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RE : The Decoration Of Ganduje As A Peace Ambassador: Unmasking A Legacy Of Divisiveness And Manipulation

Published

10 months ago

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By Abba Anwar

First and foremost I used my real name to write my most recent article, captioned “Ganduje Repeats History : Takes Peace to Kano.”

Though it is not a sin for someone to use pen name and authors a particular piece. But in many instances, such happens because of many factors, among them are, the real author is either a coward or a serial liar or an envelope of many blunders. Whose faculty of thinking is either blocked or disappears in smoke. Or for mischievous reasons.

One so-called Gwadabe Abdullahi from Sanka quarters did a rejoinder of my piece on Ganduje, captioned “The Decoration of Ganduje As A Peace Ambassador : Unmasking A Legacy of Divisiveness And Manipulation.”

What “fascinates” me about the piece is the sequencing and the flow of blunders, missteps and ignorant disposition of his understanding of my article.

My reader please read me and enjoy reading.

In his 15-paragraph waste of ink and inaccurate presentation of what he calls “fact” nowhere, I repeat, nowhere, was he able to take my presented arguments that exist scientifically, one after the other and debunk them with superior arguments or manipulative tendencies. Nowhere!

Some of my examples of why the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, MY BOSS, is an Ambassador of Peace and an Icon of Community Policing are touchable, some are seeable and some are feelable.

One can touch the building and the equipments of the Bompai-housed security control room, provided by Ganduje administration, for detecting and following people’s movements in Kano. Dormitories built by Ganduje in all Kano exist points and the screen set in his office, where he monitored what was happening in Kano, were all touchables.

Turning Falgore forest into Military Training ground, is seeable. Because one could see the in and out of those military personnel with their hardwares. So also Security Summit across our five Emirates, was seeable. Because you could see the convergence of traditional leaders and other stakeholders coming together working towards enhancing security system in the state.

The two days grand reconciliation meeting between Igbo leaders across all the 19 Northern states and Northern Youth Groups, was seeable. You could see elements from both sides.

What was feelable was the enhancement and strengthening of security system in the state. You could feel peace and tranquility while in Kano then. Ganduje Gandun Aiki! Let me stop here and face the inaccurate understanding of my piece by Mr Sanka.

His first paragraph says, and I quote,
“In response to Abba Anwar’s piece, “Ganduje Repeats History, Takes Peace to Kano,” the author, an erstwhile Press Secretary to Ganduje, he portrayed his Principal, a former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje as a peace ambassador is a deeply misleading narrative crafted to cover the truth of his divisive and manipulative actions. It is bewildering that anyone would attempt to depict Ganduje as a beacon of peace, given his long-standing history of fostering division and political manipulation.”

I begin to wonder when political manipulation has become a sin in politics. And from this paragraph to the last paragraph I did not see a single line of accusation against my Boss, that can be proven scientifically without contemplation. Almost all are merely based on false accusation and rumor.

His sentiment goes like this, “The people of Kano are no strangers to the numerous actions Governor Ganduje undertook during his eight-year tenure that directly contradict the principles of peaceful coexistence. His tactics of sowing discord spanned across various sectors of the state.”

Just understand what he said very we please, that what Ganduje did in eight – year tenure”… contradicts the principles of peaceful coexistence.” I ask Oga Sanka, how can reconciliation of Igbo leaders and Northern Youth groups becomes contradictory to principles of peace?

How can turning Falgore forest to military training ground to tame banditry, robbery and cattle rustling becomes contradictory to peace? How can promoting harmonious working relationship between our security agencies becomes contradictory to peace? etc etc

As the writer, Sanka runs away from facing my piece on issue – based analysis, as I presented them, he derails this way, as he says, “Consider Ganduje’s treatment of religious leaders. This is the same Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje who created a parallel Council of Ulama for his own selfish political ambitions. In Fagge, he constructed a new mosque just meters away from the Friday mosque at Dandalin Fagge and built yet another within the Kantin Kwari market—both actions designed to instigate conflict between respected scholars like Sheikh Aminu Daurawa and Bakari Mika’il. A leader who truly seeks peace would never employ such tactics to create division.

