Headlines
It was not our members that booed Pantami–Kwankwasiyya
By Nazifi Dawud
Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano has denied reports that members of the Kwankwasiya group, loyal to former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, were responsible for humiliating Sheikh Isa Ali Pantami, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications at the Kano airport.
Kano Focus recalls that Pantami was booed, heckled and jostled on Tuesday by Kwankwaso’s supporters at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), while he was returning to Abuja after paying a condolence visit to Sha’aban Sharada, a member of the House of Representatives, who lost his father.
Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, National Leader of the Jama’atul Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), in his condemnation of the incident asked Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya group to call his supporters to order and to apologize publicly to Mr Pantami, who is also an Islamic scholar.
“Our members are peace-loving people who would not cause any breach of peace. But we have opponents who use our identity to cause trouble in order to tarnish our image,” Mr Bichi told BBC Hausa on Thursday.
“We were only at the airport to see off the students we sponsored for postgraduate studies. It was not our members that booed the minister. In fact, it was our supporters that rescued him from the angry youths,” he added
But, a police spokesperson Alabi Josoph, who is in charge of security at MAKIA, contradicted Mr Bichi, insisting that it was Kwankwasiyya members that booed and jostled Mr Pantami.
Mr Alabi, a deputy superintendent of police, told the BBC that it was the police, assisted by other security agencies at the Kano airport, that brought the situation under control.
“About 2:30 pm on 24 September (2019), a group of Kwankwasiyya supporters booed the minister of communications (Mr Pantami), who was at the Malam Aminu Kano airport on his way to Abuja,” he said.
“The minister was at the airport at the same time with the Kwankwassiya members who were also there to see off about 200 students that were traveling for studies abroad. That was when they booed the minister until security agents intervened and promptly brought the situation under control,” Mr Alabi added.
Headlines
Kano govt reintroduces waste bins in public transport
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has introduced waste disposal bins in the state’s public transport system to ensure a cleaner environment.
KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative targets placing waste bins in Tricycles, buses, and at strategic points in the state, such as markets, bus stops, and motor parks.
Kano Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim, unveiled the initiative on Monday in a ceremony titled
“Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.”
Dahir while speaking at the event stressed the importance of a clean and healthy environment in the state.
He stressed that the bins were put in place by the Kano State government for proper trashing of waste for a healthy society.
“These bins are designed to help commuters dispose of trash responsibly while on the move,” he said.
“The government is taking a firm stance against littering and we are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”
He called on transport workers, traders, and residents to ensure their environment is clean as the government has provided the waste bins for proper disposal.
“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to raise awareness and foster a culture of cleanliness,” he said.
Headlines
Gov Yusuf to distribute free uniform to primary school pupils
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to flag-off the distribution of school uniforms for Primary 1 pupils across the state on Monday 13th January 2025 as part of the administration’s commitment to addressing the problem of out-of-school children in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that an estimated number of over 789,000 male and female pupils in 7,092 public schools across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state are to receive sets of uniforms under the program.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Sunday by commissioner of information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the initiative is aimed at promoting school enrollment and ensuring that every child of school age is given the opportunity to access quality education, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
The statement added that in addition, the gesture will support indigent parents who may face financial challenges in meeting the educational needs of their children and further demonstrates that education remains the cornerstone of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration’s agenda for even development across the state.
“By prioritizing the needs of young learners, the government seeks to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society.
“The official launch event will take place by 1:00 pm at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf personally overseeing the distribution process,” the statement concluded.
Headlines
Emirate tussle: Kano Govt urges security, others to obey Court of Appeal ruling
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano state governent has urged all relevant individuals and bodies within and outside Nigeria, to abide with the recent ruling of the Federal Court of Appeal in respect of the ongoing litigation which the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the position of the Governor Abba Yusuf led administration on the recent ruling was made known Saturday, by Isa Dederi, Kano commissioner for justice, and attorney ‘General, held at a world press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, in Kano.
The commissioner said: “On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.
“The verdict overturns earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions.
“This ruling reaffirms the government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to due process in our efforts to modernize traditional structures while preserving the cultural heritage of Kano State. The judgment further clarifies the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, underscoring the constitutional boundaries of the courts in such affairs.
“The decision by the appellate court to void previous Judgments that questioned the state’s lawful appointments underscores the correctness of our actions and strengthens our resolve to continue reforms for equitable representation and inclusive governance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions, pronouncements, and orders made by the Federal High Court Kano have been quashed and set aside by the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the law enacted by the Kano state House of Assembly relating to Emirates and all actions taken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to that law have been fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.
“We extend our appreciation to the Judiciary for upholding the principles of Justice and fairness. The Kano State Government remains committed to working with traditional institutions, ensuring harmony, and fostering development across all emirates.
“We urge all parties to respect the court’s Judgment and join hands with the government to promote peace, unity, and progress in our beloved state. Let us continue to prioritize the collective good of Kano State above all individual interests.”