Your Excellency,
The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF), a coalition committed to peace, good governance, human rights, democracy and the protection of Kano State’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence, writes with deep concern over recent developments that have heightened political and social tensions in the ancient city of Kano.
Kano Is At a Crossroads
We believe that the situation requires urgent, impartial and preventive intervention by the Federal Government, before the current tensions develop into a wider crisis or social unrest
Kano is a politically active and socially diverse society. Its people have historically demonstrated resilience, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. However, the current political season, combined with the continous happenings surrounding the Kano Emirate, makes any inflammatory statement, actions with provocative tendency, or political confrontation, potentially and imminently dangerous.
Our Concern Over Inflammatory Statements
KPCF is deeply concerned about the statement attributed to Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi (Sarkin Dawaki Babba), which we consider unfortunate and particularly concerning at this sensitive period. Public statements by prominent traditional and community figures carry significant influence and should, therefore, be guided by the need to promote peace, unity, tolerance and social cohesion.
Similarly, a viral video circulating on social media allegedly showed Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, an NDC candidate for the Kano State House of Assembly representing Gwale Constituency, displaying what appeared to be a pump-action rifle during a political gathering or rally in the Janbulo area of Gwale.
We have also learnt that the Kano State Police Command subsequently invited him for questioning in connection with the alleged incident, reportedly citing possible violations of relevant firearms laws and concerns relating to public peace and security. These allegations remain matters for the appropriate authorities to establish in accordance with due process.
KPCF emphasizes that, regardless of political affiliation, social status, traditional position or personal differences, public figures, political actors, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community influencers have a shared responsibility to promote peaceful political participation and social cohesion. Language or conduct capable of generating fear, anger, hostility or confrontation should be avoided, particularly as political activities and campaigns intensify.
We therefore urge all political, traditional, religious and community leaders, as well as their supporters and followers, to exercise the highest level of restraint and responsibility. We call on all stakeholders to refrain from hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric, threats, incitement, intimidation or any statements and actions capable of provoking violence or mobilising citizens against one another.
KPCF further encourages political actors and other influential stakeholders to use their platforms to promote dialogue, tolerance, respect for opposing views and peaceful participation, recognising that political differences should never become a basis for violence or threats to the safety and dignity of citizens.
At this critical period, Kano State needs responsible leadership, restraint and constructive dialogue from all sides. We call on all stakeholders to put the peace, security and unity of Kano State above partisan interests and personal differences.
The Recent Durbar Incident
KPCF is also concerned about the reported incident surrounding the recent Durbar organised by the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, during which violence was reported and campaign posters and billboards bearing the identities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, were reportedly destroyed by some people alleged to the supporters of the 15th Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero.
Although, we have acknowledged reports that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero subsequently and personally apologised to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over the incident. Though, such an apology is welcomes and it certainly represents an important gesture towards de-escalation of the already heated atmosphere.
However, an apology alone may not be sufficient to address the broader concerns arising from the incident. We respectfully urge the relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that any person found to have committed an offence is dealt with in accordance with the law, irrespective of political, traditional or social status.
Political campaign materials are part of democratic expression. Their unlawful destruction, just like any other act of violence or intimidation, should not be allowed to become normalised.
The Kano Emirate Matter and the Rule of Law
Your Excellency, KPCF is particularly disturbed about the continuing politicisation of the Kano Emirate issue.
We respectfully recognise that matters concerning the Kano Emirate have generated strong emotions across the State and that aspects of the dispute have been subjected to judicial consideration, including proceedings before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
In the interest of peace and respect for constitutional institutions, we appeal to political appointees and government officials at both Federal and Kano State levels to refrain from making inflammatory statement or taking partisan positions on matters before the courts.
The judiciary must be allowed to perform its constitutional responsibility without political pressure, intimidation or public mobilisation.
We therefore call on all stakeholders to allow the courts to determine the legal questions before them and to respect the outcome of the judicial process.