Throughout the tenure of Baba Ganduje, there wasn’t any official Council of Ulama different form the one controlled by Shaykh Ibrahim Khalil. I stand to be corrected, but definitely with facts not rumor or idiosyncratic postulation of one’s selfishness and sentiment.

When did building of a Mosque become a sin? Haba Sanka wane irin son zuciya ne wannan? What kind of upside-down disposition is this? And who told him that Ganduje wanted to pitch Daurawa against Bakari or vice versa? People of his nature always work with lies, rumors and self – created stories.

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From all indication, next time in Kano when wives of the people like Sanka have miscarriage, he will say, Ganduje at fault. When I saw the caption of the write-up, I thought he is a modern man, who works with facts and emerging arguments. Though it appears trashy, but it can still be useful as a reference point.

Again in the relief aspect he posed that, “Additionally, his deliberate efforts to create factions within religious groups such as:Tijjaniyya, Qadiriyya, and Izala movements against one another further expose his agenda of discord rather than unity.”

Though the writer fails woefully to tell us undefeating arguments as his reason for saying this. The way I know it during Ganduje is this, whenever there was anything concerning religion, he organised meetings upon meetings with all Clerics from all sects of Islam to deliberate on it before government takea any decision.

A typical example was during COVID-19, before the suspension of Friday prayers he engaged all scholars with health experts. That was why when the decision was taken nobody resisted. In fact, it was those scholars who were deeply engaged in awareness creation campaign.

Without thinking of the Day of Judgment, Sanka said, “It is difficult to paint the picture of Ganduje as a peace ambassador because of the fact that he unilaterally established a new Emirate in a region where no such institution had previously existed. This was not a signal of peace, but a calculated move to further fragment the people for his personal and political gain.”

Hahahaha did he say” unilaterally? Haba Malam! Unilaterally? Please go and check the correct history of Kano Emirate and other Emirates existed before Kano Emirates. Please go and read more about this, then come back and educate me.

The writer posits that, “Moreover, when Ganduje used his powers as governor to depose Emir Sanusi II, the impact was felt far beyond the corridors of power. Now, his attempts to destabilize the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi by backing the forceful return of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero speak volumes about his true intentions.”

Let me laugh lightly hhh. Go and check in whose hand does the power of deposing Emir exists? Alhamdulillah he said Ganduje used his power to depose Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. If I may ask, where is the power of the current governor? Can’t he also use power to depose Aminu Ado Bayero? Or is Sanka confessing that the current governor lacks the needed power? So what is he saying? Does he also mean Ganduje outside power is more powerful than the current governor in Kano affairs? Please don’t belittle a serving governor Malam Sanka.

I consider taking the author on some of the arguments as mere waste of time. While he lacks clear understanding of them, his presentation of them is half – baked. Places like this, “Ganduje’s internal party politics further exposes his divisive nature. His actions prior to the 2023 governorship election caused significant rifts within the APC, damaging relationships between prominent party members such as Senator Barau Jibrin, Murtala Sule Garu, and H.E. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna… ”

Have this one sentence kawai, at a point in time Garo was Barau’s Campaign Director General and the same Garo was Gawuna’s running mate for guber race. So where is the rift?

When he said,” Additionally, his alleged manipulation of lecturers and student protests at the Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, exemplifies his willingness to use public resources to divide rather than unite,” I now clearly understand his relationship with the issue. Period.

The writer said,” At the national level, Ganduje’s alleged role in blocking the North-Central region from securing the position of National Party Chairman reflects his disregard for fairness and unity. Is this the behaviour of a so-called ambassador of peace?

My friend please go and understand how national politics is being played. The writer and his likes, only understand local politics Alaji. Kifayen rijiya kawai.

