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By Muhammad Attahiru

Jigawa State has always been tagged the luckiest state in Northern Nigeria in terms of getting leaders who have the state in their hearts. This statement was not further from the truth. Since the inception of this Administration led by the astute driver, Jigawa state has been once again over the radar, and the spirit of its citizens has been bashed again. 

This week, the APC administration, led by His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, clocks one year in office. Indeed, it was more than a proud moment not only for the APC electorate but for the entire state’s citizens, having someone who serves as the consolidator of projects abandoned two decades to date, also a unifier and visionary leader who despite the slander of all the doom prophets, they were put to shame. As a   Governor, Mal.  Namadi became the tangible symbol of the united Jigawa. 

Those conversant with state politics would realise my statement: Against all odds, the Unifier has maintained his stance on his promises before the election. His viable and economically sustained state projects were disbursed across all parts of the state with every sense of justice and fairness. 

The massive appointment of his political aides, including commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisors, board members, and heads of various Agencies, was all evidence of his commitment to fairness without compromising his known attribute of prioritising merit over political connection.

Over the last twelve months, the administration of Mal.  Umar Namadi has recorded an uncountable number of visible and impacting projects across every sector that directly or indirectly positively affect the common man of Jigawa state.

Food security and social welfare were one area the administration of Malam Namadi took with a serious note. The constant alarm was raised by the United Nations bodies like the World Bank and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) about the impending danger of food insecurity facing our countries, especially those bordering the Sahara, due to multifaceted factors of Insecurity and climate change.

Jigawa State Government initiated the food distribution Palliative, especially during the Ramadan fasting. The success story of the Ramadan feeding program was indeed commendable, considering the hardships the poor populace would have passed through during the Holy month. The subsidy was also injected into Fertilizer to boost the agricultural output of the state’s majority farmers.

The most ambitious project of all was the coveted Danmodi Super Store Palliative Project. Around N1.5 billion was injected into it to procure all forms of food and household items that would be sold by special stores across all wards and local government headquarters in the state. The items would be sold at very cheap and subsidised prices.

 The project is a public-private partnership with the reputable FinTech Company Bizi Mobile. Specially designed ATM cards would be distributed to people, and transactions for items would be made through the ATM card number. This would ensure direct remittances of payment proceeds to the state treasury and ensure no diversion or overbuying above a certain limit, allowing each individual to buy his foodstuffs without fear of hijacking by people with access or those with more money.

The Superstore project would soon be commissioned, and the CEO of the Company, Mal. Aminu Bizi, has already made the necessary preparations for the technology, tools, logistics, and personnel for the smooth implementation of the project. This would greatly help the poor citizens of the state access cheaper food items in the markets. On the other hand, the project would allow the Government to have more Data on its citizens to aid in implementing other economic, security and social programs.

If implemented, this project would again prove this Administration’s sincerity and socialist-style approach to Hayakawa emancipation. Jigawa state would be the only state in Nigeria with this very welcome system. This form of superstore has already been practised in many countries, such as Venezuela, Brazil, and China. It is a simple and effective way of ensuring citizens have access to cheaper and affordable food. It’s also a method that directly links the Government to the masses. 

This project would reduce the burden and hardship caused by the removal of the petrol subsidy. Indeed, it’s money well spent.

We wish the Jigawa state Government under Malam Namadi a successful tenure and more ideas that would help impact the Jigawa state’s common man.

Long live Mal. Umar Namadi.

Long live Jigawa state.

Long live Nigeria.

Muhammad Attahiru wrote from Dutse via habibmultilinks@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Commissioner, AIG Usaini Gumel, has refused to enforce Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive to evict the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from the Nasarawa mini palace.

Gumel cited a pending court case filed by the state government, scheduled for June 24, 2024, as the reason for not complying with the governor’s order. 

“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,” Gumel explained in a telephone interview with newsmen.

“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.” 

Despite the police commissioner’s stance, security has been beefed up around the Nasarawa mini palace, with additional personnel deployed to the area.

The deposed Emir remains in the palace, receiving traditional greetings from loyal supporters.

A source close to Bayero debunked rumors of a bulldozer being stationed at the palace for demolition, calling it “social media propaganda.” 

The standoff continues, with the police refusing to act until the court has ruled on the eviction order.

The situation remains tense, with supporters of the deposed Emir and the state government awaiting the outcome of the legal battle.

Company: Jammaje Productions

Director: Ali Nuhu

Producer: Abubakar Bashir Maishadda

Language: English

Cast: Nancy Isime, Sani Muazu, Sola Sabowale, Ali Nuhu, Enyinna Nwigwe, Rabi’u Rikadawa, Segun Arinze, Abba el-Mustapha, Asabe Madaki, Abba Zaki, etc.

