Activist kicks as Ganduje seeks forgiveness in farewell message

Outgoing Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has asked for forgiveness from persons he might have wronged while at the helm of affairs.

But in a swift reaction, a civil society activist, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, said the incoming government must review and rectify institutional damage committed by the Ganduje administration.

The governor is expected to complete his second term of eight years next month and hand over the mantle of leadership to Governor-elect, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Speaking during a Ramadan lecture series at Al Furqan Juma’at Mosque in Kano, yesterday, Ganduje pleaded for forgiveness, even from perceived enemies.

“I’ve forgiven anyone who, at one time or the other, disparaged my person and my character for whatever reasons. And on my part, I equally beg or seek your forgiveness for all that I’ve done wrong to you. The inspiration was drawn from the position of Islam, as espoused by the leader of this mosque. Forgiveness occupies a prime spot in our religion,” Ganduje said.

He added: “My tenure as governor of Kano State has come to an end, and this is a farewell greeting. I wish you all the best. For those who we have wronged, forgive us. On my part, I’ve forgiven those who wronged me, no matter the weight of the offence.”

Waiya, who stressed that there is nothing wrong in the governor seeking a public apology, however, said it is left for offended individuals to accept the plea.

He explained: “There are some things that can be forgiven while some critical issues cannot be forgiven. For instance, when you talk about personal damage, especially on individuals, such individuals can decide to forgive the governor. But when you talk of institutional damage, the best is to correct such damage.

“There are rights that have been trampled upon, and such rights cannot be let go by simple apologies, except for the incoming government to look into them and do the right thing. We have forgiven him but the institutional damage has to be rectified.”