The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kano

  • Tension grips Kano as Supreme Court rules on guber poll tomorrow

    Tension grips Kano as Supreme Court rules on guber poll tomorrow

    Tension grew high on Thursday, January 11, following the Supreme Court’s schedule to deliver its final judgment on the Kano state governorship election petition appeal on Friday, January 12.

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Nasiru Gawuna have been engaged in a legal fights since the governorship election in March of last year.

    The five men panel justices of the Supreme Court, in a notice of hearing sent to the warring parties, on Wednesday said the verdict on the anticipated appeal will be held on Friday.

    The Court of Appeal had affirmed the verdict of the Kano governorship election petition tribunal that sacked Governor Abba Yusuf, candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and declared Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as lawfully elected.

    The appellate court did not only upheld the tribunal’s verdict but also added that Governor Yusuf was not a member of the NNPP when he contested the election.

    The three men panel led by Justice O. Osadebay had sacked Governor Yusuf on the basis of illegal votes of 165,663, which were not signed, stamped and dated.

    Displeased with the concurrent verdicts, Governor Yusuf, NNPP and INEC approached the Supreme court, seeking to dismiss the earlier judgments and reaffirm Yusuf as the duly elected governor.

    Subsequently, APC equally filed a cross-appeal challenging the judgment of the Abuja Court of Appeal for failing to disqualify Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, from contesting the March 18 election over an alleged certificate forgery.

    Governor Yusuf is, by his appeal, seeking to upturn the November 17 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the September 20 decision of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal voiding his victory in the March 18 poll.

    Meanwhile, APC stakeholders, including Seyi Olorunsola, have been jubilating and distributing souvenirs, including customised T-shirts and caps to supporters in anticipation of the party’s victory at the Supreme Court on the State’s governorship election.

    The NNPP described the act as blackmailing the Supreme Court to get a favourable verdict.

    The NNPP acting National Chairman, Abba Kawu Ali, in a statement, said: “the blackmail by the APC is harassment of the judiciary and attempt to heat up the polity will not work.” But APC supporters countered that the broom party has every likelihood of emerging victorious, given its series of victories at the tribunal and Court of Appeal.

    Amidst the growing tensions, a former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has urged the NNPP and APC to accept the poll outcome at the Supreme Court on Friday.

    Read Also: I won’t tolerate excuses from contractors, Wike fumes over poor state of Abuja Metro rail

    Shekarau gave the advice to the parties while fielding questions from Channels TV on Politics Today a few days ago.

    The former governor, who claimed he believes in the justice system, stated that no amount of abuse, hostility, or hate speech can give or take away power.

    Shekarau said: “Anybody who has been following my own characteristics in politics knows that it is politics of peace and without bitterness. I see my political friends as friends and associates regardless of the political leaning.

    “When it is the time to contest we go into the field and once the elections are held and the winner is declared my attitude is that if you have any clear evidence of malpractice you can go civilized. And once the court pronounces its stand and you pursue it up to the last stage, once this is done the game is over; and we prepare for the next round of elections.

    “There is one popular saying that ‘Whoever is not prepared to lose is not a civilized candidate.’ No amount of certainty will give you a 100 percent assurance. Once the voters decide, that is all. But it does not mean you will take any rubbish. If you have reasons you can go to court. We have been preaching this in Kano.

    “Now they are in court over the Kano governorship election; we keep our fingers crossed. I am advising both parties NNPP and the APC that once the Supreme Court decides, accept it let there be peace. And I am appealing to them that abuses, hatred and hate speeches will not give you or deny you power.”

  • JUST IN: One dies, homes razed as illegal refinery explodes in Kano

    JUST IN: One dies, homes razed as illegal refinery explodes in Kano

    A explosion from a suspected illegal refinery in Kano on Monday, January 8, killed one person, razed at least five homes and a truck.

    The incident occurred at Katango General area of Wailari, by Western Bypass, opposite Maryam Shekarau Estate, Ring Road, Kano.

    It took about three hours for the combined team of men of the Kano State Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and fire workers from Salbas Petrol Station to bring the fire under control.

    One Aminu, a driver of the truck packed inside the re-refinery, roasted beyond recognition.

    His remains were recovered by fire service personnel, who arrived the scene of the incident lately.

    The place of disaster is where used oil and other chemicals are recycled, it was learnt.

    “Five residential houses have been badly torched by the raging fire that shocked residents of the community,” an eyewitness said.

    An old lady who could not walk was rescued from one of the houses. Also, two minors rescued from another house, even as their mother had run out and left them behind inside.

