Headlines
OGP: Petition against Muhuyi Magaji due for hearing in court Nov. 5
By Nasiru Yusuf
A federal high court sitting in Kano has fixed November 5, 2019 for hearing of a petition filed against Muhuyi Magaji, chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, over his refusal to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request on his Open-Government-Partnership (OGP) financial expenditure.
Kano Focus reports that the Center for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA) has sued Mr Magaji, who is the co-chair of the OGP and his counterpart Halima Ben Umar–a representative of the civil society organizations (CSOs) for shunning CAJA’s request seeking explanations on funds spent on the OGP programme.
CAJA is demanding Kano OGP to release the total amount of funds received from Kano state government from January 1st 2017 to June 30th 2019.
The group also sought to know the “details of expenditure at/of OGP secretariat including those used for the purchase of vehicles and other equipment/facilities throughout the period of OGP process in Kano state.”
CAJA, which is headed by an activist, Kabiru Sa’idu Dakata, had filed a petition praying the federal high court to compel Mr Magaji to release the requested information to the applicant.
It also asked the court to award a sum of N5 million against the defendants being the cost of filing the petition.
However, when the matter was brought on Thursday for mention, counsel to OGP, Umar Fari said he was not ready and requested an adjournment to a later date.
In his ruling, the presiding judge Justice O.A Ogwuatu adjourned the case to November 5 2019 for mention.
What is OGP?
Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from national and subnational governments to promote open government, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.
In the spirit of multi-stakeholder collaboration, OGP is overseen by a steering committee including representatives of governments and civil society organizations.
Nigeria joined the OGP in 2016 while three states including Kano joined the platform in 2017.
Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado chairman Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission was appointed as the government co-chair of the platform in the state.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
