A week ago, Kano city witnessed a lively event as Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN) received the traditional title of Garkuwan Kano from Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. The ceremony took place at the emir’s Gidan Rumfa palace. The Garkuwa title is highly respected in the Kano Emirate. It recognizes those who protect the community and symbolizes moral strength. The title is awarded to people who make significant contributions to community development, education, and youth empowerment.
The event attracted many notable figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Kano state governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is also the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice-Presidential candidate. Kano Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo was also present. Other guests included Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Kano NDC governorship candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, along with many other dignitaries from across Nigeria. A strong group from civil society, academia, and social movements also attended. Comrade John Odah, a former General Secretary of the Nigerian Labour Congress, led a group wearing a beautiful baban riga for the first time. Renowned writer Nurudeen Farah spoke about rising xenophobia at a well-attended side event. A large number of lawyers also came to support the occasion.
AB Mahmoud, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and former Attorney-General of Kano State, is known for his activism and commitment to justice. Since his student days, he has been a strong advocate for education, women's rights, youth empowerment, and national unity. His turbaning as Garkuwan Kano is seen as more than just a title; it symbolizes his role as a guardian of the emirate's rich heritage. The title Garkuwa means “Shield of Kano.” It signifies the importance of protecting the emirate's traditions and promoting unity and social responsibility.
During the conferment speech, Emir Sanusi II praised Mahmoud for his dedication to protection and service. The emir said, "We gave you the title of Garkuwa, having looked at your enormous contribution to the legal sector and what you represent in the area of ensuring social justice and how you served the state as former Commissioner of Justice, becoming one of the faces of Kano and the north when you led the NBA.” The emir also highlighted A B Mahmoud's role in defending Kano Emirate’s rich history when it faced threats from politically motivated demolition.
As friends, we thank the Almighty for this significant occasion marking his elevation to Garkuwan Kano. This honour reflects not just Mahmoud’s achievements but also the respect he holds among his peers. In our tribute, we celebrate this milestone, acknowledging his dedication and integrity throughout his life. His career shows his strong character, vision, and sense of responsibility to friends, family, and the community. His humility and commitment to justice have won him the admiration of many. As he takes on the title of Garkuwan Kano, we believe he will continue to uphold the values of honour, unity, and progress. We encourage him to keep fighting for the causes he believes in. May his reign bring more peace and prosperity to Kano and Nigeria.
A B Mahmoud has a strong legacy of public service. The first stage of that legacy began with our collective work as students fighting for the rights of oppressed people. Back in our days at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, many of us were part of Marxist study circles. We spent time learning about exploitation and oppression and the importance of resistance. We studied the effects of imperialism and colonialism. We aimed to organize a revolution to change the system and free the people. We understood that the revolution might not happen in our lifetime. But we committed to striving for liberation and leaving society better than we found it.
The second stage of Mahmoud’s legacy is his view of law as a protector of the public good. The best lawyers often come from a left-wing background. When AB Mahmoud was called to the Bar, he chose public service to defend people's interests. He had no interest in making money through private practice. He was the first lawyer in Kano State's public service to rise through every level in the Ministry of Justice, starting as Pupil Counsel and advancing to Solicitor-General and Attorney-General. He saw his mission as using law to serve the people of Kano State and succeeded in that role. After achieving so much in public service, he moved to private practice, where he also excelled.
The third stage is his active involvement in community life and protecting the rights of ordinary people. AB Mahmoud worked on a Kano Forum for Covid-19 when the pandemic first hit and Kano had a high infection rate. He helped raise awareness, engaged with the State Government on policies, and worked with philanthropists to provide relief. Another area he focuses on is the environment, which his father also cared about. This will be a major focus for the AB Mahmoud Environment and Sustainability Trust in the coming years.
In summary, a strong commitment to service can start with a dedication to Marxism. I sincerely thank His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, for the honour given to our friend AB Mahmoud.
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