Asma’u Uba Muhammad
A coalition of 87 civil society organizations under the umbrella of the Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (PCCSOs) has strongly rejected what it described as “biased, misleading, and politically motivated” allegations of corruption recently levelled against the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State.
In a statement jointly signed by its Convener, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, and Co-Convener, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, the coalition said the allegations by a rival group, the self-styled League of Civil Society Organisations in Kano State, amounted to “media trial, propaganda, and an attempt to derail the ongoing reforms in the state.”
The PCCSOs said it was compelled to respond to the August 23 statement by the League of CSOs, which accused the present administration of widespread corruption and mismanagement.
“Every citizen and civic group has the constitutional right to demand accountability,” the coalition noted. “But the statement issued by the League is not only premature and politically driven, it is also a deliberate attempt to misinform the good people of Kano State.”
According to the PCCSOs, allegations referenced in the League’s statement are still under investigation by the EFCC and ICPC, and should not be interpreted as convictions.
“No individual can be pronounced guilty through civil society press releases,” the group argued. “Such acts amount to character assassination and disregard for judicial processes. As patriotic CSOs, we uphold the principle of innocent until proven guilty.”
The coalition insisted that the administration of Governor Yusuf has demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability, contrary to the narrative of systemic rot.
It cited reforms including:
Full compliance with external audits and fiscal reporting.
Adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to curb leakages.
Establishment of procurement monitoring units and anti-corruption desks across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“These are concrete measures no fair-minded observer should ignore,” the statement emphasized.
The 87-member coalition expressed deep concern that civil society activities in Kano were increasingly becoming politicised.
“It is regrettable that the League has abandoned neutrality and chosen to align with partisan interests,” the coalition said. “True civil society must not serve as a propaganda arm of the political opposition. Reckless statements risk scaring away investors, demoralising public servants, and undermining development.”
Instead, the PCCSOs urged civil society platforms in Kano to embrace constructive engagement with government institutions through accountability platforms in education, health, environment, and budgeting.
The coalition called on citizens of Kano State to remain calm, discerning, and not be swayed by “desperate attempts to create panic and distrust in governance.”
“We urge anti-graft agencies to continue their constitutional duties without fear or favour, but also without yielding to media sensationalism or political manipulation,” the PCCSOs added.
It reaffirmed its support for Governor Yusuf’s reform agenda, stressing that “Kano is not at a crossroads, as claimed, but rather on a clear path of modernization and inclusive development.”
The group further noted that divisions within the League of CSOs itself had cast doubt on its credibility, as some individuals openly dissociated from its statement.
The statement was endorsed by 87 organisations across Kano.