Release date (Nigeria): 16-6-2024

After successful screenings in Turkey and the United States, the reportedly most expensive Kannywood movie, Nanjala, has finally hit our domestic screens. The movie is a groundbreaking attempt to bridge the gap between Northern Nigeria’s Kannywood and “mainstream” Nollywood by bringing actors from both industries together in a neutral setting and on an equal footing.

The film narrates the story of Nanjala (Nancy Isime), whose father, Captain Sembene (Sani Muazu), harbors a deep-seated disdain for female children. He, therefore, neglects his three daughters, focusing his care only on his son, Dititi (Abba Zaki). Nanjala has been a voracious reader with dreams of becoming a journalist since her childhood. However, her father’s constant discouragement makes his friend, Captain Jammoh Jummoh (Rabi’u Rikadawa), adopt her to help her realize her dreams.

Years later, Captain Sembene’s family falls apart. His favorite son, Dititi, becomes a drug addict, and his daughter, Jarry, leaves home, fed up with his mistreatment. Meanwhile, Nanjala achieves her dream of becoming a journalist but encounters problems with people in authority who want her to stop exposing their corrupt government.

How does the story unfold from there? Find out for yourself at Platinum Cinema.

The film addresses themes of women’s empowerment, the endurance of the human spirit, corruption, and moral decadence. It debunks the chauvinistic belief that female children are mere burdens to their parents and incapable of achieving greatness. We see how Nanjala suffers, initially at the hands of her chauvinistic father and later as a journalist hunted by a corrupt government. Despite these challenges, she overcomes her fears and insecurities to eventually emerge triumphant.

Nanjala is indeed a compelling film that has enough to hold viewers’ attention throughout its runtime. However, while it may lack attention-grabbing twists and turns, the wonderfully constructed screenplay and perfect use of flashbacks make it an enjoyable experience that you wish would never end. The cinematography is also spectacular, fully doing justice to the film’s scale. I haven’t enjoyed any Kannywood movie as much as this one recently. One must applaud the makers for their courage and financial strength in bringing such a big project to life.

The eponymous character seems to be inspired by Kenyan political analyst and activist Nanjala Nyabola. She also shares similarities with a character played by actress Miriam Osimbo in the Kenyan comedy series Hullaballoo Estate. Therefore, the film is likely to resonate with a broad African audience for that reason, and for its setting (a fictitious East African country), casting, character names, and universally relevant thematic preoccupations.

The film also deserves distinction marks for its English dialogue. The diction and flow of words are exceptional. What is even more interesting is how the Kannywood actors deliver their lines as flawlessly as their Nollywood counterparts in the cast. Thanks to Mallam Kabiru Musa Jammaje, the executive producer who pioneered the trend of “Kannywood films in English.”

In terms of performances, Nancy Isime fully immerses herself in the character of Nanjala and plays it exceptionally well. Sani Mu’azu is excellent as her chauvinistic father, delivering his dialogue with expressions that prove his acting skills. Rabi’u Rikadawa will win your heart as Nanjala’s foster father, who stands by her through thick and thin.

Asabe Madaki (Majuma), the character of Jarry, and Abba Zaki (Dititi) are first-rate as Nanjala’s siblings, but their mother, played by Sola Sobowale, does not live up to expectations. However, Enyinna Nwigwe is admirable as an accomplished author who later becomes Nanjala’s love interest. Segun Arinze, Ali Nuhu, and Abba el-Mustapha all shine in their brief roles. But it’s Hajara Haidar (Falmata) who will impress you with her adorable looks and fluent English, giving her small role a huge impact.

In conclusion, Nanjala has opened a new page in Nigerian cinema. It is a “Pan-Nigerian” film that will resonate across the country and beyond. I strongly recommend this insightful and inspiring film to every parent, young ladies, and, of course, anyone who enjoys seeing Africans speaking English on screen.

Habibu Maaruf

Kano, Nigeria abduhabibumaaruf11@gmail.com.

By Ishaka Mohammed

Carlcare Nigeria is the official customer care support for Infinix, TECNO, itel, and Oraimo users in Nigeria, offering after-sales service (repair, technical support, etc.).

I have known the company for a long time but only had a reason to seek its service on Saturday, June 8, 2024, when I realised that my Infinix SMART 5 phone lacks a particular feature: OTG. 

The USB On-The-Go (OTG) makes it easy to connect your smartphone with devices like flash drives, game pads, digital cameras, microphones, etc. Since my phone doesn’t support OTG, I couldn’t connect it with a wireless microphone.

Consequently, I made a reservation to visit a Carlcare service centre in Kaduna. While filling the online form, I wrote this: “My phone doesn’t support OTG, so I want to find out how I can still use it with a wireless microphone.” I screenshotted the reservation page, proceeded to the service centre and explained everything to a receptionist, who consulted an inner room and made me pay N4,700. 

After making the payment, I waited for over an hour before retrieving my phone. I tried to connect the microphone again, but nothing changed.

