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.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Kano State Police Command to take over the investigation of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II following the violent incident that marred the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
This directive replaces an earlier move by the Force Headquarters, which had invited the Emir to Abuja for questioning. That invitation has now been withdrawn, as the IGP opts for a more localized and less politically sensitive approach.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP’s decision followed consultations with key stakeholders who advised that handling the matter within Kano would help avoid escalating tensions or creating political interpretations of police action.
Tensions erupted on Sallah Day when Emir Sanusi, after attending Eid prayers barefooted, mounted a horse and led a procession through the streets — a move seen as defying a prior agreement by the two rival emirs to suspend all Durbar activities to preserve peace.
The procession allegedly involved local vigilantes and triggered clashes with youths in the area, resulting in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.
According to police, intelligence had earlier warned of potential conflict if the disputed emirs — Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Alhaji Sanusi — went ahead with separate Durbar festivals.
As a preventive measure, senior officers were deployed to broker peace, leading to an agreement that no horse-riding or processions would take place.
Despite this, Emir Sanusi’s actions sparked violence, prompting police investigations and arrests.
The Force maintains that it will pursue justice with professionalism and neutrality.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has invited the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for questioning in connection with a violent incident that occurred during the Eid-el-Fitr Sallah celebration.
KANO FOCUS recall that operatives of the Kano Police Command arrested one Usman Sagiru in connection with the alleged killing of a vigilante member, Surajo Rabiu, in an attack on the entourage of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Another vigilante member, Aminu Suleman, sustained injuries and was rushed to the Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital, Kano, for medical treatment.
The Kano police command spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna, said the incident occurred while the local guards were protecting the entourage of Emir Sanusi II on their way from the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground after observing the two rakat eid-el-fitr prayers.
In a letter addressed to Sanusi, the IG asked the Kano monarch to appear at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, to answer some questions regarding the incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within his domain.
The letter was signed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olajide Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department.
The letter reads, “I have the directives of the Inspector General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) to invite you for an investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain.
“In view of the above, you are hereby invited to Force Intelligence Department, opposite Police Force Headquarters Area 11. Abuja by 1000hrs of Tuesday, the 8th of April, 2025. Your availability is highly sought for a purposeful investigation.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Galadiman Kano and senior Kano Emirate official.
KANO FOCUS reports that Abbas Sanusi died at 92 after a protracted illness. Many children and grandchildren survive him.
Among his children is Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga President Tinubu described the deceased as a strong pillar of the traditional institution, its survival and development.
The President said the services of the late Sanusi, a titleholder since 1959, would be appreciated far beyond Kano Emirate and Kano State.
President Tinubu condoled with the government and people of Kano State, the Kano Emirate Council and the family of the late chief for the irreparable loss.
The President prayed to Allah to admit the Galadima in Jannatul Firdaus and comfort the family.
IGP Orders Kano Police to Investigate Emir Sanusi, Withdraws Invitation from Force HQ
Sallah Durbar: IGP invites Emir Sanusi over violent incident
Sallah Reunion: How Malam Salihu dan Abu Huraira’s Family celebrated Eid-el-Fitr
Gov Yusuf condoles with Emir Sanusi, APC Chairman over Galadiman Kano’s death
