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HUMAN NATURE: Between Reason, Morality and Conflict-Inuwa Waya

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8 months ago

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Inuwa Waya
Inuwa Waya

 

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Inuwa Waya

In its general sense, nature refers to the physical world and everything in it that is not made or caused by humans. Rainfall, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and climatic conditions are all part of what is often called Mother Nature. Scientifically, nature includes both living and nonliving things. Philosophically, nature may be defined as the inherent or essential quality of something — that which truly represents its being. In the case of human beings, human nature refers to what mankind is capable of doing or becoming in any given situation.

Definition of Human Nature

In simple terms, human nature refers to the fundamental traits, qualities, and behaviors inherent in human beings. It is a set of inborn tendencies and capacities — mental, moral, and emotional — that shape how people think, feel, and act. Over centuries, philosophers have examined and debated the true meaning of human nature from different perspectives.

Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives

Aristotle emphasized reason as the distinguishing feature of humanity and the key to achieving a flourishing and virtuous life. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, believed that human beings are driven primarily by self-interest, fear, and the desire for survival. He concluded that human nature is fundamentally selfish, competitive, and security-seeking.

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis viewed human nature as a conflict between three forces — the Id (instinctual desires), the Ego (rational self), and the Superego (moral conscience). Similarly, evolutionary theorists explain human behavior in terms of genetically inherited traits and the struggle for survival. Modern science has since recognized that human nature is complex, flexible, and adaptive.

Karl Marx, from a materialist standpoint, argued that human nature is best understood through practical and material conditions of life, which are revealed in the progression of history. For Marx, the economic and social structures in which people live fundamentally shape their consciousness and behavior.

Human Nature and the State of Nature

From these analyses, it is evident that human nature encompasses both good and evil, since human beings are born with the potential for either. Which of these dominates depends largely on human behavior and choices, particularly after emerging from the so-called state of nature.

The contrasting theories of Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) are significant in understanding human nature within and beyond the state of nature. In his famous work Leviathan (1651), Hobbes argued that life in the state of nature was a “war of every man against every man,” where existence was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” To escape this chaos, human beings entered into a social contract, surrendering some of their liberties to a powerful sovereign in exchange for peace and security.

Rousseau, in contrast, believed that human beings were naturally good, gentle, and compassionate. He saw the state of nature as peaceful and guided by pity and empathy. For Rousseau, it was the rise of society, the acquisition of property, and the emergence of inequality that corrupted and enslaved mankind by replacing natural compassion with jealousy and ambition.

Religion and the Moral Dimension

Long before philosophical debates about the state of nature, religion had already offered guidance on human behavior. Despite differences in belief systems, all the major world religions provide moral codes and ethical principles for harmonious living. They call upon humanity to avoid corruption, evil, selfishness, deceit, and violence, and to embrace righteousness, justice, compassion, honesty, and respect.

It is not in the true nature of mankind for the powerful to oppress the weak or for the rich to exploit the poor. In the modern world, humanity celebrates constitutional democracy, freedom, and human rights, including the right to acquire property. Yet these must be exercised with responsibility and moral restraint.

It appears, however, that human beings have not learned enough from the first human transgression in the Garden of Eden, as described in both Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions. Selfishness, lies, greed, deceit, and the lust for power and wealth continue to shape the character of humanity in the 21st century.

Human Nature in History

The craving for domination and control has led human beings to destroy one another purely for selfish or parochial reasons. Militarism, imperialism, and the desire for conquest led to the death of almost 100 million people during the First and Second World Wars.
In 2003, false claims about Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction led to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. In the United Kingdom, journalist Andrew Gilligan resigned from the BBC, and government scientist Dr. David Kelly died by suicide amid the controversy surrounding the war.

The Srebrenica massacre of July 1995, where over 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were killed, and the wider Bosnian War that claimed around 100,000 lives, revealed how ethnic hatred can override humanity’s moral compass. The perpetrators, including Ratko Mladić and Radovan Karadžić, were later convicted for genocide and war crimes by the International Tribunal.
Similarly, ethnic conflict in Rwanda in 1994 led to the genocide of over one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus at the hands of Hutu extremists.

