Gov. Yusuf open criticism of Hisbah modus operandi, the best?

By solacebase.com On Mar 2, 2024

Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Murja Kunya, Hisbah Board, Court — (L-R) Sheik Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa and Gov Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Adamu Aminu

On Friday, March, 1^st, 2024, many Kano residents and beyond woke up to a surprising story of the resignation of Commander General, Hisba Board, Sheik Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa over open criticism of the state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on the activities of the board.

Before the renowned Islamic Scholar, Shiek Daurawa’s resignation there was a rumour he resigned a couple of weeks back when controversial Tiktoker, Murja Kunya was released from prison before the adjourned date for her case when a Sharia Court remanded her.

Her release left tongue wagging with many fingering the state governor’s involvement in the embarrassing issue that led to the government rushing to the press to deny any involvement.

In a series of posts on Friday, a publisher of Daily Nigerian and social commentator, Jaafar Jaafar said that former Commander General of Hisbah, Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, attempted to address the issue of arrested Tik Toker, Murja Kunya, with the governor but was denied in-person and phone consultations.

Jaafar further alleged that the governor was involved in the unlawful release of Murja from prison.

He said, “Since the governor did not give those close to him a chance to give him advice, then the it is necessary to everyone who is passionate about Kano to tell him the truth.

“Dear Governor of Kano, Abba K. Yusuf, please correct your relationship with your advisers and those who hold government positions.

“What we are hearing is that a commissioner would be wanting to see the governor for an important matter for months but he could not see or talk to the governor on the phone. This is not right, because you can’t do it alone.

“My research shows that Mallam Daurawa tried to see the governor to discuss on Murja Kunya case but the governor did not give him a chance. He tried to explain to him over the phone, but it also failed.

“The governor’s public criticism of the Hisbah, is a self-inflicted attack for criticizing his own government.

“People have reason for saying the governor’s silence regarding Hisbah’s earlier arrests of individuals deemed to be promoting immorality, compared to his vocal criticism after Murja Kunya was arrested, suggests his motivations are selective.

“Anyone with sound judgment understands the governor’s (not the government’s) clear involvement in Murja Kunya’s unlawful release from prison.

“A few months ago we were going crazy because there was an attempt to remove your government against the law, but unfortunately you also violated the law because of this girl.

“The recipe to losing popularity as a leader is putting your interest on a collision course with public interest. Governor Yusuf should not take this for granted.

Hence Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf found himself in conflict with the Hisbah Board, sparking a contentious debate regarding the organization’s methods and the governor’s stance on responsibility.

Governor Abba’s public criticism of the Hisbah’s perceived high-handedness has elicited both support and criticism, leading to the resignation of the organization’s Commander General, Shiek Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa.

Gov. Yusuf’s vocal critique has ignited a fierce debate among Kano’s populace and beyond. While some applaud his call for transparency and reform within the organization, others view it as a breach of protocol and a sign of discord within the government’s leadership.

Critics argue that the governor’s indirect support for controversial Kano Tik Toker Murja Kunya and her associates reflects a double standard in the application of justice, undermining the credibility of both the Hisbah and the government.

Amidst the uproar over Governor Abba’s criticism, addressing the underlying issues within the Hisbah’s operational framework becomes imperative. The organization, tasked with upholding Islamic principles and preserving public morality, must strike a delicate balance between enforcement and respect for individual rights.

Numerous grey areas in Hisbah’s code of conduct have come under scrutiny, highlighting the need for confidential dialogue between the governor and stakeholders to effect meaningful change.

Key questions remain unanswered, such as the delayed response to viral videos depicting alleged Hisbah overreach and the perceived leniency towards social media influencers. These questions underscore the urgent need for transparency, consistency, and fairness in the application of the law.

The Hisbah, established during the tenure of former Governor Shekarau, was tasked with noble responsibilities ranging from societal reorientation to combating criminality. However, recent public criticism by Governor Abba threatens to undermine the morale of the entire Hisbah command.

Conversely, the governor’s failure to openly condemn disruptive TikTokers raises concerns about his priorities and consistency in addressing societal issues.

The implications of Governor Abba’s criticism extend beyond mere words; they could potentially weaken the effectiveness of the Hisbah Board in carrying out its mandate. If Hisbah operatives feel unsupported or undermined by their own government, it could lead to low morale and a decline in their ability to effectively carry out their duties.

Moreover, the lack of condemnation towards unruly TikTokers sends a troubling message to the public, suggesting a double standard in the governor’s approach to maintaining order and upholding the reputation of Kano.

To restore balance and regain public trust, Governor Abba must demonstrate fairness and consistency in his governance. By holding all individuals and institutions accountable for their actions, regardless of their affiliation or influence, he can preserve the integrity and reputation of Kano.

As tensions simmer and tempers cool, Governor Abba and the Hisbah must collaborate to chart a path forward that reconciles religious obligations with individual freedoms.

Only through constructive dialogue and a commitment to justice can Kano emerge stronger and more united from this tumultuous chapter. Challenges lie ahead, but so too do opportunities for growth, reconciliation, and progress.