Vice President Kashim Shettima has made a brave and well timed enchantment to the political management of Kano State, urging them to put aside their variations for the better good of the state. Throughout a current condolence go to to the household of the late Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, Shettima emphasised the pressing want for reconciliation among the many state’s political factions, notably between former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. His heartfelt plea for these leaders to “put down their political swords” and prioritize the collective pursuits of Kano highlights a crucial second for a area that has traditionally been a beacon of peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.
Kano State has lengthy led the way in which in peace advocacy throughout the northern area, serving as a mannequin for coexistence and dialogue amongst various communities. Its wealthy cultural heritage, underscored by robust household values and respect for elders, has historically fostered a way of unity and collective duty. Nonetheless, the continued political rivalry has not solely eroded this legacy however has additionally led to an alarming improve in indiscipline and a marked decline within the respect for elders—rules which have been cardinal to the state’s identification. This deterioration of societal norms has created an surroundings the place the establishment of the household, particularly the Kano royalty, as soon as a cornerstone of stability, is now below vital pressure. The very material that held it and the society it leads has begun to unravel, leaving people and Kano susceptible to the divisive ways of outsiders who exploit these fractures for their very own egocentric agenda.
The rivalry between Dr. Umar Ganduje and former Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has intensified political tensions to the detriment of the state’s socio-economic panorama. Traders and retailers, as soon as desperate to capitalize on Kano’s vibrant markets, now strategy with warning, cautious of the violence and insecurity which have change into all too widespread. Experiences of thuggery, violent clashes, and petty crime contribute to an environment of concern, main many potential traders to withdraw or rethink their plans. This retreat not solely stifles financial development but in addition jeopardizes the livelihoods of native merchants who rely on the patronage of tourists to maintain their companies.
Furthermore, the protracted energy tussle between the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who has the backing of the state authorities, and the fifteenth Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, backed by safety and people on the facetious additional complicate the political panorama. This battle has not solely polarized Kano however has additionally strengthened a notion of instability that’s detrimental to each *state, society and economic system*.
The Emirship rivalry displays deeper societal divisions, distracting consideration from the urgent points that require collective motion for the development of Kano. As an alternative of specializing in financial improvement, schooling, and infrastructure, the neighborhood finds itself embroiled in a wrestle that diverts vitality and assets away from extra constructive pursuits.
Sadly, in a brand new twist of occasion Kashim Shettima’s current enchantment for unity in Kano State has been considerably undermined by the controversial appointment of Sanusi Ado Bayero as the brand new Galadiman Kano by his brother, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. This appointment, made with out the official approval of state authorities, has been extensively perceived as a disrespectful transfer that disregards Shettima’s name for calm and reconciliation among the many state’s political factions.
His heartfelt plea was a name to motion for leaders to “put down their political swords” and deal with fostering peace in a area that has traditionally been a mannequin of stability in Northern Nigeria. Nonetheless, Aminu Ado Bayero’s determination to nominate his brother Sanusi Ado Bayero to this prestigious title starkly contradicts this message, demonstrating a troubling insensitivity to the pressing want for unity in Kano.
This appointment, formalized in a letter dated April 21, 2025, and signed by an alleged senior administrative officer of the “Kano Emirate Council”, was made following a gathering presided over by Emir Aminu on April 16, 2025. The timing of this determination is especially vital, because it comes simply weeks after the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II appointed Alhaji Mannir Sanusi as Galadiman Kano on April 9, 2025, following the dying of the earlier titleholder. This parallel appointment highlights the deepening divisions throughout the Kano Emirate and raises questions in regards to the legitimacy of Aminu Ado Bayero’s actions, particularly given that he’s the primary to disregard the Vice President’s name for unity, amongst all stakeholders.
The appointment of Sanusi Ado Bayero with out the required approvals from state authorities is seen as an try to impose private pursuits over the collective wants of Kano. This transfer not solely undermines the authority of the Vice President but in addition exacerbates the present political tensions which have led to elevated violence and insecurity within the area. Many observers view this motion as a problem to the collaborative governance that Shettima advocates, additional alienating key stakeholders and reinforcing perceptions of instability that deter funding and financial development in Kano.
Furthermore, Aminu Ado Bayero enjoys extra safety than any Kano citizen, whom are confronted with cellphone snatching, and clashes between numerous thugs, however the Nasarawa Palace the place he resides enjoys over 10 Police autos barricading entry and exist of the Palace, simply within the title of defending Aminu Ado Bayero. As an alternative of specializing in constructive pursuits, the neighborhood finds itself embroiled in a wrestle for energy that detracts from the urgent want for peace and stability.
On this context, now’s the time for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to take a daring step by using the committee he has established to ask former governors and their deputies to come back collectively. This initiative may facilitate the reconciliation that Shettima advocates, permitting these influential leaders to collaboratively handle the urgent points going through Kano. Moreover, reviving the Kano Elders Discussion board would supply a platform for revered figures to mediate discussions and restore respect for conventional authority, which has been critically undermined lately.
Moreover, it’s crucial that the continued Emir disaster is resolved swiftly. The division between the police drive and the governor’s workplace should even be addressed to foster a extra cohesive strategy to governance and safety within the state. Which is what Bayero and his cosponsors are utilizing to disrupt the state. The mutual respect and cooperation between these entities are important for restoring stability and guaranteeing that Kano can reclaim its position as a frontrunner in peace advocacy throughout the northern area.
The best way ahead embody, the necessity for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ought to convene a summit involving former governors and their deputies to foster dialogue and collaboration geared toward unifying the political panorama.
Revitalization of the Kano Elders Discussion board, by bringing collectively revered neighborhood leaders to mediate discussions and reinforce the significance of respect for elders and conventional authorities.
Moreover is the encouraging grassroots participation in decision-making processes to make sure that the voices of all residents are heard and thought of within the quest for unity and improvement.
In conclusion, Kashim Shettima’s name for unity very important and vital step towards therapeutic and progress in Kano State. By prioritizing collaboration, respect, and dialogue, Kano can reclaim its standing as a thriving hub of commerce and tradition in Northern Nigeria, guaranteeing that the values of respect, self-discipline, and neighborhood will not be solely preserved however strengthened for future generations.
Mr Dawakin Kudu could be reached at suleimanasuleiman476@gmail.com