The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) claimed an estimated two million lives, mainly due to famine and conflict. At its conclusion, the Nigerian government adopted the policy of “No victor, no vanquished” and introduced programs of Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Reintegration to rebuild national unity.

On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks were launched against the United States by 19 al-Qaeda members involving four hijacked aircraft. Nearly 3,000 people were killed. In response, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan, overthrew the Taliban regime, and began a war that lasted twenty years, costing around 200,000 lives.

The Korean War (1950–1953), fueled by ideological and imperial rivalry resulted in over two million deaths, both military and civilian.

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The Gaza conflict represents another contemporary manifestation of human selfishness and struggle for dominance. Rooted in territorial occupation, political control, and ethnic-religious tensions, the conflict has caused immense suffering, displacement, and loss of lives for decades. Civilians, particularly women and children, often bear the heaviest toll, highlighting the enduring capacity of human ambition and aggression to override compassion and justice. This modern conflict underscores how disputes over land, power, and ideology continue to produce cycles of violence reminiscent of humanity’s long history of selfishness and moral failings.

These examples illustrate that war and violence are enduring manifestations of the darker side of human nature. They remind us that human progress in knowledge and technology does not always translate into moral advancement, — evidence that the struggle between virtue and vice continues.

The Modern Face of Human Selfishness

The selfish tendencies of humankind have not only expressed themselves through wars and political domination but have also taken subtler, more sophisticated forms in the modern age. Today, the pursuit of profit and power often overrides compassion and moral responsibility even in fields meant to preserve life and promote well-being.

The defense industry, for example, has grown into one of the world’s most profitable enterprises. Nations invest billions of dollars annually in weapons research, arms production, and military technology, often at the expense of healthcare, education, and social welfare. Conflicts that could be resolved through diplomacy are prolonged because warfare sustains economic interests. In many cases, peace becomes less profitable than war.

Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry, which should exist primarily to protect and improve human health, has been increasingly driven by the logic of profit rather than compassion. Many pharmaceutical companies have been accused of exploiting human suffering by setting exorbitant prices for life-saving drugs and producing medications that encourage dependency. Instead of focusing on preventive healthcare and affordable cures, they prioritize products that ensure continuous consumption and sustained revenue. Human health, rather than being a moral duty, has become a lucrative commodity.

The medical profession, once regarded as a noble calling, guided by ethics and empathy, has also been affected by commercialization. The rapid privatization of healthcare has created a system where access to quality medical care is often determined by wealth rather than need. In many parts of the world, hospitals and clinics operate more like profit-oriented corporations than humanitarian institutions. The spirit of compassion that once defined medicine is steadily being replaced by economic calculation and institutional bureaucracy.

Nowhere is the selfish dimension of human nature more visible than in the political sphere. In Europe and the United States, for example, politicians and governments often struggle to separate national interest from self-interest, especially in the realm of foreign policy. The situation in Africa is particularly concerning. In many countries, independence and the adoption of democratic governance have been overshadowed by the rise of self-serving political elites, whose personal ambitions and appetite for power outweigh their commitment to public welfare. For such leaders, governance becomes not a sacred trust but an avenue for personal enrichment and control. Resources intended for education, healthcare, and infrastructure are diverted into private hands, while the wider population continues to endure poverty, inequality, and social decline. Elections, instead of being genuine expressions of the people’s will, frequently become arenas of manipulation, intimidation, and violence. In such environments, individuals who lack integrity, competence, and vision are elevated to positions of power, not because they reflect the hopes of the people, but because they serve the interests of those who control the machinery of the state.

