The KANURI: Respect, Integrity And k3ngayo (Followership) Concept By Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma FCIPDM

In Kanuri nation like in most African cultures, respect is the hallmark of our tradition. It is given, most times without question but never in isolation of other moral variables.

Respect is a very important tenet of the concept of k3ngayo, among many others that I will dwell on here.

We give respect to our elders as a matter of course. Without being individually demanded, our culture and tradition make it obligatory on everyone in every stratum of our society to give it to whom it is due. This principle is so deep that the Kanuris believe that at times an elderly could wrong a younger one without too much protest from the youngster. I believe that is the origin of the saying, "Kam kam Kura burz3mjiya, burzumtin."

However, the Kanuri in its full understanding of human nature which has been functionally related to its dexterity in social engineering that had been evident in the socio-political institutions created in its History has placed enormous responsibility on the leaders and elders in a Kanuri social set up.

Sayings such as "Mainum gam, adanum riwum, adinn3m d3 faral. Kuru Mainum Runumiya Alaye ka'alaa kolluma, kam Maiwa Mallumwaye daraja nozunyid3 sh da"al" and also "Mai adalla kanjimoli'a d3 shima shiwo k3ngayowewo. Mai juwawur zalumd3 t3lam kashe"aryen yaye shilan k3ngayo zuwrin" among many others are witting expressions of our ethos.

In the above aphorisms, elders and leaders are expected to be responsible at all times. They are expected to be above board at all times. They're expected to be stainless moral leaders and authorities in our milieu.
Based on that, they would have earned the respect that the society made obligatory on the rest to give unto them.

But the Kanuris, because of their understanding of the human nature believe that there would always be some letdowns, some disappointments among the old, elders and or leaders, it was made mandatory by the Kanuri tradition to call such errant ones to order. Hence the saying, "Fuwu Maiyen nduma wusaro kuraz3nyi." This may be the reasons why the kanuri "have the best Culture in the world." Despite the temptation of such a claim and the naturally enticing embedded pride in it as a proud kanuri man, that I would rather apply the philosophical rule of the Theory of Relativism and say that the Kanuri have one of the best Cultures in the world.

Now, the command of respect by the elders or leaders alike and the obligation of all members of the society to observe this rule is functionally related to acts of moral probity, honesty, integrity, and dignity on the part of the elders and leaders. Their utterances, acts or deeds must be beyond reproach. The moment this expectation is breached by the older ones or leaders, all bets are off. Such leaders are open to remonstrations, rebuke, restrictions, and conscriptions where applicable.

This is one of the reasons why the kanuri could call the Shehu "K3ma lard3ma", "Lisalamma" or "" or address him as "Baraanumin".

In kanuri land, respect is not just for the take. It is not given without conditions. Thus, when a leader or an elderly begins to lie to the public shamelessly or engage in ignominies, it is automatic that he would lose respect. K3ngayo concept lays a responsibility on a leader or elder to stay clear of behaviors or acts that could tarnish his integrity and make him lose respect.

As kanuris, it is incumbent upon us all, to ensure that all leaders who have become loose cannons and are contributing to the moral paralysis that is destroying our society be called out appropriately. Political affiliation or loyalty should not be a factor in this venture. We can not allow our politics to determine or define our morality. Rather our morality should determine and or define our politics.

One of the major reasons many people have been demonizing Kanuri culture and tradition as compared to other cultures is because Kanuri traditions are very consequential conservative. The underlying irresponsibility embedded in human nature nay Nigerians have made them to malign and demonize our culture and traditions. You can't swear falsely as demanded by our culture and as done by our ancestors.

It was on this premise that, I wish to draw the attention of our elders, elites, leaders and youths alike to show reverence and respect for their traditional leaders.

I am confident that, as our elders and leaders, the Kanuri elders/elites who are much seniors than us must have known the kanuri protocols of respects for the Shehu of Borno in all functions formal and informal. Therefore, let us not forget that we are all from the same Kanem Borno empire and Kanuris and whatever position we attained in life, the Shehu is the temporal a d spiritual leader of the Kanuri nation.

As role models, we should as much try to be bequeathing good legacies, moral etiquette and good character of respect for our leaders for the generations that will come after us to emulate.

This is why degeneration and decadence is on the increase. The least we can do is to eliminate respect for elders or leaders who don't deserve it. By their actions and utterances, they have violated the concept of k3ngayo. Such elders or leaders could not expect to benefit from the positives of the k3ngayo concept.

There must always be consequences for actions. The Kanuris are complete in their understanding of human nature. May Allah bless my ancestors.