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Tag: Kano

  • Confusion as drone lands on Emir Sanusi’s head in Government House

    Confusion as drone lands on Emir Sanusi’s head in Government House

    There was confusion in Government House in Kano when a drone unexpectedly fell on Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s head while he was delivering a speech during a Sallah homage he paid to the state government on Sunday.

    The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked speculation and allegations that the emir was stoned.

    But contrary to initial claims suggesting the emir was hit with stones or another object, the truth behind the incident has now been revealed.

    According to eyewitnesses and the drone operator, Salim Ameenu, the incident occurred when the drone lost control due to a low battery and crashed near the emir.

    But contrary to initial claims suggesting the emir was hit with stones or another object, the truth behind the incident has now been revealed.

    According to eyewitnesses and the drone operator, Salim Ameenu, the incident occurred when the drone lost control due to a low battery and crashed near the emir.

    The drone operator, in a statement he released on social media on Monday, regretted the incident and apologised to the emir for the unpleasant event, noting that it was unintentional.

    “Yesterday, I unintentionally flew my drone over His Royal Highness during his speech at Hawan Nasarawa. Due to a low battery, I lost control of the drone, and unfortunately, it fell near His Royal Highness.

    “What happened has only strengthened my admiration for HRH’s composure and bravery. His Royal Highness simply glanced at the drone and continued his speech without hesitation — a true display of courage and grace under pressure,” he said.

  • Gov Yusuf rescues stranded Kano students in Cyprus with N2.24bn

    Gov Yusuf rescues stranded Kano students in Cyprus with N2.24bn

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has paid the outstanding tuition and accommodation fees for 84 Kano students who had been stranded in Northern Cyprus for years.

    The intervention ends the prolonged agony of students who had been left in academic and financial limbo after the previous administration suspended funding for their overseas scholarship programme.

    The students were originally part of a foreign scholarship scheme introduced by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, but funding was halted during the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    The discontinuation left students without support, many of whom were locked out of classrooms, evicted from hostels, and left destitute in a foreign country.

    “The trauma these students faced was unbearable. Some of them were harassed, ridiculed, and nearly deported. This intervention is not just financial—it is moral and humanitarian,” said Kabiru Ibrahim, father of one of the affected students.

    Among the beneficiaries are 28 medical students, as well as graduates in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, computer science, and biomedical sciences—most of whom had completed their studies but could not access their certificates due to unpaid fees.

    The Governor has gone a step further by ordering the automatic employment of all returning students into the Kano State civil service.

    “These young professionals are an asset to our state. We will not only welcome them home but also give them opportunities to contribute to our development,” said Governor Yusuf in a statement.

    The move has sparked celebrations across the state, with many parents openly shedding tears of joy at what they described as the “end of a nightmare.”

    “This is the happiest day of my life. I can finally hold my son’s certificate and see him begin his career,” said Fatima Suleiman, mother of one of the medical graduates.

    Human rights groups and members of the Nigerian diaspora who had previously condemned the neglect of the students have praised the administration’s bold step.

    “This is a clear example of leadership with empathy. These are lives restored, careers revived, and reputations redeemed,” said Musa Lawan, coordinator of a Nigerian student welfare group in Europe.

    A statement signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, confirmed that the state paid a total of ₦2.24 billion to the Near East University in Cyprus, clearing all debts owed and unlocking certificates for the affected students.

    “A total of two billion, two hundred and forty million naira has been paid to secure the certificates of the students who have waited for over five years,” the statement read.

  • Kano governor Yusuf suspends another aide

    Kano governor Yusuf suspends another aide

    Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the immediate suspension of his Aide, Ibrahim Rabi’u, a Senior Special Reporter (SSR) attached to the Ministry of Transportation over unguarded utterances.

    This comes barely two weeks after the governor sacked his Secretary to the State Government (SSG) over issues bordering on usurpation and administrative negligence.

    The Governor, also directed the issuance of query to the suspended Aide over his recent inflammatory comment against Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s purported defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    The suspension which takes immediate effect was issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, on Saturday.

    In a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the government cautioned all political apointees against unauthorised statements, insisting that any official comment must get clearance.

    According to the Statement, “the government has distanced itself from the purported claim, describing the statement authored by the suspended aide as solely coming from the author for reasons best known to him.”

    The Statement, therefore, reminded the general public that only the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Comrade Ibrahim Wayya is authorized to speak on behalf of the government while the Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature speaks for Governor.

    “The government cautions all political appointees against unauthorized comments, especially outside their jurisdiction.

    “Any political appointee must get clearance before making public comments on issues that have to do with the position of the government on matters of public importance or of sensitive political decisions,” the Statement added.

