Headlines
Kano governorship: Don’t cage Nigeria into one party state, 200 lawyers caution Tinubu
Forum describes Appeal Court judgment in favour of APC as clear miscarriage of Justice.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Worried by what they termed as contradictory verdict of the Appeal Court in its judgment of the Kano State 2023 gubernatorial polls, 200 lawyers from the 19 states of Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Sunday December 4, converged on Kaduna to express concerns, urging that the rule of law should be obeyed to ensure votes of every Nigerian counts during elections.
KANO FOCUS reports that speaking on behalf of the lawyers under the auspices of Abba Kabir Yusuf Volunteer Lawyers Forum For The 19 Northern states and Abuja at a press conference at Arewa House, Kaduna on Sunday, Barr. Yusuf Ado Ibrahim, Chairman Northern Volunteer Lawyers, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Supreme Court should not allow Nigeria become a one party state as it is an unhealthy to democratic system.
“Historically, going by the antecedent of or dear country Nigeria, our past leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello of blessed memory and others have always respected the rule of law and democracy and it is based on this that we call and appeal to our President, H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the judiciary to save our democracy and ensure the votes of the electorate as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
“This is not unconnected to the fact that the good people of Kano have voted massively in favour of H.E Abba Kabir Yusuf so as to allow him carry on the good work his predecessors have started in Kano State,” the group said.
The group at the briefing, also demanded a reworking of the Electoral Act
“It is pertinent to state here that the Electoral Act needs a holistic reworking in order to address these anomalies of our judicial system and democracy, if we must save it. Pre-election matters must be seen to be addressed as no longer litigable issues after the winner of an election has been declared.
“The issues are too numerous to mention. But we are all seated here believing in the strong will of a free and fair judicial system. We believe honestly in the powers of true democratic system and are still optimistic in the judicial system so much so that we admit the fallibility of our justices as humans. We are hopeful that the apex Court would do the right thing devoid of any sentiments and paying able and competent attention to happenings of the just delivered judgments.
“It is our optimism that the lot of the common man in Kano State will be protected and the yearnings of our people respected. We strongly believe that the Apex Court will do justice by affirming and categorically stating that the duly elected governor of Kano State is His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose adequate votes were casted by the populist approval of the people of Kano State.
“And on this hope, we volunteer as private legal practitioner across the 19 Northern States of this Country to participate in solidarity for His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, to represent the Truth in the fight to reclaim his mandate and that of the people of Kano State.
“We have all seen, for those of us that have read the Judgment, how the final closing decision of the leading Judge in this case, specifically at page 67 where 5 paragraphs were contradictory, one after another. These cannot be an oversight. If it is a mistake as they have stated, it is indeed an unforgivable one.
“We passionately and respectfully call on the Supreme Court to resist any form of external interference either from the Executive or any other body to protect the image of the judiciary and uphold the rule of law,” the group they appealed.
“We depend upon a system that is clearly set to bring us to an inevitable end. Almost every judgment or decision will be replete with traces of unimaginable conclusions. Truth be told, you are no longer sure of the outcome of the courts decisions in this country even if you are a legal practitioner no matter how knowledgeable you may be,” the group lamented.
The forum expressed worries that recent judgment handed down by the honourable justices of the Court of Appeal siting in Abuja between Abba Kabir Yusuf (the duly elected governor of Kano State) and the APC is a clear miscarriage of Justice.
“This is my humble opinion, even though it might not necessarily be the popular opinion.
“The first trace of this error by the Honourable Justices started with the disposition of the trial tribunal, when on the date of the Court’s judgment, it avoided a full court and open hearing of its judgment while resorting to the nature of mistrusted venture by rendering the decisions of the Court via internet.
Fielding questions from newsmen, another member, Barrister Usman Ashafa, said that the contradictory judgment of the Appeal Court leaves much to be desired.
He said the errors discovered in the CTC in five paragraph is unforgivable in 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.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
