Headlines
House of Representatives holds valedictory session for Ghali Na’abba
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, held a valedictory session in honour of a former Speaker of the House, Ghali Na’Abba.
KANO FOCUS reports that Na’Abba, who served as the speaker of the Fourth House (1999-2003), passed away in December 2023 at the age of 65.
Numerous former members of the House attended the valedictory session. They include the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who served as the speaker of the Ninth House; Aminu Masari, the speaker of the 5th House; Emeka Ihedioha, and Lasun Yusuff, deputy speakers in the 7th and 8th Assemblies.
Others include former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, Chibudom Nwuche, who served as deputy to Na’Abba, the family of the late lawmaker, and others.
In his speech, Mr Gbajabiamila said the former legislator met very little in terms of “rules and protocols” to guide the House when he became the speaker in 1999.
He stated that Na’Abba championed the “institutionalisation of the legislature” after years of military rule.
“When our nation returned to democracy in 1999, the rules and protocols that guide us now did not exist at that time. But he worked to guide the House,” he remarked.
Mr Gbajabiamila, who served as the speaker of the House from 2019-2023, said he received valuable counsel from Na’Abba while he (Gbajabiamila) was in office.
“I did not meet him while he was the speaker but I consulted him during my speakership. I treasured the words and the advice he gave,” he said.
He said Mr Na’Abba could have chosen the path of family business, but he chose to serve his people.
Masari, who is also a former governor of Katsina State, also spoke on the role of the former late speaker in shaping the National Assembly. He saluted his courage and doggedness in building Nigeria’s legislature into a formidable institution.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, said Na’Abba fought the battle for the budget of the National Assembly to be on the “first line charge” and created the current legislative aide system.
“His tenure was marked by efforts to ensure the independence of the legislature, recognising that a truly democratic society thrives when its legislative arm operates without undue influence, freely articulating the will and aspirations of the people.
“He worked diligently with his colleagues to ensure the National Assembly budget was put on the first-line charge. He also formalised the legislative aides’ system we operate today, which continues to boost the capacity of legislators for enhanced performance,” he said.
Tajudeen promised to ensure that Na’Abba’s legacy is solidified through quality legislations.
“As we honour his legacy, let us also acknowledge our collective responsibility to build on the foundations he laid. The legislature remains a vital organ of our democracy, with the potential to drive Nigeria towards unprecedented growth and development.
“As legislators, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that the House continues to serve as a forum for meaningful dialogue, a catalyst for change, and a protector of the rights and freedoms of our citizens,” he said.
Two weeks ago, the House, through a motion, resolved to name the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) after Mr Na’Abba. However, the implementation of the motion is subject to concurrence of the Senate.
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.
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.
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.
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