Headlines
Bichi Emirate’s kingmaker, Wada Waziri, dies at 89
Nasiru Yusuf
One of the kingmakers of newly created Bichi Emirate, Alhaji Wada Waziri has died at the age of 89.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Waziri, who was the Sarkin Bai of Bichi, died on Wednesday reportedly due to age-related ailments.
The deceased was the district head of Makoda before he was moved to Dambatta as district head and also elevated to as one of the Kingmakers of Bichi Emirate, one of the four emirates created by governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2019.
A seasoned bureaucrat and labour unionist, the deceased came into limelight during the military administration of late Hamza Abdullahi in Kano, when he led a task force on environmental sanitation popularly known as ‘ruwa-ruwa’.
The late monarch was survived by wives, many children and grand children.
Among his children is Abba Wada, a permanent secretary in the Kano state civil service.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, Mr Ganduje sympathized with members of the Bichi Emirate Council, family of the deceased and the people of Kano state over the death of Mr Waziri.
“It is with great shock and heartfelt feeling, that I am, on behalf of the government and good people of Kano state, commiserating with Bichi Emirate and the families of the late Sarkin Ban Bichi, Alhaji Wada Waziri, over his demise.
“May Allah give his families, the Emirate and the state, the fortitude to bear the great loss, his death was striking to the government, traditional and political leadership in the state,” governor Ganduje said.
He described the deceased as one of the pillars of traditional institution even before his appointment as Sa’in Kano in the old Kano Emirate.
The governor prayed for Allah’s forgiveness and blessings to the soul of the late traditional leader.
“Kano would forever remain appreciative of the contributions late Wada Waziri Ibrahim made to the development of the state and the nation in general.
“He was a great treasure as an elder, whose exemplary leadership qualities earned him all respect from his generation and the generation that follows,” he added.
“Throughout his lifetime, our beloved late Sarkin Ban Bichi, Wada Waziri Ibrahim, was loved by both the ruled and the rulers,” he said.
According to Mr Ganduje late Sarkin Bai’s peaceful posture in ameliorating any confused and frightening moments, as a renowned freedom fighter, was superb and exemplary.
He added that, when it comes to fight for social justice and equality before the law, late Sarkin Bai, was a turning point and a strong pillar to fall back on.
He urged his family members to continue following his footsteps of confidence, discipline, commitment, justice, logical thinking and reasoning, pragmatism, humility and above all, the fear and love of Allah in all their dealings.
The first monarch to die in this order is Emir of Rano, Tafida Abubakar Illa, who died at the age of 74.
The Emir died on Saturday May 2nd at Nassarawa Specialist Hospital, of an undisclosed ailment.
He was followed by Isa Hashim, a retired professor who held the title of Jarman Kano in the Kano emirate council.
Mr Hashim, 86, died on Sunday May 3 2020 at his home, following a brief illness.
Another monarch who died recently was Yusuf Bayero (Dan’iyan Kano), an uncle to the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero.
The 78 year monarch died in the early hours of Sunday May 10th after a protracted illness.
He is survived by a wife, nine children and many relatives.
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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