By: Nworisa Michael
The attention of the Kano Patriotic Civil Society Coalition Forum (KPCF) has been drawn to a public disclaimer issued by Magnificent Law Firm on behalf of Mohammed Bello and the African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (AFRI-CIRD), which disavows any association with the coalition’s previous rejoinder to a report by Daily Trust titled “Kano CSOs Fault Daily Trust Report, Describe ‘New Bandits Frontier’ Headline as Misleading.”
In response, the Coalition wishes to clarify that at no point was there any deliberate misrepresentation or coercion involved in the process of gathering endorsements. The draft document was circulated broadly among civil-society organisations using recognised communication platforms, and each organisation was given a full opportunity to review and either confirm or opt out before their name was included. The Coalition did not force or falsify any endorsement.
The opt-out mechanism was open, transparent, and accessible. If any organisation failed to respond due to internal communication breakdowns, that should not be interpreted as bad faith, nor does it constitute fraud or misrepresentation on the part of the Coalition.
Furthermore, to label the actions taken by the Coalition as attempts to inflict reputational damage is misguided. The intent was corrective: to challenge a media portrayal seen as misleading and potentially damaging to public confidence not to harm any organisation.
Upon receipt of the public disclaimer from Mohammed Bello and AFRI-CIRD, the Coalition promptly removed their names from the signatory list. That swift action demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to accuracy, responsiveness, and good faith.
Given that there was never any malicious intent, no concrete harm inflicted, and with the names already withdrawn, any threats of civil or criminal litigation including demands for a ₦10 billion penalty are excessive, unwarranted, and disproportionate.
KPCF remains dedicated to transparency, respectful dialogue, and professional engagement within the civil society space. It encourages all stakeholders to seek clarity directly before resorting to public disclaimers or legal threats, so as to preserve unity, trust, and the integrity of collective action.