Kano

Kano patriotic coalition of 87 civil society organizations have rejected a biased and politically motivated statement by league of CSOs accusing present administration of corruption. In a statement signed by the convener Hassan Ibrahim Gama and co- convener Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma in behalf of the eighty seven groups on late Monday, the patriotic CSOs advised civil societies operating in Kano to embrace responsible engagements guided by facts and constructive partnership with government rather than partisan-driven activism. “CSOs, NGOs and CBOs operating in Kano State should utilise available accountability platforms and networks in the state covering various sectors (education, health, environment, budget etc.) to transparently engage state government and it’s institutions”. Read Also: Kano Govt Denies N6.5bn Diversion Allegation, But Activist Abba Hikma Demands Probe The statement said “the attention of 87 members of the Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (PCCSOs) in Kano State has been drawn to a press statement issued on August 23, 2025 by a group parading itself as the League of Civil Society Organisations in Kano State, wherein it made sweeping allegations of corruption and mismanagement against the present administration of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State” The patriotic CSOs said, they acknowledged that every citizen and civic group has the constitutional right to demand accountability, but, they are deeply concerned that the said statement is not only premature, misleading, and politically motivated, but also a deliberate attempt to discredit the ongoing reforms of the current administration and misinform the good people of Kano State. “The Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations therefore considers it necessary to set the record straight and defend truth against propaganda.” OUR POSITION: 1. Allegations Are Not Convictions The cases referenced in the League’s statement are still under investigation by the EFCC and ICPC. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, no individual can be pronounced guilty through civil society press releases. To do so amounts to media trial, character assassination, and disregard for judicial processes. As patriotic CSOs, we uphold the principle of innocent until proven guilty. 2. A Misleading Narrative Contrary to the exaggerated picture of “systemic rot” painted by the League, facts on ground show that the present administration has introduced reforms to promote accountability, including: a)Full compliance with external audits and fiscal reporting. b)Adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which has reduced leakages and improved financial discipline. 3) Establishment of procurement monitoring units and anti-corruption desks across MDAs. These are concrete actions that any fair-minded observer cannot ignore. The group also expressed concern over Politicization of Civil Society in Kano. “It is regrettable that the League has abandoned neutrality and chosen to align with partisan interests. True civil society does not serve as a propaganda arm of the political opposition. Reckless and alarmist statements risk scaring away investors, demoralising public servants, and undermining the developmental gains already being achieved in the state” 4. Constructive Engagement, Not Blackmail Accountability requires sober reflection, evidence-based advocacy, and constructive dialogue with institutions—not media trials or sensational headlines. The patriotic CSOs said it is evident that, the government of Kano State has consistently maintained an open door policy for engagement with genuine civil society actors, encouraging the League to use these platforms instead of playing to the gallery. “OUR STAND AS PATRIOTIC CSOs 1. Due Process is Ongoing: The allegations remain under investigation, and it is reckless to hastily pass judgment before any court pronouncement. 2. Zero-Tolerance for Corruption by the Administration: The government has strengthened public procurement, treasury management, and digital payments to reduce malpractices. 3. Isolated Allegations, Not Government Policy: The acts of a few individuals under probe cannot be generalised to indict an entire administration. 4. On Development and Partnerships: Contrary to claims of lost confidence, Kano continues to attract investors and international partners in agriculture, education, and infrastructure. The 87 groups further explained that, genuine CSOs should pursue fairness, patriotism, and fact-based advocacy rather than unverified claims that weaken democracy. “CSOs, NGOs and CBOs operating in Kano State should utilise available accountability platforms and networks in the state covering various sectors (education, health, environment, budget etc.) to transparently engage state government and it’s institutions” The group then called on the good people of Kano State to remain calm, discerning, and not be swayed by desperate attempts to create panic and distrust in governance. “We urge the anti-graft agencies to continue their constitutional duties without fear or favour, but equally without