When I complained to the receptionist, she told me that the phone doesn’t support OTG. Then I asked her to explain why I had to pay to be told what I already knew, but she instead claimed I paid for “sub-board”.

As far as I was concerned, I didn’t know any sub-board. All I needed to know was the possibility of using my phone with a wireless microphone.

We kept exchanging words until it became clear that I wouldn’t get a refund, so I snapped the payment details and left.

I thereafter expressed my grievance to the company via Facebook, phone calls, email and X (formerly Twitter), but the responses were unfavourable. In fact, despite my explanation and supporting documents, I was told via X that I paid for the sub-board.

I thought of leaving the matter, but I couldn’t do that because the company could cheat me or another person in a similar manner in future.

I mentioned the issue to a patriotic Nigerian on X. He gave me his phone number, listened to me on the phone and warned Carlcare Nigeria in an X post to do the needful or be ready for action.

Within 20 hours after the post, I received calls from four different agents (of Carlcare). They all apologised, and the last one sent me my money.

You see, I made fruitless efforts for about six days (June 8 to 13), but Barrister Uthman Isa Tochukwu used a single X post to solve the problem within a day.

Although he clearly mentioned that legal consultation is not free, he helped me recover my money pro bono (without asking for payment).

I’m glad to have recovered my money but even thrilled that this encounter could deter the company from attempting to cheat other prospective customers.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A Federal High Court in Kano has ruled in favour of Ado Bayero, reinstating him as the Emir of Kano. 

The court set aside the Kano State Emirate Law 2024, which had dissolved the five Emirates in Kano State and led to Bayero’s dethronement. 

Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman delivered the judgment on Thursday, ordering all parties to maintain the status quo. 

This development overturns the decision of the Kano State Government to repeal the law that established the Emirates and enthroned Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano. 

The Kano Government had relied on the repealed law to dethrone Bayero and install Muhammadu Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano. 

However, Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the law in court, seeking a declaration of nullity. 

The court’s ruling has now reinstated Bayero as the Emir of Kano, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the Kano emirate. 

Further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court in Kano has postponed its ruling on the validity of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 to 2 pm today.

The judgement was initially set for 12 pm but was shifted before midday, and all parties in the suit were notified. 

The Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 was recently passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Abba Yusuf.

The law led to the dethronement of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

It also reversed the creation of four emirates established by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2020. 

However, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Danagundi, challenged the legality of the new law and asked the court to declare it null and void.

After hearing the motion last Friday, Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano adjourned the ruling till today. 

Counsel to the State House of Assembly and its speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), informed the court of a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, seeking a stay of proceedings.

However, Justice Liman noted that there was no evidence that the appeal had been entered nor any formal application for a stay filed. 

The court’s ruling today will determine the fate of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 and its implications for the emirates in Kano State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal High Court in Kano will deliver a judgment today on the legality of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024.

The law, enacted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, led to the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and the reversal of the creation of four emirates – Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya – by his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The law also led to the re-appointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was dethroned in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the law in court, seeking a declaration of its nullity.

The judge, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, will also rule on a motion to stay the proceedings filed by the State Attorney General and Kano State Government.

The ruling will determine the fate of Sanusi and Bayero in the protracted emirate tussle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At a press conference in Abuja, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), reported significant achievements in the past year, underscoring the agency’s commitment to aligning with the policy directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Adeniyi highlighted notable improvements in revenue collection, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling efforts, and stakeholder collaboration. 

The NCS reported a remarkable 74% increase in revenue collection, totaling N4.49 trillion between June 2023 and May 2024.

This substantial growth is a testament to the service’s enhanced efficiency and dedication to supporting Nigeria’s economic stability. 

In addition to financial achievements, the NCS has successfully decongested ports and reopened critical access roads, facilitating smoother trade operations.

The introduction of a dedicated terminal for exports has further bolstered trade efficiency, leading to significant gains for the economy. 

Adeniyi also stated the intensified efforts against smuggling, which have resulted in numerous notable seizures and arrests, demonstrating the NCS’s commitment to protecting society.

These efforts are complemented by improved collaboration with stakeholders, which has led to an 81.5% improvement in service reform indices, as reflected in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) ranking. 

During the press conference, Adeniyi reassured Nigerians that these measures are designed to benefit the nation’s well-being by facilitating trade, reducing costs, and improving revenue collection to support government initiatives.

He acknowledged challenges, such as exchange rate fluctuations, and noted the NCS’s commitment to addressing these issues. 

The Comptroller-General expressed his appreciation for the support from President Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Finance, and other stakeholders. He reaffirmed the NCS’s dedication to contributing to a safer and more prosperous Nigeria. 

