Headlines
Kperogi questions inclusion of Kwankwaso in proposed U.S. sanctions bill
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Media scholar and columnist Farooq Kperogi has expressed surprise over the inclusion of former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in a proposed United States bill seeking visa bans and asset freezes against certain Nigerian officials over alleged religious freedom violations.
In a post published Thursday on his verified Facebook account, Kperogi said he was initially “surprised, shocked even” that Kwankwaso was singled out by Republican congressmen in the proposed “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.”
According to him, a Daily Trust explainer on the bill clarified the rationale behind the move.
Kperogi argued that Kwankwaso’s political history does not support claims of religious extremism. He recalled that as governor of Kano State in 2000, Kwankwaso was reluctant to introduce Sharia law and faced significant pressure from both the public and sections of the Muslim clerical establishment before eventually declaring it.
Citing his own report published in Weekly Trust on June 30, 2000, co-authored with Sulaiman Aliyu and titled “Sharia: Triumph of Kano Masses,” Kperogi said Kwankwaso resisted the declaration of Sharia for months. He noted that the Sharia bill in Kano was introduced as a private bill, unlike in several other northern states, and was not sponsored by either the governor or state lawmakers.
He said the pressure on Kwankwaso at the time was so intense that the governor temporarily stopped attending public functions, with his deputy, Abdullahi Ganduje, frequently representing him. On one occasion, Ganduje was reportedly stoned during a Maulud celebration while standing in for the governor.
Kperogi quoted from his 2000 report, describing Kwankwaso as being “trapped in a delicate cul-de-sac,” with the eventual declaration of Sharia on June 21, 2000, presented as his only political escape route.
He further recalled that during the formal launch of Sharia, Kwankwaso cautioned against vigilantism and intimidation of non-Muslims, stating that only the state government had the authority to punish offenders.
According to Kperogi, Kwankwaso’s implementation of Sharia was widely perceived as lukewarm, contributing to tensions with influential clerics and ultimately to his defeat in the 2003 governorship election to Ibrahim Shekarau.
The columnist also referenced past rumours questioning Kwankwaso’s identity, describing them as false and politically motivated. He cited a 2023 Arise TV interview in which the issue was raised, noting that he had previously written about the episode.
On why Kwankwaso may have been singled out in the proposed U.S. legislation, Kperogi suggested it was linked to the former governor’s public criticism of the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues.
Kwankwaso had argued that the designation oversimplified a complex situation and that cooperation would be more constructive than confrontation.
Kperogi noted that U.S. Congressman Riley Moore reacted sharply on social media, accusing Kwankwaso of complicity in anti-Christian violence and referencing the introduction of Sharia law in Kano.
However, he said Kwankwaso did not respond to the comments and argued that the complexities surrounding Sharia’s adoption in Kano could not be adequately addressed in a social media exchange.
Kperogi further observed that the bill remains at the introduction stage in the U.S. House of Representatives and must pass several legislative hurdles before becoming law. He added that many Nigeria-specific standalone bills historically do not progress beyond the committee stage.
He concluded by suggesting that the controversy could inadvertently boost Kwankwaso’s political profile beyond Kano, potentially strengthening his appeal among northern voters.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
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