Kano: Yusuf, Ganduje at war over security outfit proposal

By Ayox Ojo

Kano governor Abba Yusuf and his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, are at war over alleged plan to recruit 12,000 personnel outfit to tackle the worsening security situation in the state.

This followed call by Kano State Executive Council call for Ganduje’s arrest over what it described as “inciting and reckless” comments about the security situation in the state on Friday.

The executive council made the demand after it declared that recent remarks credited to Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin over the security situation in the state.

Barau and Ganduje had reportedly said they will recruit 12,000 personnel into a proposed religious police outfit known as Khairul Nas to tackle the growing wave of attacks by bandits in parts of the state.

However, Kano Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya told journalists on Friday that the the comments were dangerous and capable of undermining ongoing security interventions by both the state and federal authorities.

“The remarks made by the former governor were not only inciting but also reckless,” Waiya said. “They are capable of undermining the collective efforts of the state government and the Federal Government in addressing security challenges.”

He also claimed that,less than 48 hours after the comments were made, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the state—an incident it said “raised questions on whether the remarks were premeditated or linked to the attack.”

“We don’t know what Ganduje meant with those statements. So we are therefore calling for his arrest. He must be investigated because we cannot afford to watch him destabilise our peace in the state.”

He affirmed that no individual will be allowed to “create an illegal militia under any guise” in the state while warning public office holders and political figures to avoid making statements that could incite unrest.

However, in his reaction, Ganduje said call for arrest over alleged plan to establish a militia group was politically motivated and unfounded.

The former APC Chairman, in a statement signed by Edwin Olofu, his Chief Press Secretary, Ganduje said the call for his arrest was “reckless, baseless, and a clear reflection of the Kano State Governor’s desperation and incompetence.”

He also claimed Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration represents “an abdication of responsibility by a leader who has consistently failed to secure the lives and property of the people of Kano State”.

He accused the state government of ignoring the rising insecurity in several local government areas.

Ganduje noted that communities such as Bagwai, Shanono and Tsanyawa had suffered security breaches without receiving attention from the governor.

“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” the statement read.

“At a time when communities… are living in fear, the governor has neither visited nor shown empathy toward the victims,” Ganduje added. “His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve.”

Ganduje added that he has never been associated with violence nor linked to any act that undermines the peace and stability of Kano State.

Rather, he noted that his eight-year tenure was marked by security and stability.

“He ensured the state remained secure for eight uninterrupted years, earning national commendation for maintaining peace and safeguarding lives and property,” the statement said.

He added that his record contrast with the “current administration’s ineptitude and lack of direction.”

Ganduje advised Governor Yusuf to focus on his constitutional duty of protecting Kano residents instead of engaging in political theatrics and peddling unfounded allegations”.

“Leadership is demonstrated through purposeful action, responsibility, and compassion—not through press conferences and issuing frivolous statements aimed at diverting public attention from one’s failures,” Ganduje stated.