Oldest Kano Kolanut market in Kumbotso local government area of Kano state which served as a link between Kano and the Western region of Nigeria for decades has been engulfed in leadership crisis recently.
The crisis erupted in Mariri Kolanut Market when the serving State Commissioner of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Abbas Sani Abbas, announced the removal of the serving chairman of the market Alhaji Salisu Auwal (Dan Alaye).
The move by the commissioner has generated a serious tension within and outside the market leading to the closure of the chairman’s office located in the market.
It was alleged that the ministry had sent a group of thugs to forcibly enter the office of the current chairman, confiscating his property and other important documents.
However, in response to the issue, Chairman Kumbotso local government area, Alhaji Hassan Garban Kauye Farawa, condemned the act saying the market is not under the jurisdiction of the commissioner to decide who lead the market and the market’s affairs.
According to him, for decades the market has been conducting its affairs under a clearly spelt out rules and regulations governing the conduct of the market. He said the recent happenings in the market challenges the Chairman’s authority as the chief security officer in the area.
“I urge all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts to address any concerns regarding the market’s administration. Finding a resolution that ensures the market’s continued prosperity and stability is paramount, as we are committed to fostering a harmonious and business-friendly environment for traders in the region,” Farawa said.
Similarly, when contacted the state commissioner for commerce disputed all the allegations. He said the chairman’s tenure in the market has expired and based on the ministry’s rules and regulations there is a need of a process to be followed before a leader would emerged and it has been followed.
