Headlines
Election rigging, poor governance breed insecurity in the North – Junaidu Muhammad
Nasiru Yusuf
A former member of House of Representatives in the second republic, Junaidu Muhammad has attributed the spate of insecurity in Northern Nigeria to election rigging that brought irresponsible leaders.
The former parliamentarian said this in an exclusive interview with Kano Focus on the security challenges ravaging the region.
He observed that Northerners have for long tolerated to be cheated by constituted authorities in the region.
Mr Muhammad argued that Northerners should be bold and get courage to fight injustices meted against them.
Bad governance
“First and foremost, the issue is not just the question of security, is the issue of governance.
“We have been very, very irresponsible in the way we allowed ourselves to be governed particularly in the Northeast and Northwest.
“We are freemen who are behaving like slaves.
“We have had election rigged several times in most parts of the country particularly in the North.
“I believe people should have the courage to fight when they feel they have been cheated – whether by people from outside the region or their respective zones,” he said.
The politician cum activist observed that the country has been experiencing insecurity for a long period of time due to injustice by those who hold power.
Mr Muhammad said he does not respect those who accepted injustice over generations especially in the Northwest and Northeast.
“As far as I am concerned, there are heroes and villains in every struggle.
“To me a hero is a kind of person who is not prepared to accept injustice, who is prepared to put his own life on the line in order to liberate himself.
“If you allow people to be cheated all the time, and you believe some people have divine rights, they have been decreed by God to come and cheat you, and you think that is virtue, go ahead and do whatever you want to do, don’t involve me,” Mr Muhammad said.
Need for sacrifice
The parliamentarian who described Kano as the most politically advanced state in Sub-Saharan Africa recalled how late Malam Aminu Kano mobilized people to stand firm against unjust leaders.
He said Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Jigawa states have attained their present status due to the struggle of late Aminu Kano who brought change against the status quo.
Mr Muhammad advised citizens to take their fate in their hands by identifying capable persons who can lead them to emancipate themselves from the bond of irresponsible leadership.
“We have a historical precedent; Aminu Kano did a struggle for 40 years.
“He was able to mobilize the kind of people who are mostly uneducated rural peasants and he engineered the change which made Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa and Katsina states where they are today.
“I have to tell you in the case of Kano, Kano in terms of political awareness, is the most politically advanced area in the whole of Africa South of the Sahara.
“If people are not prepared to be mobilized, if they are not ready to sacrifice, if they have slave mentality, there is nothing you can do about them.
“The question now is to find out from the people whether they are the ones who are not interested in the struggle or they are waiting for leaders from heaven or somewhere else to come and lead them. “But if they are determined, there are always leaders who will emerge and who will give them the necessary political leadership,” Mr Muhammad advised.
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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