We‘ll conduct credible LG polls in Kano soon, says Gov. Yusuf

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano state, on Sunday, assured the people of his readiness to conduct a free, fair and credible local government elections in the state. Mr Yusuf spoke in Kano during a stakeholders’ meeting with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party. The governor revealed plans to conduct the council polls in compliance with the judgement of the Supreme Court that affirmed financial autonomy to the third tier of government. Mr Yusuf stressed the need for respect for the rule of law and commitment to financial prudence, accountability and transparency in governance at all tiers of government. The governor urged opposition parties to field candidates to test their popularity “because my government will not interfere with the electoral process. “Our administration has allowed the previous LG Executive Councils in the 44 LGAs to complete their tenure despite pressure from within: this is out of respect for the rule of law.” He said preparations by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) for the conduct of the council polls were in top gear. “We will soon invite you again for selection of our party’s candidates to be fielded to contest for chairman, vice chairman and Councillor in their respective constituencies. “We shall run a peaceful campaign with the believe that the majority of Kano people will vote for NNPP,” he said.

Gov Yusuf Appoints Three Second-Class Emirs in Kano State

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the appointment of three second-class Emirs for the state’s Rano, Gaya and Karaye Emirates. A statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Mr Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the new Emirates is to serve as second with Kano as first-class Emirate. It gave the names of the newly-appointed Emirs as Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye, Emir of Karaye (who until his appointment was the District Head of Rogo), Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar, Emir of Rano (who until his appointment, was the District Head of Bunkure) and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir Gaya, Emir of Gaya (who was the Emir of the defunct Gaya Emirate). While congratulating the newly-appointed Emirs, Governor Yusuf urged them to be custodians of culture, peace and unity of the people of their respective Emirates. It will be recalled that the Governor had on July 16, 2024, signed into law a bill creating three second-class Emirates in the state with Rano covering only Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure Local Government areas, Gaya covering only Gaya, Ajingi and Albasu Local Government areas and Karaye covering only Karaye and Rogo Local Government areas. “The appointments are with immediate effect”, the statement added.

Ganduje faces Fresh Charges

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma The Kano State Government on Tuesday filed fresh charge against former governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje. In the charge sheet with case No. K/143c/24, the state government accused Ganduje and erstwhile Commissioner for Justice, Musa Lawan, of Criminal Conspiracy, and misappropriation contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code (as amended) CAP 105, Vol. 2, the Laws of Kano State of Nigeria. The offence, the state government said, is contrary punishable under Section 97 and Section 315. The state government accused Ganduje and Lawan of abuse of office. In the charge sheet, the state government said it intends to present four witnesses. No date has been fixed for the arraignment.

Armed Hoodlums at Emir’s Palace in Kano Cause Fear Among Residents

Residents of Rano town in Kano State are alarmed by the presence of armed hoodlums who have taken up residence at the Emirate’s headquarters since Sunday. A letter sent to the state Police Commissioner, on Tuesday, disclosed that these armed individuals have been camped at the Emir’s palace, including both the Main Palace and the historic Tsohon Gari Palace, since their arrival. The identities and intentions of those who brought them there remain unknown, raising concerns about the safety of lives and property in the area. The letter partly reads: “On the evening of Sunday, July 7, 2024, Rano town, the heart of our Rano emirate, was invaded by armed hoodlums, believed to be sponsored by unidentified persons, who camped at the Emir’s palaces.” The letter also highlights that the presence of these armed individuals defies a recent directive issued by the Police Commissioner on June 20, 2024. This directive banned all non-state security actors, including vigilantes and hunters, from providing security services in the state. Residents of the Rano emirate are known for their peaceful disposition and typically go about their activities without causing trouble.  The letter emphasized that Rano has enjoyed years of uninterrupted peace, with security agencies attesting to this fact. However, recent disputes over the emirates in Kano State have led to increased tension and dissatisfaction among residents, who feel that their views have been disregarded.  The letter noted that there were no public hearings across the state to assess the necessity of dissolving the four additional emirates (Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi) established by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. Despite these tensions, the residents of Rano have shown restraint, abiding by the law and engaging only in peaceful protests.  They continued to respect the judicial process, awaiting the outcome of the emirate case currently before the Federal High Court in Kano.

