Headlines
Ganduje has no right to recognize court dissolved emirates – lawyer
Maude Rabiu Gwadabe
A Kano-based human rights lawyer, Abba Hikima says the state government has no right to continue recognizing the four court dissolved emirates following its decision to submit a new bill to the House of Assembly.
KANO FOCUS recalls that the government has submitted an executive bill requesting the creation of Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano emirates after their dissolution by a Kano High Court.
Mr Hikima told KANO FOCUS that Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje has the right to either accept the court order or appeal the judgement.
“Submitting a new bill to the Assembly indicates that the government has accepted the High Court’s judgment.
“It is therefore incumbent upon Mr Ganduje to recognize Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II as the only Emir in Kano state pending the passage of the new bill.” He said.
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He added that even if the new bill is passed into law, its commencement date cannot be retroactive.
“That means if a new law is approved the government has to issue new letters of appointment and staffs of office to the selected emirs.” He said.
Mr Hikima explained that the government cannot appeal the High Court judgment after it has transmitted the new bill to the Assembly.
Double-standard
The Kano state government had earlier vowed to continue recognizing the newly created Emirates and their first class emirs despite the verdict.
In line with this policy, Mr Ganduje was seen paying homage to Aminu Ado, who was the Emir of Bichi before the dissolution.
Other government agents including commissioners and heads of agencies and parastatals have also continued paying courtesy calls to the other emirs whose appointments were similarly nullified.
Muhammad Garba, Kano state commissioner of information issued both the statement recognizing the new emirates despite the court verdict and the statement announcing the approval of an executive bill seeking the creation of the new emirates.
He has however remained silent about the government’s seeming double-standards in dealing with the issue.
Mr Garba did not answer his phone when contacted by KANO FOCUS and has not replied to a text message sent to him about the matter.
Respect Public Opinion
However a Kano-based activist, Kabiru Dakata has likened the nullification of the four emirs’ positions to the nullification of the elections of House of Representative members.
“Alhassan Ado Doguwa is no longer a member of the House but can resume his seat if he wins a properly conducted election.
“Also the court ruled that the emirs and their emirates emerged out of a faulty process and therefore stand dissolved until the right process is followed.” He said.
Mr Dakata, Director General, Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA) urged the Kano state House of Assembly to follow due process in considering the new executive bill submitted by Mr Ganduje.
“The House should conduct a public hearing between the second and third readings of the bill.
“The legislators should also make sure they respect the public opinions expressed at the hearing.
“But if they have already made up their minds to pass the bill no matter what Kano citizens want, they shouldn’t waste people’s time. He added.
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
