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Coalition cautions Tinubu against alleged Interference in decision of Kano election tribunal
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Coalition of North West Civil Society on Anti-Corruption has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to safeguard his honor and steer clear of Kano Tribunal judgement.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Coalition made up of civil society organisations, students group, academics, democrats and patriotic individuals, in Kano and other six States of the North West made the call on Monday during a peaceful rally to express displeasure over attempt by some persons to bribe one of the tribunal judges in the state.
The coalition expressed dismay at the tendency at which the president’s name is systematically dragged into a smearing and perfected conspiracy promoted by some political party members in Kano, optimistically pouring a sentiment towards manipulation of the outcome of the elections tribunal at the behest of his influence.
The convener of the group Amb. Ibrahim Waiya called on Mr. President to demonstrate a high sense of democratic integrity by staying away from any induced sentiment to interfere in the activities of elections Tribunal so as to safeguard hos honour and sel esteem.
Waiya, who spoke on behalf of the group, added that “It is our adamant belief that, if this trend is allowed to strive in our democratic system, giving edge to some evilly minded politicians who think of nothing except themselves, slowly but surely we would be consumed”.
The group presented a letter to governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for onward submission to President.
Below is the text of the letter:
20th August, 2023
Your Excellency,
Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Presidential Villa,
Abuja.
Sir,
ATTEMPT TO BRIBE JUDGES TO MANIPULATE THE OUTCOME OF ELECTION TRIBUNAL IS EVIL, UNDEMOCRATIC AND A GRAND CONSPIRACY TO ROB NIGERIANS OF THEIR RIGHT TO CHOOSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS
Introduction
The North West Civil Society on Anti – Corruption is a coalition of civil society organizations, students groups, academics, democrats and patriotic individuals, in Kano and other six States of the North West, promoting campaign against corruption and social injustice, as well as promote accountability in the governance business We hope this letter finds you in a good state of health, faith and good spirit. We write this letter to express our solidarity with the Federal government and to congratulate you over the successful constitution of the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria.
The fundamental purpose of writing this letter, is to present to you the concern of the good people of Kano State over the controversy surrounding the conduct of the elections tribunal in Kano State
We are dismayed at the tendency at which your name is systematically dragged into a smearing and perfected conspiracy promoted by some political party members in Kano, optimistically pouring a sentiment towards manipulation of the outcome of the elections tribunal at the behest of your influence
Your Excellency, you will recall that in 2019, Kano State was overheated at what was alleged to be a gang up through the influence of the then APC led Federal Government of Nigeria, aimed at manipulating the outcome of the re – run elections and thereby usurping the rights of the Kano people to choose leaders of their desire.
The inconclusive saga has already been written into the Guinness Book of Nigerian politics, as one of the most disastrous events in the Nigerian political history.
Many efforts were summoned by critical stakeholders in the state to prevail on the likely conflicts which were about to be ignited through the anger of the aggrieved masses, however tensions were doused as the matter was referred to the judiciary, therefore igniting another hope of getting justice from the Nigerian judicial system in the country
Your Excellency, despite the generated tensions in Kano State, in 2019 which we all lived to witness, it was apparently alleged that, the mandate of the Kano people were hijacked through the machineries of some institutions, such as police, INEC and the rest, and was said to have cumulatively conspired against the desires of Kano people, taking into cognizance the elections outcome.
Similarly, 2023 is here again, and the responsibility of upholding the mandate of every elections any way in the country does not only lie on your shoulders, but it is religiously mandatory upon you to work towards providing an enabling environment to all, especially many people believed you to be someone who struggled all his life to ensure the institutionalization of a democratic governance in Nigeria, as well as someone who believes in the best principles of democratic practice, which is born through popular participation of citizens.
Your Excellency, the recent revelations credited to one of the justices in Kano Elections Tribunal, is a clear indication that, some people are working to manipulate the judicial processes, despite hugely recorded electoral fraud, such as: rigging, massive use of money to induce voters, attempt to create violence as another machineries to scare the Kano voters from exercising their franchise to choose the candidates of their choices.
The level of this exhibited anxiety engineered through the work of some desperate politicians, is not only worrisome but also dangerous to the continuous survival of our democracy.
It is our adamant belief that, if this trend is allowed to strive in our democratic system, giving edge to some evilly minded politicians who think of nothing except themselves, slowly but surely we would be consumed.
For a Justice of the Election Tribunal to make such public outburst complaining about the persistent attempts to be induced to compromise her impartial stance, was surely not for the first time, and this selfless service to humanity, she exhibited deserved to be commended.