Gov Abba Yusuf: Kano People say, “We’re yet to feel your Joseph”

All politics is local and the impact on the economy affects individuals personally. So, like the rest of Nigeria, the people of Kano say they are hurting. The catchphrase on the streets of kano now is, “Governor Yusuf Abba, we are yet to feel your Joseph” Nigeria’s democracy is unravelling very fast. Unfortunately, this is happening at the market square in a global village where citizen journalism has left no stone unturned. The royal rumble in Kano and the river of trouble, red with human blood, flowing freely on the streets of Port Harcourt are two poster images that tell all onlookers that all may not be well with the largest democracy in Africa. While the madness in Rivers State may be a needless fight that has been nurtured to become a monstrous brawl may be, because someone in the corridor of power has a vested interest, the same cannot be said about the festering inferno in the ancestral home of Malam Ibrahim Dabo which must be put out fast before it engulfs the entire metropolis. As it is common knowledge today, Muhammadu Sanusi II dan Chiroman Kano Aminu dan Muhammadu Sanusi I dan Abdullahi Bayero (2014-2020) and Aminu dan Ado dan Abdullahi Bayero (2020–2024), both protagonists in the current tussle for the emirship of Kano, are all grandchildren of Abdulahi Bayero, the eighth Emir of Kano (1926-1953) and a grandchild of Ibrahim Dabo, the first Emir and founder of the Dabo Dynasty. The reign of Fulani rulers of Kano has enjoyed relative peace and growth over the years. This continued until the late 1970s and early 80s when the late Governor of Kano state, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi attempted to balkanize the Emirate Council into five, namely; Gaya, Karaye, Bichi, Rano and Kano. Of course, he paid dearly for it as it caused him his re-election. Being not one known to be restrained by the huge moral demands of his office, former Governor Abdulahi Ganduje embarked on a repeat of this controversial exercise when he split the Council into five same Emirates and went a step further to depose the fourteenth emir of kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II in 2019. Governor Abba Yusuf, like his predecessor Sabo Bakin Zuwo in 1983, has also gone ahead to reverse all that Governor Ganduje did by reverting to the single emirate structure, deposing Alhaji Aminu Bayero and re-instating Muhammadu Sanusi II. Now the dye is caste and there is bedlam in Kano. The clan of Abdulahi Bayero, the Kano populace, the State Government and institutions of the Federal Government have locked horns in an Olympian duel with potentials for massive upset of the peace. Unfortunately, the prospect of an early resolution of the conflict is now being progressively encumbered by the same judiciary that should lead that charge, as courts at various levels give orders and counter orders and judgements without adequate recourse to established cases. Every politics is local and the impact on the economy affects individuals personally. So, like the rest of Nigeria, the people of Kano say they are hurting. The catchphrase on the streets of Kano now is, “Governor Yusuf Abba, we are yet to see your Joseph.” This is an apparent reference to both the Quranic and Biblical reference to the suffering of Prophet Joseph (Annabi Yusuf) before ascending to the position of leadership over his people and the redeemer of Egypt and the surrounding nations from the seven-year famine. Located at the North Western part of Nigeria, Kano, with a GDP of $13.6billion, is the commercial capital of northern Nigeria and the country’s second largest economy after Lagos with a GDP of USD 29 billion as of 2020. Kano, unlike most states in Nigeria is essentially a one city state with Kano city contributing most of the attributes that define the state. Growing at 3.06%, the population of Kano metropolis is estimated at 4.35million as of 2023, while the state population is put at 16.25m. With 415,598 Kano State had the highest Registered Live Births in the country in 2019. The huge population size, coupled with a GDP that is almost the size of the population makes Kano to rank as the 35th state in terms of GDP per capita. Kano also ranks poorly at the 12th position in terms of business environment, being able to list only 1,829,843 enterprises, compared with 3,345,948 in Lagos and 2,133,096 in Rivers states. About 72 per cent of the population of Kano state or 7.1 million people are actively engaged in economic activities and generating $978 GDP per capita. As it is the case with most states in northern Nigeria, most indices of underdevelopment are still looking up. For instance, it is painfully a valid assertion that poverty in Nigeria is essentially a northern phenomenon. As of 2019, 55.1 percent of Kano live below the poverty line. Whereas only 4.5 per cent of the population of Lagos state fall within this bracket. Indeed, apart from Kaduna state with 43.5 per cent more than half of the population of all the states in north western and north eastern Nigeria live below poverty line with Sokoto leading the pack at 87.73 per cent. These figures worsened due to the abysmal economic record during eight years of the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency. Take out of school population as an example, with a national estimate of about 20 million, accounts for 989,234 children out of school. Added to this is the current cost of living crisis precipitated by wrong policy choices, timing and implementation by the Tinubu Presidency. In an effort to spur investment and raise output, Tinubu has enacted measures since entering office in May of last year, including cutting back on gasoline and energy subsidies and twice depreciating the naira. Which, according to him, are measures required to set Nigeria up for sustained growth. However, President Tinubu’s goal of six percent annual economic growth is far too ambitious compared with the economy’s current growth rate, and the changes have increased inflation to a

