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Professor Barau criticises U.S. lawmakers over proposed sanctions on Kwankwaso
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A Kano-based academic, Professor Aliyu Barau, has criticised five United States congressmen over a proposed bill reportedly seeking sanctions against former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the move as unfair and politically motivated.
In a Facebook post on Thursday night, Barau expressed mixed views about the United States, acknowledging what he described as its positive contributions to global scholarship while condemning what he termed the “negative side” of American politics.
The professor, who shared details of his academic collaborations with several U.S. institutions, said he holds deep respect for certain American scholars and universities. He cited his professional engagements with institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Columbia University’s Earth Institute, Stanford University, and Yale University, as well as research publications linked to American academics in journals including Nature, Nature Climate Change, and Nature Cities.
Barau also referenced Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, President of Zaytuna College in Berkeley, as one of the Muslim scholars he highly regards, noting the cleric’s academic journey across several Muslim countries.
However, the professor strongly criticised the reported move by U.S. lawmakers—Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga—who are backing the proposed legislation. He questioned the basis for including Kwankwaso in the bill, describing the former governor as a moderate Muslim.
Barau argued that the allegations against Kwankwaso were unsubstantiated and suggested that the congressmen should focus on addressing domestic challenges within their constituencies.
He further urged Nigerian Muslims to speak out against what he described as misinformation and external interference, while cautioning against escalating tensions.
The academic also dismissed comparisons between local associations such as Miyetti Allah and extremist groups, describing the organisation as a livelihood-based body representing cattle breeders.
Barau concluded by encouraging Nigerians to remain united and resist what he characterised as undue external pressure, adding that national development should remain the country’s priority.
The comments come amid ongoing reactions to reports of a proposed U.S. bill seeking targeted sanctions over alleged religious freedom concerns in Nigeria.
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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