Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, the Executive Director of Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), has dismissed claims of his suspension from the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) as baseless and unconstitutional.
In a press statement released through his media aide, Bahir A. Bashir, Waiya criticized the actions of the KCSF Board of Trustees (BOT), led by Professor Mohammad Tabiu, describing them as overreaching and lacking legal merit.
The suspension, allegedly announced by Alhaji Hamisu Isa Sherifai, who identified himself as the BOT Secretary, was reported widely on social media. However, Waiya questioned the legality of the BOT’s decision, asserting that the KCSF constitution does not grant the BOT executive powers to suspend registered members. Such authority, he stated, lies solely with the Executive Council, contingent upon a thorough investigation and recommendation.
Waiya attributed the purported suspension to his opposition to what he termed a “kangaroo election” conducted by the BOT to select new KCSF leadership. He alleged that the election, involving fewer than 50 organizations out of over 200 registered members, lacked transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. “The exercise was a total shame and a dent on the civil society sector,” he remarked.
He further accused the BOT of being ignorant of the organization’s constitution and overstepping their advisory role. “It is unfortunate that the BOT is blinded by desperation to plant a leadership structure, disregarding the outcry of the majority of members who were disenfranchised,” Waiya said. He highlighted that the legitimacy of the BOT-endorsed leadership is already under judicial review.
Emphasizing his commitment to justice and due process, Waiya assured his supporters that the purported suspension would be challenged in court. He urged patriotic members of KCSF, as well as his associates and partners nationwide, to remain calm and disregard the “calculated and negative propaganda” against him.
“The development of Kano, the North, and Nigeria remains my priority. This evilly conceived action will not distract me from pursuing justice for marginalized and excluded members of KCSF,” Waiya declared.
The statement concluded by reiterating Waiya’s commitment to law, fairness, and the principles of civil society advocacy, stating that the suspension letter holds no merit and is an affront to the values of the organization.