Kano Emirate Tussle: Federal agents sack Sanusi’s guards

The Police have taken an active role in the Kano emirate tussle as it descends fully into the arena, sacking the local security arrangement that previously guided the main Palace of the Emir after the reinstatement of Lamido Sanusi. Famously called ‘Yan Tauri’ the bulk of the local security were hunters, drawn from various parts of the state to secure the palace following rumours that federal authorities would forcefully return Aminu Ado-Bayero who is now being protected at the Nasarawa mini Palace by security agencies of the federal government. According to Premium Times, security agents took control of the main emir’s palace, called Gidan Rumfa, on Sunday evening, during an exercise akin to a game of cards between the hunters and the government agents. A security source confirmed to journalists that the hunters had been sacked. “You can see for yourself that the hunters are no longer here,” a police officer at the palace noted. “Some of them left behind their machetes to conceal their identity after they were asked to vacate the palace or face the wrath of the security agents”, a resident said.

‘Ganduje Would Have Made My Life Miserable’ – Sanusi Opens Up On His Dethronement

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has disclosed the reasons behind his decision not to contest his dethronement by the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje.  Ganduje had, before leaving office, dethroned the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and subsequently banished him from the mega city in March 2020. At the time, the development had stirred mixed reactions among concerned stakeholders. However, Sanusi, who Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration recently reinstated, shed light on the incident, which happened years ago. The Emir told Sun Newspaper that the Kano emirate is large and has a number of deserving people, which means he lacks the basic entitlement to hold the position of Emir. When asked why he didn’t challenge his dethronment, Sanusi said, “A number of reasons. I have told you that I don’t have a fundamental right to be an Emir. I am one of hundreds of princes. God chose me. And if God says I should leave, for me, I take it that God knows better than me. That was why I had to leave. Okay, let’s say I go to court. Let me even say this; I just got a letter that said I had been dethroned for insubordination. “I had never been queried for insubordination. “The details of the insubordination were not given. I had not been given any chance to defend myself. So, it was clear that the state and the federal governments had both decided that it was time for me to go. Okay?” According to Sanusi, even if he had gone to court and the court returned him, he wouldn’t be able to hold the position with Ganduje as a governor. Sanusi added: “So, let’s even assume that the court said I should come back. Do you think I was looking forward to working with that government? Would I have been happy as an Emir in the last three years working with that government? You’re under a governor. The law gives him the power to be on top of you. He has said he doesn’t like you. He has made it clear he does not like you. If I came, he would just make my life miserable. “It was going to be one story after the other. One fake story, one social media insult after another, and in my position, I won’t be able to respond. So, for me, I had a happier life in Lagos with my friends, publishing my book, doing my PhD, doing my UN work, doing my Tijaniya work, than sitting here in a constant fight with the government. “Secondly, look at the Emir of Gwandu, who was removed under Obasanjo. How many years now? Almost 20. The state High Court said he was illegally removed, and returned him. So, there was an appeal. The Court of Appeal said he was illegally removed and returned him. It is at the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has not yet spoken out about him. I mean, do I have 20 years to fight in court to come back to a throne? “So, for me, I had been Emir for six years, alhamdulillah. I had done what I did. At least, the only reason I would have gone to court is if they had removed me on an allegation that harmed my reputation because the only currency I have is my integrity. So, if they had accused me of fraud or something, I would have had to go to court to clear my name, but they said insubordination. “So, the governor was asked, what are the reasons for insubordination? He said, that sometimes he is invited to meetings, and he does not come. For every well-meaning Nigerian who saw that story, who saw that news, I don’t even need to defend myself because if you are going to remove an Emir and the only reason you can have is that you invite him for some meetings that he does not come, then nobody takes you seriously. Everybody knows that this was not the reason. So, I always felt that if it was God’s will that I come back, if not, I’d go and continue my life. “So, I didn’t go to court to challenge my removal. I went to court to challenge their attempt to keep me in exile and under house arrest to enforce my fundamental human rights but I did not go to court to challeng

Why Police Won’t Evict Ado Bayero – Kano CP Replies Gov Yusuf

The Kano State Police Commissioner, AIG Usaini Gumel, has responded to Governor Abba Yusuf‘s directive on the eviction of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.  Yusuf had on Thursday night, through the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, directed the CP to remove the deposed 15th Emir of Kano from the Nasarawa mini palace where he is staying. However, Gumel, in an interview with PUNCH on Friday, said obeying Governor Yusuf’s eviction order would be equivalent to jumping the gun. According to the Commissioner of Police, the same government that gave the order had filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024. He said, “The police will not evict the deposed Emir because the same government has filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024. “The government is jumping the gun because the same government has filed a case on the eviction order, which is coming up on the 24th of June, 2024. So, if we carry out the order, it is like we are pre-empting the court because we don’t know what will happen at the court.”  While the CP had yet to comply with the governor’s directive, one of Bayero’s supporters, who spoke with the aforementioned publication, confirmed the deposed Emir was still in the mini palace receiving the traditional greetings from some traditional rulers loyal to him. The supporter also debunked the report that a bulldozer has been stationed at the palace in readiness to demolish the place. The source said, “Let me tell you, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero is still in the mini palace and as I am talking to you now, he is receiving the “traditional greetings” from those loyal to him. “I heard that there is a rumour going around in some quarters that a bulldozer has been stationed at the Nasarawa mini palace ahead of the demolition. This is a social media propaganda.”

