Headlines
Ganduje denies role in Dadiyata’s disappearance, urges scrutiny of El-Rufai’s claims
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Kano State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has rejected allegations linking him to the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Ganduje’s response followed recent remarks by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting a connection between the ex-Kano governor and the unresolved case.
In a statement signed by former Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Muhammad Garba, Ganduje described the allegation as reckless, unfounded, and an attempt to shift responsibility for an incident that occurred entirely within Kaduna State.
Garba stated that Dadiyata lived and operated in Kaduna, where he was widely known for directing his criticisms at the Kaduna State Government. He argued that there was no credible record indicating that the activist’s primary focus was the Kano State Government or Ganduje.
“Everyone in Kaduna knew the nature of the criticism he made and who it was directed at,” the statement read, noting that security responsibility in the state at the time rested with the Kaduna State Government and relevant federal security agencies operating there.
The statement called for careful scrutiny of El-Rufai’s remarks, stressing that such serious allegations must be supported by verifiable evidence rather than political rhetoric. It warned that dragging Ganduje into the matter without proof risks politicising a painful and unresolved episode and further confusing the public.
Garba contrasted the political climates in Kaduna and Kano State during the period in question, maintaining that Ganduje’s two-term administration in Kano was marked by tolerance for criticism, open media engagement, and acceptance of opposition voices.
“Unlike many political leaders who maintained strained relationships with the media, we allowed scrutiny, accommodated critical voices, and even learned from dissenting perspectives,” he said.
He added that there was no record of arrests, intimidation, or harassment of journalists or critics in Kano during Ganduje’s tenure.
The statement also referenced public discourse surrounding Dadiyata’s disappearance, noting that discussions over the years have largely centred on events within Kaduna State. It cited comments previously made by former Senator Shehu Sani, who reportedly said many individuals in the state were reluctant to speak publicly about the case. It also mentioned commentator Reno Omokri, who had earlier raised concerns about how the matter was handled.
Garba further expressed concern over El-Rufai’s claim that a police officer allegedly confessed to being sent from Kano to abduct Dadiyata. He questioned why such information, if credible, was not formally disclosed to investigative authorities or pursued transparently through appropriate security channels at the time.
“It is difficult to reconcile a claim of having no prior knowledge of the individual with simultaneously making detailed assertions about who was responsible,” he noted.
While reiterating sympathy for Dadiyata’s family, Ganduje urged that the focus should remain on uncovering the truth through lawful and transparent investigative processes.
“The family deserves closure,” the statement said. “What they do not deserve is for this tragic matter to become an instrument of political blame-shifting.”
The former governor called on anyone with credible information regarding the disappearance to present it to appropriate authorities, emphasising that accountability must rest on facts and due process, not speculation.
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.
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