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Election rigging, poor governance breed insecurity in the North – Junaidu Muhammad

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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.

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Breaking: Governor Yusuf Appoints Umar Farouk Ibrahim as Kano New SSG

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.

Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.

According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.

Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role.

His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.

From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

In this capacity, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on viable alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of these policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Following this, from June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim held the position of Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate.

His tenure in this role showcased his strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he served as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in him by the state leadership.

In addition to his formal roles, Ibrahim served as Secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (GP Houses) in 2012, and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004).

His early career also saw him play pivotal roles in community and educational reforms, such as his position as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.

Mr. Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, followed by several professional certificates that further enriched his qualifications.

As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG.

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and facilitate the effective execution of its policies and programs.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Ibrahim’s appointment would significantly contribute to realizing his administration’s vision for Kano State, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in steering the state toward sustained development and growth.

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Gov. Yusuf reconstitutes consumer protection council, appoints Zangina Jafaru E.S

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the composition of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC), to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers in the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the newly constituted council comprises seasoned professionals, government officials, and business representatives to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumers from exploitation.

A statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa noted that the members of the council include Dr. Umar Garba Haruna, as chairman and Alhaji Zangina Jafaru serving as the executive secretary.

Alhaji Zangina Jafaru

Other key members of the council include Ibrahim Ahmad Gama (Member representing Kano Central), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Bichi (Member representing Kano North), Alhaji Hussaini Bello Gidado (Member representing Kano South) Alhaji Munzali Abubakar (Representative of business community I, Kantin Kwari Market), Ali Muhammad Adakawa (Representative of business community II, Kwanar Singa), Alhaji Ahmed Isah Chedi (Representative of business community III, Dawanau Market), and Sani Gambo (Representative of business community IV, Abubakar Rimi Market).

Others are Halima Yahuza Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Justice), Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Health), Aminu Gidado Yushe’u (Representative of Ministry of Environment), Bashir Shehu Gezawa (Representative of the Ministry for Local Government), Maryam Halilu Haruna, Director Special Duties, (Representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs), Bashir Uba, Director Investment, (Representative of the Ministry of Investment/Commerce), Faisal Mahmud (Representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Agency), Umar Zubairu (Representative of Special Service Directorate) and Shamsu Jibrin (Secretary/Legal Adviser.)

The Governor emphasised that the council’s primary mandate is to protect consumer rights and ensure that businesses operate under fair, transparent and lawful conditions.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to promoting good governance, market confidence and safeguarding the public from substandard products and unethical business practices.

The council members are expected to commence operations immediately, addressing consumer complaints, regulating trade practices, and fostering a healthy business environment across Kano State.

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Waiya decries poor Hausa advertisements by non-Hausa speakers

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has expressed concern over the increasing trend of non-proficient Hausa speakers advertising products in the Hausa language in a manner that distorts the message and deviates from standard Hausa.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the Commissioner made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in his office.

 

He emphasized the need for advertisements in Hausa to be crafted by native speakers to ensure clarity and effective communication with the target audience.

 

“For an advert to be well understood, it is crucial that native Hausa speakers handle its production to prevent distortion and misinterpretation,” Comrade Waiya stressed.

 

Waiya reiterated his commitment to strengthening the capacity of Information Officers in the state by ensuring their registration with relevant professional bodies. This, he noted, would enhance their effectiveness and service delivery.

 

Earlier, the Director, Northern Region, ARCON, described the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria as the apex regulatory body overseeing advertising, marketing communications, and public communication practices in Nigeria.

 

He explained that ARCON operates under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation with a mandate to promote ethical advertising, act as the conscience of society in commercial communications, and protect consumer interests.

 

The Director commended the Kano State Government for its support of ARCON and urged the ministry to ensure that all Information Officers in the state are registered members of the council. He emphasized that such membership would significantly benefit the officers in carrying out their duties professionally.

 

 

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