Ganduje introduces apartheid-style segregation on tricycles across Kano State based on gender

GOVERNOR Abdullahi Ganduje has introduced gender-based segregation on all tricycles operating in the state prohibiting people of different sexes from travelling in the same vehicle as from January.

In a move designed to introduce the strict Sharia code that operates in Saudi Arabia, as from next week, all men and women who want to travel in tricycles across Kano State next year must segregated as happened under apartheid in South Africa. However, unlike South Africa or in the deep south of the US during the Jim Crow era where segregation was based on skin colour, this time it will be based on gender.

Announcing the measure at the closing ceremony of 77th annual Islamic Vacation Course organised by Zone A of the Muslim Society of Nigeria held at the Bayero University, Kano, Governor Ganduje said the state government was committed towards upholding Islamic values. To make the point, the governor was represented by the commander-general of the Islamic Hisbah Board, Alhaji Harun Ibn-Sina.

Commercial tricycles, popularly known as A daidaita Sahu in Kano Sate, were introduced by former governor Ibrahim Shekarau, as a means of transportation for women only. This happened after Governor Shekarau’s government banned commercial motorcyclists from conveying women.

However, since Governor Shekarau left office in 2011, tricycles have been allowed to carry people of both sexes. Governor Ganduje, who said the law on public transport is effectively being changed, also charged participants at the event to face their studies and shun drug abuse.