Headlines
MURIC faults proposed U.S. sanctions on Kwankwaso, others
Nura Abdullahi
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised a proposed bill by five United States lawmakers seeking sanctions against former Kano State governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, among others.
KANO FOCUS reports that the bill reportedly recommends measures including visa bans and asset freezes over alleged religious freedom violations.
In a press release issued on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, described the move as “lopsided, unjust and selective.”
Akintola argued that if sanctions are to be imposed, they should not focus solely on Muslim individuals and groups. He called for what he described as a balanced and comprehensive approach, alleging that there are also cases of religious extremism and violations committed by actors in other parts of the country.
“We affirm that there is denial of religious freedom and religious extremism in Nigeria,” he said. “But the culprits include fanatics among both Christians and Muslims. If sanctions are to be imposed, they must be comprehensive and unbiased.”
The group alleged that some government officials in Southern Nigeria and certain militia groups in North Central Nigeria have also been involved in rights violations and should be investigated if the U.S. intends to ensure fairness.
MURIC further claimed that U.S. officials often engage Christian leaders and activists from Nigeria without giving equal hearing to Muslim representatives, describing the approach as contrary to the principle of fairness.
Akintola also expressed concern over what he termed the “false designation” of Nigeria as a country perpetrating genocide against Christians, urging the U.S. Congress to conduct broader consultations and investigations before taking punitive measures.
The organisation said it has documented cases of alleged discrimination and marginalisation of Muslims in parts of Southern Nigeria and is prepared to present such records to international bodies if given the opportunity.
While stressing that Nigerian Muslims have no hostility toward the United States, MURIC called for caution, urging U.S. lawmakers to undertake further findings before imposing sanctions.
The group also warned that extremist organisations such as Boko Haram and ISIS should not be allowed to exploit the situation.
The proposed bill remains at the introduction stage in the U.S. Congress and has not yet been passed into law.
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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