Our Appeal for Immediate Presidential Intervention
Your Excellency, KPCF respectfully believes that this is the time for preventive leadership rather than reactive intervention.
We therefore appeal to Your Excellency to:
1. Urgently intervene in the emerging situation in Kano State and encourage all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
2. Direct the relevant security and intelligence agencies to closely monitor developments and take preventive measures against violence, intimidation, hate speech and destruction of property.
3. Call on political appointees at both Federal and Kano State levels to refrain from unnecessary involvement in the Emirate dispute, particularly on matters that are before the courts.
Reaffirm the independence of the judiciary and encourage all parties to respect judicial proceedings and decisions concerning the Kano Emirate.
Direct that political parties, campaign organisations and their supporters be protected equally and that the destruction of political posters, billboards or campaign materials be investigated and addressed according to law.
Ensure that all persons responsible for violence, regardless of political or traditional affiliation, are held accountable under the law.
Encourage traditional, religious, political and community leaders to publicly commit themselves to peace and responsible communication throughout the political campaign period.
Facilitate an inclusive peace and stakeholders’ dialogue in Kano, involving the State Government, Federal Government representatives, traditional institutions, political parties, security agencies, religious leaders, youth and women representatives, and civil society organisations.
Urge political actors to focus their campaigns on issues of development and governance rather than personality traditional institutions or matters capable of dividing the people of Kano.
Kano Must Not Be Allowed to Slide into Crisis
Your Excellency, Kano is too important to Nigeria to be allowed to descend into avoidable confrontation
The ancient city of Kano is a major commercial, cultural, political and social centre whose stability has implications far beyond the State. A crisis in Kano would affect not only its citizens but also neighbouring states and the wider northern region.
KPCF therefore considers the present moment a critical early-warning stage. We believe that decisive and impartial intervention now can prevent a much more serious crisis later.
We appeal to Your Excellency, as President and Commander-in-Chief, to use the moral authority and constitutional powers of your office to send a clear message that peace, democratic participation, freedom of expression, respect for traditional institutions, protection of political rights and the rule of law must prevail over political rivalry.
We further urge all parties to sheathe their swords, avoid provocative statements and actions, and place the peace and stability of Kano above personal, political or institutional interests.
Kano belongs to all its people. Its peace must not become a casualty of political competition or institutional disagreements.
The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum remains committed to working with the Federal and State Governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, political parties and all stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence, democratic participation and respect for the rule of law.
We respectfully call on Your Excellency to act now, before tension becomes crisis and crisis becomes conflict.
May peace continue to prevail in Kano State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yours faithfully,
Signed ,
Hassan Ibrahim Gama Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma Peter Hassan Tijjani
Convener Convener Convener
For and on behalf of the undersigned members of the Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF):
S/N
Contact Person
Name of Organization
1
Hassan Ibrahim Gama.
Friend of the Community Organisation (FOCO)
2
Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma
Community Rights Initiative Of Nigeria (CORIN)
3
Peter Hassan Tijani
New Ethics for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEEDIN)
4
Farouk Umar
Citizens for Development and Education (CDE)
5
Ibrahim Muhammad
Rural – Urban Slums Development Initiative (RUSDI)
6
Ruth Stephen
Touch and Care Foundation (TOCAF)
7
Maimuna Shuaibu
Muna Helping Hand Foundation (MHHF)
8
Amb. Lami Bako Yakasai
Enlightenment And Empowerment Of Northern Women Initiative
9
Abdulrahman Uba Daushe
Spinal Cord Injuries Association Of Nigeria (SCIAN)
10
Ahmad Tijjani
Alkali Ahmad Center For Development
11
Sunusi Hashimu
Society For Child Support And Economic Empowerment (SOCSEE)
12
Hassan Musa Yaro
Cardinal Aid Development Support Initiative
13
Nworisa Michael
Stand For Peace Initiative
14
Aisha Ahmed Abdulkadir
Sustainable Dynamic and Human Development Initiative
15
Khadija A. Muhammad
Nana Aisha Development Initiative (NADI)
16
Halima Suleiman ESQ
Advocacy on Human Rights and Equal Opportunity (AHREO)
17
Dr. Kabir Hamisu Kura
Community Development Initiative
18
Halima Titi Bello
Women Gender Developers (WOGEND)
19
Rakiya Ladi Musa
Ansar Women Development
20
Amina Ali Alhassan
Be My Guide Development initiative.
