Headlines
INEC exempts corp members from participating in Bebeji by-election
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has exempted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from participating in the January 25 by-election in Bebeji local government area of Kano state due to security issues.
This was revealed on Tuesday by the Kano state Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Riskua Arabi Shehu, at a press conference in Kano.
Kano Focus reports that the decision might have been taken to avert revenge on corp members by Bebeji residents following the alleged killing of an 8-year-old boy in the area by an NYSC member Jepthan Peter in October 2019.
Mr Peter was remanded in prison custody on January 4, 2020 by a Magistrate Court in Nomansland, pending his bail application hearing slated for February 4, 2020.
It could be recalled that the Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna had nullified the elections of two Kano federal constituencies of Kiru/Bebeji and Tudun wada/Doguwa.
Also the court ordered the electoral body to conduct a re-run election in the two federal constituencies.
Obeying the court orders, INEC had fixed Saturday, January, 25th for the conduct of the elections.
However Mr Shehu, a professor of biochemistry said a total of 3,456 ad-hoc staff were recruited from NYSC and students of Bayero University Kano, and trained to participate in the election.
But he explained that for security reasons, INEC has decided to exclude corp members from the participating in the elections.
He said the rerun elections will be conducted in 60 registration areas across the affected local government areas with a total number 414,923 registered voters in 698 polling units and 166 voting points.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC at its meeting held no 5th December 2019 approved that all the court ordered rerun elections should be conducted on Saturday 25th January, 2020.
“It is very important for all stakeholders to demonstrate more commitments towards the success of the elections, he said.
He also said the commission finds the increasing trend of violence in recent elections very disheartening despite all the efforts to curtail it.
Mr Shehu however, vowed that INEC would no longer allow violence to mar the credibility of elections.
“The elections will be suspended in the events of threat to the safety of voters,personnel and materials,” he said.
Similarly, Kano state Commissioner of Police (CP) Habu Ahmadu Sani has warned politicians to desist from organizing violence before, during and after the elections.
He said the police would deal decisively with anyone caught trying to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections.
Mr Sani added that the police command will deploy its personnel to all the poling units to ensure smooth and successful elections.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
Gov. Yusuf mourns former Kano finance commissioner, Prof. Dandago
Abba Care: A Lifeline of Compassion in Kano State
GATCOSA President, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago is dead
BUK clinches Northwest 3×3 basketball title at ABU Zaria
Kano rolls out emergency medical services, deploys 20 Ambulances
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
Kano Police announce movement restrictions ahead of assembly by-elections
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
