Kano CSOs! Advocacy and Call to Action: Restoring Unity, Accountability, Integrity, and Impact in Kano State Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Forums

By Musa Abdullahi Sufi, Kano-Nigeria
Freelance Development Journalist

Introduction
The division and internal tensions currently plaguing Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kano State pose a significant threat to their relevance, credibility, and impact. What was once a vibrant and cohesive force for development, advocacy, and citizen engagement has now become fractured, with CSOs turning against one another.

The interference of politics, personal interests, and destructive competition within the coalition has created an atmosphere of mistrust and ineffectiveness, leading to court cases, arrests, and public embarrassment.

This advocacy calls for urgent action to address the crisis and restore unity within Kano’s CSOs. The situation must be tackled head-on, not only to safeguard the integrity of the sector but also to ensure that civil society can once again play its critical role in promoting development, governance, and accountability in the state.

Understanding the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Both are essential actors in social development, advocacy, and public service, but they differ in scope and focus. CSOs encompass a broader range of entities, including community-based organizations, labor unions, religious groups, professional associations, and grassroots movements, in addition to NGOs.

Their primary aim is to promote civic engagement, accountability, and participation in governance, representing the interests of various societal groups. CSOs often work across multiple areas, such as human rights, environment, education, and health, influencing policy-making and driving social change at local, national, and international levels.

In contrast, NGOs are a specific subset of CSOs, typically formalized and registered organizations with more structured governance. NGOs focus on specialized fields such as humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, or environmental protection, operating independently from government control. While both CSOs and NGOs share common goals of improving society, NGOs tend to have more focused missions and implement specific programs or projects funded by donors, governments, or international agencies.

NGOs often play a critical role in service delivery and advocacy, whereas CSOs cover a wider spectrum of activities, including community mobilization, public awareness, and policy monitoring.

The Risks and Consequences of a Divided CSO Coalition

It is crucial for all CSO members in Kano and beyond to recognize the dangers of deviating from their role as institutions of public trust, tasked with promoting unity, progress, development, and innovation-driven initiatives. Below are key risks and potential consequences of a divided CSO coalition:

Erosion of Public Trust: The ongoing crises and internal divisions are undermining the credibility of CSOs and the Public perception of CSOs as neutral and trustworthy advocates for citizens is being compromised.

Limited Funding and Capacity Building: The infighting has shifted focus from capacity development and resource mobilization to internal conflicts. External partners and donors are hesitant to engage with a fractured coalition, reducing opportunities for funding.

Stunted Growth and Professional Development: Senior members continue to serve as facilitators and trainers in areas they have taught for over a decade, without meaningful mentorship or capacity transfer to the next generation. As a result, young and emerging CSO leaders are disillusioned, losing respect for the senior actors, which weakens the sector’s future leadership pipeline.

Increased Political Interference: Some CSOs have actively engaged in partisan politics, adopting the same divisive tactics and character attacks used in political campaigns. This undermines the neutrality and independence of CSOs, further alienating them from the public and reducing their effectiveness in holding government accountable.

Wasted Advocacy Opportunities: Instead of uniting to address pressing social and developmental issues, CSOs are embroiled in personal and political battles. Their voices are only heard during election periods, reducing their role to political actors rather than consistent advocates for development.

Impact on Development in Kano State: The crisis within the CSO sector mirrors the broader instability in Kano, including crises within the political, traditional, and governance systems. Without a functioning and unified CSO coalition, citizens lose a key partner in driving reforms, transparency, and development.

Recommendations for Resolving the Crisis
To move forward, the write up is proposing the following and more recommendation below;

Step Down from Leadership Positions and Conduct Fresh Election: All parties involved in the current crisis should voluntarily step down from leadership roles to create room for unbiased and neutral leadership to emerge. A fresh election to be conducted to address the massive division in inclusive participation.

Strengthen Sector-Specific CSO Forums: Sector-specific coalitions (e.g., health, education, and governance) should be empowered to ensure more focused, issue-based advocacy and collaboration.

Restore Credibility and Independence: Only non-partisan, credible, and experienced members should be eligible to hold leadership positions within the CSO forums. Members must recommit to the principles of neutrality, transparency, and accountability, distancing themselves from political interference.

Resolve Internal Conflicts Peacefully: All differences among members should be resolved through dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation – not through arrests or legal battles. A conflict resolution mechanism should be established to address grievances without escalating to the point of public embarrassment or arrests.

Revive Honest Mentorship and Capacity Building: Senior members must prioritize mentorship and skill transfer to younger members, ensuring sustainable development of the sector. Opportunities for professional development and leadership should be extended to emerging CSO actors through transparent and fair processes.

Promote Unity and Collaboration: The elders within the CSO community must set aside their differences and take the lead in rebuilding unity within the coalition. All members must work together to reestablish the CSOs as a respected and impactful force in Kano’s development landscape.

Stay Independent from Government Control: CSOs must resist the temptation to fall under government control or serve as tools for political interests. Their independence is crucial for holding governments accountable and advocating for citizen needs.

Call to Action
This piece urge all CSO leaders and members in Kano State to:
1. Prioritize unity and collaboration over division.
2. Refocus on capacity building and advocacy, rather than internal battles.
3. Uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and neutrality.

The future of Kano’s development depends on a strong and united civil society. Let’s rise to the challenge and reclaim our role as champions of justice, accountability, and progress. The time to act is now.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Do the Right Thing
The current state of Kano’s CSO coalition is a reflection of the challenges facing the state’s development at large. With political institutions struggling, traditional systems in disarray, and civil society itself embroiled in conflict, Kano State is at a crossroads. Now is the time for CSOs to rise above petty interests and destructive competition.

Kano’s CSOs were born out of the struggle for justice and citizen empowerment during the fuel subsidy removal protests. It is crucial that they reclaim that spirit of unity, advocacy, and service. The time to rebuild the coalition, restore integrity, and refocus on development is now. Together, Kano’s CSOs can become a powerful force for positive change once again – but only if they let go of division and embrace collaboration.