Headlines
Emir Sanusi appeals for calm amidst heightened security at Palace
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for calm following the heavy security presence around the Kofar Kudu Palace in Kano City.
KANO FOCUS reports that the tense atmosphere is linked to the ongoing tussle over the Kano emirship throne between Emir Sanusi II and his cousin, Aminu Ado Bayero, son of the late Emir Abdullahi Ado Bayero.
On Friday morning, security operatives reportedly surrounded the Kofar Kudu Palace, allegedly preventing Emir Sanusi II from attending a royal event in Bichi Local Government Area.
Armoured personnel carriers were seen blocking the palace entrance, with sources claiming the Emir was advised to remain indoors.
Despite the apparent tension, Emir Sanusi addressed worshippers during Jumaat prayers at the palace, urging his supporters to maintain peace and avoid violence.
“I warn you against falling into the traps of the enemies of Kano, who want to see our city in chaos,” he said.
“Islam teaches patience in both challenging and peaceful times. Shunning violence, regardless of the situation, ensures progress and unity for all.”
Sanusi stressed the importance of restraint, saying, “If you love and support us, do not resort to violence under any circumstance.”
Kano Govt blames FG over Emir’s palace barricade
The Kano State Government has accused the Federal Government of being behind the Friday security takeover of the palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
In an interview with Freedom Radio, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, expressed surprise at the police sealing off the palace entrance. He said, “We were really surprised to wake up to this development, with the police sealing off the entrance to the palace of Kano Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.”
Bichi continued, “What surprises us the most is that Kano is peaceful, but it’s just a few people with backing from Abuja who don’t want peace in Kano. The emir was supposed to escort his district head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, to pray with him and then return. We were all invited, and then we woke up to this. We asked for an explanation, and they told us it was an order from above. The ‘above’ refers to the Federal Government.”
Bichi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining peace, saying, “We in Kano have resolved to stay in peace, and peace will reign. Nobody will come to Kano and destabilize it. The emir has appointed the district head, and that decision stands. The emir will accompany him to his post, and we will go with him when the time comes.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on residents to give maximum support and cooperation to the newly established Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the union also commended the Kano State Government for establishing the task force and appointing Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as its chairman.
The NUJ made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Press Centre Conference Hall in Kano.
The congress described the establishment of the task force as an important step towards addressing drug abuse and urged residents to cooperate with it to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The union’s position comes amid growing concerns over drug abuse and its associated social challenges, particularly among young people.
The congress also urged politicians and other political stakeholders to conduct their electioneering activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in accordance with established rules and regulations.
It called on political actors to shun thuggery, hate speech and defamatory statements capable of undermining peace and unity in the state.
On security and community relations, the NUJ urged the state government to urgently address recurring farmers-herders conflicts to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
It stressed the need for proactive measures to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.
The congress further called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and safety, particularly as the harmattan season approaches.
While commending the government’s efforts to revitalise water supply and improve access to potable water in Kano metropolis, the union urged it to extend similar interventions to rural communities.
The NUJ also welcomed the recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing it as a step towards strengthening governance and service delivery.
However, it appealed to the governor to consider appointing a professional from the media industry as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, citing the strategic importance of the ministry.
On road safety, the congress called on traffic regulatory agencies to intensify public enlightenment and road-user education to reduce accidents amid ongoing infrastructure development and increasing traffic activities across the metropolis.
The union also congratulated the NUJ Kano State Council on securing the hosting rights for the forthcoming Media Security Summit, describing the development as a significant achievement for the council and the media industry.
At the meeting, the congress also filled the vacant position of Assistant Secretary with Comrade Mubarak Ismaila Madungurum, a journalist with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Kano.
The congress concluded with special prayers for departed colleagues and relatives, including Ismaila Garba Gwammja, the mother of the council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, and the wife of Comrade Dahiru Ibrahim Biso.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and for Allah to grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.
The communiqué was signed by the NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Zaharadeen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in six newly appointed commissioners, three advisers and 19 permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ceremony followed the confirmation of the six commissioner nominees by the Kano State House of Assembly on October 26, 2026, after completing the legislative screening process.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u (retd.), assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi Dala, Investment; Prof. Sani Lawan Manunfashi, Higher Education; Muktar Ishaq Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba Mustapha, Special Duties.
In a related development, the governor announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the redeployment of two commissioners to different ministries.
Under the new arrangement, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Similarly, Hamza Kachaco has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle leaves the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, vacant pending further decisions by the state government.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the appointments and redeployments are aimed at strengthening government institutions, improving administrative efficiency and repositioning key ministries for effective service delivery.
The governor urged the new appointees to demonstrate dedication, integrity and commitment to their responsibilities, stressing the need to prioritise public interest and contribute to the development of the state.
He also charged them to work collaboratively in advancing his administration’s development agenda and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Gov Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.
Ibrahim Khalil
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redeployed the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as part of a cabinet reshuffle involving eight ministries.
KANO FOCUS reports that under the new arrangement, Waiya moves from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youths and Sports, while Hon. Hamza Safyanu Kachako has been transferred from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle also assigns new commissioners to several ministries.
Hon. Yushau Soja has been assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security, while Hon. Idris Garba Mustapha will oversee the Ministry of Special Duties.
Similarly, Hon. Muntari Ishaq Yakasai has been assigned to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi Dala will head the Ministry of Commerce.
Other appointments include Hon. Ibrahim Tsanyawa as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Prof. Sani Lawal as Commissioner for Higher Education.
The reshuffle affects eight ministries, with the changes involving both new portfolio assignments and the redeployment of serving commissioners.
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