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
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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Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
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Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
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