Yet, despite this bleak reality, hope remains. Across the continent, there are leaders who embody the nobler side of human nature — leaders who view power not as entitlement but as responsibility. They pursue policies based on justice, accountability, national development, and the renewal of civic trust. Their example demonstrates that while selfishness is undeniably part of human nature, so too is the capacity for empathy, wisdom, and moral leadership. The struggle between these two tendencies continues to shape the political destiny of nations.
The media, which should serve as the guardian of truth and the voice of the people, has also become entangled in the web of human selfishness. In many societies, media institutions no longer act as neutral observers or platforms for balanced discourse. Instead, they are often influenced by political agendas, economic interests, and ideological alliances. Information is selectively reported, exaggerated, suppressed, or distorted to shape public opinion in ways that serve particular interests. As a result, the media has become a powerful tool for both enlightenment and manipulation. Rather than fostering critical thinking and unity, it can inflame divisions, reinforce prejudice, and distract societies from genuine moral and social challenges. When truth becomes negotiable and reality becomes a matter of narrative, the moral compass of society becomes blurred, and the cycle of selfishness persists under the guise of information. In his scientific and moral judgement, Stephen Hawking ( 1942 – 2018) warned about the consequences of mankind’s selfishness and the moral failure. In his” Brief Answers to the Big Questions (2018), the late physicist argued that if human beings continue to be driven by greed, aggression, and the reckless pursuit of power, the earth my eventually become uninhabitable for humans.

Conclusion

From the first human transgression in the Garden of Eden, as described in both Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions, to the complexities of the twenty-first century, the journey of humankind has been marked by the constant struggle between virtue and vice. We are beings capable of wisdom, compassion, courage, and sacrifice — yet we are also capable of greed, aggression, and the pursuit of power at the expense of others.

The same intellect that made scientific discoveries, heal diseases, and creates works of beauty, can also build systems of domination and exploit mankind for personal or political gain. Human progress in knowledge and technology does not automatically lead to moral progress. A society may construct great cities and powerful nations and yet still fail to construct justice, fairness, or respect for the dignity of life.

For human beings to live in peace, the development of society must be accompanied by the cultivation of values. Material advancement must coincide with the creation of social conditions that nurture empathy, restraint, and moral responsibility. Without empathy, there can be no genuine harmony; without justice, there can be no lasting peace.

Ultimately, the fate of humanity depends on a choice renewed in every age: whether we allow selfishness to rule our actions, or whether we elevate conscience above desire. Human nature will remain an unfinished story until mankind turns sincerely toward the values that God has commanded — mercy, justice, humility, and truth. Only then shall we rise from what we are to what we are meant to become.

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Opinion

Open letter to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on the Need To Include PCN, NAFDAC In Special Task Force On Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking

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2 minutes ago

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June 28, 2026

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By Saidu Lawal Burji

I wish to commend Your Excellency for the timely establishment of the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kano State. This initiative demonstrates your administration’s commitment to protecting the health, security, and future of the citizens of Kano State, particularly the youth who are disproportionately affected by substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The composition of the Task Force reflects a commendable multi-sectoral approach involving security agencies, health institutions, traditional and religious stakeholders, and civil society representatives. However, considering the critical role of pharmaceutical regulation in combating drug abuse and illicit drug circulation, I respectfully wish to advocate for the inclusion of representatives from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) as members of the Task Force.

The inclusion of these two statutory regulatory agencies would significantly strengthen the operational capacity and effectiveness of the Task Force for the following reasons:

Expertise in Drug Regulation and Control

NAFDAC is the foremost federal agency charged with regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and use of medicines and other regulated products in Nigeria. The agency possesses extensive intelligence, technical expertise, and enforcement experience relating to counterfeit, substandard, unregistered, and controlled substances that often fuel drug abuse.

Regulation of Pharmaceutical Premises and Medicine Distribution Channels

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The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria is the statutory body responsible for regulating pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical premises, patent and proprietary medicine vendors, and medicine distribution systems. PCN’s knowledge of legitimate medicine supply chains and pharmaceutical establishments would be invaluable in identifying sources of diversion, illegal medicine sales, and unauthorized drug outlets.

