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2023: Kano Peace Committee hails police for tackling political violence
Aminu Abdullahi
KanoPeace Committee (KPC) has commended Kano State Commissioner of Police in-charge of 2023 general elections in Kano, Muhammad Yakubu for his unwavering resolve to tackling political violence and thuggery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Kano State Police Command under the watch of CP Yakubu, has in recent times, arrested and prosecuted a number of high profile politicians in various political parties in the state for their alleged involvement in political violence in the state.
In a letter entitled: “KANO PEACE COMMITTEE APPRECIATES YOUR BOLD STEP TO TACKLE POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND THUGGERY IN KANO STATE AND YOU CAN COUNT ON OUR SUPPORT,” and addressed to CP Yakubu, the KPC passed a vote of confidence on the Police boss and declared their support to his giant strides.
The letter jointly signed by KPC Co-chairman, Right Rev. Dr. John Namaza Niyiring, Bishop, Kano Catholic Dioceses and the Head of Secretariat, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, was copied to the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 1, Office of the National Security Advisor, the Emir of Kano.
The letter dated March 3, 2023 and made available to KANO FOCUS reads: “The Kano Peace Committee (KPC) was established to facilitate peace in Kano State especially before, during and after elections. The Committee facilitated and organized the 1st and 2nd signing of the Peace Accord, in collaboration with the National Peace Committee, before the conduct of the 2019 general elections in the State.
“Similarly, on the 18th January 2023, the Kano Peace Committee (KPC) in partnership with the National Peace Committee (NPC) with support from United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) organized the high level town-hall meeting with stakeholders and signing of the 2023 1st peace accord with 8 gubernatorial candidates in presence, to consolidate on the process for a concerted efforts to promote peace and to further enhance the interest of the citizens to participate in peace promotion efforts and ensure a peaceful conduct of all elections in 2023.
“Unfortunately, the Kano Peace Committee (KPC) closely observed that, the Kano Peace Accord signed by 8 political parties’ gubernatorial candidates in the State, was grossly violated by some political parties’ supporters through violent conflicts in many places even before the commencement of the elections.
“It is our opinion that, political violence were orchestrated through the handwork of some highly placed politicians who had always considered themselves above the law.
“The Kano Peace Committee, had at number of occasions called on the security agencies to intervene by arresting such highly political personalities to serve as deterrent to the younger ones, but unfortunately nothing of such was practically seen to have been done, even though there were reported cases of incidents that were alleged to have claimed the lives of some innocent persons. The most prominently reported case was that of Rimin Kebe quarters of Nassarawa LGA, which claimed the life of an innocent young boy by the alleged supporters of the candidate seeking election for the House of Representatives.
“The Kano Peace Committee (KPC), is of the opinion that action must be matched with talking. While we have been doing the talk, we had for long expected actions from the security agencies, like what you have now started.
“Therefore, while we appreciate your bold step through your unbiased approach to prevail on this long overdue ugly development in the State.
We request you not to succumb to any pressure from within or outside the State to compromise on the professional ethics and rules.
“The arrest and prosecution of some highly placed politicians and the ongoing investigation against others, is a well commendable effort. As we encourage you to continue to uphold the best practices of professional conduct. We wish to assure you that, the prayers of the good people of Kano would continue to be with you.
“This selfless service to the people of Kano and Nigeria at large, would not only make you a proud citizen of Nigeria, but shall also enable the citizens to support you through credible and reliable intelligence to further perform your duty more successfully. This is because, the unbiased approach of your command to contain the ugly political development in the State, has not only restored the public trust on the security agencies, but has also rebuilt the confidence and hope of the Kano citizens to have a hitch free second elections in the State coming up on the 11th of March, 2023.
“We therefore wish to, on behalf of the membership and leadership of the Kano Peace Committee, commend you on the arrests so far made of the suspected perpetrators and mastermind of some political violent attacks, especially that of Doguwa and Tudun Wada, as such incident was too unimaginable to happen in a responsible human society.
“We therefore beseech you to embark on a flush out operation to rid Kano of all potential political thugs that may hamper the security and safety of the Kano citizens, especially as the second elections for Governorship and State Assembly is fast approaching.
“Finally, the Kano Peace Committee is also assuring you of a total support and shall be available for you, should there be the need for that. It is our humble belief that, no group or individual should be seen acting above the law, regardless of any political party inclination or social background.”
