Connect with us

Headlines

Amnesty International condemns jailing of Abusalma

Published

on

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian authorities for the arrest and imprisonment of Junaidu ‘Abusalma’ Abdullahi, a Kano-based TikToker, for mobilising mass protests over the country’s widespread hunger.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning, Amnesty International demanded the immediate release of Abusalma, accusing the Nigerian government of punishing him for exercising his fundamental rights.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release social media activist Junaidu Abdullahi (Abusalma), who was imprisoned in Kano for posting a viral TikTok video calling for a peaceful protest against widespread hunger across the country. #FreeAbusalma,” the human rights organisation said.

Amnesty International further criticised the government’s actions, describing the expedited court proceedings and the adjournment of the case for three weeks as evidence of a deliberate attempt to punish Abdullahi for exercising his freedom of expression.

The statement also referenced previous incidents of government crackdowns on dissent, noting that “arresting critical voices should not be the priority of the Nigerian authorities at a time when millions are on the brink of starvation, facing widespread malnutrition and severe poverty.”

In February, Amnesty International said the Nigerian authorities had unlawfully arrested Aisha Jibrin, Fatima Aliyu, Fatima Isyaku, and twenty-two others in Minna, Niger, for participating in a protest against the severe cost of living crisis.

It also noted the police “unlawfully” detained Fatima Auwal, a local bread (Gurasa) baker, for protesting the steep rise in flour prices.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS

Published

on

 

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.

 

 

Continue Reading

Headlines

Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor

Published

on

 

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.

 

Continue Reading

Headlines

Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him

Published

on

 

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.

 

Continue Reading

Trending