Headlines
2023: ECOWAS team meets Kano CSOs, Journalists, advocates multi-sectoral collaboration
Nasiru Yusuf
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) fact-finding mission for Nigerian Elections said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), cannot achieve free and fair elections without collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
KANO FOCUS reports that the head of the mission and former Chairman of Ghanian Electoral Commission, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan made the assertion during an interactive session with Civil Society Organisations and journalists in Kano.
According to him, the 2023 general elections remain important to the African continent and beyond, hence the need for stakeholders to play their roles to achieve democratic expectations.
He said that the delegation have been engaging with INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders, saying that the mission had visited various zones in Nigeria to hear from the stakeholders.
The head of the mission stressed that, the electoral commission is not a kingmaker but rather an important element to the actualization of free and fair elections in collaboration with eligible voters, political parties, candidates and all relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Gyan described civil societies as groups that work for the benefit of societies , as such they have a critical roles to play in the electoral process to achieve the desired objectives.
The leader of the delegation stressed the need for stakeholders to join hands to ensure that the nation conducted an election that would be a model for the continent.
He charged civil society organizations to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders instead of at variance, adding that there is strength in coming to work together to achieve success.
“These elections are going to be very important not only for Nigeria but for all of us in Africa and even beyond Africa. We dare not fail. To fail is going to spell doom far beyond Nigeria. That is how critical these elections are,” he said.
Responding, some of the participants Abubakar Abdulqadir DanGambo, Jamila Musa, Abdulgafar Oladimeji and Zainab Ahmed expressed worries over increased disenfranchisement characterized by intimidation, thuggery, vote buying and violence during electoral process.
They noted that, neutrality of security agencies, collaboration among different CSOs, training and retraining of media personnel , politicians and other relevant stakeholders on rules guiding electoral process, would go a long way in ensuring free and fair elections.
KANO FOCUS reports that the interactive session organised by the ECOWAS fact finding mission for Nigerian election with CSOs and media in Kano witnessed large turn out of civil society organisations, journalists and relevant stakeholders in the electoral process.
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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