Support for Intelligence Gathering and Enforcement Operations

Both agencies maintain valuable databases and field intelligence relating to pharmaceutical products, distribution networks, and regulatory violations. Their participation would enhance the Task Force’s ability to identify illicit drug distribution points and support evidence-based enforcement actions.

Strengthening Investigations and Prosecution

Effective prosecution of drug-related offences requires technical evidence concerning drug authenticity, regulatory status, licensing requirements, and pharmaceutical standards. NAFDAC and PCN can provide expert witnesses, forensic support, and regulatory documentation necessary for successful prosecution of offenders.

Public Education and Demand Reduction

Both agencies have extensive experience in public enlightenment campaigns on rational medicine use, dangers of substance abuse, and safe medicine practices. Their participation would strengthen the advocacy and preventive components of the Task Force’s mandate.

Promotion of a Comprehensive Public Health Approach

Drug abuse is not only a security challenge but also a significant public health issue. The inclusion of NAFDAC and PCN would ensure that regulatory, preventive, and public health perspectives are adequately integrated into the Task Force’s activities.

Your Excellency, the inclusion of these agencies will complement the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security institutions while ensuring a more comprehensive and sustainable response to the challenge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Kano State.

I therefore respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to consider expanding the membership of the Special Task Force to include one representative each from NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

I am confident that such inclusion will further strengthen the capacity of the Task Force to achieve its noble objectives and contribute meaningfully to the realization of a healthier, safer, and drug-free Kano State.

Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and regards.

Yours faithfully,

Saidu Lawal Burji Bpharm, MHE, Msc GHaP(in view)
Chief Pharmacist
Pharmacy Council of Nigeria
Kano State Office
burji1120@gmail.com

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Opinion

From Corruption to Cannabis: As Governor Yusuf Puts Muhiyi, Anti-Graft Czar, in Charge of Kano Drug Crackdown

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20 hours ago

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June 27, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

Praised by the activities of the former Executive Chairman of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhiyi Magaji Rimingado, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf appointed him to lead a high powered Anti-Drug Task Force to dismantle drugs network in the state. Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

From the nature of the appointment and how it was announced, it is evidently clear that the governor is extremely worried about the position of the state in the drug abuse rating.

As Kano tops the list in North West and second to Lagos across the nation. In the zone Kano is rated at 16.0% prevalence with 1,070,000 users. While Zamfara state is rated 13.5%, with 312,000 users. Kebbi state 12.6%, with 286,000 users. As Katsina state has 12.0%, with 481,000 users. For Kaduna state it is 10.0%, with 462,000 users. As Sokoto state records 9.0%, with 230,000 users. And Jigawa state is rated 7.0%, with 211,000 users.

The Kano’s 16% prevalence, with 1,070,000 users is dated back to 2018 when the Executive Chairman of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Gen Muhammad Buba Marwa (rtd), quoted from the 2018 UNODC National Drug Use Survey.

Governor Yusuf is disturbed with the result of Operation Sharar Mafaka, by NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, where 52 suspects were captured in 2 days, April 2026. Also also from 2020-202, 8,983.5kg were seized, 286 arrested and 78 convicted. As verified by NDLEA Kano Commander Isah Likita Muhammed, as reported by Voice of Nigeria. It is equally disturbing to know that in 2025 Kano made 1,389 arrests with 7,773.06kg that were seized and 94 rehabilitated.

Governor Yusuf knows clearly the
key trends and what data reveals. For example South-West and North-West are hotspots when it comes to drug abuse, business and distribution network. Lagos with 33%, Oyo with 24% and Kano with 16%. As highest state rates on record, the South-West overall is at 22.4%.

Worried by these disturbing scenarios, Kano Governor vows to fight the syndicate, network, usage and other related criminalities attached to drug abuse.

