Headlines
Imam Gusau warns against silence in the face of injustice
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
An Islamic scholar, Imam Murtadha Gusau, has warned that remaining silent in the face of oppression and injustice amounts to complicity and poses grave moral and spiritual dangers to individuals and societies.
Delivering a Friday sermon titled “The Prohibition of Silence in the Face of Oppression and Injustice”, the cleric said injustice remains one of the most destructive forces in human societies, driven by the abuse of power through money, authority, weapons and the media.
Imam Gusau explained that the Qur’an strongly condemns oppression, describing it as the misplacement of rights and the elevation of unqualified individuals over the deserving. He noted that oppressors may appear powerful temporarily, but divine justice ultimately ensures their failure.
Quoting several Qur’anic verses, including “The oppressors do not succeed” (Qur’an 12:23), he cited historical examples such as the persecution of Prophet Yusuf and the tyranny of Pharaoh against Prophet Musa, stressing that oppression never leads to lasting success.
The cleric lamented what he described as widespread injustice across the world, including Nigeria and conflict-ridden regions such as Palestine, Yemen and Syria, accusing many leaders and politicians of turning a blind eye to the suffering of innocent people.
According to him, Islamic teachings place a collective responsibility on believers to confront injustice, warning that silence in the presence of wrongdoing can attract divine punishment. He cited Qur’an 5:78–79, which recounts how past nations were punished not only for committing evil, but also for failing to prevent it.
Imam Gusau stressed that Islam commands believers to actively stand for justice, even when it is difficult or risky. He recalled prophetic traditions which teach that evil should be resisted with action, speech, or at the very least, inward rejection, describing silence as the weakest form of faith.
He further reminded political leaders and those in authority that ignoring oppression constitutes a betrayal of trust and accountability before Allah, warning that excuses such as poverty, weakness or fear do not absolve societies from their moral obligations.
The sermon also drew attention to the Islamic distinction between lawful justice and unlawful aggression, emphasising that preventing crimes, protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable through just means are necessary for social stability and human dignity.
Imam Gusau concluded by urging Muslims to support the oppressed through advocacy, humanitarian assistance, lawful action and moral courage, stressing that justice, not silence, strengthens nations and faith.
The sermon was delivered on Friday, January 9, 2026, corresponding to Rajab 19, 1447 AH.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
