Headlines
COVID-19 is real, those denying it are ignorant–Dr Bashir Aliyu
Nazifi Dawud
Renowned Islamic scholar Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar has appealed to people to take precautions against the novel COVID-19 coronavirus, saying the disease is real and not a “Western conspiracy” as some ignorant persons are claiming.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr Umar, head of Al-Fur’qan Islamic Centre in Kano city, made the appeal during a Qur’an exegesis session on Saturday.
He said it was unjust for people who have no knowledge on the coronavirus pandemic to claim it was propaganda, while the infection is spreading and killing people.
“Are you telling people to just relax without taking any precautions until the (coronavirus) disease comes to their door steps and kills them? Is this what Islam teaches you?,” he asked rhetorically.
“No one knows exactly how this disease came about. Those who are calling it propaganda are ignorant. Those who say it’s a conspiracy do not know anything apart from the ability to read in English language.
“They say it’s just a plot between the United States of America (USA) and China, forgetting that that China was the first victim of the disease followed by the US.
“Even Isreal is a victim. How many people died in Israel, about 200 and still counting. And just like Islamic countries closed down their mosques, the Isrealis also shut down their synagogues despite their orthodox doctrine,” he added.
According to him: “The whole world is on its knees. Governments are helping companies to pay salaries in England. Are you saying that the capitalist nations would deliberately create something that would destroy them?
“In U.S, (President Donald) Trump says every citizen will be given $1,000 each to prevent the economy from collapsing. But despite this, the economy is still crumbling. Only Allah can do this”.
Dr Bashir also urged Islamic scholars to be skeptical of ignorant followers that often deceive them with a fake claim from a 1980 fictitious novel that purportedly predicted the coming of the coronavirus.
“Those who are using a non-scientific fictional novel to claim that the coronavirus is a conspiracy theory are ignorant.
“Even though they claim that the novel predicted the virus in Wuhan, there is no where that the name Wuhan is mentioned in the said novel. But they use that fake information to deceive Islamic scholars who also come out to mislead members of the public,” he said.
KANO FOCUS reports that concerns are being raised on how some radio stations in Kano invite quacks, posing as medical experts to “analyse” the coronavirus pandemic, and end up misleading the public in the process.
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.
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.
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.
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Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
