A Nigerian academic based in Germany, Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Ibrahim of the University of Cologne’s Institute of African Studies and Egyptology, has expressed concern over recent political developments in Kano State, particularly the handling of controversial figures and public conduct under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Dr. Ibrahim said he had initially intended to avoid commenting on Kano politics but was compelled by recent events.
“I really want to stop talking about the Kano State government and its embarrassing politics. Yet whenever I think I have had enough, something happens, as it did today,” he wrote.
Reacting to recent controversies, the academic questioned what he described as the handling of disciplinary and ethical issues within the state’s political space.
“Anyone who listened to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf the other day would understand that he had no intention of punishing those who brought him and Kano shame in the red-pants fiasco. However, I still did not foresee that the woman leading this disgraceful spectacle would be rewarded with an appointment,” he stated.
He warned that such decisions could have political consequences, particularly for the ruling establishment.
“This move could be counterproductive. Rather than strengthening their political capital, the Kano APC risks losing decent supporters. How many voters can she convince or turn out on election day? Kano remains largely conservative,” he added.
Dr. Ibrahim further questioned the source of the appointment and referenced previous incidents he believes reflect a pattern in political decision-making.
“Do not tell me it was not Governor Abba who gave her an appointment. He himself once met a young man who bathed in and drank from a gutter to celebrate Abba’s victory… Again, how about his outburst on Murja Kunya?” he wrote.
Expressing disappointment, the academic said his perception of the governor had begun to change.
“Frankly, Governor Abba is slowly becoming someone I didn’t anticipate. With his calm demeanour and soft voice, I never believed he would condone what is unfolding. Instead, I expected him to combat the politics of violence and misconduct. Appearances can be misleading,” he said.
