Headlines
Altercation between Doguwa and Garo a national embarrassment – NNPP
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Kano State Chapter has urged Kano People to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2023 elections as the party promotes violence in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that this was contained in a statement signed by NNPP’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.
He said Despite party’s inability to secure the live and properties of the citizens, the actions and inactions of its leaders in creating and promoting violence within themselves and with other opposition parties could be a clear testimony of its failure.
In a statement the chairman, Kano state chapter of the NNPP, Umar Haruna Doguwa, said the altercation between Alhassan Ado Doguwa, the majority leader of the Federal House of Representatives and Murtala Sule Garo, the APC deputy gubernatorial candidate has once again created another national embarrassment for Kano state.
NNPP said the security agencies should quickly wade into the root of the crises to maintain the relative peace Kano enjoys as the individuals involved and their antecedents in promoting political thuggery is second to none.
The chairman alleges that Garo and Alhassan are well-known for supporting and abetting political thuggery in Kano, and that if their conflict is not controlled, it could result in killings and destruction of properties in the state.
“Alasan is on rampage and from experience, Murtala Garo must revenge, so the political atmosphere is already overheated” said NNPP
“The duo have also taken to the media to deflect blames between each other on their unfortunate show of shame.”
“We learnt from the inception of the internal crises, supporters of the two warring camps have gone on rampage, destroying each other’s billboards and removing posters that do not belong to their bosses. If this behaviour is not promptly controlled, it may result in a big time political violence capable of causing deaths and loss of properties.”
The NNPP also asserted that this is a clear indication of how the fortunes of the ruling APC is dwindling in the state ahead of 2023 elections.
“I am therefore imploring the people of the state to refrain from casting their votes to these bunch of reckless politicians in a party that is incapable of putting its house into order, let alone governing a mega state like Kano.”
The chairman also declared that it would be another national disgrace for the residents of Kano to support candidates who engage in street brawls.
“I am confident that the good people of Kano can still recall how Garo was arrested for clashing violently and destroying the election results in Gama, Nasarawa Local Government, area with the support of his running-mate and incumbent deputy governor, Nasiru Gawuna, whom were both compensated for truncating the 2019 election with APC tickets for the two highest executive seats in Kano.
The opposition party adds that the behaviour is a total disgrace, not only to the ruling APC, and the solution to this shameful attitude exhibited by the so-called leaders is to reject the APC at the polls, in the next general elections.
Don’t allow Kwankwasiyya capitalise on our minor crisis, Kano APC warns members
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state has accused the opposition members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Kwankwasiyya group of capitalising on a minor disagreement in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to cause disaffection.
It said while the disagreement had been amicably resolved by party elders, the Kwankwasiyya, which is intimidated by the strength of the APC in the state, is engaging in propaganda to overblow the situation out of proportion.
The note of warning to the APC members was disclosed via a statement issued by the commissioner for information and spokesperson for the Gawuna/Garo Campaign Council, Thursday.
He said there is credible information that the group is even engaged in the destruction of posters and other party’s identities, using the matter which has already been resolved as smokescreen and in the name of disagreeing parties within the APC.
Malam Garba pointed out that in the last few days, the Kwankwasiyya has been sharing pictures, giving negative meanings to them all in futile attempt to discredit the ruling party in the state.
The commissioner further noted that while the party is entitled to its share of intra-party discord which is common in all parties, such should not be allowed to be used by the opposition to further forment trouble for the party.
He said as the nation heads toward election year, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the APC gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna want members of the party to remain steadfast and maintain its unity to continue in the path of apparent victory and dominance at all levels.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
Tsakuwa community honours teacher, Nupe man, nine others for development efforts
NCC moves to protect smaller telecom operators, releases draft MVNO business rules
Kano health journalists launch Network to strengthen health reporting, advocacy
NDC House of Representatives aspirant defects to APC in Kano
2027: I will continue distributing job opportunities, says Goro
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