21
Amb. Rabi Yusuf Gezawa MON
Center For Empowerment Of Older Persons And The Vulnerable (CEOPAV)
22
Comrade A.A Haruna Ayagi
International Human Rights Network IHRN-Nigeria
23
Tijjani Sarki
Human Rights Watch And Youths Empowerment Foundation, Nigeria.
24
Ola Taiwo
Mari-Care Foundation for Widows, Single Parents, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Nigeria. (MARI-CARE)
25
Solomon Samuel
Mercy Helpline Initiative
26
Sheriff Abubakar
Sheriff Orphanage and Charity home foundation (Sheriff foundation)
27
Salmanu Muhammed
WAZOBIA International Women and Children Foundation, Kano
28
Amb. Hadiza Abdullahi kishimi
Women’s Social and leadership Development initiative ( WSLDI )
29
Grace Musa
Standup for Women Society
30
Dr. Ramatu Garba
Support For Women And Teenage Children (SWATCH)
31
Amina Aliyu Dogarai
Women and orphans charity initiative
32
Surayya Ado Salisu
ABC Road Safety Project Initiative
33
Barr. Aisha Ali Tijjani
Sayyidatu Wal adfal Foundation (Women and Children Foundation)
34
Murjanatu G. Umar
Women Empowerment, Leadership, Education, Advancement And Development Initiative (WE-LEAD)
35
Amb. Maryam Hassan
League for Societal Protection Against Drugs Abuse (LESPADA)
36
Wali Ado Rano
Voice Of The Hopeful Enlightenment And Development Initiative (VOHEDI)
37
Saratu I. Maigida
Lifeline Initiative For Widows Empowerment And Economic Development (LIWEED)
38
Sagir Salihu Chedi
Voice And Accountability Platform (VAP)
39
Barr. Mustapha Idris
Human Right and Community Initiative
40
Gharzali Ibrahim Ungogo
Ummatee Centre For The Promotion Of Public Education, Accountability And Social Safety (UMMATEE-C4PASS)
41
Aisha Halliru
Halliru Memorial Youth Development And Empowerment Initiative (AYDI)
42
Mrs. Esther Abdulahi Kingsley
Inter-tribe Community Support Forum
43
Auwal Idris Dorayi
Center For Peace And Environmental Justice CEPEJ
44
Mariya Ishaka
Albino Cluster Association
45
Sani Shuaib Rogo
Rogo Concern Citizens
46
Abubakar Shuibu Maitumaki
Youth Awareness Foundation On Drug Abuse (YAFODA)
47
Dr. Mustapha Mukhatar
Danbatta Development Forum (DDF)
48
Musa Muhammad Khaila
Community Support for Social Accountability Initiative (COMSSI)
49
Haj. Habiba Mijinyawa
Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) Kano
50
Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai CISSP, IPMA
One Kano Agenda
51
Comrade Ali Wali
Network for Environmental Safety and Society Development (NESSD)
52
Hadiza Bala Fagge
Women Widows And Orphans Development Initiative (WWODI)
53
Farida Ahmed Tahir
Mata Iyayen Al’umma Foundation
54
Bello Abdulkadir Yusuf
Karaye Community Development Association
55
Badiya Aliyu
Sustainable Dynamic Human Development Initaitive (SDHDI)
56
Ruqayya Bello
Women for Women Initiative
57
Sabo Bello Madaki
Kiru Community Development Association
58
Sunusi Mamuda Wudil
Wudil Association Cooperative
59
Zubaida Umar Gashash
Youths And Women Sustainable Development Initiative (YASDI)
60
Ibrahim H. Sale
Habib Community Education Initiative
61
Khadijah Ibrahim
Adolescents Girls, Children And Research Project – GCRP
62
Sumaila Namadi Ahmad
Yadfulde Kiru Local government Association & Dev.