Not only the political will, he shops for a very strongly minded, virile, no-nonsense, committed to the core and fearless citizen to crush the network and other related activities. Hence the appointment of Barrister Rimingado, a known and a fearless anti-graft Czar.

The name of Rimingado alone sends shivers to many shameless people who benefit from the network of drug abuse and marketing. Yes, the Governor did his best in the past, it is more glaring now that people believe he is all out to crush the menace.

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Barrister Rimingado’s uncompromising posture and his patriotic commitment to serve his people in cleansing the system, make his appointment to be seen as one of the best appointments in the life of this administration in Kano.

It is without any doubt to believe that, the newly appointed Chairman of the Task Force, has toiled hard to build his reputation. The way I know and understand him, I’m rest assured that he will not dent the image and reputation. He will definitely work hard to further consolidate his hard earned reputation. No two ways about it.

In a press release issued by the Governor’s spokesman Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa recently, it is clear that, the Task Force is an all-encompassing effort aimed at fiercely fighting drug abuse and businesses. Part of the release says, “The state government established the task force to provide a coordinated multi-agency framework aimed at disrupting illicit drug networks, accelerating prosecution of offenders and reducing drug demand through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns.”

The Task Force’s terms of reference gives a good picture of what will be the talk of the town, as soon as they start implementation. I find this part interesting, as part of the terms of reference, that, “Under its terms of reference, the task force is expected to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, establish secure communication channels for intelligence operations, and encourage community participation through confidential reporting mechanisms.”

When I read, from the release that, “… the task force will develop mechanisms to ensure speedy prosecution of suspects through improved evidence gathering, standardized forensic procedures and collaboration with the judiciary for the establishment of fast-track courts to handle drug-related cases,” I laughed in joy and said, Barrister Tsayayye is bouncing back again!

Without any fear of mincing words, I can assure all that, when Rimingado strikes positive outcomes will be the product. It is not an overstatement when I say, as we are inching towards 2027 general election, the visibility and enhanced capacity of this Task Force will, for sure, add good substance to the struggle for votes for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano. The issue of drug abuse and business, has for long been a clog in Kano’s wheel.

Truly, Governor Yusuf’s political will in appointing Barrister Muhiyi Rimingado is a landmark of this administration. Should this fight succeed, In Sha Allah, the APC will keep its place as the darling of Kano people — beyond party lines.

Rimingado alone cannot make it to the promised edge. Hence good team is a prerequisite for good result and stronger effort. The Governor therefore makes an interesting and good choice in the membership of the Task Force. When they work hand in hand, in synergy, with Barrister Rimingado, history will always remember them.

Your Excellency Sir, Pharm Ahmad Gana, a renowned fighter against drug abuse in Kano and the North, can make a good member of this all-important Task Force. He headed similar Task Force in the past. His records are there. I’m pretty sure Barrister Rimingado will enjoy working with him. As a member of the Task Force or as an Adviser. He is an asset when it comes to fight against drug abuse.

I enjoy this part of the terms of reference, which says, “The committee is also mandated to identify major drug distribution points across the state, facilitate targeted raids and arrests, and recommend measures for the seizure of assets linked to drug trafficking activities.”

I rest my case.

Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 27th June, 2026

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Opinion

HE Garo Vs Hon Kwankwaso As Deputy Gov. Candidate(s): Xraying Dakata, Danzaki Positions

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2 days ago

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June 26, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

A debate comparing the Deputy Governor His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo and Hon Mustapha Rabi’u Kwankwaso, as contestants for the position of Deputy Governor in the forthcoming election, 2027, enticed me to put my pen on paper, or rather to put my fingers on keyboard. While Garo is under the platform of APC, Kwankwaso is under the platform of NDC.

An online media programme, Siyasar Zamani (modern politics) anchored on DCL Hausa platform, that hosted two gentlemen, Comrade Kabiru Sa’idu Dakata, Director General Kano State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KASA) and Musa Gambo Hamisu Danzaki, Kano State Chairman of Kwankwasiyya Movement and candidate for State House of Assembly seat, 2027, from Gezawa constituency, under the platform of NDC.

