Muhsin Ibrahim
Kano politics is often amusing, at other times bemusing, and sometimes upsetting. While following politics, I learn a lot about human character, particularly our fickleness when it comes to loyalty and love. It’s a famous political saying that there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies. It is also said that betrayal is its hallmark. Hence, many people see politics as murky water that can quickly leave one stained once one enters it. Kano politics typifies all this and more. I believe that Kano politics can serve as a microcosm of world politics. Political scientists know better.
Historically, no governor in Nigeria truly wants his deputy to succeed him for what eventually goes and comes. We are all witnesses to what happened in Zamfara state between Sen. Ahmed Yarima and his deputy, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi (MAS). In Kano, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau’s two deputies, Engr. Magaji Abdullahi and Engr. Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo tried to succeed him, but he refused to approve of their candidatures, and what followed is now history. When Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje tried his luck, then Governor Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso supported him, though against his will, according to some accounts. And that’s it. Dr Ganduje is now the executive Governor of Kano State.
I don’t know, or should I say I am not sure, but it’s common knowledge for all that Kwankwaso, a senator now, is, by nature, bossy and possesses an extreme go-getter attitude. He’s also blessed with oratory skills, although that often lands him in controversy, which appeals to the youths. I can recall that in 2011, I asked a friend why he so much wanted to vote for Kwankwaso. His response put me off, for he didn’t have any substantial reason. He said that liking Kwankwaso was simply the vogue, and he would not want to miss the trend.
A few days back, I sided with Kwankwaso on the tussle in question that originated from his supposed condolence visit to his former deputy over the death of his mother. That was his maiden visit to Kano since he left office on May 29, 2015. What happened, in brief, was that: According to a press release by the state APC chairman, Umar Doguwa, though he later, in a dramatic way, retracted it, some hired youths and thugs who welcomed Kwankwaso at Aminu Kano International Airport vandalised some of the airport property. They also wielded weapons en route to, and in, Ganduje village in an anti-peace, anti-culture and insensitive manner for someone who came for a condolence visit. They again chanted anti-President Buhari slogans, calling on Kwankwaso to replace him in 2019. Kwankwaso denied hiring them and condoning what they did. It could be right, but he is still wrong considering the following reasons:
2) It is rightly said that there can’t be “two kings in a town”. No matter how many supporters Kwankwaso still has – and yes, he has them in multitude – he should know that he’s a “former”; Ganduje is the “present”. Realisation of this indisputable fact will settle a lot of dust in the feud.
3) Kwankwaso could have come to console the Governor without any fanfare had he wanted. He’s not the famous, mysterious flautist, “Sarkin Busa” of Magana Jari Ce of Abubakar Imam. Many other dignitaries, though none is like him, have come and left in peace and silence. He could also control the publicity, at least to a minimum.
And the APC leaders and the government:
1) Should not have seized this avenue to further politicise the whole drama and threaten to sanction the Madugu (Kwankwaso). Allāh made them who they are, but Kwankwaso, their prey, has some credits in that. His popularity, charisma, appeal, and whatnot helped the success of the APC in Kano and even in other states of the Federation. Sen. Shehu Sani has recently acknowledged that.
2) Kwankwaso could be cautioned in a more civil manner, not via this disgraceful manner. His followers are now agitated; some of them feel they are at war with the state government. This is not helpful, not at all.
“Faɗa da aljani ba riba”
That is a famous saying uttered by the staunch Kwankwaso followers. It loosely means “fighting with a jinni, the invincible one, is unrewarding”, personifying him as the jinni. I simply smile (it actually used to be laughter) at that. Look at this continuum in Kano politics, popularity-wise: there was the late Malam Aminu Kano, then late Muhammad Abubakar Rimi, then Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, then Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, then Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (again), and it’s now Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. This is to remind you, stalwarts, that there were other ‘aljanu’ before yours and are now either dead or defeated in the contest. It is said in Hausa, “Sarki goma, zamani goma”, meaning “ten kings, ten eras”. Nobody rules beyond his era. Hence, Kwankwaso’s period has ended. It is now Ganduje’s.
If indeed Kwankwaso was ‘aljani’, as you (plural) put it, why was he defeated at the polls in 2003 by Shekarau, and his anointed candidate, Garba Bichi, too lost to the same man in 2007? Even the legendary Greek figure, Achilles, was not unconquerable. That is why he was killed by an ordinary arrow. Kwankwaso, too, is, after all, beatable. Ganduje may also defeat him.
I am not disparaging Madugu, far from it. But I am just as realistic as usual. Kwankwaso is not that indomitable, please understand that. Ganduje holds the power of incumbency, and that’s already at work, as we have started seeing 34 of the 40 members of the Kano House of Assembly drop their symbolic red caps to register their allegiance to him. Thus, the best thing for the duo and, of course, for the state, is reconciliation. They should act gentlemanly and shame their meddlers who profit from the tussle.
To the diehard Kwankwasonians, please stop this hero-worshipping thing. Your man is wrong for many things. To staunch Gandujiyyans, don’t be so ungrateful. You ought not to forget that should Ganduje unearth the wrongdoings of the past government, he cannot be exonerated, for he was part and parcel of it. Why didn’t he expose that earlier? Hypocrisy? Answer it yourself.
Is President Buhari involved?
No, not in any way. He has, however, been so brazenly criticised and made a scapegoat by the fanatical Kwankwaso followers. My immediate younger brother is one of them. That is very wrong, heedless and uncalled for. PMB has no hands in Kano politics; he just cannot have it, for he would not profit from it. He also did not stop Kwankwaso from becoming the president. It is not his time now, and perhaps forever. Who knows? Buhari too tried thrice before he finally succeeded.
All in all, the whole scenario doesn’t look promising for APC, and, by and large, for Kano State. Conflict takes away whatever peace grants people. I thus wish to see this face-off settled, and settled forever without any vendettas in later days. I would really love to see everyone calm. Kwankwaso should know who he really is and outline his boundaries. Ganduje and co. should never look down upon Kwankwaso, for he is still a power to reckon with.
God bless my state, Kano and my country, Nigeria – amin.
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