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

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.

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.

To shed light on his divisive actions, let me highlight just a few key examples.
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.

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.

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.

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. His role in fostering instability within Kano’s traditional institutions can not be overlooked. His interference has stirred a cultural upheaval that has persisted for months, and it is a far cry from the image of a peacekeeper.

When examining Ganduje’s record, it becomes apparent that his actions have been focused more on consolidating power and deepening divisions than fostering peace. His alleged deliberate attempts to disrupt unity in the Gaya, Karaye, and Rano Emirates, regions historically aligned with Kano, underscore his disregard for harmony and tradition.

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, etc. This kind of internal squabble runs counter to any notion of peace.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Finally, Ganduje’s record on security deserves scrutiny. While he may tout community policing as an achievement, his administration often relied on heavy-handed tactics that undermined the very essence of peace. The notion that his tenure was defined by peace is, at best, a convenient fiction to obscure the true nature of his actions.

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. It is insufficient to claim the mantle of reconciliation in one isolated instance while perpetuating chaos and division across all other aspects of governance. Let us not allow this distorted narrative to mislead us into accepting a version of Ganduje’s legacy that bears no resemblance to the truth.

Let us not allow this attempt to whitewash Ganduje’s legacy to deceive us into accepting a narrative that is far from the truth.

Gwadabe Abdullahi
Writes from Sanka, Kano
6th April, 2025

By Abba Bala Ibrahim

I read with astonishment, the invitation by the Nigeria Police Force to the 16th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The official letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, Commissioner of Police (Operations) which was sent to the Emir, stated that the invitation was made under the directive of the Inspector General of Police. It requested the Emir, to report to the Force Intelligence Department headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by 10:00 a.m for questioning.

Can this type of invitation be formally extended to any Oba of Yorubaland, the Benin Kingdom, the Niger Delta Chief, or Igwe in Igbo land?
From the prism of rational thinking, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might find it difficult to do that and your guess is as good as mine.
While it is difficult to logically understand the objective behind this formal invitation of the Nigeria Police Force to Khalifa Malam Muhammad Sanusi ll, the motive behind it might not be farfetched. Just to destroy the revered Traditional Institutions in the North.

Just before the commencement of Eid el Fitr festivities in Kano last week, the State Police Command had issued a statement banning Sallah Durbar celebration. They hinged their decision on security threats which may lead to

breakdown of law and order, should both the incumbent Emir, Khalifa Malam Muhammad Sanusi ll and the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero hold Sallah Durbar the same day, hence, allowing that to happen might be a recipe for chaos and breakdown of peace in the State. Good reason.

For those who know how Sallah is being celebrated in Kano, there was no Durbar held during the just concluded Eid celebrations. What took place then was the normal traditional practice where the Emir in company of the palace guards leave the Palace through Kofar Kwaru enroute the Eid prayer ground at Kofar Mata and traditionally changes route through Kofar Wambai back to his palace. In Islamic tradition, a Muslim is enjoined to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, that enjoins taking a different route from the one

followed while going to the prayer ground and on returning home.

The Emir’s procession just complied with the Islamic tradition, as his entourage was limited to the palace guards and officials who adheres to the simple practice of the Islamic tradition, contrary to the Durbar that involves district heads and other traditional aristocrats in a colourful outing.

The question, is the Federal Government now using the instrumentality of the Police to come from behind and unleash coercion on the sanctity on Kano Traditional institution and by extension, the Northern Nigeria?

While the Kano state command of the Nigeria Police Force deserve commendation for their swift action in making arrests on the frontal attack on the

Emir, which is an important step toward uncovering the full extent of the individuals and networks behind these destructive activities, one wonders why conflicting statements on the preliminary report and the latest interference of the Police headquarters was extended to the Emir.

Constitutionally, it is within the purview of the Nigeria Police Force to impose ban or cancel any event that can cause possible breach of law and order. But, the nation will be closely watching the import behind the move. To cause chaos and have another Rivers State scenario, or it is an attempt to destroy the sanctity of the revered traditional heritage?

As one writer rightly observed, “President Tinubu has swallowed the Devil. He was weaned from the furnace of a heartless street”.
As the destruction of democracy has apparently commenced with his attack on Rivers State, may the destruction of revered traditional heritage never commence with the invitation of the Emir of Kano Khalifa Malam Muhammad Sanusi ll.

Let whoever matters in the North rise up and defend the sanctity of the institution. The Emir is the symbol of the institution and attack on him is just an attack in the institution.

Bala is public affairs analyst, writes from Kano .

Barr. Badamasi Suleiman Gandu.

On April 4, 2025, the Inspector General of Police issued a formal invitation to His Royal Highness the Emir of Kano, requesting his attendance for an investigative discussion at Force CID in Abuja, scheduled for April 8, 2025. This write-up will focus on the propriety of honoring the invitation.

The underlying reason for this invitation stems from the Emir holding Sallah Durbar despite a ban on such gatherings. While it is clear that the police do not possess the authority to ban the Durbar, they may impose restrictions for security reasons. However, it is evident that the motivation behind this ban is political, which raises the possibility of challenging the police’s directive. Notably, the police had prior knowledge of the security threats and presumably knew the individuals behind these threats, yet they failed to manage the situation effectively.

On Eid day, attending mosques for the observance of the two Raka’at prayer is a fundamental religious practice. Critics may question the Emir’s use of a horse, given police regulations prohibiting horse riding. However, riding after the Eid prayer is a Sunnah of our noble Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). By virtue of Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, the Emir is entitled to practice his religion freely and the police do not have the authority to prevent the Emir from exercising this right.

We were informed by the Kano State Police Command that the entourage of the Emir was attacked, leading to injuries and the tragic death of one of the Emir’s guards. In this instance, the Emir was invited for questioning. One could argue that if the Emir had not held the Durbar, the attack could have been averted. However, it is ultimately the police’s responsibility to prevent such incidents, not to prevent him from exercising his right to practice his religion. Had the police done their job, this tragedy would not have occurred. The police should be held accountable but not the Emir, more particularly he is the victim of the incidence.

The Emir also paid a visit to his mother and the Governor of Kano State using Cars, without the traditional titleholders, horse riding, or any form of Durbar, as it was merely a visitation. The visit was accompanied by his guards and supporters, and this should also be recognized as a legitimate religious observance and his right to movement and lawful assembly is in accordance with Sections 40 and 41 of the Constitution.

Constitutional rights are sacrosanct and guaranteed; they can only be tempered by the operation of a court of law. The police should have obtained a court order to derogate or restrain the Emir’s constitutional rights, failure of which renders their actions unjustified in the absence of such an order. Therefore, all actions of the Emir are legal.

The misuse of the police as instruments of political retribution is dangerous and damaging to our democracy. For instance, an Assistant Inspector General was demoted for commenting on the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State. Under these circumstances, it is reasonable to presume that the Emir may not remain undisturbed.

In summary, the Emir has every right to challenge this invitation in court, as he is constitutionally entitled to practice his religion and has the right to free movement. I believe he has every justification to seek legal recourse and get justice.