Headlines
NNPP defends Kwankwaso over inclusion in proposed U.S. sanctions bill
Ibrahim Khalil
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed shock over reports that a bill before the United States Congress named its National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, among individuals recommended for targeted sanctions over alleged religious freedom violations.
In a press statement issued Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the party said it was surprised that Kwankwaso was listed in the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) alongside the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and a Fulani ethnic militia group.
According to the bill, those named could face sanctions including visa bans and asset freezes for purported involvement in “severe religious freedom violations.”
Reacting to the development, the NNPP dismissed what it described as “any notion” that Kwankwaso had been responsible for religious freedom violations, insisting that his public record does not support such allegations.
“We see this development as a contrived action against an innocent man who clearly has no relationship with religious fundamentalism in Nigeria,” Johnson said. “His record is in the public domain, both in public office and in private life. It is advisable for people to properly investigate before reaching such conclusions.”
The party recalled that months earlier, Kwankwaso had publicly criticised the United States’ redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution. In a statement posted on his X handle at the time, he cautioned against what he described as oversimplified characterisations of Nigeria’s internal challenges, stressing that the country faces multiple security threats from criminal elements.
Johnson noted that following Kwankwaso’s comments, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore reacted on social media, accusing the former Kano governor of complicity in anti-Christian violence and referencing the introduction of Sharia law in Kano during his tenure.
However, the NNPP questioned why Kwankwaso was singled out, noting that several northern states implemented Sharia around the same period.
“Is this enough to accuse Kwankwaso of severe religious freedom violations? Why were other governors not similarly accused?” the statement queried, also pointing to U.S. relations with countries that operate under Sharia legal systems.
The party further argued that during his tenure as governor, Kwankwaso maintained cordial relationships with Christian leaders in Kano and across Nigeria. It also stated that he supported former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Christian, during his re-election bid, a move it claimed cost him political support in Kano at the time.
The NNPP added that in the 2023 presidential election, Kwankwaso ran on a joint ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa, describing this as further evidence of his inclusive political outlook.
The party called on members of the U.S. Congress, particularly Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, to conduct what it described as a thorough and fair investigation into the matter.
It urged U.S. lawmakers to ensure that “justice is done” and that Kwankwaso’s reputation is not tarnished by what it termed undue embarrassment.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State on Tuesday rolled out the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KN-SEMSAS) as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response and improve access to timely healthcare across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, commended the governor for procuring 20 ambulances for the programme, describing the initiative as a strategic step to align the state with ongoing national emergency health interventions. He noted that a formal inauguration of the scheme would be held at a later date.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf
Dr. Yusuf said the ambulances would play a critical role in transporting pregnant women to hospitals during labour, thereby reducing maternal and infant mortality. He added that any patient conveyed to a hospital through the scheme would have their transportation costs covered by the government.
He also called on members of the Guild of Medical Directors to support the initiative by procuring additional ambulances to complement government efforts.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf inspecting the ambulances
According to the commissioner, the vehicles are expected to respond to distress calls within the shortest possible time, ensuring prompt medical attention for residents in need.
Dr. Yusuf further stated that KN-SEMSAS would provide free, coordinated pre-hospital and emergency care services statewide. He described the establishment of the system as a major milestone in strengthening emergency medical response, reducing preventable deaths, and improving access to life-saving care for the people of Kano State.
The event was attended by the Director-General of the Drugs and Medical Consumables Agency, Pharmacist Ghali Sule; the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KASCHMA), Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar; and the Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Prof. Mahmoud Adamu Abbas.
Group Picture
Goodwill messages were presented by representatives of various stakeholders, including the Lafiya Project, the Kano State Accountability Mechanism (KanSLAM), and the Kano State Fire Service, among others.
Abba Care: A Lifeline of Compassion in Kano State
GATCOSA President, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago is dead
BUK clinches Northwest 3×3 basketball title at ABU Zaria
Kano rolls out emergency medical services, deploys 20 Ambulances
APC constitutes committees for Kano state congress
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
Kano Police announce movement restrictions ahead of assembly by-elections
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
