The League of Civil Society Organisations in Kano State has rejected a petition challenging the engagement of the Centre for Gender and Social Inclusion (CAGSI) in the state’s GAVI-funded polio programme, describing it as “misguided” and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Friday, the League said the petition—allegedly submitted by a coalition of 25 organisations to the state Ministry of Health—was an attempt to undermine a merit-based selection process conducted in line with international standards by Solina Health.
The statement, signed by multiple civil society leaders including Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama of Wuro Development Concerns and Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo of the Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement, emphasised that the League represents a broad coalition of non-state actors in Kano and stands firmly behind the integrity of the selection process.
The League argued that the petition reflected “a troubling misunderstanding of global health governance” and the role of independent civil society organisations in public health interventions.
It said attempts to politicise technical processes risk weakening accountability systems that underpin donor-supported programmes, including those backed by GAVI and the World Health Organization.
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According to the statement, claims that Centre for Gender and Social Inclusion should be disqualified over alleged “anti-government” leanings demonstrate a lack of understanding of international development principles.
The League maintained that independence is a core requirement for credibility, not a sign of hostility.
“To the petitioners, loyalty to a political administration appears to be a prerequisite for public service. But in global health practice, loyalty is to the beneficiary and the integrity of service delivery,” the statement read.
The group further defended CAGSI’s track record, noting that under the leadership of Maryam Garba Usman, the organisation has built a reputation for transparency and accountability through third-party monitoring and cross-sector interventions.
It highlighted the organisation’s involvement with BudgIT’s Tracka initiative, where it monitors government projects to ensure delivery at the grassroots.
The League also criticised what it described as “defamation” of Solina Health, stressing that the organisation’s Technical Capacity Assessment process is rigorous and non-discretionary.
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It warned that attempts to override such processes for political considerations could jeopardise donor confidence and threaten funding for health programmes in Kano.
On the credibility of the petitioners, the League questioned the anonymity of the coalition, noting the absence of verifiable identities, organisational records, or track records in immunisation work.
It described the petition as a “shell document designed for distraction rather than accountability.”
“A hallmark of professional advocacy is transparency,” the statement said, adding that any group demanding accountability must first demonstrate its own institutional legitimacy.
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The League further argued that modern health programming relies on independent monitoring, where civil society organisations must remain sufficiently detached from government influence to ensure unbiased reporting.
It said the criticism of CAGSI’s “critical stance” is precisely what makes it valuable in identifying gaps in immunisation campaigns.
The statement warned that politicising technical processes could have far-reaching consequences, including donor withdrawal, poor audit outcomes, and setbacks in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. It added that prioritising political loyalty over competence could ultimately endanger children’s health.
While the petitioners claimed to be acting in the interest of the Kano State Government, the League said their actions could undermine ongoing reforms under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf by creating unnecessary friction with international partners.
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In its conclusion, the League urged the Ministry of Health to disregard the petition and continue working with “verified, competent, and internationally recognised organisations.”
“We reject this petition in its entirety,” the statement said. “The engagement of civil society in the polio programme must remain a function of credibility, capacity, and commitment—not political convenience.”
