Special Needs (KIPSN)

77
Dr. Mustapha Mukhatar
Danbatta Development Forum (DDF)

78
Sani Shuaib Rogo
Rogo Concern Citizens

79
Amb. Abbas Abdullahi
Beyond Border Alliance (BBA)

80
Khadija Shehu Muhammed
Save the Future Initiative (SAFI)

81
Abubakar Abdulkadir
One Voice Development Initiative (OVID)

82
Lami Bako Yakasai
Enlightenment And Empowerment Of Northern Women Initiative

83
Solomon Samuel
Mercy Helpline Initiative

84
Barr. Mustapha Idris
Human Right and Community initiative. Contact person

85
Khadija A. Muhammad
Nana Aisha Development Initiative (NADI)

86
Isyaku Ahmad
Voice And Accountability Platform (VAP)

87
Bashir Adamu Jigirya
Participatory Learning and Action for Community Ownership (PLACO)

Related Topics:

News

League of Veteran Journalists Held Validation Meeting of a Draft Charter

Published

29 minutes ago

on

January 7, 2026

By

 

By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

The proposed League of Veteran Journalists of Kano State has held a validation meeting of a draft charter of the league.

Dr. Saminu Rijiyar Zaki, while presenting the draft at the League of Veterans held in Kano, said one of the requirements was that the members should be of the highest standard of integrity and should not affect the independence of the league.

Dr. Saminu, who is of the Department of Information and Media Studies, Faculty of Communication, Bayero University Kano, said there should be grounds for discipline for gross violation of the code of ethics.

He said for misuse of the league’s resources, complaints against any member should be written in person to the secretariat.

Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya addressing the Press after the meeting

Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya addressing the Press after the meeting

Executive Committee Adjudication
Should make a recommendation.

Advert

A veteran journalist, Malam Nasiru Gwadabe, made observations and said the league should be addressed as the Forum of Media Stakeholders, not the League of Veterans, because it involves all sections of journalists.

On her part, a retired staff of the State Ministry of Information and a veteran journalist, Maryam Yerima Muhammad, said the proposed funding of the association as provided in the draft charter is very serious.

She said most of the veterans are retired. How can a veteran contribute with the little pension he acquires monthly from retirement?

She called for subvention to be given to the league to operate.

A media scholar, Dr. Hassan Alhaji Yau, also proposed the establishment of an interim management committee of the league, in which a veteran with over fifty years’ experience, Malam Ahmad Aminu, was appointed as the chairman.

Closing the gathering, the State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, while addressing the press, said the League of Veteran Journalists in Kano will chart a new course for journalism in the state and Nigeria.

Media scholars from Bayero University who graced the occasion are Professor Hajara Umar Sanda, Professor Nura Ibrahim, Professor Hadiza Ibrahim, Malam Mukhtar Magaji, Associate Professor Gwani Ibrahim Siraj Adhama and Professor Hassan Yau.

Some of the veterans that graced the occasion are former President of the NUJ, Comrade Sani Zoro; former Chairman of NUJ Kano Council, Abbas Ibrahim; former Permanent Secretary Abubakar Rimi Television, Faruk Umar Usman; Alhaji Ahmad Aminu; Malam Bala Muhammad; Muhammad Sunusi Jibrin; Abdullahi Malam; Abba Murtala Yankaba; Muhammad Dahiru Sheka; Abdulkadir Kwakwatawa; Ibrahim Ahmad Karaye; Hajiya Aishatu Sule; Prince Ajayi Maimayatan; Ado Saidu Warawa; Bala Nasiru, among others.

Some of the journalists called for a comprehensive media policy in Kano that will guide the revival of the state’s comatose industries, religion, and culture.

The draft charter was adopted as moved by Malam Bala Muhammad of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano, and was seconded by Malam Abdullahi Malam, a former bureau chief of the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano.

 

Continue Reading

News

Dangote Cement Making Measurable Impacts In Benue Host Communities — FG

Published

41 minutes ago

on

January 7, 2026

By

 

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has said that Dangote Cement Plc is making measurable impacts in its Gboko Host Communities of Benue State.

At the commissioning of Dangote Cement’s multi-million-naira water projects, scholarship awards and youth skill acquisition programme, the minister commended the company for its impactful contributions to host communities.

He also commended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for partnering and supervising the training of youth during the skill acquisition programme.

Represented by an Assistant Director of Mines and Environmental Compliance, Benue State, Mrs. Adijatu Usman, the minister said Dangote Cement is meeting its obligations under the Community Development Agreement (CDA).

He said the CDA ensures that mining companies plough back part of their profits into their host communities.

He said: “I can tell you that the Dangote Cement has delivered several projects for its host communities.

“The project was a fall out of a Federal Government policy, for companies such as Dangote to give back to its host communities.

“It is a Federal Government policy for mining companies to reinvest part of their profits into host mining communities so as to impact the communities, and as a result of that policy we have had series of engagements with them.

“There are six of these communities here. We sat with them several times and these projects are certified community-based projects because the community agreed that they needed these projects. And we are here today because the projects have been completed.

“What we expect is for the communities to see these projects as their personal projects; own them, and protect them, so that they will be sustainable. That way there will be economic development within the communities.

Advert

“We share in their joy as we present these projects to them, and we think that mining will be sustainable.”

Speaking at the commissioning and handover ceremony of the projects to the communities, Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plant in Gboko, Dr. Johnson Kor, stated that the projects were delivered to communities that have challenge in access to good water supply.

Dr. Kor said: “We are here today to commission CDA projects that were earmarked for these host communities since last year December 2024. We have done many of them and these are the ones that have been completed, and they are water projects among them motorized and solar powered boreholes.

“Community Development Agreement was entered in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the host communities, the stakeholders and the Plant.

“It is a five-year agreement, and this is the first year and by next year we will be going into the second round and as you can see, we are also working on some electricity projects which are yet to be completed.

“These are areas where they hardly get water, despite having hand dug wells, they are perennially in need of water and some of them are using water from the streams or river because of their proximity to River Benue.

“Therefore, we felt there was need to provide water for them, and they are happy with this kind of gesture exhibited by the Dangote Cement Plc.

“The boreholes are located in Pass Brother, Mbaakpoghol-Mbatyu; Mbaswa-Mbatser and Agboghol-Amua communities.”

District Head of Mbaakpoghol-Mbatyu, Chief Kunav Anum, observed that as a community, his people were very happy to have one of the boreholes located in the community.

He said: “We are very excited. We didn’t know that this would happen so soon in this community. It came as a surprise, so we are grateful to Dangote Cement Plc for the gesture.”

The monarch said the community had accessed electricity earlier through Dangote Cement, even as he pledged that the community would continue to support the company.

A statement from the company had said: “In further demonstration of this commitment, the scholarship fund has this year been reviewed upward to ₦28,800,000.00, and its scope expanded to cover all six host communities, strictly in line with the provisions of the Community Development Agreement (CDA). This deliberate expansion reflects our desire to ensure equity, inclusiveness, and shared benefits across all our immediate communities.

“The company has executed several projects, with others still ongoing, including the Women Empowerment Programme, the Farmers Empowerment Programme and the Youth Empowerment Programme, all aimed at improving livelihoods in the host communities.”

Continue Reading

News

Ex-Running Mate of Peter Obi, Datti Baba Ahmed, Declares Interest for Presidency

Published

1 hour ago

on

January 7, 2026

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, formally declared his intention on Wednesday to run for president in the 2027 elections. The announcement was made during a gathering at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and comes amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition.

Baba-Ahmed’s declaration follows closely on last week’s departure of former presidential candidate Peter Obi from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress–a move that has sparked debate over the future of the party and opposition dynamics ahead of the next general election.

Addressing supporters, Baba-Ahmed stressed that his presidential ambition predates the 2023 polls and is not a reaction to Obi’s exit.

“I have decided to contest for the presidency in 2027. I am not following anyone’s trajectory or stepping into anyone’s shoes,” he stated.

Advert

“Before His Excellency Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I had already aspired to the office. The records are there.”

He recalled contesting the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential primary in October 2018 before later joining forces with Obi under the Labour Party in 2023.

“I saw a rare opportunity for national unity in Peter Obi’s candidacy, and that is why I decided to flow with it,” Baba-Ahmed explained.

Responding to questions about identity and eligibility, he affirmed: “I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but first I am a Nigerian. The constitution grants me the right to contest. I am doing this because Nigeria needs help.”

However, he noted that he would await official party and electoral guidelines before further campaign steps: “As a law-abiding citizen and loyal party member, I will wait for INEC’s timetable and the Labour Party’s call for aspirants.”

In his response, Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure commended Baba-Ahmed for his loyalty amid speculation of defection. He highlighted that key figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, also remain with the party.

“On the night Peter Obi defected, Dr. Baba-Ahmed called to confirm he was not leaving the party–the platform through which we secured millions of votes in 2023,” Abure said.

He added that Baba-Ahmed had proposed and helped organize the unity meeting held at the party secretariat.

“The Labour Party is intact,” Abure asserted. “We will not let Nigerians down. We remain united and committed to offering a genuine alternative.”

Baba-Ahmed’s entry adds a new layer to the emerging 2027 presidential contest, signaling early positioning and potential reshaping of opposition alliances.

Continue Reading

Trending