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I’ll struggle for constitutional amendment if elected—Kawu Sumaila
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Former Deputy Minority Leader, Honorable Hon. Abdulrahaman Kawu Sumaila has said that there is an urgent need for a review of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and the devolution of power to states and local governments which will resolve majority of the country’s challenges.
According to him, his 12 years of experience at the Assembly under 3 presidents have made him realized that Nigeria needs a system which will have a direct touch with the grassroot which local government autonomy is the starting point.
Kawu who also served as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the president on National Assembly said, from his understanding and previous experiences, there are serious lacunas in the country’s constitution which gave birth to issues such as insecurity, economic meltdown and social problems hence, the need to revisit it, make amendments and come up with what he called ‘the people’s constitution’.
The topnotch politician who is vying for the Kano South Senatorial Seat under the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) said he’s priority after he wins the election is to move for a review and amendment of the constitution.
“If I become a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria, I will insist to have a complete and comprehensive look at the constitution and make amendments”.
“A heterogenous country like Nigeria operating a federal system with over 200 million people with one inspector of police will definitely have security challenges.
“The constitution we have at the moment allows for only 1 Inspector General of Police over 200 million people, believe me, it is difficult for him to police Nigeria so whether we like it or not, we need to have a second look at it”.
” I’m fully in support of state police so that the army can face their constitutional responsibility of defending our territorial sovereignty but that can only happen when we have state police that candy complement the work of the federal police”
Take kano state for example, we are almost 20million and the total number of police in kano is less than 8,000 and in my own local government we have two division and the police men there are less than 80 personnel with population of almost 500,000″, he added.
He further stated that the Federal Government has over burdened itself so much with even responsibilities of the Local Governments citing constructions of primary healthcare centres by the FG as misplacement of priority.
Sumaila also hinted on education noting that the University education is very important and must be encouraged to go beyond awarding certificates to becoming a research institution which will proffer solutions to almost every aspects of our lives.
However, all these and many more he said can be achieved only when; “We have a constitution that has the characteristic of good governance, accountability, inclusiveness transparency, effectiveness, rule of law and a constitution that provides free and acceptable elections.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has vowed to appeal the judgement of the governorship election tribunal which nullified his election and declared the APC candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawauna as the winner.
KANO FOCUS reports that Yusuf made the declaration on Wednesday night, while making a broadcast to the people of the state.
He said his legal team had been directed to appeal the judgement at the court of appeal in order to reclaim the mandate given to him by the people of the State.
He, therefore, Called on the good people of the state to remain calm and continue to be law abiding as security agents have been directed to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens.
“Let me assure you that the this government would continue to work for the development of the people of the state as the judgement will never dampen our spirit or discourage us from the good work we have started.” he said.
The Governor, who thanked the people of the state for their continued support and cooperation, urged them to go about with normal activities.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Tuesday, said that Kano State has recorded 5,800 suspected cases of Diphtheria from January to date.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Head, UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr Rahama Mohammned-Farah, stated this in Kano during a one-day media orientation on Diphtheria outbreak.
The UN Agency said the cases were recorded in 39 local government areas of the state.
According to him, Kano State has the highest number of recorded cases in the country, adding that Diphtheria was a highly contagious and infectious disease that could cause death.
Mohammned-Farah stressed that proactive measures were necessary to stem the outbreak.
“Recently, we have seen a surge in the number of reported Diphtheria cases in Nigeria, and Nigeria is currently facing an outbreak that needs to be stopped and prevented.
“As of July, Diphtheria cases have been on the rise. As of last week, over 400 suspected cases with 11 deaths have been reported in Kano.
“Out of the 39 LGAs affected, eight are the most affected, including Ungogo with 2,651 cases; Dala 989, Fagge 943, Gwale 714, Kumbotso 713, Nasarawa 538, Kano Municipal 506 and Tarauni 269,” he said.
He said that 60.8 per cent of the suspected cases had been reported in children not vaccinated, which reinforced the critical need to address the issue of zero doses, especially in Kano State.
“UNICEF delivered 1.2 million vaccines to the Kano State Government in our continuing support to the government response to Diphtheria outbreak.
“Diphtheria outbreak is a threat to child survival, health and the wellbeing of children. UNICEF is collaborating with government and partners to respond to the emergency to save the lives of children affected.
“In Kano state, UNICEF supported Tetanus-Diphtheria reactive vaccination campaigns in February, April and August, vaccinating 23,200 children in round one.
“While 277,796 children vaccinated in round two and 29,500 others in round-3 of the exercise.
“We engaged 150 traditional leaders on Diphtheria outbreak and distribution of Diphtheria IEC materials, and deployed 1,500 VCMs to the worst affected LGAs to conduct house-to-house sensitisations and referral of suspected cases to health facilities.
“Media has a key role to play particularly in infection prevention, and risk communication and community engagement,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Muhammad Nasir-Mahmoud, the Director-General, Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, said the state government had adopted drastic measures to curtail spread of the disease.
“We are committed towards educating the public about what is happening and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has promised that Kano will be accorded priority in terms of vaccine distribution,” he said.
While describing the media as partners in the fight against Diphtheria, Nasir-Mahmoud urged them to support the campaign against the disease.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Interparty Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has urged the judges of the Kano election petition tribunal court to discharge its duties with utmost integrity and impartiality.
KANO FOCUS reports that this was contained in a statement issued by the organization secretary Kano chapter Nuhu Idris on Tuesday.
IPAC also called upon the tribunal to consider each case diligently and ensure that all the parties involved are given equal opportunities to present their argument and evidence.
It could be recalled that the election tribunal has fixed Wednesday 20th September 2023 to deliver judgment on APC’s petition against Abba Kabir Yusuf.
A hearing notice issued by the Secretary of the election petition tribunal on Monday said the judgment would be delivered at 9.00 a.m., at the High Court of Miller Road in Kano.
Mr Idris said the organization has acknowledged the importance of the electoral process in a democratic society, where the voice and choice of the people are paramount.
He said the ongoing legal proceedings before the tribunal are a testament to the vibrancy of democracy and the resolve of citizens to seek redress through legal means.
“IPAC firmly believes that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
“We, Therefore, implore the tribunal to maintain transparency in its proceedings allowing the public and all concerned parties to have confidence in the outcome of the legal process, the statement said.
He added that it is essential that the tribunal’s decisions are guided by the rule of law and the facts presented, rather than any external influence.
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