By Danlami Nmodu
To the discerning mind, the opening session of the Second Kano Economic Summit was an exercise in carthasis. No issue was left untouched including what ordinarily would have been seen as the most sensitive issue: the public spat between Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.It was the Chairman of the technical committee of the Summit Dr Shansudeen Usman who deliberate broached the issue.
Speaking the recent public spat, he said, there is never a bad ruler but bad courtiers. The crisis he said was fueled by people around the leaders. He however thanked the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar II and Governor Aminu Tambuwal and others who helped resolve it.
It soon became evident, why Usman did not let the issue unaddressed publicly: the need to convince investors that all was well.He announced that it is only when there is a crack in the wall that the reptiles will penetrate. Then he said passed a message to investors that the presence of the Emir of Kano and the Governor was an indication that the walls of Kano are solid since all the dangerous reptiles have been eliminated. Usman announced to investors that “Kano is safe ,you are welcome to Kano.”
That is the rub.The probe of the emir was finally dropped a day before the commencement of the summit and the stakeholders wanted everyone to know it was a deliberate step meant to strengthen harmony as well as encourage prospective investors.
When the emir finally spoke, he also called on foreign investors to come to Kano.The city he said has its unique ways of resolving crisis.Indeed the presence of Ganduje and Sanusi under one roof admonishing investors to come over may signify better tidings in the years ahead, all things being equal.
Governor Ganduje used the occasion to showcase the efforts of his government.He highlighted among others how the state has resolved to work to ensure higher internally generated revenue, which he said has risen to over N40billion
Speakers at the even include the Sultan and Governor Tambuwal. Udoma Udo Udoma and Lt Gen Abdulrahman Danbazau were also inattendance.Sultan disclosed that a similar summit was in the office in Sokoto.While Tambuwal who expressed solidarity with Kano also used the presence of Udoma Udo Udoma to call on the Federal government to make it easier for farmers to access loan.It took ninemonths for Sokoto to secure one for farmers, he disclosed at #KanInvest
Representatives of the UK government and NEPZA spoke about how to enhance Kano’s economic status to provide more and better jobs.
Two sessions followed the opening ceremony.Malam Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim moderated the second session which had Kyari Bukar of Nigerian Economic Summit Group as one of the key speakers.
Tuesday’s activity at the summit ended with a third session which had NIPC boss Ms Yewande Sadiku as one of the speakers along with the representative of Lagos State government. From the activities of the first state, clearly, the 2nd Kano Economic Summit has got off to a flying start.