Headlines
Why I’m yet to appoint Commissioners – Ganduje

Maude Rabiu Gwadabe
Kano state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje says he is yet to form a cabinet because he is trying to compensate all the different parties and groups that supported his second term bid.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Ganduje, is yet to form a cabinet more than four months after taking office.
It could be recalled that the governor had formed a cabinet within three weeks of his first tenure in office.
However, Mr Ganduje said the process of nominating commissioners in his second term is taking a longer time because of the different forces that supported him during the 2019 election.

In an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America (VOA), Mr Ganduje said he will soon announce the names of prospective commissioners.
“Some of my former commissioners will be re-nominated while others will not.
However, those that are not returning as commissioners will still be accommodated in the government.” He said.
Constitutional Provision
The 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has mandated governors to nominate commissioners, who shall be screened and confirmed by the states Houses of Assembly.
Section 193 (2) provided for regular meetings of governors and deputy governors with their commissioners for the purposes of:
“(a) determining the general direction of the policies of the Government of the state;
“(b) co-ordinating the activities of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the Commissioners of the Government of the State in the discharge of their executive responsibilities, and;
“(c) advising the Governor generally in the discharge of his executive functions, other than those functions with respect to which he is required by this Constitution to seek the advice or act on the recommendation of any other person or body.”
However, the constitution did not specify a time frame for governors to ensure the establishment of a cabinet.
Political Consideration
Following the 2019 elections, only 10 out of the 36 governors in Nigeria have so far formed cabinets in their states.
In Kano, political considerations have made it difficult for the governor to form a cabinet.
In 2015, Mr Ganduje ran for election as a candidate of the Kwankwasiyya group within the APC.
It was therefore easy for the group to agree on their nominees for commissioners even before Mr Ganduje took the oath of office.
However in 2019, running as the head of his own Gandujiyya faction, Mr Ganduje needed the support of other political blocs in order to win against the Kwankwasiyya candidate after the group decamped to the opposition PDP.
Notable politicians who supported Mr Ganduje’s ambition include current senator and former governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, former deputy governor, Hafiz Abubakar and a host of disgruntled Kwankwasiyya and PDP members who decamped in protest against the alleged high-handedness of the group leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Headlines
UNICEF applauds Kano State for enacting Child Protection Law, calls for effective implementation

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) has commended the Government and citizens of Kano State for the recent enactment of the Child Protection Law, signed into law by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commendation was contained in a statement issued by Samuel Kaalu UNICEF spokesperson in Kano.
The statement quoted Mr. Rahama R.M. Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, saying “The Kano State Child Protection Law is a remarkable achievement that benefits the children and people of Kano. It establishes a legal framework to ensure the protection of children’s rights within the state.
“Now that the law has been established, it is crucial to allocate the necessary resources and establish mechanisms for its effective implementation. We urge the new administration in Kano State to take this vital step and provide adequate resources to ensure the comprehensive enforcement of the law.

Mr. Farah added that with the enactment of this law, Kano State joins other states that have successfully incorporated the Nigeria Child Rights Act, originally enacted by the National Assembly in 2003, into their legal frameworks.
He said “It is important to note that this Act is derived from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), of which Nigeria is a signatory. Extensive consultations were conducted with key stakeholders, including faith-based and community leaders, during the development of the bill.
“This collaborative effort ensured that the law reflects the values and aspirations of the people of Kano.”
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children.

Headlines
APC condemns Kano demolition exercise

Aminu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has implored the victims of the recent demolition exercise embarked upon by the Kano State government to seek legal redress while describing the action of the new NNPP administration as barbaric and unacceptable.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Ag. State Chairman of the opposition party, Shehu Maiagari made the condemnation while Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano.
The politician condemned the spate of demolition of business interests and property across the state by the Governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“The action of the state government has brought unnecessary chaos, rampant vandalism, daylight robbery and grabbing of property belonging to innocent members of the Kano society” he lamented.
The opposition party insisted that the demolition has destroyed the means of livelihood of the people of the state while lamenting that it has equally tarnished the reputation of the state as a safe commercial centre for secured business investment.
The APC appealed to security agencies in the state to step up action and restore the people’s confidence in light of the shock they had experienced while imploring parents and guardians to caution their children against being used as agents of destruction by the state government.
“We assure the good people of the state of our prayers and support in this trying period; we also implore those affected directly or indirectly, to seek redress in the court of law,” they stated.

Headlines
Kano Governor Appoints Habu Fagge as Pension Boss

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of Alhaji Habu Muhammad Fagge as Executive Chairman, Kano State Pension Board Trustee.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment takes effect immediately as the governor directed for handing over and taking over within 24 hours.
A statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the governor Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa said Alhaji Habu Fagge, a holder of Bsc Finance from Abraham Lincoln University, served two terms as Executive Chairman of Kano Internal Revenue Services.
The statement added that the new appointee had served Kano State as director finance, director planning, research and statistics and director other taxes.

