By Muhammad Salisu
The Kano State Hisba Stakeholders Forum has declared illegal the move to create an independent Hisba board, warning it could spark division and threaten the state's fragile peace amid ongoing tensions.
It could be recalled that the current crisis erupted recently when Abdullahi Ganduje, the former Kano State governor and immediate past acting national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced his intention to establish an independent Hisba squad.
The NEWSKEEPER observed that the development has been widely viewed as a purely political maneuver, drawing sharp criticism and sparking an open exchange of words among stakeholders in the state.
In its reaction to the development, the Kano State Hisba Stakeholders Forum argued during a briefing on Thursday at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Kano that the move undermines the existing unified Hisba framework, fueling debates over legal authority and potential divisions in Kano's religious and security landscape.
While reading out its communique, the group, led by Professor Mu'azzam Maibushira, highlighted key concerns regarding the proposed new initiative.
Professor Maibushira, a jurisprudence expert and forum leader, voiced strong opposition to the standalone Hisbah. "This move violates the law and risks causing disunity, instability, and security challenges in the state," he told journalists.
He explained that the forum reached this consensus after a thorough meeting with former Hisbah leaders, their deputies, and past secretaries. "The gathering reviewed the legal basis for the existing Hisbah board, established by the Kano State House of Assembly,' he added.
"With one legally recognized Hisbah already in place, setting up another is redundant and unlawful," Professor Maibushira stated.
He linked the push to actions by the former governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, which could fuel internal conflicts without benefits.
However, the stakeholders criticised recent sackings of Hisbah marshals and officials as the root of the controversy. "As Muslims committed to peace in Kano, we know this isn't anyone's intention," the professor remarked, urging restraint.
Therefore, Maibushira, warned of broader fallout from a duplicate Hisbah with overlapping duties. "It will create operational chaos, weaken the current security framework, and lead to unforeseen problems," he cautioned.
He recalled the original Hisbah law's design, which integrated all independent groups to avoid divisions and promote unity. "Back then, we merged everyone into one system to ensure harmony and prevent rifts," the leader added.
Furthermore, the forum emphasised sticking to unity, law, and a unified security approach for lasting peace in Kano. "Repeating past efforts could undo years of progress, Maibushira stressed.
Also, in their communique, the stakeholders called on politicians to fear God and avoid actions that divide the community and appealed to all involved to prioritise collective well-being.
Moreso, the group urged ulamas, scholars, and potential new Hisbah recruits to heed Allah's teachings on unity, togetherness, and peace. "Remember divine calls for harmony in all dealings," Professor Maibushira quoted from the recommendations.
The leader therefore pressed the Kano government to ensure due process in the dismissal of sacked Hisbah personnel. "Fair procedures must guide all changes to maintain trust," he insisted.
Additionally, the stakeholders urged the state to equip the existing Hisbah with modern tools and improve welfare packages. "This will boost efficiency and dedication in their vital work," Professor Maibushira concluded.
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