Leadership tussle dogs Kano CSOs forum
BoT calls for status quo
There is a brewing leadership crisis in the affairs of the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF)—a coalition of over 100 Civil Society Organisations operating in the state as some parties threw challenges to the Ibrahim Waiya-led Executives accused of violating laws and processes.
The civil society and pro-democracy organizations in Kano State formed the KCSF in the year 2012 to promote democracy, human rights, good governance and peace and security in Kano State and Nigeria at large.
In what started as a social media punch, Daily Trust Saturday observed that some interested parties began challenging the status of the leadership which is said to have existed for seven years.
Recently, a party called the Concerned Members of the Forum expressed concern regarding what they termed as violations of democratic principles and fundamental tenets of good governance by the present interim leadership of the KCSF and thereby dissolve the interim leadership.
The issues
A statement issued and signed by three signatories; the Chairman, Abdullahi Y. Sule, Adeniyi Aremu as Secretary and Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq., Organising Secretary, said there is a blatant disregard for the mandate given to the interim leadership to facilitate democratic elections within a stipulated time frame of six months, which has unfortunately extended to an astonishing seven years.
“The failure of the interim leadership to conduct elections and pave the way for democratically elected executive leaders in KCSF raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the commitment to democratic representation within the Forum. Hence, we the Concerned Members of KCSF firmly believe in upholding democratic ideals and providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard, as this is the cornerstone of a vibrant civil society.
“We have witnessed several instances of flagrant abuse of power by the interim leadership. One alarming issue that has surfaced is the forceful removal of members from the central WhatsApp group of the Forum due to dissenting views. This authoritarian approach not only stifles freedom of expression but also undermines the essence of a civil society coalition meant to foster dialogue, inclusivity, and respect for diverse opinions.
“We have also witnessed inconsistencies and contradictions between the interim leadership and the Board of Trustees (BOT). For instance, in a meeting of the Concerned Members of KCSF with the BOT, the BOT Chair mentioned not being aware of the establishment of any electoral committee, instead, the BOT had only constituted an Election Strategy Committee – with the mandate to recommend the most appropriate strategy for conducting election for the Forum. This is against the information currently being circulated by the interim leadership of the establishment of the Electoral Committee by the BOT which according to the interim leadership were sworn in on the 23rd of August 2023.”
It added that the inconsistency and contradiction between the BOT and the interim leadership is considered unacceptable by the concerned members.
Worrisome as well is the fact that the interim leadership has consistently made reference to the KCSF constitution, noting that the constitution is a draft and yet to be adopted by the Congress. Thus, its provisions are not yet binding until adopted at a Congress.
“Additionally, we note with great concern the growing partisanship demonstrated by the interim leadership, which violates the core principle of impartiality and neutrality that should define a civil society coalition. The role of a civil society forum is to work collaboratively with government institutions, advocate for good governance, and provide an inclusive space for open dialogue between citizens and policymakers. Partisanship erodes the legitimacy and credibility of our collective efforts to hold those in power accountable.
“The implications of these violations are far-reaching and concerning. The absence of democratic representation within KCSF undermines its credibility, weakens its advocacy capacity, and hampers its ability to effectively champion the rights of citizens.
It erodes public trust and dilutes the impact of civil society organisations in advancing democratic governance and promoting social justice.
“In light of these violations, and considering that the power of the Forum lies in the Congress, we the Concerned Members of KCSF hereby dissolve the interim leadership of the KCSF under the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya and call on the BOT to facilitate the process for Congress Meeting where democratically elected Executives shall emerge.”
Subsequently, the Concerned Members urged the BOT to call the said interim leadership under Ibrahim Waiya to order; to desist from parading themselves as the ‘Leadership’ of the Forum while calling on the ‘General Public’ to desist from having any official engagement with the said Interim Leadership under Ibrahim Waiya, saying all official engagements should be directed to the KCSF BOT pending when the KCSF establishes an elected executive leadership.
Waiya-led leadership still in charge – BoT
The Board of Trustees of the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) has pointed out that the incumbent leadership of the Forum led by Ibrahim Waiya is still in charge of affairs.
A statement signed by the Secretary Board of Trustees, Hamisu Isa Sharifai, said the attention of the board has been drawn to a press release reportedly issued by three individuals who call themselves “Concerned Members” of the KCSF.
“The BOT wishes to inform all members of the Forum and the general public that under the KCSF Constitution there is no such recognized body as ‘Concerned Members’ that can exercise the powers of the Congress (which consists of over one hundred organizations) or the BOT.
“On the issue of the on-coming Excos election, as you all know the BOT set up a committee three weeks ago on arrangements for the elections, which will take place shortly. This is in accordance with the timetable for the reinvigoration of Kano Civil
Society Forum that the Congress adopted. The timetable has included a revalidation of membership exercise which has just been concluded.
“Under the circumstances, the BOT directs that the management team of the KCSF under the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya, should continue to do so, and the constituted Electoral Committee should go on with the arrangements for the elections.”
The Board of Trustees called on all members who are truly concerned with the progress of the Forum to stand together as a united body, so that the elections can hold in strict compliance with the KCSF Constitution.
“Let us all remain resolute in pursuing the ideals of justice, good democratic practice and societal progress that brought us together.”
Will not contest the election – Waiya
When contacted, the embattled president, Ibrahim Waiya, described the issue as ‘witch hunt’ and revealed that he is no longer interested in the leadership of the forum and therefore will not contest in the forthcoming election.
“What’s the concern of these people? One of the fundamental concerns is that you want election in the forum, fine, an election committee has been set up. What you need to do is to get yourself prepared and ready to contest.
“We held a zoom Congress meeting; we (myself and my secretary, Peter) publicly during the meeting, told the Congress that Waiya and Peter are not interested in contesting elections which means we do not have any interest. What else are you interested about?
“We have done the best we could for the forum and let another person continue. I know what I did for the forum, its history cannot be written without my name. It’s going to be sounding like the rain when there is so much cloud in the sky and nobody can erase it. I was the first person to give KCSF a face as a legal entity. That is enough to say that yes, I have done enough.”