By Dr. Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf
The recent allegations of suspected civil society organizations engaging in illicit activities, including LGBT practices in Kano and serious concerns about the sources of funding for the terrorist group Boko Haram, have raised grave concerns about the integrity of some international donors and the potential threat to state and national security.
The introduction of measures to profile International Donor Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) by the Kano State Government is a timely and necessary development. We hope other states will follow suit.
We strongly commend the proactive efforts of the Kano State Government, particularly Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Security Agencies in Kano, the Hon. Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Umar Faruq, and all High-Powered Committee Members of KNSG on Profiling of NGOs and Donor Organizations, for taking these bold steps.
This will give a clear picture of who is on board, what they have been doing before, and what they are formed to do.
We recognize the importance of ensuring that our organizations operate with transparency, accountability, and integrity. We appreciate the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Nigerian people.
We urge all well-meaning individuals and organizations to join the Kano state government in this effort to rescue civil society in Kano and Nigeria from those who seek to destroy it.
We must promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and good governance in the civil society sector. We will never tolerate any foreign funds attached with conditions against the rules of our state and nation.
It’s high time CSOs and NGOs in Nigeria diversified their funding sources, without relying on international funding. This will ensure their sustainability and integrity.
Again, we appreciate the government’s efforts to protect our nation from external influences that may serve as a threat to compromise the state and national security and values.
Comrade Yusuf is Director-General, International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS)
