After pushback, Ganduje says he’s ‘fine-tuning’ parallel hisbah plan

Mohammed Garba, chief of staff to Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of Kano, says the proposed establishment of a parallel hisbah group linked to his principal is undergoing fine-tuning.

There were reports that the former Kano governor had cancelled plans to establish an independent hisbah group following a stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives from the 44 LGAs of the state.

Garba told TheCable on Tuesday that the plan is currently being fine-tuned following concerns raised by individuals and organisations.

He said the adjustments are being made to ensure the plan does not clash with the existing Kano State Hisbah Corps.

“The plan is still ongoing, but he (Ganduje) is looking at the concerns shown by some individuals and organisations,” Garba said.

“There may be a little fine-tuning in order not to clash with the existing state hisbah.”

He said the proposed independent hisbah group is being conceived as an association to operate under the Ganduje Foundation, adding that it does not amount to the creation of a parallel law enforcement structure.

He noted that the initiative falls within the constitutional right to freedom of association.

Garba added that the issue is on hold, with all stakeholders working together to ensure a harmonious understanding between the government and other parties.

“The concept of the independent hisbah advocated by Dr Ganduje is an association to be operated under the Ganduje Foundation. And you know there is freedom of association,” he added.

The clarification follows a warning by the Kano government against the formation of any parallel hisbah structure, insisting that only the state-backed hisbah corps is legally recognised.

The state government had said any group engaging in policing or moral enforcement outside the state framework would be illegal and could undermine public order.

On December 13, the state government banned a group allegedly linked to Ganduje operating under the name Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, declaring its activities illegal and a threat to public order.

The International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS), a civil society organisation (CSO), also expressed concern over reports suggesting attempts to establish a parallel religious policing outfit in Kano.

The CSO said claims linking Ganduje to efforts to set up a hisbah-style body outside state control were “troubling and unacceptable”.