Headlines
Kano records 139 gender-based violence cases weekly — Amnesty International
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Amnesty International Auwal Musa Rafsanjani has decried unreported cases of human rights abuse in Nigeria, adding that no fewer than 139 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) are reported weekly in Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that Rafsanjani disclosed this on Friday during a Media Parley, with journalista in Kano.
He said the group is worried that human rights abuses are on the rise in Nigeria, yet there are not enough reports from the press.
According to him, these abuses are by military and security agencies, and there is an urgent need for media practitioners to heighten the calls for security accountability and ensure that accountability is included in the military framework in Nigeria.
He was, however, worried that many documented cases of human rights violations, like the 2017 Board of Inquiry to review compliance by the Armed Forces with human rights, are yet to be made public.
The Executive Director, Women in Media Communication Initiative, Halima Ben Umar, disclosed that GBV is seriously on the rise in Kano, expressing worries that the media seems to be silent on it.
Umar stated that just within a week, over 139 cases were captured by her group. The abuses are physical torture, trauma, stigma, and suffering, which calls for urgent actions to address them.
Speaking on the occasion, the Country Director of Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, hinted that they have already developed a comprehensive human rights agenda and handed it to the government. This is to say that if they don’t have one, this is theirs to work on.
Sanusi, therefore, disclosed that, “Unfortunately, today there are no social safeguards for the poor and vulnerable.
“We people should have rights to education and health care because these services should be readily available for everyone”.
He told the media that despite pressure from the authorities, they maintained solid support for Amnesty International, which has given them enough courage to continue their good jobs.
Sanusi noted that the judicial panels of inquiry set up by the 29 State Governors in the wake of the #EndSars protest in 2020 are yet to be implemented, as are so many other commitments.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