Part of Ganduje’s “sins” according to the author is where he said, “His renaming of state institutions provides further evidence of his divisive mindset. The renaming of Northwest University, originally established by his predecessor to erase its historical context, along with the renaming of cities such as Kwankwasiyya City, Amana City, and Bandirawo, is a clear attempt to erase history in favor of his narrow political agenda. These are not the actions of a leader committed to peace.”

Northwest University was renamed Yusuf Maitama Sule University. While Kwankwasiyya City was renamed Shaikh Khalifa Isyaka Rabi’u, Amana City renamed Shaykh Nasiru Kabara City and Bandirawo City renamed Shaykh Ja’afar Mahmoud Adam City. Mr Sanka, Mr Sanka, Mr Sanka, I called the name three times, is he saying these gentlemen of blessed memory do not deserve to be immortalized? Is Sanka really in his… hmm?

I understand the true direction of the writer when he lamented that, “The injustice surrounding the inconclusive 2019 gubernatorial election results, Ganduje’s handling of the situation in Gama is yet another example of how his political manoeuvring has caused nothing but turmoil and grief for the people of Kano.”

Though I am from Bakinruwa quarters in Dala local government, but an important link with Gama makes Gama my second Quarters (Unguwa). I know a lot about that development. So I advise him to go and revisit what he said on 2019 inconclusive election. And it’s aftermath. I won’t go further.

“Finally, Ganduje’s record on security deserves scrutiny,” I agree with him hundred and one percent (101%). Had it been you did the scrutiny objectively, you wouldn’t have come this way.

Sanka amplified, “In conclusion, Abba Anwar’s attempt to glorify Ganduje as a champion of peace is a flagrant misrepresentation of reality. The facts are clear, Ganduje used his position to divide, manipulate, and conquer the people of Kano, leaving behind a legacy of political instability rather than peace.” Bari in dariya dan kadan hahahahaha.

Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
Monday 7th April, 2025

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Opinion

Kano Gov’s Defection : As Gov Radda Concretizes Synergy With Kano

Published

24 hours ago

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January 28, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

Immediately after his official decamping to All Progressives Congress (APC), the Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor of Katsina state Dr Umar Dikko Radda, described the move as “… strategic for regional unity, stability and development.”

In a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Chairman of the North West Governors’ Forum, Radda, after congratulating Kano governor for the move, he signaled his intention of working in good synergy with his Kano counterpart for finding lasting solutions to insecurity, political instability and other vices.

He was instructive when he said, according to the statement, “The decision of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to join the APC is a demonstration of responsible leadership and a strategic step towards deepening cooperation with the Federal Government and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the benefit of Kano State and the entire North West.”

The statement clearly indicates maturity in governor Radda’s statesmanship position across the zone, his readiness to work tirelessly with governor Yusuf in repositioning and revitalizing the zone for better tomorrow. In areas like sustainable development, enhanced security, fight against youth restiveness and drug abuse.

In his commendation of the Kano state governor, he acknowledged that, “Leadership demands the courage to take decisions in the long-term interest of the people. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated this by placing peace, stability and progress above all other considerations.”

In my estimation and understanding, the way Kano APC received the hitherto New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governor into its fold, with all sense of dignity, humility and magnanimity, was what moved other APC North West Governors to collectively congratulate him through the able leadership of the governor of Katsina state.

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The statement disclosed that, “On behalf of the North West Governors’ Forum, Governor Radda congratulated Governor Yusuf and assured him of the full support and cooperation of his colleagues across the region and the country, while wishing him wisdom, strength and success in his leadership.”

All who is who in Kano APC was very much around and received the governor with all open hearts. To the extent that, he was assured by the APC leader in Kano, then, former governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, that, all paths were set for the new entrant, governor Yusuf, to seek for re-election come 2027.

The same assurance was given by the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, that, he jettisoned his ambition and gave way for the incumbent to contest for a second tenure, 2027. Many good wishes and encouragements were transparently stared at the good face of the governor.

Observing how comfortable the Kano state governor was, during the grand event for his decamping, that took place at Government House, Kano, governor Radda believes further that, another good partner for meaningful development is now on board. Hence the unwavering support from other North West governors to governor Yusuf.