    Read Also: Police recruitment witnessed usual early problem – Arase

    Ahmad Umar Gaya, personnel of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), told journalists that he was on duty along the road when he heard an explosion.

    Our source said: “When I noticed fire and smoke coming out of the place I immediately called the attention of the Kano Fire Service and directed them to the location.

    “The place, which is located in the midst of residential houses at Katango in Wailari, is used to stock scraps of trucks and trailers and also to refine used engine oil for other purposes.

    “No one can tell what exactly happened that led to the explosion. The trailer carrying drums of used engine oil was gutted by the fire in which the driver was trapped and burned beyond recognition.

    “Close to the location were residential houses with women and children, and about five houses were gutted by the inferno.”

  • Kano inaugurates health, ethics committee

    Kano inaugurates health, ethics committee

    Kano State Ministry of Health has inaugurated a standing committee on Ethics and Discipline on Health.

    The constitution of the committee is to fulfil part of the governor’s campaign promises of ensuring adequate protection of health of the people of the state.

    Members of the Committee include the Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, Coordinator of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, Prof. Muhammad A. Abbas and the Chairman Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association Kano State Branch, Prof. Usman Idris Takai.

    Others are Director Medical Services of the Ministry, Dr. Shehu Abdullahi Usman, Pharm. Aliyu Adamu, a retired civil servant, Dr. Tanko Zakari from the Guild of Medical Directors, Rep. from the Joint Health Sector Union Nigeria (JUHESU), while the Director Nursing Services of the Ministry, Abdullahi Garba Harbau, would serve as the Secretary.

    Inaugurating the Committee in his office, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the Kano State government was in receipt of considerable number of information, pointing accusing fingers at some health practitioners for unprofessional practices that drag patients into untold hardships.

    Dr. Labaran assured that the ministry wouldn’t fold up its arms and allow life of people being threatened unabated, lamenting that this has gone contrary to the commitment and political will of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf of ensuring socio-economic wellbeing of his people.

    “To overcome this menace, I see it imperative upon my humble self to form a standing committee that will be looking into any health issue affecting our people, with a view to solve it once and for all.

    “I wish to inform people of Kano State that their life is very vital in the sight of His Excellency, and as custodians of the health sector, it is our responsibility to safeguard it.” he emphasised.

    Read Also: Military neutralises 43 terrorists, arrests 115

    The Commissioner charged members of the committee to work diligently without fear, so as to protect the wellbeing of the people by not allowing violation of ethics and standard of practice to affect life of the people.

    He further charged them to also look into the case of diversion of patients rampantly reported from government facilities to private ones, and all other things they believe will assist the health amiable governor to achieve his positive objectives on healthcare system.

    He assured Kano people that the committee would be entertaining disciplinary cases from both public and private facilities for the betterment of the system that everybody would be proud of, as its members were of highest calibre that have been strategically selected, based on their track record of service to humanity.

    Committee Chairman, who is also the Director-General of the Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA), Prof. Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, assured Dr. Labaran that they will work to the best of their abilities to checkmate laxity and other unprofessional practices hampering health of the people in the health facilities, both government-owned and private.

    He lauded the Commissioner for entrusting them with the responsibility, assuring him that they will discharge the assignment with objectivity devoid of favour, and whoever is found guilty would be punished according to the standard rules and regulations of the medical best practices.

  • Kano shops owners receive N1b compensation

    Kano shops owners receive N1b compensation

    The Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association (MEOTA) Kano State have confirmed that the Kano State Government has released the sum of N1 billion to their members as part of the N3 billion out-of-court settlement for their demolished shops.

    The shop owners had dragged the Kano State Government to court, claiming damages of N30 billion as compensation for the demolition but later reached an out-of-court settlement.

    Maaruf Yakasai, alongside members of the traders association, yesterday told newsmen that despite the payment, the MEOTA has petitioned the Kano State Police Command to investigate the criminal aspect of the demolition.

    He added that given the psychological trauma from untold hardship and untimely death suffered, the MEOTA has decided to write a letter of petition to the Nigeria Police alleging criminal conspiracy, theft, and criminal misappropriation against that act while carrying out the illegal demolition.

    Read Also: Military neutralises 43 terrorists, arrests 115

    Yakasai stated that “May 5, 2023, was the black day to the traders and owners of shops and thousands of people getting their means of livelihood in the area.

    “At about 01:00 hours, after we all closed our shops and businesses, the democratically elected Government of Kano State, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, without any notice or opportunity for our members to pack their goods and other movable properties, with no iota of sympathy, demolished the structures/shops in the area….

     “The total estimated value of the properties lost and destroyed is N260 billion. Some of the victims lost their lives, and some are now patients with different sicknesses, including the killer ‘stroke’.”

