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.
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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