What was so enticing was each other person’s effort to prove to all that his choice is the best. Mine is not ranking both men on scale of accuracy. What the following lines carry is my non-medical Xray of the entire debate. For the public to see and examine who the cap fits.

The anchor of the programme Usman Mu’azu’s first question asked, who among the duo, Garo and Kwankwaso fits the position of a Deputy Governor and who among them has the qualities needed?

Dakata listed many reasons why his choice is better, like competence and know how when it comes to governance. He reminded listeners that HE Garo was a local government Chairman, Kabo, and was Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs. He was also Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kano State Branch.

He kept on arguing that, many believe that HE Garo is not Kwankwaso’s match when it comes to politics and mobilization. He further argued that, what the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) got during 2023 gubernatorial election in Kano, 80 percent of those who elected APC then, did it for Garo’s sake, then Deputy Gubernatorial candidate.

Comrade Dakata reminded people that, when APC was defeated in Kano, in 2023 election, it was Garo, with very few individuals, almost singlehandedly, who has been looking after party members to the present level. “While His Excellency Garo keeps his people very close to his chest, even Kwankwasiyya elements know that, he excels in politics and mobilization,” he challenged.

I’m rest assured that, the time was not on Dakata’s side, he would have mentioned HE Garo’s fitness and competence in political strategy. This was clear when he was the State Organizing Secretary of the then People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and beyond.

Up to the time of APC’s rule in Kano, especially during former Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. HE Garo was instrumental to many strategies that brought about victory to the party against opposition parties and elements.

Dakata continued dishing out reasons and instances why and where HE Garo’s pedigree and political understanding outsmart that of Mustapha Kwankwaso. Dama mana!

When he started challenging the quality, political qualifications and competence of Kwankwaso, it almost appeared that, the former Sports Commissioner, Kwankwaso, was a mere tool in the hands of political failure.

According to Dakata, Kwankwaso did not perform at all, when the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, appointed him a Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.

There was a time, Comrade reminded, when Governor Yusuf warned non-performing Commissioners to get set for exiting the administration, “… luckily for Honourable Mustapha Kwankwaso, Kwankwasiyya people with their leader Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso defected to ADC from NNPP. That was when Mustapha quickly and immediately resigned. He knew very well that when his report card was mentioned, he would be removed for being an inept and incompetent,” he challenged.

Part of Kwankwaso’s incompetence was his inability to position Kano Pillars well, Dakata examined. Explaining that, Pillars was about to ditch during his time as Commissioner for Sports. Also under youth development Dakata believes that the NDC running mate for the gubernatorial candidate, destroyed all hopes for youth development in the state.

It was only Governor Yusuf, in the opinion of Dakata who saved our youth from decaying when Kwankwaso was Commissioner. That was when Governor assigned the responsibility of youth development on some carefully selected five individuals. Who revived the 5 skills acquisition centres of the state.

After critically and unequivocally challenged Danzaki to produce a single reason which shows that Kwankwaso has any leadership quality or competence, he cautioned Danzaki to be very careful about his allegations against the Deputy Governor, Garo. Cautioning that he should be very cautious about his utterances against the Deputy.

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When Danzaki stated that, though there is a law which says a Deputy Governor must be given a portfolio in running the affairs of the state, but still, according to Danzaki, Governor Yusuf is being cautious about it, because he doesn’t want to appoint HE Garo for fear of “mismanagement.” Dakata challenged that quickly and vehemently, challenging Danzaki to bring forth such law! And at the same time challenged Danzaki for his opinion on this.

The mother of all challenge was when Dakata looked straight into the eyes of Danzaki and asked “Was there any time when His Excellency Garo was accused of drug/substance abuse? Was there a time when HE Garo was taken back home because he was so intoxicated outside, that he couldn’t even stand firm and walk? The greatest problem facing our youth nowadays is drug abuse.”