Presidency Speaks On Plans To Take Over Kano

The Presidency, on Monday, categorically denied claims made by the National Leader of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, regarding a purported plan to declare a state of emergency in Kano State. These allegations were described as baseless and were dismissed as “mere rumours” by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. The controversy arose after Kwankwaso, who also ran as the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the previous year’s election, accused the Federal Government of bias in the ongoing Kano Emir tussle. He alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government was plotting to undermine the democratically elected structures in the state by imposing a state of emergency. In response to these serious allegations, Bayo Onanuga communicated to The Nation last night, asserting that there were no circumstances that would justify such an extreme measure as declaring a state of emergency in Kano State. The Presidency said: “There is no truth in it. It is a mere rumour. The Federal Government cannot declare any state of emergency in any state without the involvement of the National Assembly. There is no such plan. It is a mere rumour. “The National Assembly is in recess. No President can just wake up and declare a state of emergency in any state.” Also, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, Ussain Gumel, denied allegations that his men were biased in the emirate crisis. The police chief, in a conversation with the platform, said the force’s mandate is to protect lives and property. He said it was their duty to protect both emirs, “which is what we are still doing.” Gumel said men and officers of the police and other security agencies have been neutral. He added that the police received about five court orders on the emirate tussle. The CP said: “The issue is before the federal and state courts. We are waiting for judgment. “We received about five court orders and forwarded them to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. We are waiting for his response and directives. “And while awaiting the outcome in court or directives from the AGF, we must protect the contending emirs. “We also have to protect the subjects of both emirs as well as residents of the state. “My appeal to the public is for them to exercise patience and calm while we await the outcome from the relevant authorities.”

Emirship Tussle: Why I Ordered Bayero’s Arrest – Gov Yusuf Opens Up

Governor Abba Yusuf has explained his reasons for ordering the arrest of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, an action that led to the court awarding ₦10 million in damages to the monarch. The Governor, through his spokesman Sunusi Bature, stated that he ordered Bayero’s arrest because Bayero returned two days after his dethronement to reclaim the palace, causing unrest in the state. In response to the article ‘A Rendezvous with Recklessness and Executive Rascality’ by Bala Ibrahim, Bature defended Governor Yusuf against claims of recklessness and executive misconduct. The Federal High Court in Kano recently ordered the state government to pay Bayero the sum of ₦10 million for violating his fundamental rights, personal liberty, and freedom of movement. In a court session led by Justice Simon Amobeda, the court cited Sections 35(1) and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution. It was ruled that Yusuf’s decision to order Bayero’s arrest without lawful justification was unjust. This decision led to Bayero being put under house arrest due to the fear of being arrested. Exploiting the ruling as an opportunity, Bala Ibrahim derided and lambasted the governor for his alleged power abuse and reckless decision-making, notably the demolition of structures and the issuance of Bayero’s arrest warrant, resulting in compensation being granted to all affected parties by the court. However, the governor’s spokesperson said: “Does Bala Ibrahim actually understand the workings of government and governance? “I do not want to go into judicial pronouncements, but the point I want to make clear is that the issue of Kano Emirship is straightforward with the repeal of the Kano Emirate Law (2019) and enactment of Kano Emirate Law (2024), which gave Governor Yusuf the power to abolish the five emirates and return Kano to its glorious and historic position of one emirate. “This is the wish of the people of Kano state. “The reappointment of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II did not also come to anyone as a surprise, because his dethronement and consequent banishment by Abdullahi Ganduje and his co-travellers was done out of malice. “Now, calling for the arrest of dethroned Emir Aminu Bayero was only done for public good as his entrance into Kano, shortly after his dethronement posed a serious security threat which is being managed up till today. “Governor Abba Yusuf remains the Chief Security Officer of Kano state, and no sane leader would fold his arms and watch Kano snowballs into a state of anarchy without taking action.” The governor also defended the demolition of buildings, stating it was aimed at reclaiming public property illegally acquired by former Governor Ganduje, his associates, and family. He emphasized the exercise’s necessity to prevent individuals from misappropriating public funds and resources. Despite criticism from figures like Bala Ibrahim, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to Kano state’s welfare and socio-economic advancement.