Headlines
Kano govt sets up task force to reclaim illegal iccupation of Kwankwasiyya housing estates
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has constituted a Special Task Force to reclaim and secure government-owned residential properties illegally occupied by unidentified individuals in Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo cities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the move followed concerns expressed by the state government over the unlawful takeover of several houses within the estates, which were originally developed for public use.
Approval for the constitution of the Task Force was granted by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, in line with his administration’s commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring their optimal utilisation for the benefit of the people.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, said the prolonged inability of previous administrations to fully utilise the properties created room for illegal occupation across various phases of the estates. He noted that the present administration has resolved to put the houses to proper use, making it imperative to reclaim them without further delay.
The SSG assured that the exercise would be conducted in a civil, orderly and humane manner, stressing that there would be no witch-hunting or victimisation of affected persons.
Members of the Task Force were selected based on their professional competence, experience and commitment to the socio-economic wellbeing of Kano State. The Task Force is chaired by Major Abubakar Usman (Rtd), with representatives drawn from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Housing, Housing Corporation, Kano State Investment and Properties, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Hisbah Board, Neighbourhood Watch, KAROTA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other relevant agencies.
According to the terms of reference, the Task Force is mandated to issue time-bound eviction notices to all illegal occupants, profile and document those occupying the properties unlawfully, ensure full government possession of the affected houses and recommend the deployment of adequate security personnel across the estates.
Responding on behalf of members, the Chairman of the Task Force, Major Abubakar Usman (Rtd), pledged that the committee would carry out its assignment diligently and transparently. He assured that occupants would be given adequate time to remove their personal belongings within the approved timeframe, adding that any challenges encountered would be promptly referred to the Office of the SSG.
Major Usman appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the assignment and thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the Task Force.
The Kano State Government has called on members of the public to support the exercise, emphasising that it is aimed at protecting public assets, restoring order and strengthening accountability in the management of government housing estates.
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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