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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.”
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.
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