We considered writing this letter to present to you, after a peaceful demonstration by the good people of Kano, organized by North West Civil Society Anti -Corruption Network, to register our displeasure over this unfortunate attempts to bribe the judges to manipulate the outcome of the elections petitions, and to call on Mr. President to demonstrate a high sense of democratic integrity by staying away from any induced sentiment of allowing himself to be used to interfere in the activities of all elections Tribunal, to safeguard your honour and self – esteem.
Let me inform Mr. President that Kano and other states are already politically tense with anxiety, therefore any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the elections, may result into an unprecedented crisis which may consume the country.
The widespread rumour to turn up the victory of some elected political leaders, is not only dangerous but also suicidal, which may in turn also affect your political integrity, standing and recognition not only in Nigeria, but across the international communities.
Your Excellency, the outburst of one of the Tribunal judges and the alleged trace of cash transferred to the account of the PA of one of the judge by one of the petitioners in Kano, gave credence to the rumor that, after all, the threat to peace in Kano is real.
It is on this note, we also wish to appeal to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Judicial Council, ICPC to launch a thorough investigation into these allegation with a view to ascertain the truth and to subject any person found wanting to face the music.
Mr. President, let be remind you that, it is not only Nigerian people are watching the unfolding political circumstances closely, but also the international organizations across the globe, and therefore you have a duty to justify how democratic you are, and politically unbiased in relations to all matters of elections petitions not only in Kano, but across the country.
Let me also remind you that, one of the virtue of a democratic governance is the ability to tolerate and accommodate opposition, as it is no an issue of pride, to kill oppositions by hijacking the mandate and rights of the citizens
On the final note, Mr. President, while your administration is exerting good efforts to restore constitutional order elsewhere, here in Nigeria, our democracy is being subverted and threatened. It is unthinkable for this to happen under your watch.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Yours in Struggle for Democracy.
Amb. Ibrahim Waiya,
Convener,
North West Civil Society Anti – Corruption Network
CC: Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)
President, Court of Appeal
President, NBA
Inspector General of Police (IGP);
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC);
Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has announced the constitution of three high-level committees to oversee its forthcoming State Congress scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
KANO FOCUS reports that the congress is slated to take place at the Indoor Sports Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano, at 8:00 p.m.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Kano APC Spokesperson, Hon. Ahmad Aruwa, on the directive of the outgoing State Chairman, Hon. Prince Abdullahi Abbas Sunusi.
According to the statement, the committees were constituted to ensure a transparent, credible and well-coordinated congress in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
Congress and Accreditation Committee
The Congress and Accreditation Committee is chaired by Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi, with Hon. Muhammad Jamu Yusuf serving as Secretary. Other members include Hon. Baffa Babba, Rt. Hon. Butu-Butu, Hajiya Sa’adatu Algon, Hon. Ali Haruna Makoda, Hon. Abdullahi Rogo, Hon. Baffa Takai, Hon. Lamin Sani, Sani Ma’aruf, Hon. Sani Bala, Khalid Ishaq, Barrister Mannir Rimin Gado and Hon. Hassan Hussain.
Publicity Committee
The Publicity Committee is headed by Muhammad Garba as Chairman, with Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa as Secretary. Members include Lawan Hussaini, Jamilu Danbatta, Yusuf Sharada, Musa Liliyasu, Ghali Sadiq, Binta Spikin, Uba Dan Zainab, Ibrahim Yaro and Ahmad Aruwa.
Security Committee
The Security Committee is chaired by Col. Malami. Other members are Mustapha Bakwana, the Director-General of Special Services, Bala Albasu, CP Balarabe Musa, Group Captain Kura, Dr. Garba Sani Diso and Air Commodore Yusha’u Sulaisu Tudun Wada.
Hon. Aruwa stated that the party leadership has full confidence in the committees’ ability to deliver a peaceful, orderly and successful congress.
He urged party members and stakeholders to cooperate fully with the committees and conduct themselves in a disciplined and responsible manner throughout the exercise.
The APC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening internal democracy and consolidating unity within the party in Kano State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State has strengthened its position as a leading subnational actor in climate governance following a strategic departmental meeting of the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
KANO FOCUS reports that a major highlight of the meeting was the state’s intensified support for Nigeria’s Second Biennial Transparency Report (BTR2) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The ministry disclosed that ongoing collaboration with sectoral ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) across Energy, Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU), Waste and Industrial Processes is ensuring credible and harmonised greenhouse gas emissions data in line with the transparency requirements of the Paris Agreement.
