Headlines
Salihu Tanko: Ganduje playing politics with aides’ sack – Shaaban Sharada

I read with dismay a statement by the sacked media aide of Kano state governor in the person of Salihu Tanko Yakasai that the All Progressives Congress led- government has failed Nigerians while calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign.
It is unfortunate to see such a controversial statement coming from an aide of a governor of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite efforts of the APC Extraordinary Convention Committee led by His Excellency Mai Mala Buni.
The statement is uncalled for and smacks of an attempted sabotage to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and it further brings to the fore the ignorance of the said aide on how security architecture works.
Since the abduction of the Jangebe Students, I have spoken with relevant security chiefs who have assured me of efforts they are making to rescue the girls safely.
In defense of Salihu Tanko Yakasai

My relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari – Salihu Tanko Yakasai
Instead of Yakasai to exploit his privilege by praying for the successful rescue of the school girls by security operatives under the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari, he is rather ridiculing their efforts through a series of unwarranted media attacks that are seen as an attempt to instigate fear in the victims’ parents and mislead the general public to tarnish the image of the APC led government.
Buhari has improved security
It is on record that the security situation of the country has improved since the assumption of Buhari as President.
Essentially, the nature of insecurity prior to the Buhari administration is different from the current security situation in the country.
If you could recall, there was a time when our daughters, sisters and wives of both basic and tertiary institutions cannot go to school without going through a thorough search.
The market was a no go place, places of worship became places to fear, while a one or two hours journey became a 10-hour journey due to stop and searches by security men on the roads.
All those measures did not stop terrorists from bombing mosques, churches, markets, and motor parks etc.
A typical example is the 2014 Kano central mosque bomb blast that claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people in a day.
The insecurity was not restricted to the North West and North East alone, as it escalated to the Federal Capital Territory where terrorists attacked the United Nations building in Abuja.
It is a mark of the improved security situation in the country that the recently abducted Kagara Students were released last Saturday.
The process that the government followed in ensuring the release of these students safely will be applied to rescue the Jangebe Students In sha Allah as I’ve been assured by the relevant security agencies and the governor of the state as well.
Yakasai playing Ganduje’s script
Yakasai’s attack is not surprising though, as he might be acting under the command of his principal, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje who is known for speaking from both sides of his mouth.
Ganduje had last year suspended Yakasai over a statement accusing the President of lacking empathy during the EndSARS protest.
Attack on Buhari: Ganduje suspends media aide
It was alleged that the governor planned the suspension like a movie where he promised to reinstate him back. This came to pass some months later.
It is obvious that his current purported sack has a political undertone.
It would be recalled that one of Ganduje’s Commissioners celebrated the death of Chief of Staff Mallam Abba Kyari last year.
The governor in his usual manner of playing to the gallery and after pressure by Nigerians decided to sack the Commissioner but later appointed him to serve in various government committees including the Chairmanship of the AKK Gas Pipeline implementation Committee in Kano.
This is how the governor is working closely with people that personally berate President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ganduje sabotaging the APC
Ganduje’s sabotage does not stop there; he has a good relationship with members of the opposition whom he appointed into juicy positions while other party members are kept aside.
Example of this is the Commissioner for water resources who is a card carrying member of the PDP.
His anti-party activities against the All Progressives Congress and other efforts he is making in frustrating party members in the state is an attempt to weaken the party because he has sensed that his political ambition in 2023 is looking unachievable.
A Commissioner for Education in his government was also seen displaying a ballot paper where he voted for PDP in the recent bye election at Kiru/Bebeji Constituency.
This is a sabotage to our party at a time we are trying to reconcile warring party members across states to further strengthen the capacity of the APC in the 2023 election.
The recent party registration and revalidation exercise in Kano was not a success as Ganduje was the decider of who should be registered or not as the revalidation documents were domiciled in the government house.
I’m a victim of this as I was denied revalidation of my APC membership at my ward in Sharada, despite being a stakeholder and member of the House of Representatives in the state.
Even an ordinary member of the party doesn’t deserve this, especially when the party is targeting 25 million members.
Why is this injustice being meted out on members of the defunct CPC and loyalists of President Buhari?
Of all the Commissioners down to local government Chairmen and top government appointees, there is none from the defunct CPC.
I’m in contact with relevant security agencies and I am aware of efforts they are making to restore the security of our dear nation.
Nigeria is one, we should keep ethnic, religious and political sentiments aside, and we should tell the truth in real sense and not personal attack.
As a loyalist of the President who has worked closely with him, I know his commitment to seeing a prosperous, peaceful and united Nigeria.
His patriotism, transparency, and accountability is a testimony to his love for this country.
Hon. Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada represents Kano Municipal in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

Headlines
Tears, Prayers, and Riyals: A Hajj to Remember with Gov. Yusuf

By Ibrahim Adam
In the sacred valleys of Mina, where millions gather seeking divine mercy, something unusual happened.
It wasn’t the rituals or the crowd—it was the sight of a Nigerian governor moving quietly from tent to tent, pressing warm greetings into pilgrims’ palms alongside 250 Saudi Riyals, and whispering “Barka da Sallah” like a father would to his children.
That governor was Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. And for the over 3,345 Kano pilgrims under his care, this was more than a religious journey—it became a deeply human experience of being seen, valued, and loved.