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Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, three others recommended for appointment as Kano high court judges
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, a magistrate in Kano State, has been recommended for appointment as a judge of the Kano State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
KANO FOCUS reports that Hassan is among four judicial officers from Kano State recommended for elevation to the High Court bench out of 28 candidates selected nationwide.
The other nominees are Halima Yahuza Ahmad, Abdullahi Abdulsalam Bature and Musa Ibrahim Umar.
The NJC disclosed the recommendations in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, following its consideration of candidates for judicial appointments across the country.
The council said all recommended candidates were expected to be sworn in by their respective state governors without delay.
Hassan’s recommendation follows her years of service in the Kano State judiciary, where she has reportedly distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism and careful handling of cases.
She has been commended for her commitment to judicial ethics, diligence and fairness in the discharge of her responsibilities, achievements that contributed to her career progression within the judiciary.
Her elevation is part of a broader development in the Kano State judiciary, with four magistrates from the state successfully scaling the selection process for appointment to the High Court.
The four nominees were reportedly assessed during the selection exercise and demonstrated strong professional competence, while their service records were found to be free of adverse remarks.
Their recommendation marks a significant step in their judicial careers and is expected to strengthen the judicial workforce in Kano State upon their formal appointment.
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K-SAFE tracks nearly 1,000 education projects in Kano, seeks procurement monitoring role
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) says it has tracked nearly 1,000 education projects across the state as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the education sector.
KANO FOCUS the coalition’s Co-Chair, Dr Auwalu Halilu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement and Project Monitoring.
Dr Halilu said K-SAFE had monitored projects in more than six local government areas, covering interventions implemented by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano State Senior Secondary Education Management Board and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
He explained that the monitoring exercise involved physical inspections and documentation of projects through photographs, videos and geographical locations.
According to him, reports of the findings had been submitted to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), highlighting projects that met required standards and those requiring further attention.
He cited Rimin Gado Local Government Area, where the coalition tracked more than 80 education projects, adding that it planned to extend the exercise to all 44 local government areas of the state.
The K-SAFE Co-Chair said the visit was aimed at presenting the coalition’s activities to the ministry and exploring areas of collaboration in procurement and project monitoring.
He called for the inclusion of civil society organisations in procurement and monitoring processes, particularly tender board activities and field inspections, to strengthen independent oversight and provide them with firsthand information on government projects.
Dr Halilu also requested the ministry’s support in organising capacity-building programmes for civil society organisations on procurement procedures, due process, project standardisation, monitoring and evaluation.
He said such training would enhance civil society organisations’ understanding of procurement regulations and the technical requirements guiding project implementation.
Responding, the Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring, Dr Nura Iro Ma’aji, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the coalition’s contributions to supporting the state government’s efforts in the education sector.
He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with K-SAFE through information sharing and other relevant engagements to strengthen accountability and ensure compliance with due process.
“From our side, we are ready to work together because we know what they have been doing to support Kano State Government in the education sector,” he said.
Dr Halilu further disclosed that the coalition and its partner organisations had carried out the monitoring exercise without financial sponsorship, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to sustaining engagement with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and the media to strengthen oversight of education projects across Kano State.
Headlines
GSS Army Day Bukavu Wins Maiden Kano Secondary Schools Tug of War Championship
Ibrahim Khalil
Government Secondary School (GSS) Army Day Bukavu has emerged champion in both the male and female categories of the maiden Kano State Secondary Schools Tug of War Competition.
KANO FOCUS reports that the school clinched the double victory at the competition, which ended on Wednesday at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari, Kano.
Governors College finished as runners-up in the male category, while Government Girls College (GGC) Kano secured second position in the female category.
The competition was organised by the Kano State Tug of War Association in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kano State Sports Commission.
The maiden championship brought together secondary school students to promote teamwork, discipline, unity and sportsmanship, while raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Jamilu Uba Adamu, described the competition as a successful initiative that had achieved its objectives.
He commended the Ministry of Education, Sports Commission, NDLEA, Gongoni Company Limited and MAGZO Pharmaceutical for supporting the event, particularly through the provision of T-shirts and Pocari Sweat drinks.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Bashir Muhammad Sulaiman, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to developing grassroots and school sports.
He said the initiative would help identify and nurture young sporting talents across the state.
The closing ceremony was attended by a member of the Kano State Football Association Board, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, representatives of the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, the Sports Commission and other stakeholders in the sports sector.
The organisers congratulated the winning schools and commended all participating institutions and partners for contributing to the success of the maiden edition.
