Headlines
Stop creation of new emirates to avoid tragic end–Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi warns Ganduje
By Nazifi Dawud
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, a revered Islamic scholar and foremost spiritual leader of the Tijjaniya sect in Nigeria has warned Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to shelve plans to restore his four first-class emirates, which were dissolved by a Kano high court.
Kano Focus reports that Mr Ganduje had transmitted a new executive bill to the Kano State House of Assembly seeking to re-create the four controversial emirates in Rano, Gaya, Bichi and Karaye, after they were nullified by court.
On November 21, 2019 Justice Usman Na’abba had ruled that the Kano assembly did not follow due process in passing the law that established the additional emirates.
However, in a statement on Monday, Malam Muhammad Garba, the state commissioner for information, said the creation of the new emirates “was…informed by the need to bring traditional institution closer to the people in addition to facilitating speedy socio-economic development and security in the state.”
Mr Garba added that “some of these Emirate have even pre-dated Kano in ancient times, while the effort to revive them during the Second Republic was short-lived.”
The creation of the additional emirates is widely believed to be a ploy by Mr Ganduje to whittle down the influence of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II over perceived political differences.
‘Bad news’
But in an audio clip obtained by BBC Hausa, Sheikh Bauchi expressed dismay with Mr Ganduje’s decision to re-introduce a bill to restore the nullified emirates.
He advised the governor to shelve any plans to create additional emirates in the state in the interest of peace.
“As a leader of the Tijjaniya sect, I heard a bad news that Governor (Abdullahi) Ganduje is still trying to restore those emirates that have been dissolved by court. I heard he had asked members of the state assembly to give him the chance to restore the sacked emirates. So, I am begging Ganduje in the name of Allah and the Noble Prophet (Muhammad), to promote peace in Nigeria not only in Kano.
“All of us members of Tijjaniya in Nigeria are in support of the Kano Emirate and the Kano Emirate Council. Anything that affects the Kano Palace also affects us and we won’t allow it.
“I am therefore, drawing the governor’s attention to cancel his plans and accept the decision of the court which has restored Kano to the way it was for more than 1,000 years,” the cleric said.
‘Spiritually powerful’
“What is best for (Ganduje) is to be at peace with the people and stop attracting curses and calamitous prayers for himself. There are many of us in Tijjaniya and all of us not only in Nigeria are fully supporting the Kano Emirate because it brought Shehu Ibrahim Nyass to Nigeria and even Africa.
“We will never forget the good thing the Emirate did to us. So we are with them and we are against anyone that opposes them. I am drawing the Governor’s attention not to cause trouble and unrest for us. All Tijjaniya members are with the Emir of Kano (Muhammad Sanusi II). I am warning that whatever affects that Emirate affects us all and we will not allow it. Even though we are not strong physically but we have spiritual powers. So, I am calling on Ganduje to leave Kano alone the way he and his parents met it.
“The white man (colonialists) came and did his nonsense for 60 years but he never mutilated and dismembered Kano the way Ganduje is doing, the military also came and left Kano the way they met it, so he should also admonish himself and avoid trouble and leave Kano the way Allah allowed it to be for centuries,” the Islamic scholar warned.
‘Terrible idea’
“Dismembering Kano is a terrible idea, (Ganduje) should stay away from it to avoid terrible curses and evil prayers against his person by Tijjaniya followers. Even Shehu Dan Fodio and his children like Mohammad Bello and his brother Abdullahi had acknowledged that Kano is a blessed land.
“Shehu Ibrahim (Nyass) also said even though he had left Kano, but his mind was with Kano and he had repeatedly blessed Kano because his faithful followers were in Kano.
“So, I am repeating my advise to Ganduje, he should desist from dismembering and mutilating Kano and leave it alone the way he and his parents met it. He should concentrate on ending his public career peacefully without attracting evil prayers and terrible curses
“He should strive to have a peaceful end not a terrible one. I hope Governor Ganduje has heard this and would follow my advice,” Sheikh Bauchi added.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the establishment of a Technical Committee to tackle the persistent issue of poor employment representation of Kano State indigenes in federal government agencies, as well as private and voluntary institutions operating within the state.
KANO FOCUS the committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, at his office in Kano. Speaking at the inauguration, the SSG expressed deep concern over what he described as the continued marginalisation of Kano indigenes in employment opportunities, despite Kano being the most populous state in the country.
He noted that Kano has not received its fair share of jobs, even in federal and private institutions located within the state, stressing that the high rate of unemployment among youths in Kano—believed to be higher than in any other state—demands urgent and decisive government intervention.
“This is the right time to reclaim what truly belongs to us,” Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim declared, adding that the present moment offers an opportunity for meaningful and sustainable action.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary in the Office of the SSG, Musa Tanko Muhammad, explained that the committee was carefully constituted with experienced individuals drawn from various sectors of public service.
He announced Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Social Development, as Chairman of the committee, with Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Special Adviser on Human Resource, serving as Co-Chairman.
Other members of the committee include Salisu Mustapha, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Civil Service; Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties; Hon. Ali Yahuza Gano, Special Adviser on Metropolitan Affairs; Alhaji Salisu A. Kabo, Director General, Youth Empowerment; and Hon. Ado Muhammad Wudil, Executive Secretary, Guidance and Counselling Board. The committee’s activities will be coordinated by Salisu Musa Aliyu, Principal Assistant Secretary in the REPA Directorate of the SSG’s Office.
The committee is mandated to review employment practices in federal, private, and voluntary institutions operating in Kano State, determine the level of employment of Kano indigenes, engage relevant organisations on recruitment guidelines, and collaborate with the Federal Character Commission to ensure fairness and compliance with existing regulations. Its ultimate objective is to develop practical and lasting solutions that will improve employment opportunities for Kano State indigenes.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the team. He assured that members would work diligently to justify the trust and appealed to the people of Kano State for prayers and cooperation.
The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his long-time political ally, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on his 76th birthday, marked on December 25.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Dr. Ganduje as an astute politician and accomplished administrator who has devoted over five decades to public service in Nigeria.
The President recalled that Dr. Ganduje served the nation in several key capacities, including as a senior administrator in the Federal Capital Territory before returning to Kano State to serve as Commissioner for Works during the military era. He later became a two-term Deputy Governor of Kano State and subsequently served two consecutive terms as Governor of the state.
Dr. Ganduje, who also served as National Chairman of the APC, is currently the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
President Tinubu praised Ganduje’s enduring friendship and political collaboration, noting his significant contributions to the growth and stability of the ruling party.
“I will forever appreciate Ganduje’s friendship and close collaboration at different times, as well as his services to the APC,” the President said.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the former Kano State governor good health and long life to enable him to continue serving Nigeria and humanity.
Dr. Ganduje’s 76th birthday has drawn goodwill messages from political leaders and associates across the country, celebrating his long years of service and contributions to national development.
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
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