Headlines
Dantata supports transition to parliamentary system of government

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata has thrown his weight behind the move to transition from a presidential system of government to a parliamentary system.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dantata, made the endorsement on Thursday when some members of the House of Representatives spearheading the transition move paid him a consultation visit at his Kano residence.
According to the parliamentary system is better than the presidential system of government because it is cheaper.

Alhaji Aminu Dantata
The elder statesman explained that the “Parliamentary system is better and cheaper for Nigeria but the presidential system is very costly, especially with the current economic situation in the country.”

Dantata, a member of parliament in the First Republic, lauded the members for taking the bold step and expressed hope that the 60 lawmakers would get more members in the National Assembly to support the project.
“I hope and pray that you will get more members in the assembly to support the project,” he said.

Alhaji Aminu Dantata
He prayed that the current security challenges bedeviling the country would come to an end.
In an interview with journalists shortly after the courtesy visit, the leader of the delegation and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, said all the members who sponsored the Bill on Nigeria’s return to the parliamentary system remain committed in addition to being sincere in carrying out the project.
“There is no magic that the President and his team can work to cut down drastically this cost. Even where we say we are foregoing all our allowances, you will find out it is just a drop in the ocean. So we need to do something drastic…”

Members of House of Representatives with Alhaji Aminu Dantata
Mr. Chinda pointed out that accountability could be better under a parliamentary system than what is obtained today.
“I can tell you that, if we are operating a parliamentary system, with the number of motions and bills that have passed on the floor of the house concerning the issue of insecurity, the Prime Minister would have been asked to vacate his seat and that would have happened. And that would make everybody to sit up. Resolutions of the National Assembly sometimes are not taken very seriously, without blaming anybody, but because of the nature of the system that we practice,” he stated.
Providing further clarifications, the minority leader said, “we are proposing that the time has come for us to work outside the box and take that leap and reintroduce a parliamentary system of government in this country that will help us begin to solve a lot of the problems that we have in Nigeria.”
Chinda reiterated that the return of Nigeria to a parliamentary system was in the best interest of Nigerians and the country.
He thanked the elder stateman for his advice and input, adding that they will continue to draw from his wealth of experience.
Recall that the House of Representatives has passed, for the first reading, the bill seeking to transform the presidential system of government into a parliamentary system.
Titled ”The Bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to a parliamentary system of government,” it was sponsored by sixty lawmakers and read for the first time during Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja.
Briefing newsmen after plenary, the spokesperson of the sixty-member group, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (Sokoto, PDP), said that the proposed alterations, when passed, would significantly impact the national political landscape.
According to him, over the years, the imperfections of the Presidential System of Government have become glaring to all, despite several alterations to the constitution to address the shortcomings of a system that has denied the nation the opportunity to attain its full potential.
He said among these imperfections are the high cost of governance, leaving fewer resources for crucial areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and consequently hindering the nation’s development progress, and the excessive powers vested in the members of the executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people.
He further noted that the bills presented seek a return to the system of government adopted by our founders, which made governance accountable, responsible, responsive, and ultimately less expensive.
Dasuki explained that with the presentation of these bills, the House hopes to ignite and provoke a national conversation about the future of the Nigerian governance system, to ensure robust public debates, stakeholder consultations, expert analyses, and a thorough and informed decision-making process, to raise awareness about the significant development and to encourage constructive dialogue on the potential implications of these proposed constitutional alterations.
“Today, we stand on the cusp of history, as lawmakers across party affiliations and regional backgrounds come together to present bills proposing Constitutional Alterations that seek a transition to Parliamentary System of Government.
“These bills, seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, advocate a transition from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system at all levels – federal, state, and local government.”

Headlines
Kano SSG assumes duty, pledges to operate open door policy

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The newly appointed Secretary to the State Government of Kano State, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim has assumed office on Monday.
KANO FOCUS reports that his arrival ignited jubilations and enthusiastic reception by entire staff of the Cabinet Office.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Monday by information officer cabinet office, Musa Tanko said some associates as well as other well wishers assembled at the cabinet office to welcome the new SSG.

