Headlines
I’m still a PDP member–Ganduje’s commissioner
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Sadiq Wali, the Kano state Commissioner for Water Resources has reiterated that he is still an active member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) despite his position in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Wali had raised eyebrows after his pictures emerged on social media platforms clutching a PDP membership card which he was said to have acquired alongside his father, Ambassador Aminu Wali, a former minister of foreign affairs and Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a former senator.
The trio was said to have acquired the opposition membership cards last Saturday reportedly to avoid being expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities.
The Kano PDP split
It could be recalled that the PDP in Kano state had split into two factions after the elder Wali–whose son Sadiq had attempted to contest for the 2019 governorship election in the state was–forced out of the race by Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of the state, who anointed his protege, Abba Yusuf as the PDP’s candidate.
After Mr Ganduje defeated Mr Yusuf in the 2019 elections, the anti-Kwankwaso PDP faction, led by Yahaya Bagobiri visited and congratulated Mr Ganduje on his election as governor of the state.
According Mr Bagobiri, who led the delegation, their support for the APC was not against the interest of their own party.
“We did it in the open and also through the media. That our people should support governor Ganduje in his second term bid. Which we all did. What we did was simply efforts in strengthening democratic structures and principle of free and fair choice.
“With this victory Your Excellency, we can say Allah saved us, Kano and its people from that tyranny. This is what we have been yearning for Your Excellency. That was why we came in block and supported your candidature, which yields fruits at the end of the day,” Mr Bagobiri had said.
Other members of the delegation included Aminu Wali, Akilu Sani Indabawa and Bello Hayatu Gwarzo.
In his response, Mr Ganduje welcomed the opposition chieftains and invited them to participate in an “all inclusive government as a show of appreciation and respect for the harmonious working relationship between him and the ‘original PDP members’ in the state”.
‘We answered Ganduje’s call’
But in his reaction to the speculations, Mr Sadiq Wali told KANO FOCUS that he had never left the PDP even after his appointment as commissioner, noting that Mr Ganduje called them to build an inclusive government.
“It’s not good for you journalists to speculate on something that did not happen.
“When I was invited the Kano state government told us it will form an all inclusive government.
“I have never collected a membership card from any other political party apart from my own political party the PDP.
“If I wanted to join the APC it would not be a shame for me and I will announce it everywhere, but I’m not willing to do so.
“Soon after Governor Ganduje won the supreme court verdict, he reiterated that he wanted an all inclusive government. So, I don’t know why people are trying to create problems,” he said.
The commissioner however blamed the Kwankwasiyya movement (led by Mr Kwankwaso) for “bringing destruction and disintegration in the PDP”, forcing them to join the opposition APC.
“We have been maltreated by the Kwankwasiyya faction. It’s not fair to us. Now somebody has won and asked us to help him. Do you expect us to reject him,” he asked.
“I’m willing to help Governor Ganduje since he invited us to help him in his government because he has faith in me,” Mr Wali 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.