yielding to media sensationalism or political manipulation” “We advise civil society platforms in Kano to embrace responsible engagement, guided by facts and constructive partnership with government rather than partisan-driven activism”. “We reaffirm our support for the government’s reforms and urge all citizens to join hands in preserving peace, stability, and development in Kano State” It explained that, Kano State is not “at a crossroads” as sensationally claimed, but rather, the state is on a clear path of reform, modernization, and inclusive development under a leadership committed to transparency and accountability. No amount of blackmail or propaganda will derail the vision for a prosperous and united Kano. “It is important to note that the so-called League of CSOs Coalition has demonstrated an inability to properly coordinate itself. This is evident as two or more individuals have openly issued disclaimers, stating that they were not part of the press release and have dissociated themselves from it.” The Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations therefore rejects the biased and politically motivated statement of the League of CSOs and reaffirms its commitment to defending truth, justice, and the collective interest of the people of Kano State”. Below are the groups that endorsed this position S/N Name Organization 1 Farouk Umar Citizens for Development and Education (CDE) 2 Peter Hassan Tijani Network for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEDIN) 3 Yahaya A. Yahaya National association of persons with physical disabilities Kano Chapter (NAPWPD) 4 Hassan Ibrahim Gama. Masses First International Organization -MFI 5 Wali Ado Rano Voice of the Hopeful Enlightenment and Development Initiative (VOHEDI)

I feel compelled to address recent claims circulated by the Kano State Government that seek to link former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to alleged financial misappropriation, corruption, and misconduct. These assertions, specifically regarding the supposed overspending through the Protocol Directorate and claims of land grabbing, are politically motivated, misleading, and entirely untrue. Governor Ganduje completed his tenure with integrity, diligence, and a steadfast commitment to the people of Kano State. Related: Kano Govt Denies N6.5bn Diversion Allegation, But Activist Abba Hikma Demands Probe Throughout his administration, he prioritized governance, development, and the welfare of citizens, ensuring that all state resources were managed responsibly, transparently, and within established legal and procedural frameworks. It is crucial to emphasize the following points: The claim that Governor Ganduje misappropriated funds through the Protocol Directorate is unfounded. All activities coordinated through this office were administrative in nature, conducted according to law, and strictly within the scope of state-approved budgets. Any attempt to suggest otherwise distorts the facts and misrepresents the nature of state governance under his administration. Read Also: Ganduje Foundation Expands Community Outreach With New Mosques, Schools in Kano References to alleged scandals are false and politically charged. Governor Ganduje’s service record shows decades of dedication to Kano State, and using such narratives to attack his legacy is an act of misinformation designed to mislead the public and distract from genuine governance issues. During his tenure, Governor Ganduje maintained policies and systems aimed at protecting public assets and ensuring proper land administration. Assertions that land grabbing or asset misappropriation were regular practices under his leadership are entirely inaccurate. These claims unfairly tarnish the reputation of a leader whose administration was committed to the lawful and transparent management of state resources. Governor Ganduje’s legacy is defined by transparency, accountability, and public service. He served the people of Kano State faithfully, leaving behind programs, policies, and structures that continue to benefit citizens. Any attempt to associate him with contemporary misconduct or misdeeds of the current administration is baseless and politically motivated. It is therefore imperative that the public, media, and political actors refrain from using Governor Ganduje’s name for political attacks, propaganda, or misinformation. If there are genuine concerns or allegations against any government, there exist proper legal and institutional channels to investigate them responsibly. Dragging the name of a former leader into these narratives is both unjust and misleading. In conclusion, Governor Ganduje’s tenure remains a testament to integrity, dedication, and service to the people. His contributions to Kano State and Nigeria at large are substantial and enduring. The falsehoods circulating today will not diminish his legacy, nor should they distract citizens from recognizing the achievements and standards he set for governance. Let this statement serve as a clear reminder: stop using Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s name for political attacks or personal agendas. Comrade Mohammed Garba