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Kano governorship: Supreme Court has upheld principles of fairness – NNPP
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) asserted that the Supreme Court’s verdict confirming the election of Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, reflects the court’s commitment to fairness.
KANO FOCUS reports that Alhaji Kawu Ali, the Acting National Chairman of the party, stated this During a news conference in Abuja, on Saturday.
The Acting praised the bravery, courage, and meticulous nature of the Supreme Court Justices for overturning the removal of Governor Abba Yusuf.
Kawu said the verdict affirmed the victory of NNPP and their candidate in the March 18, 2023 election, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf as the authentic, duly elected, Executive Governor of Kano State.
He held out an Olive branch to the All Progressives Congress, (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties in the state, adding that as a party, it does not believe in taking revenge.
Kawu described the NNPP as a party for the future and for 2027, saying, “to be frank with you, we know what APC stands for in Kano. The NNPP has a different ideology from other parties. We don’t fight or undermine others unlike what they do.
“But we still extend our hand of fellowship to other political parties. Already, our governor after the ruling had said he would carry other political parties in Kano along even with appointments. We will assure the people of Kano and other Nigerians that they will expect the best from our government.”
The apex court had in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices upturned the judgements of the Kano state governorship Election Petitions Tribunal which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, sacking governor Yusuf and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressive Congress, APC, as winner of the gubernatorial poll.
The NNPP Acting National chairman said: “NNPP appreciates the Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court for their courage to uphold the principles of fairness and equity, as demonstrated in their Judgement on Friday and also commended former Heads of State, former Presidents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, leaders of political parties, members of the bar, Student Union leaders, Diaspora Nigerians, and others for their individual and collective role in what was termed “Operation Save Kano and Save Democracy”, adding that the struggle to “save Kano” was a multi-partisan movement involving all lovers of democracy across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond.
“We are happy that at the end of the whole exercise, NNPP has been vindicated by the ruling of the Supreme Court and the statement of the chairman of the 5-man panel, Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, who rightly observed that there was miscarriage of justice in the outcome of the matter Involving our Party and our Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Tribunal and Court of Appeal levels, Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, speaking the mind of the Supreme Court, advised Justices and Judges to always be meticulous in deciding matters of the law.
“We want to assure all Nigerians and particularly the people of Kano State that we will not take this show of solidarity for granted. Our Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, will continue with the people-oriented programmes which he embarked upon since he took over the reins of government in Kano State.
“As stated earlier, the main purpose of this Press Conference is to express our profound gratitude to all those who contributed to realising yesterday’s victory for democracy which the Supreme Court amply articulated through its ruling.
Read Also: S/Court judgment: Yusuf invites APC’s Gawuna to join him in developing Kano
“We wish to echo the voice of Justice Inyang Okoro JSC when he urged Judges to always be meticulous in their work. We wish to add that Judges should always continue to be bold and courageous, and discharge their duties without fear of favour.
“They should resist all external pressure and work with their conscience. This is necessary for the judiciary to maintain its age-old credibility and reverence as “the last hope of the common man”.
“Our Judiciary must indeed be morally and institutionally strengthened to ensure its historic dignity and independence and its ability to serve, not the desires of the elite, but the yearnings and aspirations of the greater number of Nigerians,” Ali said
He added that the party will continue to defend, promote and serve the interest of the people of Nigeria at all times, irrespective of tribe, gender or religion.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, a magistrate in Kano State, has been recommended for appointment as a judge of the Kano State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
KANO FOCUS reports that Hassan is among four judicial officers from Kano State recommended for elevation to the High Court bench out of 28 candidates selected nationwide.
The other nominees are Halima Yahuza Ahmad, Abdullahi Abdulsalam Bature and Musa Ibrahim Umar.
The NJC disclosed the recommendations in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, following its consideration of candidates for judicial appointments across the country.
The council said all recommended candidates were expected to be sworn in by their respective state governors without delay.
Hassan’s recommendation follows her years of service in the Kano State judiciary, where she has reportedly distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism and careful handling of cases.
She has been commended for her commitment to judicial ethics, diligence and fairness in the discharge of her responsibilities, achievements that contributed to her career progression within the judiciary.
Her elevation is part of a broader development in the Kano State judiciary, with four magistrates from the state successfully scaling the selection process for appointment to the High Court.
The four nominees were reportedly assessed during the selection exercise and demonstrated strong professional competence, while their service records were found to be free of adverse remarks.
Their recommendation marks a significant step in their judicial careers and is expected to strengthen the judicial workforce in Kano State upon their formal appointment.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) says it has tracked nearly 1,000 education projects across the state as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the education sector.
KANO FOCUS the coalition’s Co-Chair, Dr Auwalu Halilu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement and Project Monitoring.
Dr Halilu said K-SAFE had monitored projects in more than six local government areas, covering interventions implemented by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano State Senior Secondary Education Management Board and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
He explained that the monitoring exercise involved physical inspections and documentation of projects through photographs, videos and geographical locations.
According to him, reports of the findings had been submitted to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), highlighting projects that met required standards and those requiring further attention.
He cited Rimin Gado Local Government Area, where the coalition tracked more than 80 education projects, adding that it planned to extend the exercise to all 44 local government areas of the state.
The K-SAFE Co-Chair said the visit was aimed at presenting the coalition’s activities to the ministry and exploring areas of collaboration in procurement and project monitoring.
He called for the inclusion of civil society organisations in procurement and monitoring processes, particularly tender board activities and field inspections, to strengthen independent oversight and provide them with firsthand information on government projects.
Dr Halilu also requested the ministry’s support in organising capacity-building programmes for civil society organisations on procurement procedures, due process, project standardisation, monitoring and evaluation.
He said such training would enhance civil society organisations’ understanding of procurement regulations and the technical requirements guiding project implementation.
Responding, the Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring, Dr Nura Iro Ma’aji, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the coalition’s contributions to supporting the state government’s efforts in the education sector.
He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with K-SAFE through information sharing and other relevant engagements to strengthen accountability and ensure compliance with due process.
“From our side, we are ready to work together because we know what they have been doing to support Kano State Government in the education sector,” he said.
Dr Halilu further disclosed that the coalition and its partner organisations had carried out the monitoring exercise without financial sponsorship, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to sustaining engagement with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and the media to strengthen oversight of education projects across Kano State.
Ibrahim Khalil
Government Secondary School (GSS) Army Day Bukavu has emerged champion in both the male and female categories of the maiden Kano State Secondary Schools Tug of War Competition.
KANO FOCUS reports that the school clinched the double victory at the competition, which ended on Wednesday at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari, Kano.
Governors College finished as runners-up in the male category, while Government Girls College (GGC) Kano secured second position in the female category.
The competition was organised by the Kano State Tug of War Association in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kano State Sports Commission.
The maiden championship brought together secondary school students to promote teamwork, discipline, unity and sportsmanship, while raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Jamilu Uba Adamu, described the competition as a successful initiative that had achieved its objectives.
He commended the Ministry of Education, Sports Commission, NDLEA, Gongoni Company Limited and MAGZO Pharmaceutical for supporting the event, particularly through the provision of T-shirts and Pocari Sweat drinks.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Bashir Muhammad Sulaiman, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to developing grassroots and school sports.
He said the initiative would help identify and nurture young sporting talents across the state.
The closing ceremony was attended by a member of the Kano State Football Association Board, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, representatives of the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, the Sports Commission and other stakeholders in the sports sector.
The organisers congratulated the winning schools and commended all participating institutions and partners for contributing to the success of the maiden edition.
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