Radda’s glaring happiness and show of commitment towards the development of Kano, was what prompted him to acknowledge and accept new political alignment and realignment with Kanawan Dabo at the peak of political cohesion, as governor Yusuf cross-carpeted.

In the referenced press statement, the Katsina state governor hinted that with Yusuf’s exit from NNPP to APC, the synergy between Kano and federal government, which he termed as political realignment would enhance the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda in critical areas such as security cooperation, agricultural transformation, industrialisation and youth empowerment.

With this, we have nothing to add, as encomium to the people’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who has energetic state governors under the platform of his party, the APC. Such as Governor Radda, who leads North West Governors’ Forum.

In another way round, Katsina state governor, is very instructive to some basic advances that, Kano state under APC, would receive critical attention from the federal government. This, I observed severally.

This could also mean, Radda’s attention and unwavering commitment for development, are focused on Kano, with the entrance of Yusuf into APC’s fold. This means a lot as build – up to APC’s victory come 2027. It also means his un-arguable commitment to regional cohesion and cooperation.

To fully appreciate and strengthen the courage of other elected officials from Kano, who also decamped to the ruling APC, in the press release, the leader of North West Governors’ Forum, “… welcomes the decision of members of the Kano State Executive Council, the State House of Assembly, National Assembly members and local government Chairmen to also join the APC, describing it as a strong signal of political stability, unity of purpose and shared commitment to development in the state.”

Anwar writes from Kano
Wednesday, 28th January, 2026

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Opinion

Political Juggernaut And Stabilizer Of Reckon

Published

2 days ago

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January 27, 2026

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Dan Sa’idu Mamman Gaya

The ongoing political shake-up navigating the Kano’s political atmosphere will ultimately lead to alignment and realignment of political forces. Positions, both elective and appointive will be adjusted to align with the new coalition. This is with a view to striking balance, provide the necessary shocks to accommodate members of the ruling Al Progressives Congress (APC).
Since the news of resignation of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) broke, the political atmosphere in Kano state has been tensed and filled with high degree of uncertainty which has led to the sharp division of the Kwankwasiyya movement into those in favour of the impending defection of the Governor to All Progressives Congress (APC), led by key confidants of the Governor and those oppose to the move led by the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
Naturally, when there is such a political development, positions are likely to be affected and realigned to suit the desired political stability and balance. In the instant case of the defection of Governor Yusuf from NNPP to the APC, which triggered division among the Kwankwasiyya adherents, there are indications that the office of the Deputy Governor might ultimately become vacant owing to the adamant posture of the current occupier of the office, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam who apparently pitch tent with those that are opposed to the defection of the Governor. The likely thing to happen with the eventual vacation of the office by the Deputy Governor either voluntarily or to be consumed by the consequential political adjustment, the realignment will create a vacant deputy governor’s position.
The governor’s defection may lead to the impeachment of the deputy governor at worst, or he might decide to follow the path of honour by resigning the position.

