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Independence Day: Nigerians in London demand justice for NNPP govt in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
As part of 63rd independence celebration, Nigerians in the diaspora have stormed the High Commission in London demanding for just and fair Kano governorship election trial.
KANO FOCUS reports that the placard-carrying Nigerians protest alleged interference of the All Progressive Congress (APC) under Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in the Kano governorship election petition tribunal.
The protesters waved different placards to drive home their demands for an impartial and apolitical justice system that will be fair to the New Nigerian People Party NNPP government in Kano state.
The protesters waving different placards
The placard-carrying protesters converged at Nigerian embassy in London on Sunday morning to demand justice and fairness from the APC ruling government.
Some of the messages contained in the placards read:
“The Independence of a country depends on the Independence of its judiciary.”
The protesters waving different placards
“Kano must not be robbed, Tinubu should allow Justice to prevail in Kano.”
“Kano People’s Mandate Must be Allowed, No More Unjust Rulings: Abba’s Mandate must not be stolen.”
“Election Tribunals Must Be Just and Fair—the Kano case must not be an exception.”
“Keep Politics Out of Our Courts—the Kano Election Tribunal was compromised!”
The protesters waving different placards
“Tribunal neutrality is non-negotiable. Kano people deserve justice, not politics.”
“Defend democracy and demand fair tribunals. Kano people deserve justice.”
The convener of the protest Dr Aminu Bello told journalists at the event that they were at Nigeria’s embassy in London to protest the recent judgment delivered by the Kano State Election Tribunal concerning the 2023 election, a judgment that has raised serious questions about its fairness and has ignited a call for justice to be served.
According to him the 2023 elections were a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, a time when Nigerians from all walks of life came together to exercise their democratic rights and choose their leaders.
He however, observed that the recent development in Kano State has cast a shadow of doubt over these fundamental democratic principles.
Protesters waving different placards
He noted that the judgment handed down by the Kano governorship Election Petition Tribunal has left many Nigerians disheartened and concerned about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We want to emphasize a crucial point: it is only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that has the legal authority to cancel votes, not tribunal judges. The judiciary’s role is to interpret the law and ensure justice is served, not to alter the will of the people expressed at the ballot box.
“We firmly believe that justice must be blind and that the rule of law must prevail in all circumstances. The recent judgment has raised questions about whether justice has truly been served in this instance. We call upon all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation, to rise and fight for justice,” he pleaded.
Dr Bello observed that democracy thrives on the diversity of political voices and the competition of ideas, noting that Nigeria should never be reduced to a one-party system; as according to him the strength of its democracy lies in a vibrant multi-party system where all citizens have a fair chance to express their choices and aspirations.
He noted that the mandate given to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf by the Kano State people must be upheld and respected.
To this end, Dr Bello call on civil society organizations, political parties, and the international community to closely monitor the situation in Kano State and ensure that justice is served, and the Kano votes must not be stolen.
“We urge all Nigerians to engage in peaceful, lawful, and constructive ways to demand transparency and accountability in the Kano State electoral tribunal case. We equally call upon civil society organizations, political parties, and the international community to closely monitor the situation in Kano State and ensure that justice is served, and the Kano votes must not be stolen.
“We also urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial review of the election tribunal’s judgment to ascertain its fairness and punish any judge who is found to be compromised,” he pleaded.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.
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