A Kaduna-based journalist, Abdullahi Alhassan, has criticised former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Mr. Omoye...
A Kaduna-based journalist, Abdullahi Alhassan, has criticised former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, alongside the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), for condemning some northern states' decision to close schools during this year’s Ramadan period.
In a press statement signed and made available to journalists in Kaduna, Malam Abdullahi Alhassan expressed disappointment over what he described as ignorance regarding Nigeria’s governance structure.
The statement reads: "It is quite unfortunate that someone like Mr. Sowore, a former presidential aspirant, is ignorant of the system we practice in Nigeria. It is even more unfortunate that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) share the same views with him on this matter."
The statement further explained: "Nigeria operates a federal system of government, which allows each state to adopt policies that align with its history, environment, religion, beliefs, and cultural values. It is laughable and unfortunate that people of such standing would make such disparaging statements, claiming that northern states do not value education simply because they chose to close schools during the holy month of Ramadan."
Alhassan emphasized that: "Federalism allows every segment of society to govern itself according to its traditions, environment, beliefs, norms, and values. Therefore, if any northern state believes closing schools during Ramadan aligns with its values and way of life, so be it."
He added: "There is no provision in our system that mandates uniformity across all states. What truly matters is that students complete their syllabus before their final exams. For instance, students writing WAEC or NECO must cover a prescribed syllabus before their exams. It is up to each state’s educational authorities to adjust their academic calendar to ensure students are adequately prepared. If Kano State decides that observing Ramadan aligns with its values, beliefs, and traditions, it has the right to make adjustments to its school calendar."
Alhassan further argued: "What is important is that states that close schools during Ramadan must create a plan to make up for the lost academic time — either before or after Ramadan. This is purely an administrative decision at the state level."
He went on to criticize Sowore’s stance:
"It is laughable and deeply disappointing that someone who once aspired to lead this country does not understand the system of government we practice. Nigeria operates federalism, not a unitary system where policies must be uniform across the entire country. In a federal system, each state has the autonomy to enact laws and policies that suit its unique circumstances."
Alhassan urged Sowore to revisit his understanding of governance: "Mr. Sowore should go back to school and study the principles of federalism, especially as someone who wants to govern this country. It would be disastrous for someone to seek to lead a country whose laws and governance structure they do not understand. Anyone, including Mr. Sowore, who is offended by the closure of schools should educate themselves on the workings of federalism."
He drew comparisons with the United States, saying: "For example, in the United States, laws differ from state to state. In some states, citizens can openly carry firearms, while in others, this is prohibited. Arizona’s laws are not the same as California’s — that’s how federalism works."
Alhassan concluded: "Nigeria operates the same federal system, allowing states to govern themselves according to their history, environment, beliefs, traditions, and religious practices."
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