     “Dissatisfied with the act of the suspects, our client instituted an action seeking the enforcement of their fundamental right to own property enshrined under Chapter 1V of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) before the Federal High Court in suit No. FHC/CS/208/2023 between the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association and Kano State Government & Ors.”

  • Kano gov urges women to join army

    Kano gov urges women to join army

    Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State has urged the womenfolk to join the military, especially the army.

    The governor spoke while expressing displeasure over the non-presence of enough females at the screening exercise of Kano indigenes willing to join Nigerian Army.

    Yusuf spoke through his Commissioner for Special Duties, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, who observed the conduct of the exercise held at Bukavu Barracks in the metropolis.

    He vowed to use all the available channels in enlightening the womenfolk across the nooks and cranny of the state on the importance of joining such service.

    According to the governor, women have been lagging behind in the scheme of things in the country, especially when it comes to security jobs.

    Read Also: Military neutralises 43 terrorists, arrests 115

    The governor charged the about 150 youths who scaled through the screening to endure the hardship they would face as a result of the rigorous training, as it was just a matter of time.

    He explained that in his position as Chief Executive of the state, he would do his best to support them in whatever way possible, so as to attain their potentialities.

    Engineer Yusuf, who vowed to use his good office in ensuring those that have not met the required criteria do so during subsequent exercises, enjoined those that qualified to protect the good name of the state.

    This, he said, became necessary as according to him Kano always set the pace while others follow.

  • Kano announces wage awards for workers, pensioners

    Kano announces wage awards for workers, pensioners

    Workers and retirees on the payroll of the Kano State government are to enjoy N20,000 and N15,000 respectively as wage respectively.

    The news came yesterday after the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    The agreement to pay wage award was part of efforts to offer palliative, aimed at alleviating the economic challenges experienced by civil servants in the state, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

    The civil servants and the pensioners will be receiving the amounts monthly, effective from last month, it was learnt.

    Kano State Chairman of TUC, Mubarak Buba Yarima, who broke the news to reporters, said the MoU was possible because of the role played by Labour unions during the negotiation with the government.

    A statement by the union’s Secretary, Abdu Usman Yalo, said the pact was reached after thorough discussions with the committee set up by Governor Abba Yusuf on the issue.

    Read Also: Kano Hisbah seizes 24,000 bottles of alcohol

    The statement reads: “The agreement for the palliative emerged following a joint plea submitted to the Kano State Government in October last year by the NLC and the TUC, seeking intervention amid prevailing economic difficulties.

    “In a prompt response, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf promptly set up a special committee to assess the situation.

    “The committee’s findings led to the consensus that a N20, 000 palliative would commence from December 2023 for all civil servants at both state and local government levels.”

    According to Yarima, the palliative would continue until a comprehensive review of the minimum wage is undertaken within the next six months.

    He added: “Additionally, pensioners would receive a monthly palliative of N15, 000 for three months, along with arrears for the missed December 2023 allowance.

    “We believe this will significantly assist many people and enhance workers’ morale.”

  • Kano Hisbah seizes 24,000 bottles of alcohol

    Kano Hisbah seizes 24,000 bottles of alcohol

    Kano State Hisbah Board – a Sharia police has arrested a truck loaded with over 24,000 bottles of assorted alcoholic drinks.

    The Director-General of Kano State Hisbah Board, Abba Sufi, on Wednesday, January 3, said the seizure was made along Zaria Road, Kano.

    He disclosed this at the board’s headquarters while inspecting the confiscated vehicle.

    Sufi, in a statement by the board’s Public Relations Officer of the board, Lawan Ibrahim-Fagge, said the truck driver was apprehended alongside two other suspects.

    He said: “A truck containing over 24,000 bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages was confiscated from smugglers along Zaria Road at midnight.

    Read Also: Kano Gov swears in 21 New Permanent Secretaries

    “Hisbah personnel in the state have been proactive in enforcing zero-tolerance policy against smuggling of beer and other intoxicating substances into the state.”

    The Hisbah DG commended the board’s personnel for collaborating with stakeholders in the crusade against beer smuggling into the state, in line with the state’s adoption of the Sharia.

    Acting Assistant Commander General, Intelligent Crimes Dispatch Unit of the board, Fu’ad Dorayi, urged the people to report any vehicle carrying suspected products along specific routes, including Kano/Zaria Road, Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Road, Kano-Katsina Road, Kano-Maiduguri Road, and Kano-Hadejia Road.

    Dorayi expressed gratitude for the support from Dawakin Kudu Hisbah Command and other citizens.

