By Ali Rabiu Ali Jigawa.
In a remarkable display of leadership and diplomacy, Muiz Adeniran, Team Lead of Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Change Engagement (PACE), has successfully reunited two civil society organization leaders in Jigawa State who had been embroiled in a bitter leadership conflict for over a decade.
The dramatic reconciliation took place during a 3-day program on coalition building and citizen engagement held in Kaduna State from September 1st to 3rd, 2025. Comrade Isah Mustapha and Comrade Muhammad Musbahu Basirka, who had been locked in a heated dispute over leadership for almost 10 years, finally put aside their differences and extended olive branches.
The emotional moment of reconciliation saw the two comrades embracing each other, asking for forgiveness, and promising to put their past mistakes behind them. This heartwarming development has sent shockwaves of joy among stakeholders in Jigawa State, who have long been yearning for unity and cooperation among the state’s civil society organizations.
Muiz Adeniran commended the comrades for their willingness to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. “It’s heartening to see leaders who had been at loggerheads for so long come together in the spirit of unity and cooperation,” he said. “I urge them to avoid any future leadership tussles and focus on putting Jigawa State at the forefront of their agenda.”
The PACE Team Lead’s efforts have not only brought peace between the warring leaders but have also paved the way for a new era of cooperation and collaboration among Jigawa State’s civil society organizations. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s development trajectory, as stakeholders work together to address the challenges facing Jigawa.
As Comrade Isah Mustapha and Comrade Muhammad Musbahu Basirka begin this new chapter in their relationship, stakeholders are optimistic about the prospects of Jigawa State. With leaders who are committed to putting aside their differences and working together, the state can look forward to a brighter future.
The PACE program, which brought the leaders together, is a testament to the power of dialogue and cooperation in resolving conflicts and promoting development. As Jigawa State moves forward, it’s clear that unity and cooperation will be key drivers of progress.
