Headlines
Emir Sanusi advocates removal of fuel subsidy
Nasiru Yusuf
The former Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi ll said the time has come for outright removal of fuel subsidy, saying it is long over due considering the current economic realities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the former Governor of Central Bank (CBN), echoed this at a colloquium to mark his 60th birthday anniversary on Saturday in Kaduna.
Mr Sanusi recalled an attempt to attack his house in Kano when he raised alarm on fuel subsidy scam as a governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.
“Many years ago, when I was screaming about the billions being spent on fuel subsidy. I remember there was actually an attempt to attack my house in Kano. I was in central bank. Where are we today? We were face to face with the reality that this is unsustainable.
“When the decision is being taken, it is even more painful and more difficult than if we had taken it ten years ago or five years ago,” he said.
I have paid a price for speaking the truth
Mr Sanusi said he has paid a price for criticizing government’s harmful economic policies.
He however said Nigerians are also paying the real price for ineffective economic policies.
“Whenever i am seeing to criticise, I simply speak to the best of my understanding and try to advise, and try to say that which I think is in the interest of the country. I have been critical of economic policies, and I paid a price for it.
“We know the real price is being paid by Nigerian people. It is a price we see in increased poverty. It is a price we see in increased insecurity. It is a price we see in high rate of inflation. It is a price we see in the loss of value of our currency. It is a price we see in the numbers around malnutrition, around unemployment, around out of school children, maternal mortality and infant mortality.
“Call me controversial or call me on enemy or call me a critic will not make those facts go away. And wherever we go, we must turn back and face those facts and reality.
“So am I happy on my sixtieth birthday? No. Because sixty years ago when I was born, United States government advisory was telling investors Nigeria had a better economic future than Japan. Where are we today and where is Japan? Is not about one government, is not about two governments, it is about decades of people throwing away opportunities. And everytime we are handed an opportunity to change, everytime we were given chance to reset, we go back to the same old thing,” the monarch lamented.
Nigeria made zero progress in the past 40 years
Mr Sanusi also said that Nigeria as a country has made no progress in the past 40 years.
“In 1980, Nigeria’s GDP per capita on purchasing power parity basis was $2,180. In 2014, it appreciated by 50 per cent to $3,099. According to the World Bank, where were we in 2019? $2,229.
“At this rate in the next two years in terms of purchasing power parity, the average income of a Nigerian would have gone back to what it was in 1980 under Shehu Shagari.
“That means, in 40 years, no progress, we made zero progress. 40 years wasted. We wiped out all the progress made in 35 years,” he said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
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.
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Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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