News
Insecurity, hunger have deepened Northern Nigeria’s distrust of Tinubu, Imam Gusau says
The cleric urges the federal government to prioritise security, protect farming communities and provide direct relief to vulnerable households.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosque in Okene, Kogi State, Malam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address insecurity and economic hardship in Northern Nigeria, saying the twin challenges have deepened public frustration and weakened confidence in government.
KANO FOCUS reports that in his Friday sermon delivered, the cleric said the grievances in the region were rooted primarily in persistent insecurity and the rising cost of living rather than ethnic differences or political disagreements.
The sermon, titled “A Sincere Cry From Northern Nigeria,” examined the government’s responsibility to protect citizens, ensure their welfare and uphold justice from the perspective of Islamic teachings.
Imam Gusau said banditry, terrorism and kidnapping had prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands, disrupted transportation and exposed families to persistent fear.
“Without peace, there can be no worship, no business, no education, no farming,” he said, arguing that protecting lives and property must remain the government’s foremost responsibility.
He added that the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira, had contributed to rising prices of essential commodities, including maize, millet and rice.
According to the imam, the combined effects of insecurity and inflation have placed an enormous burden on households, particularly in a region heavily dependent on agriculture and road transportation.
‘Security must come first’
Imam Gusau argued that economic recovery would remain difficult to achieve without lasting improvements in security.
He said farmers could not produce enough food if they were afraid to cultivate their land, while investments in businesses and other economic activities would yield limited benefits in communities affected by violence.
The cleric urged the federal government to intensify security operations in agricultural areas, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that farmers could return safely to their fields.
He also called for targeted food and agricultural support to reach vulnerable households directly, warning against the diversion of assistance through bureaucratic processes.
Although he acknowledged the administration’s reported security initiatives, the imam said more decisive action was needed to protect rural communities, highways and farming settlements.
He maintained that the success of the government should be measured not only by economic indicators or international engagements but also by whether ordinary Nigerians could travel safely, sleep peacefully in their homes and work on their farms without fear.
Leadership as a trust
Imam Gusau said Islamic teachings regard leadership as a sacred responsibility, or amanah, for which those in authority would be held accountable before Allah.
Quoting a prophetic tradition reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, he reminded leaders that every person entrusted with responsibility would be questioned about those under their care.
He cited the example of Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam, whose concern for the welfare of citizens was reflected in accounts of his personal efforts to understand the difficulties facing ordinary people.
The imam said the example illustrated the importance of accountability, compassion and responsible use of public resources.
He also referred to the Islamic legal maxim that the exercise of authority over citizens must be guided by their welfare and best interests.
According to him, government policies should prioritise the protection of lives, education, healthcare, family welfare and economic security, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society.
He explained that these responsibilities were consistent with the higher objectives of Islamic law, known as Maqasid al-Shariah, which include the preservation of life, religion, intellect, lineage and wealth.
Calls for compassion and accountability
The cleric warned that persistent insecurity and hardship could further alienate citizens if the government failed to respond to their concerns with practical measures.
He urged leaders to demonstrate compassion through policies that directly address the needs of ordinary Nigerians rather than relying solely on assurances of future prosperity.
He also condemned the activities of bandits, terrorists and kidnappers, stressing that Islam places a high value on human life and prohibits the unjust killing of innocent people.
Imam Gusau called on communities to support victims of violence, assist displaced families and strengthen cooperation across religious and social divides.
He said collective solidarity was essential to preventing insecurity from destroying relationships and deepening divisions among Nigerians.
The imam also encouraged Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, practise patience and seek Allah’s forgiveness while working to improve their circumstances.
He cautioned against allowing political frustration to weaken religious conviction, arguing that Muslims should combine prayers and repentance with personal integrity, compassion and responsible conduct.
However, he stressed that spiritual responses to hardship should not diminish the responsibility of leaders to protect citizens and provide for their welfare.
Urges Nigerians to uphold integrity
Imam Gusau further called on Nigerians to examine their own conduct, saying the fight against corruption and injustice should begin with individuals and communities.
He urged traders and business owners to avoid exploiting consumers through artificial price increases and dishonest practices, particularly during periods of economic difficulty.
He said citizens should maintain honesty, support one another and avoid despair despite the challenges facing the country.
The cleric concluded that Northern Nigeria needed peace, justice and economic relief, insisting that improved security and effective welfare measures would help restore public confidence and encourage cooperation between citizens and government.
**Mr Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosque in Okene, Kogi State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, a magistrate in Kano State, has been recommended for appointment as a judge of the Kano State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
KANO FOCUS reports that Hassan is among four judicial officers from Kano State recommended for elevation to the High Court bench out of 28 candidates selected nationwide.
