The National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers has called for further recognition of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership, citing his approach to governance and response to recent events in Kano State.

In a statement signed by the forum’s chairman, Usman Imam Tudun Wizirchi, the group noted the recent awards presented to Governor Yusuf by various organisations and asserted that his actions, particularly during the recent Eid-el-Fitr festivities, demonstrated a level of composure and decision-making that warrants additional acknowledgement.

According to the forum, Governor Yusuf showed restraint and emotional intelligence during what it described as attempts to escalate tensions around the Sallah Durbar and the ongoing emirship dispute.

“When the plot to take advantage of the recent Sallah Durbar tussle to unleash provocation and subsequently declare a state of emergency emerged, Governor Yusuf remained composed and resilient, which ultimately prevented the situation from escalating,” Tudun Wizirchi stated. “For that alone, Governor Yusuf deserves another gold medal for exhibiting a high level of wisdom and emotional resilience, which enabled him to overcome the tribulation.”

The forum also welcomed the recent awards conferred on the governor by several national and international bodies, describing them as an acknowledgement of his policy direction in key sectors such as education and healthcare.

“It was a week of recognition for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose dedication to human and socio-economic development in Kano State was noticed and acknowledged through a series of awards,” the statement said.

Among the recognitions mentioned were the Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 Award from Leadership Newspapers, Abuja, presented on April 9th for the governor’s contributions to the education sector; Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) award from Vanguard Newspapers, Lagos, highlighting his administration’s achievements in education and healthcare; African Good Governance Award 2025, conferred in Marrakesh, Morocco by African Heritage Concept Magazine, for what the organisation described as his people-focused governance and leadership.

The forum stressed that the Leadership Newspaper award particularly acknowledged Governor Yusuf’s allocation of 31% of the state’s annual budget to education, which surpasses the UNESCO benchmark.

“We believe Governor Yusuf deserves yet another award for the leadership he displayed at the height of the Eid-el-Fitr festivities, when tensions could have spiralled out of control. His conduct helped avert what could have been a major crisis in Kano,” Tudun Wizirchi said.

The forum reiterated its support for the governor’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing the state and urged other institutions to recognise his contributions accordingly.