The statement added that the staff described Ibrahim’s appointment as a homecoming, owing to the fact that he had served in the office in different capacities.
Receiving the SSG on behalf of the Cabinet Office community, the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA) Directorate, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Jalo, expressed delight for the appointment and stated that the choice of Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim was a welcome development and highly befitting.
He further stated that, the SSG knows the terrain of the job very well and expressed hope that Kano State is heading towards positive turn around at the state engine room and bringing the divident of democracy to the general public.
In a similar development, members of the Payroll Standing Committee led by their Deputy Chairman, Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo, paid a solidarity visit to the newly appointed SSG, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim.
Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo stated that, immediately after the announcement, both conventional and social media platforms were agog with praises and well wishes were flowing in from different angles. This alone was a clear indication, that the appointment was well deserved.
He added that, this was part of the reason the committee members took the lead to celebrate the SSG. He pray to God to guide him to succeed in the newly assigned task.
Expressing his appreciation for the visit, the SSG stated that he has made a vow to Governor Yusuf, that he will put in his best to serve the state.
He also revealed that “Anybody or groups with meaningful ideas to further develop our dear state is welcome.” he assured that, he would operate an open door policy which has been his guiding principle during his civil service career.
“I am profoundly gratitude to Almighty Allah. As I appreciate His Excellentcy, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for reposing his confidence in me. To serve the state in this capacity. And I promise not to disappoint him,” he concluded.

Headlines
Breaking: Governor Yusuf Appoints Umar Farouk Ibrahim as Kano New SSG

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.
According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.

Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role.
His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.
From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
In this capacity, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on viable alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of these policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Following this, from June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim held the position of Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate.
His tenure in this role showcased his strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he served as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in him by the state leadership.
In addition to his formal roles, Ibrahim served as Secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (GP Houses) in 2012, and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004).
His early career also saw him play pivotal roles in community and educational reforms, such as his position as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.
Mr. Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, followed by several professional certificates that further enriched his qualifications.
As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and facilitate the effective execution of its policies and programs.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Ibrahim’s appointment would significantly contribute to realizing his administration’s vision for Kano State, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in steering the state toward sustained development and growth.

Headlines
Gov. Yusuf reconstitutes consumer protection council, appoints Zangina Jafaru E.S

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the composition of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC), to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the newly constituted council comprises seasoned professionals, government officials, and business representatives to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumers from exploitation.

A statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa noted that the members of the council include Dr. Umar Garba Haruna, as chairman and Alhaji Zangina Jafaru serving as the executive secretary.

Alhaji Zangina Jafaru
Other key members of the council include Ibrahim Ahmad Gama (Member representing Kano Central), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Bichi (Member representing Kano North), Alhaji Hussaini Bello Gidado (Member representing Kano South) Alhaji Munzali Abubakar (Representative of business community I, Kantin Kwari Market), Ali Muhammad Adakawa (Representative of business community II, Kwanar Singa), Alhaji Ahmed Isah Chedi (Representative of business community III, Dawanau Market), and Sani Gambo (Representative of business community IV, Abubakar Rimi Market).
Others are Halima Yahuza Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Justice), Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Health), Aminu Gidado Yushe’u (Representative of Ministry of Environment), Bashir Shehu Gezawa (Representative of the Ministry for Local Government), Maryam Halilu Haruna, Director Special Duties, (Representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs), Bashir Uba, Director Investment, (Representative of the Ministry of Investment/Commerce), Faisal Mahmud (Representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Agency), Umar Zubairu (Representative of Special Service Directorate) and Shamsu Jibrin (Secretary/Legal Adviser.)
The Governor emphasised that the council’s primary mandate is to protect consumer rights and ensure that businesses operate under fair, transparent and lawful conditions.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to promoting good governance, market confidence and safeguarding the public from substandard products and unethical business practices.
The council members are expected to commence operations immediately, addressing consumer complaints, regulating trade practices, and fostering a healthy business environment across Kano State.