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In the event of the eventual Deputy Governor’s exit, the task of replacement becomes a priority and a matter of serious consideration for political stability and balance of power in the state. In this regard, the process of choosing a new Deputy Governor must be matched with the necessary tact and strategy and forward thinking. Already, there are schemings and discreet moves by interested individuals and groups that are promoting certain individuals to replace the Deputy Governor in his eventual exit as the number two citizen of the state.
Among the frontrunners for the replacement of the Deputy Governor is a former Commissioner for Local Government, Honourable Murtala Sule Garo whose choice is seen as most strategic, suitable, appropriate, right and apt for stability and balance of the Abba Kabir Yusuf government and political structure. Those who favour Honourable Murtala Sule Garo to emerge as the next Deputy Governor hinged their argument on some sterling qualities of Honourable Garo among which include his strong political structure that cuts across the entire length and breadth of Kano State. Loyalty and commitment as displayed in his previous assignments both as Local Government Chairman and later Commissioner for Local Government has made him the best option so far. Honourable Garo’s political influence came to the fore when he aspired for Kano Governorship in 2023 where his political strength, doggedness, dexterity and spread made him to secure the Deputy Governorship ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) after the party primaries, owing to the fact that he was a force to reckon with since APC was deeply committed and determined to win the governorship election.
Those behind the moves for the emergence of Honourable Sule Garo as the next Deputy Governor are of the view that fairness, justice and equity are essential components of democracy hence maintaining the Deputy Governorship seat in Kano North Senatorial district where Honourable Garo hails from will solidify the support base of the APC and by extension that of the Governor. This is even more so, as the zone has always been a stronghold of the APC. The APC has maintained control of the Kano north senatorial district even in the face of the NNPP’s 2023 winning streak that swept across the entire Kano’s political landscape. Unarguably, Honourable Garo’s unmatched influence and strong political grip in the Kano North remains the secret of the continuous relevance and dominance of the APC in the zone, hence his choice as the next Deputy Governor will ultimately solidify APC in the zone and better prepare Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a smooth return to Government House come 2027. A word is enough for the wise.

Mamman contributes this piece from Kaduna.

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Opinion

Why Garo Deserves Deputy Governor Position Under Kano’s New Political Equation

Published

2 days ago

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January 27, 2026

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By Najeebullah Ibrahim Soron Dinki

As Kano State witnesses renewed political realignment and coalition-building, attention is increasingly shifting from slogans to substance.
At the heart of this transition lies a crucial question; as the current Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo who stick to NNPP bow out, while the Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf defect to APC. What is it likely to happen to the vacant deputy governor’s position when he finally vacate the seat? Who among the political figures will Governor Abba choose to replace him and equally fly the ticket with him in his second term bid?
A politician that can fit in and eventually complement the governor, must be a person with credibility, balance, and grassroots strength. He must be the best bet for this position. In this unfolding conversation, Murtala Sule Garo emerges as a compelling and strategic choice for the Deputy Governor position.

Kano politics has always been decided from the bottom up. Elections are however not won in conference rooms alone but at polling units, wards, and local government areas. This reality places a premium on leaders with authentic grassroots connections—leaders who understand the language, needs, and aspirations of ordinary people. Garo’s political journey reflects precisely this grounding.

Unlike many whose influence is limited to elite circles, Murtala Sule Garo’s relevance has been forged through sustained engagement with grassroots structures. His political capital is built on trust, loyalty, and accessibility. These are not abstract virtues; they translate directly into mobilization, trust, and electoral resilience—assets any serious coalition must prioritize.

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Beyond grassroots appeal, Garo brings valuable experience in public service and political administration. The office of Deputy Governor demands more than ceremonial presence. It requires a steady hand capable of managing sensitive political relationships, coordinating government priorities, and serving as a reliable bridge between leadership and the people. Garo’s background positions him to perform this role with competence and restraint.

Coalition politics, by nature, thrives on inclusion and unity. Kano’s emerging coalition must accommodate diverse interests, heal divisions, and project stability. Garo’s ability to maintain cordial relationships across political lines marks him out as a consensus builder, not a polarizing figure. In a state as politically vibrant as Kano, this quality is indispensable.

Electorally, the value of a deputy governorship candidate lies in added strength, not symbolic balance alone. Garo’s extensive grassroots networks, youth engagement, and familiarity with local political dynamics give the coalition an edge where it matters most—on election day.

In the final analysis, the Deputy Governor’s slot should reinforce credibility, expand reach, and stabilize governance. Murtala Sule Garo represents a blend of grassroots legitimacy, political maturity, and unifying potential. For a coalition seeking victory and effective governance in Kano State, his candidacy deserves serious consideration.

As Kano stands at the threshold of a new political chapter, choices made today will shape governance tomorrow. Selecting leaders rooted in the people remains the surest path forward. In this regard, the cap fits Hon. Murtala Sule Garo.

Najibullah Wrote from Kaduna

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