Kano Emirate Dispute: MK Adam Urges CSOs to Uphold Truth, Fairness
Source: Independent post
A global diplomat and immediate past spokesperson of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Ambassador MK Adam, has called on civil society organisations to demonstrate impartiality, factual accuracy and equal accountability in their interventions on the Kano Emirate dispute.
Adam, who is associated with the Societal Based Initiative for Rights, Peace and Development (SOBIRPED), made the call in a rejoinder to an open letter issued by the Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on peace, tolerance and the lingering Kano Emirate crisis.
While commending KPCF for advocating peace, restraint and peaceful coexistence, he cautioned that civil society organisations must ensure that their public statements are based on verified facts and balanced assessments, particularly on sensitive issues capable of escalating political and social tensions.
He stressed that Kano, as a historic centre of commerce, religion and culture, requires the collective commitment of political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society groups and other stakeholders to preserve peace and prevent further confrontation.
On the reported Durbar allegedly organised by the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, during which political banners and billboards were reportedly destroyed, Adam disputed the description, stating that information available to him indicated that the former Emir was on his way to attend a Qur’anic graduation ceremony in Yakasai.
He argued that describing the journey as an organised Durbar without adequate verification could mislead the public and worsen tensions surrounding the emirate dispute.
The diplomat therefore urged KPCF and other civil society organisations to exercise due diligence before publishing statements on contentious matters, noting that responsible advocacy requires distinguishing verified information from partisan narratives.
Adam also called for impartiality in the assessment of remarks attributed to Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, arguing that a fair evaluation should consider the circumstances surrounding the statement rather than condemn one party without examining the wider context.
He, however, emphasised that he did not support inflammatory language or provocative conduct by any traditional figure, insisting that accountability must apply equally to all parties.
On the alleged destruction of political banners and billboards bearing the identities of President Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Adam said such acts were unacceptable and should be investigated.
He questioned whether the coalition had demonstrated similar concern over previous allegations involving the removal or destruction of opposition campaign materials, stressing that the protection of political expression and property should not depend on party affiliation or the status of those affected.
Addressing the legal dimension of the emirate dispute, Adam urged all parties to respect applicable court orders and allow the judicial process to run its course.
He said public discussion and actions concerning the dispute should be guided by the precise terms of relevant court directives, warning against conduct capable of undermining judicial authority or triggering confrontation.
He also called on civil society organisations to scrutinise allegations against all sides consistently, including reports of confrontations and other incidents associated with the crisis.
According to him, selective condemnation could create the impression that a civil society organisation is aligned with a particular political interest or faction, thereby undermining its credibility and public trust.
Adam further urged security agencies to investigate credible allegations of violence, destruction of property and unlawful possession or display of firearms, while ensuring that due process is respected.
He called on traditional rulers, political leaders and their supporters to avoid inflammatory statements and provocative actions capable of inciting violence.
The statement also urged KPCF to clarify the factual basis for its description of the reported journey to Yakasai as a Durbar and demonstrate that its advocacy for peace applies equally to all parties involved in the dispute.
Adam reaffirmed his commitment to peace, tolerance, the rule of law and peaceful coexistence in Kano State, maintaining that lasting peace could only be achieved through truth, justice, fairness and equal accountability.
“Kano deserves civil society organisations that act as impartial guardians of the public interest, not voices perceived to favour one faction over another,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to prioritise the protection of lives and property, preserve the dignity and unity of the people of Kano, and avoid taking the law into their own hands while the judicial process continues.