     

  • Kano senator dumps NNPP to join APC

    Kano senator dumps NNPP to join APC

    The Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District under the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Sen. Kawu Sumaila has defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio read the letter of the lawmaker’s defection at plenary on Wednesday.

    According to Sumaila in his letter his decision to leave the NNPP is anchored on compelling and undeniable developments within the party, which have rendered the party severely divided and dysfunctional.

    The letter is titled ”Notification of defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP,) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    ”Pursuant to section 68, subsection 1 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I write to the Senate President on behalf of the Senate.

    “I write to formally notify the Senate through your esteemed office of my defection from the NNPP to the APC, the largest party in Africa.

    “My decision to bid goodbye to the NNPP is anchored on compelling and undeniable developments within the party, which have rendered the party severely divided and dysfunctional.

    “Over the past months, I have observed a growing number of litigations that have practically torn the party apart and left its structure fractured.

    “All of which clearly centered on issues of party disunity, functional leadership, and the legitimacy of its operations.

    “These legal battles have not only eroded internal cohesion but have created parallel and conflicting authorities within the party,” he wrote.

    The lawmaker added that a further manifestation of the division was the existence of multiple factions each with its own distinct party logo.

    This, he noted underscored the depth of the division and reflected a clear and public splintering of the party’s identity in both form and substance, as the party was divided in form and substance.

    “Therefore, in the spirit of democratic accountability and in line with my constitutional right, I have moved to APC , a national platform, an international platform, which I believe will better support my legislative responsibilities and aspirations of the good people of my senatorial district,” he said.

  • 4 Kano Robbers sentenced to 40 years imprisonment over violent midnight attack

    4 Kano Robbers sentenced to 40 years imprisonment over violent midnight attack

    In a landmark ruling, the Kano State High Court has sentenced four men Nafi’u Isah, Haruna Ya’u, Nadabo Mohammed, and Sa’adu Musa to 40 years and six months in prison for their roles in a brutal armed robbery and attempted murder in Kunkurawa Village.

    Presiding over the case, Justice Usman Na’abba found the defendants guilty on all four charges: criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, attempted murder, and causing grievous bodily harm. The court handed down a combined sentence of 20 years for armed robbery, 10 years for attempted murder, five years for causing grievous harm, and six months for conspiracy. All sentences are to run concurrently.

    The attack, which took place around 1 a.m. on May 1, 2022, targeted the residence of Haruna Shehu. Armed with guns, cutlasses, and sticks, the assailants assaulted Shehu and his family, seriously injuring his son and stealing ₦650,000 in cash.

    Although the convicts pleaded not guilty, their case was undone by compelling testimony from six prosecution witnesses and strong physical evidence. The court also ruled that failure to repay the stolen ₦650,000 will result in an additional five-year prison term.

    The judgment serves as a clear warning to criminal elements operating in Kano and surrounding areas.

  • Wherever Kwankwaso goes, we follow – Kano gov, Yusuf vows

    Wherever Kwankwaso goes, we follow – Kano gov, Yusuf vows

    Gov.Abba Yusuf of Kano State  has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Sen. Rabiu  Kwankwaso’s political decisions.

    Yusuf pledged to follow Kwankwaso’s political lead, stating, “wherever he goes politically, his supporters will follow.”

    The Governor made this declaration while addressing 484 local government Councillors from the 44 Local government areas at the Government House on Sunday.

    Yusuf also dismissed the allegations made by Baffa Bichi,former Secretary to the State Government labeling him as ‘a shameless liar’, describing the claims as false and laughable.

    The governor particularly refuted the claim that Kwankwaso receives N2 billion monthly from the Kano State Government, describing the allegation as “the height of political desperation and dishonesty.”

    Yusuf praised Kwankwaso as “one of the purest and most selfless individuals in Kano,” stating that he has never demanded any funds from the administration or interfered with government’s finances.

    The governor questioned Bichi’s timing and motive, stating that he served in the government for over a year without raising concerns, adding, “he is only speaking out after his dismissal due to poor performance.”

    Yusuf criticised Bichi for lacking integrity, suggesting, “he should have spoken out while still in office if he had genuine concerns.

    “You were in this government for more than a year, If you had any integrity, you would have spoken out while still in office.

    “But you chose silence until you were sent parking. That exposes your real motive.”

    The governor reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and good governance.

    Yusuf also urged the people of the state to disregard what he described as ”the noise of bitter politicians who have lost relevance.”

  • Emir Sanusi appoints new Galadima, 4 others

    Emir Sanusi appoints new Galadima, 4 others

    The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has appointed a new Galadima of Kano, alongside four other senior traditional councillors to hold various positions in the Emirate.

    Those appointed are: Galadiman Kano,  Alhaji Munir Sanusi-Bayero, District Head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, Alhaji Kabir Tijjani Hashim, District Head of Nassarawa and Turakin Kano, Alhaji Mahmud Ado Bayero, who is the District Head of Gwale.

