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NEW KANO EMIRATES: Do not destroy our 1,000 year old heritage
Advocates for United Kano
The Advocates for United Kano, is a non-partisan group of citizens from all professions and backgrounds, who are law abiding and irrevocably committed to the peace and progress of our dear State. Consequently, we hereby express deep concern about the persistence of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the destruction of the Kano Emirate, a product of the efforts of our forefathers, which has survived for centuries championing purposeful administration and scholarship in Kano State and beyond.
It is without doubt that the Kano Emirate has, for centuries, been a formidable force in shaping the character and economic outlook of the Kano society in particular and Nigeria as a whole. Unfortunately, however, the actions of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje which, to a greater extent, border on personal margins are unequivocally bent on destroying that legacy.
Well-meaning citizens cutting across various spheres of endeavour (religious, political, academic, legal, judicial etc) have expressed views that despite the ill-conceived action of the Governor, Kano Emirate “has remained the most influential emirate in the Sokoto Caliphate under the control of the Emir of Kano, traversing the entire territory that is now known as Kano State.”
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Political vendetta against Dan Fodio legacy
The Governor has severally been cautioned to apply reason and rectitude in contemplating dissecting the Kano Emirate to meet certain political ends.
But political impunity and vendetta have beclouded his good senses of reasoning and judgement.
Clearly, he is resolute in the mission of destroying the legacy of Sheik Usman Dan Fodio, which Kano Emirate duly represents.
The Governor, for political reasons, has deliberately overlooked the numerous words of wisdom written to him formally and/or expressed through various media and went heedlessly ahead to sign into law the obnoxious bill creating four additional emirates within the historical jurisdiction of the Kano Emirate.
He also trampled the sound counselling adduced by lawyers and courts of appropriate jurisdictions and continued with the unilateral action leading to the creation of the new emirates.
As elders, sincerely concerned with the unity, well-being and progress of the people of Kano State, we consider this singular act by the Governor (along with many similar inactions upon which the citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction) appalling, misguided and dictatorial.
Our demands
We therefore and unequivocally wish to state as follows:
1. We view with great concern the impunity with which the Governor of Kano State has been running the affairs of the State in total disregard of the wish and aspirations of the people;
2. In recognition of the pivotal role of the Kano Emirate in the entrenchment of unity among citizens, its guidance on matters of progress of the State and enhancement of the wellbeing of the people coupled with the dire need to sustain peaceful coexistence among the citizens, we hereby call on the Governor to, in the interest of Unity, Peace and Progress of Kano State, immediately cause the repeal of the obnoxious Law creating the new Emirates. Our resolve in this regard was informed by careful consideration of the fact that the personal ambitions of the Governor should not be allowed to jeopardise the overall common good and harmonious relationship existing among the Kano populace;
3. If however, in the wisdom of the Governor, that the new Emirates are necessary in order to fast track development, then the Law must be subjected entirely to the processes of popular will. This is a matter of strategic public significance should be subjected to established democratic ideals. The voice of people of Kano State must be heard and respected, too.
Prayer for peace
In making this declaration, we wish to, once again, appeal to the good people of the State to continue to remain law abiding and peaceful in their conducts. We assure all well-meaning citizens that Kano will continue to be great in all endeavours.
We equally wish to implore other well-meaning Nigerians not to relent in their prayers and other interventions towards finding a lasting solution to this unfortunate aspect of our history.
We also hereby reiterate our commitment and resolve at preserving the historical legacy of Kano Emirate, an institution, unlike an individual, is indispensable.
For and on behalf of Advocates for United Kano:
- Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa
- Eng. Lawal Audi
- Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba CFR
- Barrister Amina BB Faruk
- Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim
- Alhaji Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim
- Malam Abba Dabo
- Malam brahim Ado-Kurawa
- Barrister Aishatu Dankani mni MFR
- Dr. Bala Muhammad
- Dr. Dalhatu Sani Yola
- Prof. Faruk Sarkin Fada
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.
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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.
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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.”