63
Abdulaziz Habibu Bello
Yanoko Youth Development Association
64
Umar Ibrahim Umar
War Against Injustice
65
Maimuna Umar Sheriff
Centre for Gender Base Violence Advocacy
66
Kola Samuel Asaju
KAF Care Foundation
67
Ali Suleiman
Masses First International Organization –MFI
68
Muhammed Yusuf Gama
Global Youth and Women Support Initiative – GLOYWSI
69
Abubakar Shariff Jaddah
Society for Women and Child Health Initiative (SWACHI)
70
Abdussalam Haruna
New Turn for Youth Enthusiasm & Dev. (N-YED)
71
Dalhatu Jibrin Dalhatu
Karaye Initiative Forum
72
Mohammad Lawal Datti
Initiative for Health Rescue & Risk Reduction (IHRAR)
73
Amb Dr Abdulrahman Kitilly Hudu ( Phd)
Empowerment For Vulnerable Women And Children International (EVWACH International)
74
Fatima Umar
Albarka Women Development Association
75
Mahmud Hashimu
Community Health I Initiatives and society development – CHISOD
76
Suyudi Isa Jibril
Media Advocacy for Accountability Sustainable Initiative –
77
Lukman Dayyab
Public Health Promotion Initiative
78
Amb Maryam Ibrahim Sani
Nigerian Coalition on youth,peace and security Agenda,Kano.
79
Haj. Safiyya Salisu Abdul
Support Group For Good Governance Organisation (SG3)
80
Sagir Saidu
Gyarakayanka Development Association
81
Sani Muhammad.
Annur Health And Peace Community Development Initiative
82
Ahmad Tijjani Yau
Development Insight Hub
83
Comrade Garba Suleiman Marafa
WAZOBIA Conflict Resolution And Peace Advocacy Initiative (WACORPAI)
84
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Non-Formal Development for Education and Health Initiatives (NDEHI)
85
Yahaya A. Yahaya
National Association Of Persons With Physical Disabilities Kano Chapter (NAPWPD)
86
Dr Abubakar Ibrahim Hassan
Community Education and Health Promotion Initiatives (CEHPI)
87
Hajiya Saadatu Hashim
Concerns Mothers Association of Kano
88
Aisha Shatima
Joint Action Campaign for development
89
Najib Nasir
Northern Youth Concerned
90
Dr. Tanimu Adam Ibrahim
Gwarzo Initiative Forum
91
Aminu Sa’ad
Consolidated Ajingi Development Association.
92
Umar Iliyasu Madobi
Madobi Youth Development Forum
93
Barrister. Badamasi
Kano First Forum
94
Salamatu Sulaiman Mustapha
Salmah Africa Rescue Initiative
95
Garba Musa
Save Girls Initiative
96
Murtala Muhd Rabiu
Hannu Dayawa Youth development Association Bachirawa
97
Maryam Muhammad
Indigent Youth Education And Care Foundation (IYECF)
98
Rakiya Abba Tahula
Interfaith Peace Foundation
99
Nafisa Muhammad Ado
Anniswan Women Health Initiative (AWOHI)
100
Mohammed Hussaini
Nigerian Democracy Working Group
CC:
– The National Security Adviser (NSA), Federal Republic of Nigeria
– The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Nigeria Police Force
– The Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)
– The Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
– The Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
– The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command
– The Director, State Security Services (SSS), Kano State
– The Kano State Commandant, NSCDC