In what officials described as a significant milestone, Kano has been selected as one of three pilot states under the UK PACT programme to develop a Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system. The initiative is expected to institutionalise structured emissions reporting, strengthen accountability mechanisms and support tracking of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
In a statement signed by Dr. Umar Saleh Anka, Director of Climate Change, the ministry also announced the commencement of preparations for the third edition of the Climate Governance Performance Ranking. The exercise aims to enhance methodological rigour, promote peer learning, improve transparency and deepen stakeholder engagement in climate action.
Further consolidating the state’s leadership role, the Commissioner for Environment was recently appointed Regional Lead (North West) of the Community of Practice for Environment and Climate Change, a move expected to strengthen regional collaboration and policy coordination.
The statement added that, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional systems, improving emissions transparency and advancing coordinated climate action across Nigeria.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Executive Secretary of the National Educational Research and Development Council, Prof. Salisu Shehu, has disclosed that only 30 per cent of school-age children in Northern Nigeria are currently attending school.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Shehu made the revelation on Saturday while delivering a lecture at the 10th Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria in Kano.
He said Nigeria presently has over 20 million out-of-school children, a figure he noted is rising due to armed banditry in the North-West and insurgency in the North-East. According to him, the closure of many schools in some states as a result of insecurity has further worsened the situation.
The educationist also expressed concern over the shortage of teachers in schools, despite increasing retirements, deaths, transfers and career changes among teaching staff. He lamented that examination malpractice, combined with weak oversight, has led to what he described as a collapse of the education system in Northern Nigeria.
“Products of examination malpractice are now becoming teachers and lecturers, thereby perpetuating the cycle,” he said.
Prof. Shehu warned that lack of access to education is contributing to thuggery and banditry in the region, stressing that education produces responsible citizens, while ignorance breeds irresponsibility.
He urged Northern governors to declare a state of emergency in the education sector and prioritise funding and reforms. He also advised citizens to establish education endowment funds, citing examples from Bangladesh and Malaysia where Muslim communities have addressed similar challenges through charitable initiatives.
The professor criticised what he described as misplaced priorities, questioning why some governors sponsor pilgrimages while many citizens lack access to basic education and quality healthcare.
Presenting a paper on the fate of Northern Nigeria in terms of security, Alhaji Ibrahim Ado Kurawa linked climate change and global warming to the worsening security challenges in the North-East. He identified the longstanding farmer-herder conflict as a root cause of banditry in the North-West.
Kurawa noted that insecurity has contributed to making the North-East and North-West the poorest regions in the country. He expressed dismay that Northern Nigeria has failed to effectively address the issues of almajiranci and out-of-school children since the First Republic.
He called for sincerity in governance, political reforms and greater collaboration among Northern groups such as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), alongside the Islamic Forum of Nigeria.
On the economic outlook of the region, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago decried rising poverty, unemployment, overdependence and the high cost of living as major challenges confronting Northern Nigeria. He advocated for a strategic development plan and urged voters to elect credible leaders as a pathway to change.
In his address, the Chairman of the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, Gen. Ahmad Muhammad Daku, said the 2026 edition marked the 10th anniversary of the annual Ramadan lecture series. Represented by Alhaji M.T. Bello, he noted that the topics were carefully selected to address contemporary issues affecting Northern Nigeria.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Dalhatu Gwarzo, appreciated the lead presenters, particularly Prof. Shehu, for their contributions. He announced that a team of rapporteurs had been constituted to compile the papers and comments for a post-Ramadan roundtable discussion with stakeholders.
Gwarzo also revealed plans to publish a compendium of the ten Ramadan lectures delivered over the past decade for the benefit of the Muslim community. He urged Muslims to pray for Northern Nigeria, the country and the world amid prevailing challenges.
He further appealed to political leaders to ensure proper implementation of the new Computer-Based Test (CBT) policy for candidates sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) senior secondary school examinations.
Former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Sule Yahaya Hamma, said 80 per cent of Northern Nigeria’s problems could be addressed by governors, urging them to take decisive action in their respective states.
Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Malam Ibrahim Khalil, emphasised patriotic leadership as a solution to current challenges, citing the example of Khalifa Umar bin Abdulaziz as a model of responsible governance.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Emir of Rano, Amb. Muhammad Isa Umaru, and the Madakin Zazzau, Alhaji Munir Jafaru.
APC constitutes committees for Kano state congress
Kano emerges as MRV pilot state, advances climate governance
Only 30% of school-age children attend school in Northern Nigeria – Prof. Shehu
Daneji community honours former Kano NDLEA commander
Kano state Police command suspends Tashe cultural performance
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Governor Yusuf Appoints Acting DG for Pilgrims Board, Names Provost for Anti-Corruption Institute
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
