The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, has shared his deep worry about how bad things have become in Nigeria. He said many people are suffering, and almost every part of the country is not working well.
The Emir could not attend the event in person, so he sent someone to speak for him — a labour and human rights leader named Dr. Comrade Auwalu Mudi Yakasai, also known as Danmalikin Kano. The message was shared at a big meeting and workshop for leaders of a workers’ union called SSANU (Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities). The event took place at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State.
What’s Going Wrong in Nigeria?
According to the Emir, Nigeria is facing very hard times. Things like schools, hospitals, and even the way people live are getting worse. He said:
> “Every part of life in Nigeria is suffering. Education, health, the economy, and even the way people live day to day — it’s all going down.”
The Emir also said life has become more expensive. For example, the price of fuel (petrol) has gone up a lot, which makes it harder for people to afford things they need. He remembered a time when workers’ unions used to speak up for the people and fight for their rights, but today, he says, they are not as strong or active as before.
What Happened to Labour Unions?
Labour unions are groups that protect workers and fight for their rights. The Emir said that long ago, unions worked with students, market women, and religious groups to make sure everyone was treated fairly. They were strong and spoke up when the government did something wrong.
But today, he feels unions are quiet. He said:
“In the past, unions were the voice of the people. Now, it seems like they’ve gone silent.”
How Can Labour Unions Be Strong Again?
The Emir gave some advice to the leaders of SSANU during the event. He said unions should go back to their original ways of doing things. He explained three steps:
1. Cooperation – Try to work together peacefully.
2. Contestation – If that doesn’t work, raise concerns and disagree with what is wrong.
3. Confrontation – If things still don’t improve, take action (like protests or strikes) to make things better.
> “Strikes are just one way to confront. There are many peaceful ways to stand up for what is right,” he explained.
Praise for SSANU and Its Leaders
The Emir was happy with how SSANU is being led. He praised their president, Mr. Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, for being open, fair, and including everyone in decisions. He said this kind of leadership is good for members and helps the union grow stronger.
He also mentioned that today’s union leaders are more educated and travel more, which gives them the power to do great things for their members. But he warned that these leaders must use their power to help others, not just themselves.
> “Union leaders now fly on airplanes — we didn’t have that in the past. But those comforts must lead to better lives for workers,” he said.
He told them that being called a “comrade” is a big honor. It means someone has worked hard to fight for the people. It is not something you can buy with money.
> “Comrade is the name I love most. You must earn it through hard work and struggle,” he added.
Welcome to Kano State!
Finally, he welcomed all the SSANU members who came from different parts of Nigeria. He said Kano is a peaceful and friendly place, and he hoped they would enjoy their stay.
The Emir ended by saying that he admired SSANU’s unity and honesty. He asked other unions in Nigeria to learn from them and lead their members in the right way.
