Headlines
Kano Emirates Crisis: Northern elders to reconcile Ganduje, Sanusi
Nazifi Dawud
Disturbed by the lingering dispute between Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II over alleged political differences leading into the split of the ancient Kano Emirate into five, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has resolved to intervene in the crisis.
Kano Focus reports that the intervention of the NEF, under the leadership of Professor Ango Abdullahim came amidst a fresh controversy over an ultimatum issued by Mr Ganduje to Emir Sanusi on the chairmanship of the Kano Council of Chiefs.
The ultimatum was contained in a letter sighted by KANO FOCUS dated December 19, and signed by Musa Yahaya Bichi, Permanent Secretary Special Duties on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government.
“His Excellency the Executive Governor is requesting His Highness the Emir of Kano to indicate his ACCEPTANCE or OTHERWISE of his appointment as the CHAIRMAN of Kano State Council of Chiefs as conveyed vide letter No SSG/REPA/S/A/86/T and dated 9th December 2019.
“The acceptance or otherwise should reach his excellency the executive governor of Kano state within two days of the receipt of this letter.” It said.
However, even though another letter said to have emanated from the Kano Emirate indicating Mr Sanusi’s acceptance of the governor’s offer, circulated on social media, it is still unclear whether the monarch has agreed to chair the council of chiefs as the Emirate Council has not officially confirmed the purported acceptance letter.
‘Unforeseen circumstances’
But in a letter sent dated 15 December, 2019 and addressed to Walin Kano, Mahe Bashir, Professor Abdullahi, said the NEF is “deeply disturbed by the current dimension taken by the escalating misunderstanding between the Kano state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II and some sections of the Kano elite”.
“The crisis, we are afraid, is pregnant with unforeseen circumstances that ultimately threaten the integrity of the entire Kano traditional institution, overall peace and security of the state and by extension the cohesion of the northern region.
“Subsequent upon this concern, the Northern Elders Forum, has resolved to mobilize eminent northern personalities, elders and all categories of leaders and stakeholders in the north to intervene and find lasting solution to the matter,” the letter, seen by Kano Focus read.
Professor Abdullahi said the meeting to resolve the dispute would take place at Tahir Guest Palace on Sunday, December 22, 2019.
“While in Kano, the team shall hold interactions with Kano elders and critical stakeholders, the Emir Sunusi and the Governor of Kano.
“I wish to inform you that in view of your relevance and the eminent position in the Kano Emirate Council, you have been selected among the personalities that the delegation will interact with on Sunday, 22 December, 2019 at Tahir Guest Palace Majestic Hall by 12 noon.
“It is our sincere hope that this intervention would finally get to the root of the matter and find a lasting solution with mutual understanding and respect so that the state can move on,” the letter added.
Headlines
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Headlines
ACF Kano chair, meets former Brazilian president Temer at agribusiness exhibition
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
