The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, has decried the worsening state of Nigeria’s economy, declaring that every sector in the country is in distress and rapidly declining.
Speaking through his representative, renowned labour and human rights activist Dr. Comrade Auwalu Mudi Yakasai (Danmalikin Kano), the monarch addressed the 51st regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and training workshop of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), held at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State.
“Every other sphere of human endeavour in Nigeria is now being battered. The economy, social life, education, health — all are going down,” the Emir said. “Even the labour movement is under a dwindling fortune.”
The Emir described the current level of hardship in the country as unprecedented, citing the hike in fuel prices and economic decline. He lamented that the once-vibrant Nigerian labour movement had lost its voice and was no longer a powerful advocate for the people.
“In those days, labour was the vanguard of the struggle — united with student unions, market associations, religious leaders. What is happening now? Labour seems to have lost its voice,” he queried.
Urging union leaders to return to the foundational values of trade unionism, the Emir encouraged the use of the traditional “three Cs” — Cooperation, Contestation, and Confrontation — as strategies to uphold workers’ rights.
“You start with cooperation. If that fails, move to contestation. And if that too fails, you confront. Confrontation has many forms — and strike action is just one of them.”
He commended SSANU President, Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, for his commitment to open, democratic leadership and constant engagement with union members.
Reflecting on the evolution of labour leadership, the Emir’s representative noted that union leaders today are more refined, educated, and equipped to make real impact.
“Labour leaders now travel by air; it wasn’t so in our time. But that privilege must translate into improved welfare for union members,” he said.
Yakasai, who proudly identified himself as a lifelong Comrade, emphasized that union leadership must be built on selfless service and credibility.
“Comrade is the title I cherish most. It cannot be bought — it must be earned through commitment to the struggle,” he stated.
He encouraged SSANU members to explore the hospitality of Kano State during their visit, describing it as peaceful, hospitable, and culturally rich.
In closing, the Emir commended SSANU for maintaining transparency and inclusivity in its operations, describing their NEC structure as a model for other unions to follow.