The other nominees are Halima Yahuza Ahmad, Abdullahi Abdulsalam Bature and Musa Ibrahim Umar.
The NJC disclosed the recommendations in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, following its consideration of candidates for judicial appointments across the country.
The council said all recommended candidates were expected to be sworn in by their respective state governors without delay.
Hassan’s recommendation follows her years of service in the Kano State judiciary, where she has reportedly distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism and careful handling of cases.
She has been commended for her commitment to judicial ethics, diligence and fairness in the discharge of her responsibilities, achievements that contributed to her career progression within the judiciary.
Her elevation is part of a broader development in the Kano State judiciary, with four magistrates from the state successfully scaling the selection process for appointment to the High Court.
The four nominees were reportedly assessed during the selection exercise and demonstrated strong professional competence, while their service records were found to be free of adverse remarks.
Their recommendation marks a significant step in their judicial careers and is expected to strengthen the judicial workforce in Kano State upon their formal appointment.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) says it has tracked nearly 1,000 education projects across the state as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the education sector.
KANO FOCUS the coalition’s Co-Chair, Dr Auwalu Halilu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement and Project Monitoring.
Dr Halilu said K-SAFE had monitored projects in more than six local government areas, covering interventions implemented by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano State Senior Secondary Education Management Board and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
He explained that the monitoring exercise involved physical inspections and documentation of projects through photographs, videos and geographical locations.
According to him, reports of the findings had been submitted to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), highlighting projects that met required standards and those requiring further attention.
He cited Rimin Gado Local Government Area, where the coalition tracked more than 80 education projects, adding that it planned to extend the exercise to all 44 local government areas of the state.
The K-SAFE Co-Chair said the visit was aimed at presenting the coalition’s activities to the ministry and exploring areas of collaboration in procurement and project monitoring.
He called for the inclusion of civil society organisations in procurement and monitoring processes, particularly tender board activities and field inspections, to strengthen independent oversight and provide them with firsthand information on government projects.
Dr Halilu also requested the ministry’s support in organising capacity-building programmes for civil society organisations on procurement procedures, due process, project standardisation, monitoring and evaluation.
He said such training would enhance civil society organisations’ understanding of procurement regulations and the technical requirements guiding project implementation.
Responding, the Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring, Dr Nura Iro Ma’aji, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the coalition’s contributions to supporting the state government’s efforts in the education sector.
He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with K-SAFE through information sharing and other relevant engagements to strengthen accountability and ensure compliance with due process.
“From our side, we are ready to work together because we know what they have been doing to support Kano State Government in the education sector,” he said.
Dr Halilu further disclosed that the coalition and its partner organisations had carried out the monitoring exercise without financial sponsorship, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to sustaining engagement with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and the media to strengthen oversight of education projects across Kano State.
Ibrahim Khalil
Government Secondary School (GSS) Army Day Bukavu has emerged champion in both the male and female categories of the maiden Kano State Secondary Schools Tug of War Competition.
KANO FOCUS reports that the school clinched the double victory at the competition, which ended on Wednesday at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari, Kano.
Governors College finished as runners-up in the male category, while Government Girls College (GGC) Kano secured second position in the female category.
The competition was organised by the Kano State Tug of War Association in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kano State Sports Commission.
The maiden championship brought together secondary school students to promote teamwork, discipline, unity and sportsmanship, while raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Jamilu Uba Adamu, described the competition as a successful initiative that had achieved its objectives.
He commended the Ministry of Education, Sports Commission, NDLEA, Gongoni Company Limited and MAGZO Pharmaceutical for supporting the event, particularly through the provision of T-shirts and Pocari Sweat drinks.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Bashir Muhammad Sulaiman, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to developing grassroots and school sports.
He said the initiative would help identify and nurture young sporting talents across the state.
The closing ceremony was attended by a member of the Kano State Football Association Board, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, representatives of the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, the Sports Commission and other stakeholders in the sports sector.
The organisers congratulated the winning schools and commended all participating institutions and partners for contributing to the success of the maiden edition.
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, three others recommended for appointment as Kano high court judges
K-SAFE tracks nearly 1,000 education projects in Kano, seeks procurement monitoring role
GSS Army Day Bukavu Wins Maiden Kano Secondary Schools Tug of War Championship
Gov Yusuf Nominates Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakintofa as Commissioner
One Year Without Baba: A Son’s Tribute to Alhaji Yusuf Hassan
Indonesian scholar proposes waqf model to reform almajiri education in Nigeria
Veteran NTA manager Dahiru Biso loses wife at 58
Two suspected bandits killed, N10m ransom recovered in Kano
Gov Yusuf Joins APC Leaders at Kaduna Presidential Campaign Flag-Off as Kano Delegation Draws Attention
