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Kano governorship: Supreme Court has upheld principles of fairness – NNPP
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) asserted that the Supreme Court’s verdict confirming the election of Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, reflects the court’s commitment to fairness.
KANO FOCUS reports that Alhaji Kawu Ali, the Acting National Chairman of the party, stated this During a news conference in Abuja, on Saturday.
The Acting praised the bravery, courage, and meticulous nature of the Supreme Court Justices for overturning the removal of Governor Abba Yusuf.
Kawu said the verdict affirmed the victory of NNPP and their candidate in the March 18, 2023 election, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf as the authentic, duly elected, Executive Governor of Kano State.
He held out an Olive branch to the All Progressives Congress, (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties in the state, adding that as a party, it does not believe in taking revenge.
Kawu described the NNPP as a party for the future and for 2027, saying, “to be frank with you, we know what APC stands for in Kano. The NNPP has a different ideology from other parties. We don’t fight or undermine others unlike what they do.
“But we still extend our hand of fellowship to other political parties. Already, our governor after the ruling had said he would carry other political parties in Kano along even with appointments. We will assure the people of Kano and other Nigerians that they will expect the best from our government.”
The apex court had in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices upturned the judgements of the Kano state governorship Election Petitions Tribunal which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, sacking governor Yusuf and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressive Congress, APC, as winner of the gubernatorial poll.
The NNPP Acting National chairman said: “NNPP appreciates the Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court for their courage to uphold the principles of fairness and equity, as demonstrated in their Judgement on Friday and also commended former Heads of State, former Presidents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, leaders of political parties, members of the bar, Student Union leaders, Diaspora Nigerians, and others for their individual and collective role in what was termed “Operation Save Kano and Save Democracy”, adding that the struggle to “save Kano” was a multi-partisan movement involving all lovers of democracy across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond.
“We are happy that at the end of the whole exercise, NNPP has been vindicated by the ruling of the Supreme Court and the statement of the chairman of the 5-man panel, Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, who rightly observed that there was miscarriage of justice in the outcome of the matter Involving our Party and our Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Tribunal and Court of Appeal levels, Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, speaking the mind of the Supreme Court, advised Justices and Judges to always be meticulous in deciding matters of the law.
“We want to assure all Nigerians and particularly the people of Kano State that we will not take this show of solidarity for granted. Our Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, will continue with the people-oriented programmes which he embarked upon since he took over the reins of government in Kano State.
“As stated earlier, the main purpose of this Press Conference is to express our profound gratitude to all those who contributed to realising yesterday’s victory for democracy which the Supreme Court amply articulated through its ruling.
Read Also: S/Court judgment: Yusuf invites APC’s Gawuna to join him in developing Kano
“We wish to echo the voice of Justice Inyang Okoro JSC when he urged Judges to always be meticulous in their work. We wish to add that Judges should always continue to be bold and courageous, and discharge their duties without fear of favour.
“They should resist all external pressure and work with their conscience. This is necessary for the judiciary to maintain its age-old credibility and reverence as “the last hope of the common man”.
“Our Judiciary must indeed be morally and institutionally strengthened to ensure its historic dignity and independence and its ability to serve, not the desires of the elite, but the yearnings and aspirations of the greater number of Nigerians,” Ali said
He added that the party will continue to defend, promote and serve the interest of the people of Nigeria at all times, irrespective of tribe, gender or religion.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
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