Headlines
LG polls: Kano APC urges court to stop INEC from releasing voter register
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The major opposition political party in Kano, the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Friday instituted a fresh suit against the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the party is asking the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from releasing voter register for the conduct of the council poll.
The plaintiffs, APC and the party Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, instituted the suit through their counsel, Ismail Abdulaziz.
They also sought an interlocutory application to restrain the state electoral body from continuing with the process and conduct of the council election slated for 26th October, 2024.
Defendants joined in the suit include, the Kano State Attorney General, Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, KANSIEC Chairman, Sani Lawan and other members.
Abdulaziz said, “we are asking for the court to interpret some provisions of the constitution, KANSIEC guidelines, the law itself in seeking whether KANSIEC is a revenue generating agency and considering that the N9m and N4m requested to be paid by Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates by KANSIEC were exorbitant.
“We want the court to determine whether KANSIEC will be impartial looking at present members that constituted the commission.
“We are also seeking the court to order INEC not to release election materials such as voter register to KANSIEC until the commission abide by the provision of the constitution.
“We now sought for interlocutory injunction to restrain the continuation of the continuing with process and conduct of the election. The defendants did not receive our processes and the court adjourned till next Friday so that all the parties to file their responses,” Abdulaziz said.
Moving the application before the Presiding Judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, on Friday the court adjourned the matter till 11th October, 2024 and ordered the plaintiffs to serve the defendants.
Meanwhile, in a related matter, the Counsels to Kano State government, Rilwanu Umar SAN and Kano State House of Assembly, Bar. Bashir Yusuf said they have filed a preliminary objections before the Justice Amobeda challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear matters concerning KANSIEC.
The Counsels said only state high court and state assembly have the powers to entertain any matter that border on regulations of KANSIEC and not federal agency or so.
Kano state government application came in response to motion on notice moved by APC and one Aliyu Aminu Tiga on why the court should not stop the conduct of the election.
Recall one Aminu Aliyu Tiga and the APC had earlier filed an application seeking the court to stop the electoral body from conducting the elections in which Justice Amobeda in interim refused to grant and however noted that the defendants shall be put on notice to show cause why the prayers shall not be granted.
The Court presided by Justice Simon Amobeda however adjourned the matter till 11th October for hearing.
Headlines
Gully erosion in Kano: Gov. Yusuf partners World Bank, FG to implement mega project at Gayawa
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Governor Abba Kabir has visited Gayawa Gully Erosion site and promised to address the environmental challenges and improve the lives of the people in the area.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor made this promise during a visit to the site on Friday.
Governor Yusuf said that, the visit marked the new chapter in the journey towards addressing the persistent environmental challenges that have plagues the community of Bulbula- Gayawa for in Ungoggo Local Government which also affects parts of Nasarawa and Fagge local government areas for decades.
He added that, the urgent concerns raised by the devastating gully erosion necessitated immediate and decisive action to protect the lives and properties of the people in the community.
“The destructive effects of the gully erosion has not only claimed the lives but has inflicted untold hardship from the tragic loss of farmlands to the dangers faced by the children as they travel to school.” Gov. Yusuf emphasised
“The site has regrettably became a place where criminal activities flourished and the loss of children due to flooding during the rainy season, it is heartbreaking,” the governor lamented.
He added that, his administration is firmly committed to tackling the erosion challenges in Bulbula- Gayawa as part of the larger mission to address land degradation, environmental risks and impacts of climate change throughout the state.
Governor Yusuf revealed that the work would be done through the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) under the supervision of state ministry of environment which enjoys strategic partnership with World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The governor also informed the members of the community that, the ground work for the erosion control has been completed and it would require billions of naira to execute.
“The significant steps taken by the state government to halt indiscriminate and illegal sand mining activities in several areas and embarked on extensive land restoration projects including the rehabilitation of shelterbelt at Yanbawa and Sabongarin Ginzo.
“The restoration of over 21,261hectares of degraded land and the establishment of wood lot plantation, this initiative have been instrumental in mitigating desertification restoring land fertility and promoting sustainable livelihood for our people.
“Beyond controlling erosion, we are implementing community support programmes to revive livelihoods and rebuild what has been lost. Our livelihood support includes agricultural inputs and skill-building initiatives that will empower families and foster productivity in a secure and peaceful environment.
“The current administration is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind. Today, we are here to affirm that your voices have been heard, and we will tirelessly work to restore safety, security, and prosperity to Bulbula-Gayawa and its surrounding areas,” the governor assured.
In his response on behalf of the community, Village Head of Zango, Malam Hamza Jibrin Nuhu appreciated the concern shown by the governor, disclosing that Governor Yusuf was the first and only governor that visited the Gully Erosion site.
He also prayed for governor and wished him success in all the good policies planned for the development of Kano.
Headlines
Underperforming Officials Face Removal as Governor Yusuf Plans Cabinet Overhaul
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced a potential cabinet reshuffle, signaling his intention to remove underperforming members.
This follows his receipt of a report from a committee assessing the performance of his cabinet members.
Governor Yusuf shared this update during a live radio interview with select media outlets at the Government House, noting that the public would soon be informed of the government’s next steps.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that his close collaboration with cabinet members over the past year and a half has given him firsthand insight into their abilities, allowing him to make independent decisions on their future in his administration.
He affirmed that no commissioner in his administration lobbied for their position, adding that he based his appointments on each person’s experience, credibility, and expert recommendations.
Highlighting his expectations, Governor Yusuf said he requires absolute loyalty to himself, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the Kwankwasiyya Movement from his commissioners.
He stressed that he expects dedication, proactive initiatives, and a strong commitment to advancing Kano State’s development.
On poverty alleviation, the governor reported ongoing efforts to distribute foodstuffs across urban and rural areas, aimed at easing the hardship caused by the recent petroleum subsidy removal.
He assured that this assistance would continue to support vulnerable residents.
Governor Yusuf also revealed ongoing upgrades to KASCO, the state-owned fertilizer production company, to enhance agricultural output by providing farmers with adequate fertilizer supplies.
Additionally, he underscored his administration’s focus on empowering women and youth, noting that each month, 52,000 women and youths across the state receive N50,000 to start small businesses and promote self-reliance.
The governor’s remarks underscore his commitment to performance-driven governance and a responsive administration that prioritizes the welfare of Kano’s citizens.
Headlines
MNCH: Gov Yusuf re-opens Nuhu Bamalli maternity hospital
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
As part of his efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rate , Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has re-commissioned the Bamalli Nuhu Maternity Hospital following extensive renovations conducted by his administration.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.
Addressing attendees at the hospital’s re-commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the upgraded facility.
He noted that upon taking office, the hospital was in a deteriorated state and one of the first locations he prioritized for improvement.
“Today, the result of that commitment has come to fruition.”
Governor Yusuf urged stakeholders of the hospital to maintain the newly installed equipment and keep the facility clean, emphasizing the importance of providing effective healthcare services to the residents of Kano.
He reassured the people of the state that his administration is committed to delivering quality healthcare.
In line with this vision, he announced that contracts for the renovation of all General Hospitals across the State have been awarded to benefit all citizens.
During the event, the Governor distributed essential medical supplies to hospitals across Kano State.