News
Governorship polls: Yoruba community cautions Tinubu not to allow Kano to burn
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Yoruba residents in Kano under the aegis of Concerned Yoruba Community have on Thursday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow Kano to burn for political expediency or interest.
KANO FOCUS reports that this was as they called on notable Yoruba leaders, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, Oba of Lagos, Alake of Egba, Awujale of Ijebuland and Olubadan of Ibadan among other leaders to as a matter of urgency wade in by calling the President to order over his alleged interference in the political crisis ahead of 2027.
The Secretary General of the community, Comrade Taofeek Olalekan Olaosebikon while addressing newsmen in Kano on the political crisis said they are very worried that the unfolding political situation will have adverse effects on the Yoruba in Kano.
According to him, “For one, we know the political tradition here in Kano and the issues surrounding such positions. In the case of the last election cycle in Kano, we know how the election went and the outright winners compared to the losers. And this is our major concern right now. It is some form of Deja Vu! We are very worried that the unfolding political situation will have adverse effects on us the Yoruba in Kano. History is there to enlighten us better. Kano is a very volatile state politically and this is the reason why all men and women of goodwill should be concerned about the situation in Kano and rally around a collective initiative to save the state from any calamity which will affect us and our livelihood.
“In this regard, we are using this platform to call on all Yoruba Obas and leaders of thought to wade into the Kano situation without further delay by engaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a possible political settlement of the Kano logjam.
‘Kano must not be allowed to erupt into such preventable chaos as it happened in the past. Of course, many enlightened minds believe very strongly that what we are witnessing in Kano today has a strong relationship with political elite interference in the political results and mandate so obviously given to Abba Kabir Yusuf by the citizens of the state. There must thus be an elite formation to quickly come together and talk with Mr. President so that he sees beyond whatever briefing he is getting on Kano by vested interests within and outside his party, and act as a statesman! It is clear to all that the NNPP won the state. Take a look at the results across the board. 2 senators out of 3, 18 rep members out of 24, and 26 out of 40 assembly members. Is it the same people who voted this way that will accept a situation where the Governor they elected is removed by some technicality? The answer is a resounding NO!
“Kano must not be allowed to burn on the altar of political expediency or interest, or calculation towards 2027 for that matter. We must face the truth!
“Despite the pronouncements by the courts, we must never forget that Governor Abba Yusuf’s party won in 2019 but was denied the victory. Now in 2023, the same scenario is unfolding which is already being met with resistance.
“For our interest, the Yoruba in Kano, we are using this platform to call on our leading obas and leaders to come to our assistance by engaging President Bola Tinubu on the political situation in Kano.
“The average man already believes that the judiciary has been interfered with. We are hereby calling on our fathers, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, to intervene without further delay.
“We are also calling on the Oba of Lagos, Alake of Egba, Awujale of Ijebuland, Olubadan of Ibadan and other Yoruba leading lights to come to our aid as we won’t find it easy if the situation degenerates further as we expect that it would.
“The people here will believe that they were cheated on by a Yoruba President. That is the word going around now. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.
“Importantly, we the Yoruba in Kano have been here long enough to articulate and appreciate the political tendencies here and implications for our common good. For the record, many of us were born and raised in Kano, indeed, we have become “Kano indigenes” in some strategic sense. This is our home as we have come to acknowledge and appreciate our stay in Kano and indeed our economic sustenance, well-being and development. Our children are doing fine in schools here as well as many of different ages engaged in one activity or the other. So Kano is our home and we are happy being here,” the Secretary General of the community, Comrade Taofeek Olalekan Olaosebikon stated.
KANO FOCUS recalled that the Court of Appeal had in its judgment last Friday and that read by the chairman of the panel, Justice Moore Adumein, upheld the judgement of the tribunal, declaring APC candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, as the winner of the governorship election in the state and sacked governor Abba Yusuf of NNPP.
The development had created tension in the state with protests erupting on Wednesday but police dispersed the protesters and brought the not to allow Kano to burn under control.
Headlines
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
News
Disabled student seeks urgent fix for faulty elevator at Northwest University Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A student of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Northwest University Kano has appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to urgently repair a faulty elevator at the institution’s city campus, saying the situation has made access to lectures extremely difficult for him and other students with disabilities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the student, Aminu Jaafar Muhammad, popularly known as Alamein, made the appeal in a post shared on social media, where he narrated the challenges he faces attending lectures at the Ado Bayero City Campus, Kofar Nassarawa.
Muhammad, a Level 300 student preparing to enter his final year, said he lives with a physical disability affecting one of his legs. According to him, the Faculty of Computing, where he studies ICT, holds lectures on the sixth to ninth floors of the campus building, while the elevator meant to provide access to the upper floors has remained out of service.
He explained that due to the faulty lift, his colleagues are forced to carry him up the stairs every day in order for him to attend classes.
“Every day my colleagues carry me from the ground floor to at least the sixth floor, which involves climbing more than 100 stairs,” he said, describing the act as a remarkable show of solidarity from fellow students.
Muhammad noted that during his first year at the university he studied at the main campus, where there were fewer stairs. In his second year, he said the elevator occasionally functioned, but when it broke down again his classmates had to assist him several times a week to reach lecture halls upstairs.
He revealed that he had earlier written to the university management requesting that lectures for his faculty be relocated either to the main campus or to lower floors of the building to make access easier. However, he said the letter, submitted over a year ago, has yet to receive a response.
The student also recalled that during a visit by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following a fire incident at the campus last year, a new elevator was reportedly donated to the university. According to him, the facility is yet to become operational.
While expressing appreciation to his classmates for their continued support, Muhammad said he decided to speak out because the situation affects not only him but other persons with disabilities on campus.
“I know my colleagues have never complained, but I understand that it is not easy for them. I believe raising the issue can bring change and benefit many others,” he said.
He appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to either relocate the lecture venues to accessible floors or ensure that the elevator is repaired and functioning properly.
Muhammad also called on members of the public and stakeholders to help amplify his appeal so that it reaches those in a position to address the situation.
He expressed hope that resolving the challenge would allow him and other affected students to focus on their studies without unnecessary physical barriers.