Kano state, the way Dakata described it, “… is not that bad and cheap to have people like Mustapha Kwankwaso as Deputy Governor. This is ridiculous!

For Dakata both the gubernatorial candidate, HE Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, former Deputy Governor, and his running mate Mustapha Kwankwaso, are political liabilities. He challenged that, there was no time in recent political history of Gwarzo, when he won his local government. “How do you think such kind of person can win an election in Kano, with APC on the other hand? he asked rhetorically.

In his own part Danzaki’s arguments were largely centred on passing all manner of allegations against HE Garo. That is why this piece cannot, in any way take most of his arguments. That could be term, as character assassination of some sort. So even if it is the other gentleman, Dakata who spoke defending his choice, if he resorted to the kind of arguments, posed by Danzaki, I wouldn’t have enough to quote from him. This is the fact!

The first question directed at Danzaki on why is he of the view that Hon Kwankwaso is fit for the position and what are his qualities and competencies, did not meet immediate answers, neither were the responses aligned with the question raised. The question and the attempt made by Danzaki to respond were not palatable to each other. Their tunes were diametrically opposed to each other.

His first line of response after all the usual opening as a Muslim with prayers, he went ahead to delve into his minutes praising the gubernatorial candidate Gwarzo for picking Hon Kwankwaso as his running mate.

While doing that, he brought to the table something strange, a new normal under Kwankwasiyya ideology, when he said, it was Gwarzo who singlehandedly picked Kwankwaso as his running mate, not their Jagora, Senator Kwankwaso. A revelation that sounded strange and awesome, to both Dakata and the anchor of the programme.

Why? Because that was the first time in the history of Kwankwasiyya, when people heard that there is an important position of gubernatorial candidate’s running mate who was picked, by another person not Senator Kwankwaso. Too strange to comprehend.

That was why, in his submission, Dakata challenged that, that position was not possible under Kwankwasiyya movement. According to his statement, Senator Kwankwaso is the only one with the power of selecting, nominating, appointing and confirming any positions in the movement. He said, “Even Supervisory councilors across all the state, it is Kwankwaso who does who doesn’t, who picks who drops who constructs and who deconstructs.”

It was after many minutes of hovering around and dodging to answer how competent and qualified is Hon Kwankwaso as Deputy Gubernatorial candidate, in next year’s election, Danzaki mentioned two things as his reason for taking him as fit for the position. He said Hon Kwankwaso is committed and untiring.

He continued to argue that, whoever wants to see how capable Hon Kwankwaso is, should look at how he managed the affairs of Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, when he was Commissioner. From there he didn’t bring to the table of discussion any evidence to support his claim.

When the anchor of the programme repeated the same question in the mid of the discussion, instead of him to talk about how competent is Hon Kwankwaso, he derailed and ended up in making statements of how HE Garo was picked to become the Deputy Governor few weeks back. Making all kinds of statements without any substantial evidence or explanations.

Danzaki made so many statements that cannot be repeated here, because of the weighty nature of the allegations. They were statements that were not issue-based. I saw so many commentators in the comment section, urging HE Garo to look for clear and undoubtful evidences from Danzaki over his hard statements on his personality, also as the Deputy Governor.

When the anchor was tired of Danzaki’s dilly-dallying strategy in running away from giving reasons as to why he thinks his choice is fit for the position and is the best, he asked Danzaki the same question at the end of the programme.

In his response Danzaki said, Kwankwaso assisted over ten thousand (10,000) youth when he was Commissioner. Without mentioning under what circumstances and how did the system work that way. He also put, as part of Kwankwaso’s capacity and competence, that when he was Commissioner, he was able to be getting approvals without any delay. This, to Danzaki is part of the reasons why Kwankwaso fits.

On the over ten thousand youth assisted by the former Commissioner, Danzaki promised to bring forth the list of over ten thousand names to DCL Hausa. I therefore urge DCL Hausa to please publish the names when they got the list.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 26th June, 2026

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