Re: Kano is gone!

The interview granted by Suswan in the Daily Trust of Wednesday, May 23, 2012, made quite interesting reading. In it, the governor tried to draw several conclusions but fortunately or unfortunately, without expatiating on the context, about security problems bedevilling the north. But it seems to me that, maybe, his assessment was based on newspaper […]

The interview granted by Suswan in the Daily Trust of Wednesday, May 23, 2012, made quite interesting reading. In it, the governor tried to draw several conclusions but fortunately or unfortunately, without expatiating on the context, about security problems bedevilling the north. But it seems to me that, maybe, his assessment was based on newspaper reports, especially in newspapers that are known to have been hostile to the north and its interest.

It would have been better, had the governor consulted with stakeholders and those conversant with the areas he particularly mentioned before making that statement. I’m also of the view that the governor ought to have given the context in which he draws his findings. But in the absence of that, one can safely deduce that Suswan generalized too much.

First, the impressions given by the governor was that Kano has been destroyed beyond repair. In other words, the state is no longer safe and buoyant for business or something to that effect. Life generally has become short and nasty for any worthwhile investor to contemplate investing his hard earned resources. That all the indices of state failure are effectively on the ground, so much so that, socio-economic and other critical ventures that used to define the nature of Kano are no longer viable in the commercial hub.

Well, I’m not competent enough to talk about Kaduna and Jos, but being a son–of–the soil, I know Kano reasonably well and follow with keen interest, developments taking place there, specifically the unfortunate security situation currently unfolding and how  residents have been going about it  courageously and with dignified equanimity!

In that regard, the comparison between the three states of Kano, Kaduna and Plateau does not add up. How can he compare Kano, a state that enjoys continuous peace for eight solid years with that on the plateau that has been steadily engulfed in communal strife since 1999 to date? Again, how can a state that is home to all; irrespective of creed, or any other primordial considerations, resemble the one that adopted discrimination against Nigerian citizens based on indigene/settler question as one of its state policy?

But without pretence, or self denial, Kano is indeed facing security challenges like all other states of the federations which are symptomatic of bad governance, corruption and cluelessness at the centre. The peaceful atmosphere   that used to draw multitudes of people from far and near has been affected. But the situation has not degenerated to that precarious level painted. Life still goes on nevertheless. The activities of terrorists and other criminals, have not in any way intimidated the people into coiling back to their cocoons.

Even the state government seems to have since shaken up that initial fear, and apprehensions. The confusion which followed the deadly January attack had given way to giant strides especially, in the area of road constructions and schools around the state. This is the hallmark of leadership, to always blaze the trail and surmount all stumbling blocks. Therefore, investors and visitors alike should know that contrary to ongoing bad press against Kano in particular and northern Nigeria in general; all is well. And that Kano remains investors’ haven and the place to be when it comes to return on investments.  And that they should hasten back and do business in the most friendly business destination of Africa!

In conclusion, the Benue State governor should undertake visits to Kano and other troubled spots as a way of empathising with fellow northerners, thereby further cementing the existing cordial relationship and at the same time, conducting an on-the-spot assessment. It will be worthwhile as only after that, can one compare notes and see if what is being reported by the media tallies with what obtains on the ground!

Kabiru Tsakuwa [email protected]