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Raids on Dangote group inimical to growth of economy – ACF
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Arewa Consultative Forum, Kano State chapter, has described the raid of the premises Dangote headquarters and those of other 51 big business establishments by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC as capable of discouraging foreign investors who are already showing signs of reluctance to bring in their money into the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ACF calls on the Federal Government to devise amicable ways of making our top business establishments to make greater contributions to our economic growth; and halt the raids, as the nation struggles hard to attract foreign investment and other key ingredients to redeem the economy.
The call was contained in a statement issued by the publicity secretary of the ACF Alhaji Bello Sani Galadanchi on Tuesday.
The statement recalled that “On 1st January 2024, operatives of the EFCC stormed the Head Office of the Dangote Group at Ikoyi, Lagos. The search was linked with the probe of 52 companies by the anti- graft agency over forex transaction in the last 10 years. Prior to the visit/ raid, Dangote Group had sought clarification on why certain documents were demanded, but this proved abortive. They also requested additional time to “compile and properly present the required extensive documentation”. Neither the clarification, nor the extension were granted.
“On January 4 EFCC personnel descended on Dangote Head Office demanding same documents the company’s officials had already brought to the premises of the anti- graft police.
“The raid of the premises Dangote Headquarters and those of other 51 big business establishments by the EFCC is capable of discouraging foreign investors who are already showing signs of reluctance to bring in their money into the country.”
The statement noted that ” the Arewa Consultative Forum, Kano State chapter, and the good people of Kano are apprehensive about the raid on Dangote because we see it as an unhealthy development that could further worsen our economic situation, scare investors, and hinder Nigeria’s growth prospects.
“The move would further exacerbate our current difficult situation and deter potential investment. We can not but agree with the position advanced by no less one of the most respected members of the National Assembly who reacted thus: ”
It added that “Given our current fragile economic situation, this move by the EFCC will worsen things. Now is not the time for this; it is the time for the nation to focus on the integration of African economies and the expansion of trade and investments across the continent to stimulate growth and create employment opportunities, not conducting raid on its largest conglomerate.
“Dangote’s impact for decades has been felt through various facets of our economy. The company played a crucial role in transforming our economy from heavy import dependence to a net exporter in critical industries.
“ACF reaffirms that no one individual, group or institutions are above the laws of the Land. Our position is that if any of the companies under the Dangote seal, or among the remaining 51 affected companies under probe, violated any of our laws, appropriate sanctions should be applied. In the more advanced economies, that is what obtains. For instance, at various times Microsoft, Beta, BP and several business concerns had been fined by the US government for infractions committed.”
The ACF recalled that “Recently, P&G and few other conglomerates left Nigeria. Aliko Dangote is one of the most patriotic businessmen who had chosen to invest in Nigeria. There are several equally very rich people who kept their resources in portfolio investments, real estate and other endeavours in foreign lands at the expense of Nigeria.
“We should celebrate Dangote and all our local big companies for their doggedness, persistence and unwavering commitment to bolster the Nigerian economy.
To this end, the ACF calls on the Federal Government to devise amicable ways of making top business establishments to make greater contributions to economic growth; and halt the raids, as the nation struggles hard to attract foreign investment and other key ingredients to redeem the economy.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
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