Headlines
Lecturers at Kano state owned universities reject government appeal to pull out of strike
Nasiru Yusuf
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in Kano state-owned institutions, has rejected the position of the government to pull out of the nationwide indefinite strike action.
KANO FOCUS reports that, Instead, ASUU insisted it would remain steadfast and fully committed to the national struggle to revitalise public universities and improve the welfare of members until the Federal Government met her demands.
Rising from an emergency meeting at the instance of delegation of the state government, headed by Head of Service, Alh. Usman Bala, ASUU Zonal Chairman, Kano zone, Professor Abdulkadir Muhammad Dambazau, vowed to bear any consequences that might follow their stand.
“We have made our position known to the government in clear terms and our position will never change. That we are committed to the course of the strike as full chartered members of ASUU. And until the Federal Government attended to our agreement, we would not be forced to pull out of the strike.
“Let me also say that ASUU in Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, has secured permission to embark on an indefinite strike after the nationwide action to press home demand for resolution of local issues,” Dambazau said.
On whether the union would rethink her position, he insisted no amount of dialogue with the government would change their position.
The state government had summoned another meeting with the leadership of ASUU to prevail on them on reasons why the union should pull out of the over six months strike.
Addressing journalists at the end of the four hours meeting, the head of the service, Bala disclosed that the engagement with ASUU was fruitful, but was not sure whether or not they agreed to pull out of the strike.
Bala, who doubles as Chief of Staff to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, appealed to the striking lecturers from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil and the Yusuf Maitama Sule University, to consider the plight of students and the negative implications of keeping them out of the classroom.
The head of the service had declared that ASUU in the state universities shouldn’t have aligned with lecturers in the Federal government-owned universities, since the Kano State government has sustained their salaries and other allowances in the last six months.
“We had a fruitful discussion and we were made to understand the many reasons why they are on strike. Although they said they also have local issues, I know the government has been paying their salaries and earned allowances in the last six months while on strike.
“We persuaded them to return to work, however, they said they can hardly make decisions on their own, meaning they have to seek the intervention of the larger body. So, the meeting is scheduled to reconvene in one week to finalize all the pending issues,” Bala noted.
On what alternative measures are available to the government should ASUU remain insisted on continuing with the industrial action, the head of the service noted that the government would not hesitate to invoke necessary sanctions after exploring all peaceful resolution mechanisms.
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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