Ganduje: Why We Shelved Private Hisbah to Preserve Peace in Kano

Former Kano State Governor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said the decision by his administration to shelve the establishment of private Hisbah groups was taken in the interest of peace and security in the state.

Ganduje explained that allowing private individuals or groups to operate parallel Hisbah outfits could have heightened tensions and undermined public order in Kano, given the state’s complex social and religious dynamics.

Speaking on the issue, he noted that while Hisbah plays an important role in promoting moral conduct and supporting law enforcement, its operations must remain regulated and under the control of the state to prevent abuse and conflict.

According to him, his government prioritised unity and stability, stressing that unregulated private Hisbah groups could lead to overlapping authority, vigilantism and possible clashes with formal security agencies.

Ganduje said the administration instead strengthened the state-backed Hisbah Board, ensuring it operated within the confines of the law and in collaboration with conventional security institutions.

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He added that the decision was guided by consultations with religious leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders, all of whom emphasised the need to balance moral enforcement with respect for civil rights and public peace.

The former governor maintained that safeguarding harmony among Kano’s diverse population remained a central consideration of his policies, insisting that governance decisions must always place security and coexistence above all other interests.

Ganduje’s remarks come amid renewed debates over the role and structure of Hisbah in northern Nigeria, particularly concerning calls by some groups for expanded or independent operations.