A civil society group, the Societal Based Initiative for Rights, Peace and Development (SOBIRPED), has urged the Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF) to adopt a more balanced and impartial approach in its interventions on the Kano Emirate dispute.
SOBIRPED made the call in a rejoinder to KPCF’s open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on peace, tolerance and the lingering dispute over the Kano Emirate.
In the rejoinder signed by its immediate past spokesperson, Amb. MK Adam, SOBIRPED said peace in Kano State must be built on truth, fairness, impartiality and equal accountability for all parties.
While commending KPCF for advocating peaceful coexistence and condemning political violence, intimidation and destruction of property, SOBIRPED said some aspects of the coalition’s statement required further clarification and factual verification.
SOBIRPED specifically disputed the description of a recent movement involving the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, as a Durbar.
The rejoinder.
REJOINDER TO THE PRESS RELEASE (OPEN LETTER), TO HIS EXCELLENCY, MR PRESIDENT BY THE KANO PATRIOTIC CSOs COALITION FORUM (KPCF) ON PEACE, TOLERANCE AND THE KANO EMIRATE DISPUTE.
Peace in Kano Must Be Built on Truth, Fairness and Impartiality
We have read with keen interest the press release issued by the Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF) concerning the prevailing political and social tensions in Kano State, particularly those surrounding the Kano Emirate dispute.
We commend the coalition for recognising the urgent need for peace, tolerance, restraint and peaceful coexistence in Kano. We equally agree that inflammatory statements, political violence, intimidation and destruction of property should have no place in our society. Kano is a historic centre of commerce, religion, culture and peaceful coexistence, and all stakeholders must work collectively to preserve this heritage.
However, while supporting the coalition’s call for peace, we consider it necessary to draw attention to certain aspects of its press release that appear to require further clarification, factual verification and a more balanced approach. The credibility of civil society organisations depends not only on their commitment to peace but also on their ability to demonstrate fairness, independence and consistency when addressing sensitive public issues.
1. The Need for Factual Accuracy Regarding the Alleged Durbar
The press release refers to a recent Durbar allegedly organised by the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, during which political banners and billboards were reportedly destroyed.
We wish to clarify that, according to the information available to us, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero was on his way to attend a Qur’anic graduation ceremony at Yakasai and was not organising a Durbar as alleged.
This distinction is important because a Durbar is a recognised traditional event with its own customary significance and organisation. Describing an individual’s movement to attend a religious ceremony as an organised Durbar, without adequate verification, risks misleading the public and reinforcing an already tense political narrative.
We respectfully urge KPCF and other civil society organisations to verify information thoroughly before issuing public statements, especially on matters capable of heightening tensions. Civil society organisations must distinguish themselves through responsible advocacy, not reproduce the unverified narratives that frequently characterise partisan political communication.
2. Impartiality in Addressing Statements by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi
We note the coalition’s concern over the statement attributed to Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba.
Nevertheless, a balanced assessment should consider the context in which the statement was made. The position advanced by those raising concerns is that his remarks were reactionary, arising from what they regard as repeated departures from the directives and established order of the Kano State Government by the other faction in the Emirate dispute.
Whether or not one agrees with his response, an impartial organisation should examine the events leading to the statement rather than condemn one person’s reaction while failing to scrutinise the conduct that allegedly provoked it.
We do not advocate inflammatory language or provocative conduct by any traditional figure. Rather, we insist that the same standard of accountability must apply to everyone. Peace cannot be sustained through selective condemnation.
3. Consistency in Condemning the Destruction or Removal of Political Banners
The coalition has expressed concern over the reported destruction of banners and billboards bearing the identities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
We agree that the destruction of campaign materials and political property is unacceptable and should be investigated. However, it is pertinent to ask whether the coalition previously issued a similar condemnation when allegations emerged that opposition campaign banners were removed or destroyed.
If such incidents occurred, did KPCF investigate them, condemn them or call for the prosecution of those responsible?
These questions are not raised to justify the destruction of any political banner. They are intended to establish whether the coalition applies the same principles to all political interests. The protection of political expression and property must not depend on the identity, party affiliation or influence of the affected person.
4. The Pending Supreme Court Matter and the Responsibility of All Parties.
We understand that the Kano Emirate dispute remains before the Supreme Court and that the parties have been directed to maintain the status quo. The precise terms and continuing effect of any relevant court orders should guide all public discussion and action.
In this circumstance, every party has a responsibility to respect the judicial process and refrain from actions that could undermine the court’s authority or provoke confrontation.
Concerns have also been raised about the continued public presentation of one claimant as the undisputed Emir while the dispute remains unresolved, as well as reports of previous confrontations associated with the wider crisis that allegedly resulted in loss of lives.
We therefore ask: Has the coalition consistently addressed these concerns? Has it called upon all parties to exercise restraint and respect the applicable court directives? Has it equally condemned conduct by whichever faction is alleged to have breached the peace?
These questions deserve objective answers. The call for peace must extend to every party, without exception.
5. Civil Society Must Remain Independent of Political and Traditional Interests.
Civil society organisations occupy an important position in democratic society. Their strength lies in their independence, credibility and willingness to speak truth to power, regardless of whose interests may be affected.
When an organisation condemns the conduct of one side but appears silent about comparable conduct by another, it risks creating the impression of political or factional alignment. Such perceptions undermine public confidence and weaken the collective effort to prevent conflict.
We therefore urge KPCF and all other civil society coalitions to review their approach and ensure that their public interventions are guided by verified facts, balanced analysis and equal standards of accountability.
Our Position and Recommendations
We reaffirm our support for peace, tolerance, respect for the rule of law and peaceful coexistence in Kano State.
Accordingly, we call on:
All parties in the Kano Emirate dispute to respect the applicable court orders and refrain from provocative conduct.
Traditional rulers, political leaders and their supporters to avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of inciting violence.
Security agencies to investigate credible allegations of violence, destruction of property and unlawful possession or display of firearms, while respecting due process.
Civil society organisations to verify information before publication and condemn violations consistently, irrespective of the identity of those responsible.
KPCF to clarify the factual basis of its description of the reported Yakasai journey as a Durbar and demonstrate that its peace advocacy applies equally to all parties.
All stakeholders to allow the judicial process to run its course and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Conclusion
Peace is not achieved by condemning one side while overlooking the conduct of another. True peace requires truth, fairness, restraint and equal accountability.
Kano deserves civil society organisations that act as impartial guardians of public interest, not voices perceived to favour one faction over another. Our collective responsibility is to prevent further tension, protect lives and property, and preserve the dignity and unity of the Kano people.
Let peace reign in Kano, but let it be a peace founded on truth, justice, fairness and impartiality.
Excellency Amb Mk Adam,
Global Diplomat,
Societal Based Initiative For Rights, Peace and Development (SOBIRPED),
Immediate past spokesperson, Kano Civil Society Forum.
