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Police ‘threaten to shoot’ journalists covering Kano Assembly

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By Mukhtar Yahya Usman

Armed police operatives providing security at the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday allegedly threatened to shoot three journalists who were on an assignment to cover the passage of the Emirates Council Bill 2019.

Speaking to Kano Focus, one of the journalists Murtala Adewale, who reports for the Guardian newspaper said he was accosted by the armed police personnel alongside two of his colleagues–Ted Odogwu of the Punch and Kolade Adeyemi of the Nation newspapers as they were trying to enter the assembly premises to do their job.

He recalled that when they reached the assembly gates, they introduced and identified themselves with their I.D cards, but before they were allowed in, the overzealous policemen, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in charge of the assembly stopped them.

Mr Adewale said the DPO claimed that he was acting on a strict instruction not to allow the journalists to access the assembly.

“The DPO prevented us from entering the House of Assembly claiming that we were not the journalists that cover the assembly beat.

“He asked us to vacate the assembly premises while the other police operatives threatened to shoot us,” he said.

The journalist added that it took the intervention of the Director of Press to the assembly’s Speaker Abdulaziz Garba Gafasa for the hot-tempered policemen to eventually allow them to enter the premises.

“But as we were coming out after finishing our assignment, the police officers warned that they won’t allow us to enter the assembly next time,” he said.

When contacted, spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, told Kano Focus that the command did not receive any report on the incident.

Mr Kiyawa, a deputy superintendent of police, however promised that the command would investigate the matter.

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Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS

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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.

 

 

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Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor

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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.

 

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Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him

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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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