Headlines
Kano Assembly reinstates 5 suspended lawmakers
Nasiru Yusuf
The Kano state House of Assembly has on Tuesday reinstated five lawmakers suspended for opposing investigation of deposed Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II.
Kano Focus reports that the lawmakers participated in Tuesday’s plenary chaired by the speaker of the House Abdulazeez Garba Gafasa.
It could be recalled that the Assembly had on Monday March 3 suspended five members for six months for causing a rowdy session.
The Assembly had descended into chaos over the report of its committee that investigated allegations against Muhammad Sanusi II, who was later deposed by the state government as Emir of Kano.
Court reinstates suspended Kano legislators
Sanusi dethronement: Kano assembly suspends 5 lawmakers
The suspended members are Garba Yau Gwarmai (APC) Kunchi/Tsanyawa Constituency, Labaran Abdul Madari (APC) Warawa Constituency, and Mohammed Bello (APC) Rimin Gado/Tofa Constituency.
The rest are Isyaku Ali Danja (PDP) Gezawa Constituency and Salisu Ahmed-Gwamgwazo (PDP) representing Kano Municipal Constituency.
“The five members were suspended for violating the rules of the house, especially Order IV Sub 4 a, b, d and e disrupted the sittings of the house and prevented proceedings from going on.
“They behaved violently and even attempted to snatch away the mace in a clear attempt to sabotage the sitting of the House,” the speaker said.
Three weeks later, the House suspended its plenary session on March 27, 2020 in compliance with COVID-19 protocol.
Court nullifies suspension
Also on June 3rd a Federal High Court sitting in Kano set aside the suspension of the five members.
The lawmakers in an originating summons urged the court to declare their suspension as a violation of Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
They said that the section stipulates and guarantee their tenure in office.
Mr Jimoh, Counsel to the lawmakers, said that the suspension contravenes article 13 of the African Charter on people’s and human rights and Section 109 of the Constitution.
The presiding Judge, Justice Allagoa agreed with the submission of the counsel to the lawmakers.
Mr Allagoa, in his judgment, said that the suspension was unconstitutional, null and void.
He also ordered the Speaker and the Kano State House of Assembly to pay salaries and allowances of the five suspended members.
House failed to reinstate members
However, when the House failed to reinstate the lawmakers, they went back to Federal High Court, Kano and obtained an order compelling the Assembly to reinstate them in compliance with the judgment.
Kano Focus reports that the court granted the order and issued a form 48 which directed the house to reinstate the members in line with the judgment delivered on June 3rd.
However, the Assembly through its counsel Ibrahim Aliyu on Thursday June 18 filed an application requesting the court to set aside the form 48 it issued directing the House to comply with judgment on reinstating the five lawmakers pending the hearing and determination of appeal filed in Court of Appeal, Kano division.
When the matter was called on Monday March 29, counsel to the five lawmakers Nuraini Jimoh appealed to court to adjourn the matter to enable them prepare counter affidavit as they were served on Wednesday June 24.
The trial judge Justice Lewis Allagoa adjourned the matter to Monday July 6 for hearing the motion.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