“This year has been transformative for the Nigeria Customs Service, and we are proud of the progress made in various areas. Our focus remains on enhancing trade, protecting our society, and ensuring that we continue to generate the necessary revenue to support national development,” Adeniyi stated.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi’s two ascensions to the throne of the ancient Kano Emirate have been deeply intertwined with local and national politics. On June 9, 2014, Sanusi was installed as the 14th Emir of Kano by then-Governor Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso, seemingly to spite former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Earlier that year, on February 2, Sanusi had been dismissed from his position as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for alleging that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) had failed to remit a $20 billion statutory fund to the federal government—a claim denied by Jonathan’s administration.

On March 9, 2020, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje removed Sanusi from the throne, citing his alleged disregard for lawful directives. However, the primary motive behind Sanusi’s dethronement was political, as he had been openly critical of several policies and projects of the Ganduje administration. Ganduje was angered by Sanusi’s penchant to play a dual role as a revered Emir and a social critic, an untenable combination in the Nigerian context.

On May 23, 2024, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as the Emir of Kano after signing a state assembly bill that dissolved the five emirates created by the Ganduje administration and dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. Governor Yusuf’s decision to reinstate Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was also politically motivated, aimed at reversing Governor Ganduje’s actions and continuing the supremacy battle between former Governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso.

Sanusi’s journey from being the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to his dismissal, his installation as the Emir of Kano, his subsequent dethronement, and finally, his reinstatement is marked by political intrigue. It begins with confusion and ends in confusion. His return as Emir of Kano on May 23, 2024, might seem straightforward, but it is anything but simple. It’s akin to a complex mathematical equation that appears simple on the surface but requires the application of numerous mathematical laws to solve. Sanusi’s reinstatement is a product of intricate local and national political manoeuvring, with an eye towards the 2027 elections from all the actors.

Senator Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso is determined to erase any traces of Ganduje’s influence in Kano politics. Initially, this strategy worked for Kwankwaso without significant interference from the centre. However, it has now dawned on Tinubu and his handlers that allowing the Kwankwasiyya group to operate unhindered could lead to the loss of Ganduje’s group support without gaining substantial assurance from the Kwankwasiyya group. In the 2023 presidential and governorship elections, Kwankwaso garnered 997,279 votes, while Tinubu received 517,341 votes.

In the gubernatorial race, Abba Yusuf Kabir of the Kwankwasiyya group obtained 1,019,602 votes, whereas Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the Ganduje group secured 890,705 votes, a difference of 188,897 votes. Maintaining this voting pattern is crucial for Tinubu and his team heading into 2027. Some members of the Ganduje group are discontent with the centre after narrowly losing the gubernatorial seat at the Supreme Court. If they continue to feel unprotected despite their connections at the centre, Tinubu’s prospects in Kano for 2027 could be jeopardized. Thus, the centre’s support for Aminu Ado Bayero is not surprising.

The calculations in Abuja, though not overtly confirmed, seem poised to influence Kano’s political landscape at a critical juncture. Giving the Kwankwasiyya group free hands to operate as they wish would be politically risky for the centre. Abuja needs to have some strong feet on the ground in Kano. Kano votes are crucial in the north.

The ongoing power struggle in Kano is straightforward: it’s an attempt to balance interests, strike a political equilibrium, and prepare the ground for future battles. For the common man, the advice is clear: do not take sides, as these are political manoeuvres made with future gains in mind. However, the implementation of these decisions will inevitably have collateral damage. In politics, there is no provision for a collateral damage estimate (CDE)—becoming collateral damage means being in the wrong place at the wrong time. No harm is intended personally.

What’s happening in Kano? It’s a fascinating and high-stakes game—a zero-sum game, to be precise. The same thing happened. On October 22, 1983, Governor Abubakar Rimi established four new emirates in Kano State to diminish Emir Ado Bayero’s power and influence. After his inauguration, his successor, Governor Sabo Bakinzuwo, revoked the law and restored the emirs to their previous positions as district heads.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea for a two-day state visit, where he was received by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the airport in Pyongyang. 

The visit is expected to focus on further arms deliveries from Pyongyang, which Moscow intends to use in its ongoing war against Ukraine. 

According to the Russian news agency Interfax, the main part of the visit will begin on Wednesday with a meeting between Putin and Kim on Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang’s urban and symbolic center. 

The day will continue with long negotiations, first in one-on-one talks and then on a larger scale.

The two leaders will also share several meals together and participate in a wreath-laying ceremony and a joint concert visit. 

This visit marks a significant development in the relationship between Russia and North Korea, which has been strengthening in recent years.

Putin’s last visit to North Korea was in 2000, when he was received by Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il. 

Since then, the two countries have experienced a long break in their relationship, but they have recently moved closer together, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war. 

As reported by observers, the visit is expected to solidify the alliance between Russia and North Korea, with a focus on arms deliveries and military cooperation. 

The visit is seen as a significant development in the geopolitical landscape, with implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader regional dynamics.