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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.
Headlines
SFH appoints Dayyabu Yusuf to lead strategic health partnerships, RevoHealth HMO
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Society for Family Health has appointed Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf as Group Director, Impact Partnership and Engagement, as well as Managing Director of RevoHealth HMO Ltd., in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare access and sustainable health systems across Nigeria and Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was announced on the organisation’s official Facebook page on Saturday.
According to SFH, the new leadership appointment signals the beginning of a fresh phase focused on improving impact, expanding access to healthcare services, and advancing sustainable health transformation initiatives across the continent.
The organisation stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to building integrated health systems and promoting innovative platforms in healthcare financing, workforce development, advisory services, and sustainable health interventions.
SFH expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would further strengthen the organisation’s impact and deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Yusuf is a seasoned public health professional with more than 18 years of experience in the design and implementation of public health, social marketing, and health systems strengthening programmes in Nigeria.
He is widely recognised as a health systems expert, health economist, programme management specialist, and community engagement practitioner, with extensive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, child survival, and nutrition interventions.
He has also built strong technical expertise across the family planning and maternal, newborn and child health continuum, while leading large and complex teams on multiple development programmes.
Yusuf possesses strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, having worked closely with senior government officials, lawmakers, and influential traditional and religious leaders to drive institutional and behavioural changes that support effective programme implementation.
A seasoned trainer, Yusuf has trained various cadres of health professionals and is known for his practical expertise in participatory community engagement approaches.
He holds a degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Health Economics from Bayero University Kano, as well as an MSc in Microbiology from University of Abuja.
Headlines
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
