A coalition of more than 200 civil society groups in Kano has moved to distance itself from a recent anti-corruption protest in the state, dismissing the demonstration as unrepresentative of the broader civic community and affirming its support for government-led transparency measures.
In a statement signed by its convener, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, and co-convener, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, the Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (PCCSOs) said the protest, which was organized under the banner of the Forum of Kano CSOs Against Corruption, lacked legitimacy and misled the public.
“The so-called ‘Forum of Kano CSOs Against Corruption’ is not a recognized coalition within the Kano CSO family,” the statement read. “Their protest does not represent the collective position of the civil society community in Kano State. It is misleading to claim to speak for ‘the people of Kano’ without the mandate of the broader CSO constituency.”
The demonstration, held last week in Kano, accused senior state officials of corruption. But the PCCSOs countered that the claims were unsubstantiated and remained under review.
“The protest letter makes sweeping allegations against named public officials and the Kano State Government,” the coalition said. “We categorically state that these remain allegations, not established facts. Anti-graft agencies are still investigating the issues, and no court of competent jurisdiction has found the accused persons guilty.”
Instead, the coalition pointed to reforms it said the state government had introduced to bolster accountability, citing the adoption of the Treasury Single Account, procurement monitoring units, external audits, and an open budgeting process that allows civil society to take part in budget tracking.
“Contrary to the claims, the Kano State Government has put in place mechanisms to ensure transparency in the management of resources,” the group noted.
The coalition also rejected accusations of harassment of civil society groups and journalists. “The allegation of harassment is unfounded,” it said. “The Kano State Government continues to provide an enabling environment for CSOs and the press to operate. Members of the civil society are part of government committees and oversight platforms — evidence that civic space remains open.”
On palliative distribution and state projects, the PCCSOs said that while some isolated incidents were under investigation, broad claims of mismanagement were unfair.
“Significant progress has been recorded in road rehabilitation, school renovations, and health sector support across the state. Civil society has documented these gains through independent monitoring,” the coalition said.
The group reaffirmed its backing for national anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), but warned against politicizing corruption allegations.
“True accountability must be based on evidence, due process, and constructive engagement — not sensational protests,” it said. “Our forum frowns at any form of harassment and urges any CSO that experienced harassment to show evidence in a transparent manner.”
The statement concluded with a call for restraint and unity. “The fight against corruption in Kano State requires unity, responsibility, and integrity among all stakeholders,” the coalition said. “We urge the general public to disregard any attempt to use the civil society space for political grandstanding or to malign individuals without due process.”
The endorsement list included 201 groups, among them the Citizens for Development and Education, Network for Empowerment and Development Initiative, Interfaith Peace Foundation, Support for Women and Teenage Children, and the Kano Budget Working Group.