“He walked with us,” said Alhaji Musa from Gwale, his voice trembling with emotion. “Not as a politician. As one of us. As a brother.”
A Leader Who Showed Up
Governor Yusuf’s Hajj story didn’t start in Saudi Arabia. Months earlier, in Kano, he stood before hundreds of hopeful pilgrims and made a promise:
“We will not let the burden of cost block your path to the House of Allah.”
Initially, he pledged 200 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim. But upon arrival in the Kingdom, he increased it to 250 Riyals, further surprising the pilgrims with a gesture that felt both generous and personal.
When currency instability threatened the Basic Travel Allowance, he released over ₦376 million in emergency support to ensure each pilgrim received their full $500.
“He didn’t leave us at the airport. He followed us to Makkah, to Mina, to Arafat,” said Hajiya Rabi from Dala.
“He came before everyone, inspected our hotels, tasted our meals, asked about our beds.”
He wasn’t just preparing for the cameras. He was preparing for the people.
In Mina, a Governor Turned Father
Under the scorching Saudi sun in Mina, where sleep is brief and emotions run high, the governor emerged quietly with his team a day after Eid.
No sirens. No announcement. Just warmth.
He moved from tent to tent, personally distributing 250 Riyals to every single Kano pilgrim—3,345 in total. The joy was instant. The emotion, overwhelming.
“When he announced the money, I started crying,” said Hajiya Safiya, an elderly widow from Dawakin Tofa.
“I didn’t expect him to even visit, let alone remember us.”
It wasn’t just about the money. It was the humility of the gesture. The human touch.
Three Square Meals and a Human Connection
For many pilgrims, this was also the most comfortable Hajj they had ever experienced—not in luxury, but in dignity.
• In Makkah, pilgrims received two hot meals daily.
• In Mina and Arafat, where pilgrims often struggle for food, they enjoyed three full meals per day—fresh, consistent, and culturally familiar.
And it wasn’t just the quality of the food. Meals were brought directly to the pilgrims’ doorsteps—ensuring no one was left out or delayed.
This small but thoughtful gesture meant every pilgrim ate on time and with ease.
“I have been to Hajj before,” said Malam Bala, a retired teacher.
“But this time, I was never hungry. I didn’t fall sick. I felt cared for.”
The governor’s presence ensured clean toilets, mobile clinics, and direct coordination with Saudi authorities to ease the movement of pilgrims—especially the elderly.
Words of Guidance, Not Just Gifts
Even amid his generosity, Governor Yusuf remained focused on purpose. He addressed pilgrims in a heartfelt sermon, urging them to pray for peace in Nigeria and to uphold Kano’s good name.
“You are not just here for yourself,” he said.
“You are here for your family, your state, your country. Conduct yourself with humility. Saudi law is strict—stay away from anything suspicious.”
His warning was gentle but firm. His tone—not that of a boss, but of a leader who cares enough to correct you with love.
A Memory Etched in Spirit
What made this Hajj unforgettable wasn’t just the money, the food, or the logistics. It was the presence of a leader who chose to be among his people, not above them.
“When I tell my children about Hajj 2025, I will say: ‘We went with a governor who stood by us, prayed with us, cared for us,’” said Malama Hadiza, her voice cracking.
The phrase “Ya yi mana kamar uba”—He was like a father to us—echoed from tent to tent.
Final Thoughts: A Hajj Beyond Rituals
In the end, it wasn’t the rituals alone that defined this Hajj for Kano pilgrims.
It was the tears shared, the prayers offered, the Riyals gifted—not from a government account, but from a governor’s heart.
Governor Abba K Yusuf reminded everyone watching that leadership is not about distance, protocol, or pride—it’s about presence.
About walking among your people when they are at their most vulnerable. About reminding them they are not alone.
And that—more than the meals, the money, or even the smooth logistics—is what they will remember.
He walked with us. And we will never forget.
Ibrahim Adam is a Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Information and Head of Hajj Media Team 2025.

Headlines
Barka da Sallah:Governor Yusuf Touches Hearts in Mina with ₦361 Million Support for Kano Pilgrims

In a moving display of compassion and leadership, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reached across borders to extend a generous hand of support to 3,345 pilgrims from Kano performing the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
During a surprise visit to the pilgrims’ tent in Mina, one of the holiest sites of the Hajj, the governor personally distributed 250 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim — a heartfelt gesture totaling ₦361,087,500, calculated at an exchange rate of ₦430 per riyal.
The atmosphere in Mina shifted from solemn to joyful as pilgrims received not just money, but a message of solidarity and care from home.
“You are our ambassadors in the holy land,” Governor Yusuf told the pilgrims.

“This small gesture is to show that your state stands with you, prays for you, and appreciates the spiritual sacrifice you are making.”
The governor’s visit, made in the midst of the intense rituals of Hajj, was seen as symbolic — a leader humbling himself among his people in their moment of spiritual devotion.
For many of the pilgrims, the gesture wasn’t just about the money, but about being remembered, honored, and supported far from home.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board oversaw the smooth and transparent distribution of the funds, ensuring that all 3,345 pilgrims received their share.
In a time when many leaders are accused of being distant from the people, Governor Yusuf’s gesture in Mina stands as a powerful symbol of connected leadership, faith in action, and governance with a human face.

Headlines
Emir Sanusi cancels Sallah durbar

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cancelled the planned Sallah durbar activities by the Emirate.

KANO FOCUS reports that Sanusi announced the cancelation while addressing journalists at the Kofar Kudu palace.
According to him, the cancellation followed his meetings with the Kano State Government, which showed him a lot of evidence of nefarious plans to use his movement to create tension in the state.
“After a series of advice, the emirate council has cancelled the Sallah Durbar activities.
“Therefore, we are directing all our district heads, wards and village heads to strictly adhere and stay in their location to avoid any unforeseen circumstances,” he said.
It will be recalled that the joint security agencies in Kano had on Tuesday insisted that the ban on all forms of Sallah Durbar activities in the state is still in force.
