Shariff Aminu Ahlan
Politics has always been a battlefield where success attracts admiration from supporters and resentment from adversaries.
However, there comes a time when criticism ceases to be constructive and transforms into a calculated campaign of character assassination.
Such appears to be the case in the relentless and coordinated attacks being launched against Commissioner Waiya, one of the most visible and effective members of the Kano State Government.
It is both shocking and disturbing to witness the growing wave of sponsored attacks against a public servant whose only “offence” seems to be his commitment to duty and his unwavering dedication to the ideals of the administration.
Across various media platforms, particularly radio stations, certain individuals have embarked on what appears to be a well-funded mission aimed at tarnishing the image of the commissioner, undermining his achievements, and ultimately convincing the Governor to remove him from office.
The question on the minds of many observers remains simple: Why Commissioner Waiya?
Why has a man widely recognized as one of the finest performers in the current administration suddenly become the target of such sustained hostility? Why is a commissioner who has consistently demonstrated competence, loyalty, and effectiveness being subjected to daily attacks by individuals who offer little beyond insults and baseless allegations?
The answer may not be difficult to find. Commissioner Waiya has established himself as a hardworking and result-oriented public official who has distinguished himself through service, innovation, and inclusiveness. Since assuming office, he has worked tirelessly to promote the policies and achievements of the government while fostering unity among media practitioners across the state.
One of his most commendable achievements was the revival and strengthening of the historic “Gauta Club,” a platform that brought together diverse media commentators and radio presenters under one umbrella. Through dialogue, engagement, and mutual understanding, he succeeded in reducing the culture of reckless attacks, inflammatory statements, and unnecessary political insults that had gradually become common across many radio programs.
His intervention restored a measure of professionalism, dignity, and decorum to political discourse. It helped transform the media environment from one dominated by hostility and personal attacks into one that increasingly emphasized constructive engagement and responsible commentary.
Even more remarkable is his open-door policy, which has become a defining feature of his leadership style. Unlike many public officials who isolate themselves from the people they serve, Commissioner Waiya has remained accessible, accommodating, and respectful to all, regardless of political affiliation, social status, or ideological differences.
Media practitioners, political stakeholders, and ordinary citizens alike can testify to his willingness to listen, assist, and provide support whenever necessary. Under his stewardship, many individuals and groups have benefited from various forms of assistance, encouragement, and interventions designed to address their challenges.
Ironically, some of the loudest voices attacking him today are individuals who once sought his assistance, benefited from his generosity, and enjoyed his goodwill. The sudden transformation of these beneficiaries into fierce critics raises legitimate questions about the motives behind their actions.
What is even more troubling is the growing belief that these attacks are not spontaneous but carefully orchestrated. There are indications that certain ambitious individuals, desperate to occupy the commissioner’s position, may be financing and directing this campaign behind the scenes. Unable to match his performance, achievements, and growing influence, they have allegedly resorted to smear tactics as a shortcut to political relevance.
Their objective appears clear: weaken his reputation, create unnecessary controversies, and manufacture a perception of failure where none exists. Unfortunately for the conspirators, facts remain stubborn.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has repeatedly demonstrated confidence in Commissioner Waiya’s capabilities. This confidence is evident not only in the responsibilities entrusted to him within the ministry but also in his recent appointments to sensitive committees that play crucial roles in advancing the government’s developmental agenda. Such appointments are not given as political favours; they are earned through competence, trustworthiness, and proven performance.
The Governor’s continued reliance on Commissioner Waiya is itself a powerful testament to the value he brings to the administration. It reflects a level of trust that many public officials can only aspire to attain. This growing confidence from the highest levels of government appears to have unsettled his opponents. Unable to tolerate his rising profile and expanding influence, they have intensified their efforts to bring him down by any means necessary.
Yet history teaches us that genuine performance often survives propaganda. Public servants who deliver tangible results ultimately earn the respect and support of the people, regardless of the noise generated by their detractors.
Commissioner Waiya’s record speaks for itself. His commitment to service, his efforts to foster unity within the media landscape, his accessibility to the public, and his dedication to the Kano First Agenda have earned him recognition far beyond the walls of his ministry.
The ongoing attacks against him therefore reveal more about the desperation of his adversaries than they do about the commissioner himself. As Kano continues its journey toward development and progress, citizens must remain vigilant against campaigns designed to sacrifice competence on the altar of personal ambition. The state needs dedicated public servants focused on delivering results, not victims of politically motivated conspiracies.
In the final analysis, the campaign against Commissioner Waiya appears less like a quest for accountability and more like a desperate attempt by unseen forces to eliminate a performer whose growing influence has become uncomfortable for those driven by selfish interests. Whether these conspirators succeed or fail remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Commissioner Waiya’s achievements, dedication, and service to the people have already left a mark that no amount of sponsored propaganda can easily erase.
Shariff Aminu Ahlan
APC Intellectual Warrior.
Realahlan0101@gmail.com