  • Kano Gov swears in 21 New Permanent Secretaries

    Kano Gov swears in 21 New Permanent Secretaries

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State administered the oath of office to 21 new permanent secretaries and 14 special advisers yesterday.

    Emphasising the transparent and non-partisan nature of their selection, the governor asserted that their appointments were devoid of any political bias.

    “We selected the best in competence, experience, dedication to duty, and proven fear of God,” Governor Yusuf said.

    He urged the newly appointed officials to strive for excellence, vowing that their contributions were integral to a brighter future for Kano.

    Yusuf highlighted the pivotal role these individuals play in fostering a renewed commitment to transforming Kano into a beacon of hope and development.

    Read Also: Full list of blacklisted foreign universities in Nigeria

    Stressing a strict stance against incompetence and office malpractice, he implored the appointees to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to serving the people and advancing the state’s interests.

    “While acknowledging the inevitability of human error, I urge caution in fulfilling the oath you’ve taken,” he cautioned, underlining the need for impeccable service delivery.

    The governor sternly advised against using political considerations as a metric for discharging their duties, urging a culture of sincerity and eschewing gossip.

    “Should you faithfully discharge your duties, boundless opportunities await,” Governor Yusuf said.

  • Joy as Kano gov reunites parents with their stolen children

    Joy as Kano gov reunites parents with their stolen children

    Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, has reunited seven children from Bauchi State who were victims of an interstate human trafficking syndicate with their parents.

    The Police in Kano busted an inter-state child abduction and trafficking syndicate and arrested nine suspects after months of tracking across seven states.

    The investigation was initiated by the Police Command in Kano state following reports of missing children.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Husseini Gumel, told newsmen in Kano that the syndicate had been operating for over 10 years, and allegedly specialised in inter-state trafficking, abduction, buying and selling of minors.

    He said diligent investigation helped to dismantle the syndicate which has members in Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, Anambra and Imo states.

    Yusuf, who was moved to tears of joy by the commendable efforts of the Kano State Police Command, expressed his appreciation for their work.

    The governor, however, expressed dismay by the discovery of seven children abducted from Bauchi state and then trafficked and sold in Anambra and Lagos states.

     Yusuf urged parents to remain vigilant and attentive to the well-being of their children as a fundamental responsibility.

     He also called on his Bauchi State counterpart to take decisive legal action against the arrested suspects.

    Read Also: Peter Obi pledges N5millions to support Plateau attack victims

    Responding on behalf of other parents, Malam Abdulmutallif Sa’ad from Bauchi, expressed their gratitude to Yusuf and the Kano police command for recovering their children and pledged to be more vigilant.

    The nine suspects apprehended by the Kano state police command were brought alongside the children they stole from Bauchi state and intercepted at Mariri motor park in Kano while en route to Lagos and Anambra states.

    Speaking on behalf of the Bauchi state government, Mrs Sha’awanatu Yusuf, the Director of Public Prosecution at the state Ministry of Justice, emphasised the unity of Kano and Bauchi states for greater good.

     She assured that the Bauchi state government would take the necessary legal steps to ensure that the suspects were brought to justice and face the full consequences of the law.

     Additionally, the Kano state governor donated N500,000 to each of the seven recovered children.

  • Former speaker Na’abba buried in Kano

    Former speaker Na’abba buried in Kano

    The former speaker of the House of Representative, Ghali Umar Na’ Abba, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, after protracted illness, has been buried at Dandolo Cemetery, Goron-Dutse, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano state.

    The Nation reports that Na’Abba’s corpse was flown to Kano through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Wednesday evening.

    Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahradeen led the funeral prayer held at Kofar Kudu, Emir’s Palace in accordance with Islamic rites.

    The late Na’Abba had battled with a protracted ailment, during which he was once flown abroad for medical treatment.

    He had stayed abroad for medical several months before he recovered and returned to Nigeria and later fell sick again, it was learnt.

    Read Also: NGF chair, Makinde visit Akeredolu’s Ibadan residence

    Ghali Na’Abba had joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became the party’s candidate for Kano Municipal federal constituency.

    He emerged the 8th Speaker of House of Representatives a few months after the inauguration of the House following the resignation of the then speaker, Salisu Buhari, from the same Kano state, over certificate forgery allegations.

    Among the prominent personalities who attended the funeral prayer of the late Ghali Umar Na’abba, included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy Governor of Kano State Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam.

    Others were Senator representing Kano South senatorial district, Abdulrahman Kawu-Sumaila, former governors of the state, Ibrahim Shekarau, Rabiu Kwankwaso and former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido.