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

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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.”

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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)

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Kwara Govt Sues Saraki over Criminal Defamation of Gov. AbdulRasaq

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kwara State Government has instituted a criminal defamation suit at the Kwara State High Court against former senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki.

The former senate president is charged with making defamatory statements against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The charge was filed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ayoola Idowu Akande, and Assistant Chief State Counsel, B.L. Abdulsalam, on behalf of the people of Kwara State.

According to the charge sheet, Mr Saraki was accused of publishing and sharing a statement on social media platforms including facebook, X and in newspapers on or about April 17, 2026, alleging that Mr AbdulRazaq did not possess secondary school education qualifications.

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The government alleged that the statement was false and was intentionally published using insulting, derogatory and abusive language aimed at provoking the governor and the state government.

The prosecution further stated that the publication was capable of causing a breakdown of public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara 2006.

At the court sitting on Wednesday, Prosecution counsel, R.O. Balogun, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Mr Saraki for failing to appear in court.

Mr Balogun said that the defendant had been duly served and that his counsel’s presence in court indicated his awareness of the proceedings.

“The defendant’s counsel is in court appearing for him and he should be here. We are the prosecution and should be allowed to proceed. There is no valid reason given for his absence.

“We therefore pray the court to issue a bench warrant against him in line with Section 138,” he submitted.

However, Counsel to the defendant, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), challenged the jurisdiction of the court, arguing that the matter fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court rather than the State High Court.

He also questioned the service of the charge on his client, insisting that Mr Saraki had not been properly served.

Following a two-hour recess to consider the submissions of both parties on the preliminary objection and request for adjournment, the trial judge, Justice M.O. Folorunso, ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 3, for hearing of the preliminary objection and possible arraignment of the defendant.

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NCOS Inaugurates Parole System in Nigeria, Releases First Batch in Abia.

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says it achieved a major milestone in the implementation of the Service Act, 2019, with the successful release of 10 Parolees under the parole provisions of the Act.

The NCoS made this known in a statement in Abuja on Monday, by the service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji.

Osuji said the historic event which took place at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Umuahia, marked the first practical application of the parole system in Nigeria.

She also said that it represented a significant advancement in the service’s ongoing correctional reforms aimed at promoting rehabilitation, reintegration, restorative justice, and custodial decongestion.

She described the success as the beginning of a new phase in the evolution of correctional administration in Nigeria and reinforced the correctional service’s commitment to a humane, rehabilitation-driven, and community-focused correctional system.

Osuji said the ten freed parolees were drawn from the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Aba and Umuahia, as well as the Custodial Centre, Arochukwu.

She added that the parolees received empowerment and reintegration support packages to facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

According to her, the packages include sewing machines, vocational tools, livelihood support items through the partnership of PRAWA, IDEA, and ROLAC, with financial assistance to support their transportation and resettlement.

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She quoted the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, ACG Ngozi Okeke, as describing the occasion as a defining moment in Nigeria’s correctional history.

Nwakuche said that it was a major step towards the full implementation of the transformative provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.

According to him, parole is a globally recognised correctional mechanism that enables carefully selected and deserving inmates to gradually reintegrate into society under supervision while maintaining public safety and accountability.

”The successful implementation of parole demonstrates the service’s commitment to balancing justice with rehabilitation, and reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to adopt modern and progressive correctional practices.

”The commencement of parole administration in Nigeria is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of recidivism, enhance offender rehabilitation, strengthen community reintegration, and decongestion of custodial facilities across the country”.

The CGC commended the Abia Command, Chairman and members of the Abia Parole Board, the Judiciary, and all criminal justice stakeholders for pioneering the implementation of the parole system.

He acknowledged the Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), the International IDEA Programme, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC), and other NGOs for their support.

The controller also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, employers, civil society organisations, and members of the public to embrace and support the reintegration of parolees and other ex-offenders.

”The successful reintegration remains a collective responsibility and is essential to reducing re-offending, strengthening public safety, and building safer communities,” he said.

Earlier, the Controller of Corrections, in Abia, CC Ifeoma Nwanyanwu, described the event as a practical demonstration of the service’s commitment to rehabilitation-focused corrections.

Similarly, the Chairman of the state parole board, Justice Obisike Oji, explained that parole was not an act of pardon or clemency.

He described it as a structured correctional measure designed to facilitate the supervised reintegration of deserving inmates into society.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and make productive contributions to their communities.

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You Are Playing With Fire— ADC Reacts to Deregistration Ruling, Warns Government Agents

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court judgment that could lead to its removal from the ballot, issuing a stark warning to government agents that they are playing with fire and courting anarchy.

In a statement released shortly after the court ruling, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the judiciary of being weaponised by the ruling party to ensure President Bola Tinubu secures a second term by any means necessary.

The judgment, reportedly delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, came in a case filed by the so-called National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The ADC argued that Justice Lifu ignored a subsisting stay of proceedings order issued by the Court of Appeal on May 22, 2026, describing the judge’s conduct as contemptuous and a violation of all known judicial traditions.

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The party further noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — the only constitutional body empowered to register or deregister political parties — had filed a counter-affidavit stating that the ADC had not violated any registration requirements or failed any electoral-performance threshold.

“We are deeply alarmed by this judgment,” Abdullahi said. This stands in direct conflict with constitutional principles and all known judicial processes and procedures.

The ADC alleged that the case has been championed directly by individuals working with the President’s Chief of Staff and pointed to the Attorney-General of the Federation’s decision to join the matter as a plaintiff — a move the party called an absurdity.

“We are therefore left in no doubt that this latest development is a continuation of the ruling party’s persistent efforts to undermine the opposition,” the statement read.

The party noted the curious timing of the ruling, coming after the ADC had already concluded its primaries and is fielding candidates for all positions, including the presidency.

The ADC warned that eliminating a major opposition party through “judicial manoeuvring” would have severe consequences.

“Any attempt to eliminate the country’s major opposition party through judicial manoeuvring, thereby sabotaging the political aspirations of hundreds of its candidates, is a direct invitation to anarchy,” Abdullahi said.

“We consider this ruling reckless, provocative, and even incendiary. Those who believe they can manipulate institutions of state to narrow the democratic space must understand that they are playing with forces far greater than partisan interests.”

The party vowed to challenge the ruling through all lawful means while petitioning the National Judicial Council over what it called the judicial rascality demonstrated by Justice Lifu.

Despite the fiery rhetoric, the ADC urged its members, candidates, and supporters to remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast.

“Whatever it takes, the ADC will be on the ballot so long as the 2027 election is to hold,” the statement concluded.

The party warned that responsibility for any resulting tension or crisis would rest squarely with those who are pursuing this dangerous and illegitimate path.

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