Kano Civil Society Forum Crisis: Waiya Challenges BOT’s Authority, Calls for Justice
The internal tensions within the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) have escalated, as Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, Executive Director of Citizens for Development and Education (CDE) has rejected his purported suspension by the Forum’s Board of Trustees (BOT).
Waiya, in a strongly worded statement, described the BOT’s action as unconstitutional, accusing them of overstepping their boundaries and failing to adhere to the organization’s foundational principles.
The controversy arose following a press release reportedly signed by Alhaji Hamisu Isa Sherifai, acting as the BOT Secretary under Prof. Mohammad Tabiu’s leadership.
The release claimed that Waiya had been suspended from KCSF membership. However, Waiya dismissed this as “misguided propaganda” designed to undermine his stance on transparency and accountability within the organization.
At the heart of the matter is Waiya’s opposition to what he labeled a “kangaroo election” organized by the BOT.
According to Waiya, the election, which allegedly saw participation from fewer than 50 out of 200 registered member organizations, was neither inclusive nor credible.
He accused the BOT of endorsing a flawed process, further alienating and marginalizing a significant portion of the membership.
“This election lacked accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and acceptability,” Waiya stated. “It was a total shame and a dent on the integrity of the civil society sector.”
Waiya also accused the BOT of disregarding the KCSF constitution, which he argued clearly outlines their limited role in the organization’s management.
According to him, the BOT does not possess the executive authority to suspend a registered member without a recommendation from the Executive Council, following thorough investigations.
“It is rather unfortunate that the BOT has yet to comprehend the content of the KCSF constitution, much less appreciate their powers and limitations,” he noted.
The embattled civil society leader signaled his intent to challenge the suspension in court, citing violations of his right to fair hearing.
He criticized the BOT for acting with desperation to impose a leadership structure that disregards the majority of members’ concerns.
In his statement, Waiya appealed to KCSF members, partners, and the general public to remain calm and disregard what he called “calculated misinformation and campaigns of calumny.”
He reiterated his commitment to justice, inclusivity, and the development of Kano, the North, and Nigeria as a whole.
“The purported suspension holds no water and is a desperate attempt to intimidate those who fight for justice,” Waiya declared.
The statement was signed by Bahir A. Bashir, Media Aide to Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, who reaffirmed Waiya’s peaceful and law-abiding disposition, while emphasizing his determination to uphold fairness and transparency.
As the crisis unfolds, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings and whether the KCSF leadership can resolve its internal rift to restore credibility and unity within the Forum.