    Others are: Tafidan Kano, Adam Lamido-Sanusi and Yariman Kano, Alhaji Ahmad Abbas-Sanusi.

    Speaking shortly after the turbaning ceremony, Sanusi urged the newly appointed traditional leaders to remain exemplary leaders.

    He stated that they had already demonstrated loyalty, humility, and compassion to the common man.

    “You have been chosen based on your track records and that of your families.

    “Most of you have shown and demonstrated loyalty to the emirate, our lineage, the people, and the state in general,” Sanusi said.

    The emir acknowledged their contributions to the society, saying, “we are aware of what you have been doing, helping the poor and contributing immensely to the betterment of the society.

    “I urge you all to continue and ensure that you follow the examples set by your predecessors. May God help you all in discharging your duties.”

    The turbaning ceremony was attended by the State Governor, Abba Yusuf, members of the State Executive Council, traditional and religious leaders, family, and friends, among others.

    In a separate ceremony at the Nassarawa Mini Palace, the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado-Bayero, appointed and turbaned Alhaji Sunusi Ado-Bayero as the new Galadiman Kano.

  • 240 Kano workers receive double payments, 217 share same BVN

    240 Kano workers receive double payments, 217 share same BVN

    Kano State Government said it has uncovered irregularities on its payroll involving 240 employees receiving double payments and 217 others having the same Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    Dr Sulaiman Sani, Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Service Matters and Chairman of the State Coordinating Committee, disclosed this at a press briefing in Kano on Sunday.

    Sani, who represented the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, said the findings emerged from a biometric verification exercise was aimed at sanitising the state’s civil service.

    According to him, the anomalies were discovered during reviews conducted by two standing committees; one for the state and another for local government payrolls.

    “The inherited shortcomings in the payroll system have continued to disturb the government.

    “We discovered that 240 employees are drawing double salaries, while 217 individuals share the same BVN,” Sani said.

    He also revealed that 1,335 employees had not reported for verification for over six months, further raising concerns about the authenticity of many names on the payroll.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Payroll Government Standing Committee, Alhaji Umar Idi, said an audit exercise uncovered 247 questionable names on the local government and primary healthcare payrolls.

    Idi explained that only eight out of the 247 individuals appeared before the committee to confirm their employment status.

    “The removal of the remaining 239 names has resulted in a monthly saving of N27.8 million, which will be returned to the state and local governments’ joint account,” he said.

    Sani assured that the ongoing exercise was not punitive but it was intended to ensure that genuine workers and pensioners received their full entitlements without arbitrary deductions.

    He recalled that since the assumption of office of Gov. Abba Yusuf,his administration had prioritised the prompt payment of salaries and haf eliminated informal deductions from workers’ wages.

    “The payroll cleansing will enhance transparency and efficiency in salary administration,” Sani added.

    He further vowed that the government would continue working with the stakeholders to address all the anomalies and restore credibility to the civil service.

  • Blasphemy laws: We will not be deterred by external pressures – Kano tells ECOWAS court

    Blasphemy laws: We will not be deterred by external pressures – Kano tells ECOWAS court

    The Kano State Government has replied the ECOWAS Court of Justice, defending its blasphemy laws against a verdict stating it violate Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

    The ECOWAS court’s judgment, which declared certain aspects of the blasphemy laws inconsistent with international human rights standards, has sparked a fierce debate.

    In a statement released on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said Kano remained unyielding, citing its legal authority to protect the values and beliefs of its predominantly Muslim population.

    He said, “We will not be deterred by external pressures. Our responsibility is to uphold the values of our society, which are grounded in religious and moral beliefs. While we respect international opinions, our laws are a reflection of our people’s will.

    “The Kano government’s defencee is rooted in Nigeria’s federal system, where states retain the right to enact laws reflecting local social, moral, and religious contexts.

    “The people of Kano have entrusted us with the responsibility to maintain peace and protect their religious values. These laws are central to that mission, and they will remain firmly in place.”

    While acknowledging the ECOWAS Court’s judgment, Waiya reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the protection of religious sanctity and public order.

    “We fully respect the court’s authority, but the laws that govern our state must reflect the unique moral and religious fabric of our people,” said Waiya.

    The state argues that its blasphemy laws are not an aberration but a recognition of Nigeria’s legal pluralism — where state legislatures are empowered to legislate on matters within the Concurrent Legislative List, including criminal law.

  • Emir Bayero cancels Durbar Celebration in Kano

    Emir Bayero cancels Durbar Celebration in Kano

    The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.

    Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini palace in Kano on Wednesday night.

    He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.

    Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.

    He noted that respected Islamic Clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.

    Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends, and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

    He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.