Local

By Uzair Adam

The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken disciplinary action against several judicial staff for misconduct, including the dismissal of three officers, advising three Shari’a Court judges to resign, and reprimanding two others for dereliction of duty.

This was disclosed in a statement by Abbas Wangara, Director of Protocol and Publicity, Jigawa State Judiciary, on Sunday in Dutse.

According to the statement, the disciplinary measures were approved during the commission’s 178th meeting, held on January 7, following investigations into violations of judicial procedures and rules.

“In the outcome of the meeting signed by Auwalu Dan’Azumi, Secretary of the JSC, the commission received the report of an investigation committee from the High Court department in respect of two officers,” the statement said.

The affected officers, Iyal Ibrahim, a Higher Registrar on Grade Level 08, and Baffa Alhaji, a Principal Registrar on Grade Level 14, were found guilty of the illegal sale of two vehicles, exhibits of the Federal High Court, Dutse.

The commission terminated their appointments in line with Rule 5 (4) & (6) of the Jigawa State Judiciary Scheme of Service 2006 and Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law, Cap. 20 Laws of Jigawa State 2012.

Additionally, the commission dismissed Abdu Aujara, a Chief Clerical Officer, for suppressing N965,000, a litigant’s deposit in a case of recovery filed by Ja’iz Bank before the Chief Magistrates Court Jahun. His dismissal was also in accordance with Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law.

The commission further acted on reports from the Judiciary Public Complaint Committee (JPCC) against several Shari’a Court judges. One of them, Adamu Farin-Dutse, was accused of abusing judicial powers and misapplying the law.

Despite previous warnings, he was found liable for misconduct and advised to resign within two weeks.

Similarly, Muhammad Usman, another Shari’a Court judge, was accused of issuing a writ of possession before delivering judgment, thereby violating due process. He was also advised to resign within two weeks.

In another case, Judge Usman Zubair was found guilty of judicial irregularities, including mishandling inheritance cases and allowing unauthorized individuals to benefit from rulings.

He was similarly advised to resign. Two magistrates were reprimanded. Magistrate Munnir Abdullahi received a warning for improperly converting a civil matter to a criminal case and acting in a partisan manner.

Magistrate Yakubu Ibrahim was warned for abusing power and making derogatory remarks toward a litigant at Chief Magistrate Court Maigatari.

Wangara emphasized that these disciplinary actions reflect the commission’s commitment to ensuring a corruption-free judiciary and upholding professionalism and discipline among judicial staff.

He assured that the JSC would continue to take necessary measures to maintain standards and foster a fair working environment.

The commission reiterated its dedication to promoting a transparent and efficient judiciary in the state.

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has inaugurated a new set of commissioners to lead key ministries in the state. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ante-Chamber of the Kano Government House.  

Governor Yusuf emphasised his administration’s commitment to fostering development through a capable team, noting that the appointments are strategic to achieving the state’s development goals.  

The newly sworn-in commissioners are:

1. Dr. Ismail Danmaraya – Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development  

2. Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu – Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy

3. Dr. Dahir M. Hashim – Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change

4. Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi – Commissioner for Commerce and Industry  

5. Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Wayya – Commissioner for Information  

6. Abdulkadir Abdulsalam – Commissioner for Rural Development  

7. Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji – Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring  

8. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya – Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs (reassigned)  

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence in the appointees’ ability to deliver on their mandates and urged them to prioritise service delivery and the welfare of Kano residents. 

By Uzair Adam

The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed that nine people were killed and four others injured following a violent clash between communities in the state on Friday.

The incident, which occurred in Gululu village, Miga Local Government Area, reportedly began when a group of individuals suspected to be Fulani broke into a shop and stole hibiscus and other provisions.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, the villagers (Hausawa) traced the suspects’ footprints to a Fulani settlement in Yankunama village, Jahun Local Government Area.

Upon confrontation, the Fulani community allegedly attacked the villagers with bows and arrows, injuring four people.

The altercation escalated as the villagers retaliated, burning houses in various locations across Miga and Jahun LGAs.

Adam stated that police teams from the Miga and Jahun Divisions intervened to restore peace, recovering nine bodies from the scene.

The victims’ remains were taken to hospitals in Jahun and Miga, where medical personnel confirmed the deaths.

The state Commissioner of Police, A.T. Abdullahi, along with other senior officers, visited the affected areas to assess the situation and ensure calm.

Community leaders, including district heads, vigilantes, and representatives of Miyetti Allah, held an emergency meeting to address the crisis and prevent further violence.

SP Shi’isu Adam assured the public that the situation is now under control and that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend those responsible.

By Amina Muhammad Sani

When I first stepped into university life, I thought it would be a breeze compared to secondary school. I assumed that financial burdens would be minimal and that I could coast through with ease. But reality quickly set in.

As a young adult, I realised I needed to take charge of my finances. That’s when I ventured into the egg business—sourcing eggs from farms and selling them to shop owners. The business initially showed promise, but I soon encountered a major hurdle: getting paid on time.

The delayed payments took a significant toll on my mental well-being. As a student entrepreneur, I relied heavily on the income from my egg business to cover essential expenses like transportation, handouts, and saving for next year’s school fees. With the uncertainty of when I’d receive payment, I found it challenging to focus on my studies. The constant worry and stress began to affect my academic performance. It was then that I decided to pivot and explore a new business venture – making samosas.

Initially, my samosa business took off, and I was thrilled to have finally found a reliable source of income. However, success comes at a cost. Making samosas was labour-intensive and time-consuming, requiring me to wake up at night to prepare for the day. The exhaustion was overwhelming, and I often dozed off during lectures. Despite the high demand and timely customer payments, I realised that the business was jeopardising my academic performance. The very reason I started the business – to support my education – was now being undermined. I knew I had to make a change again. This time, I decided to switch to making buns and doughnuts.

Making buns and doughnuts proved to be a more manageable venture, as I could prepare them in advance. However, I soon faced a new challenge: declining demand. Students lost interest in my baked goods, preferring samosas instead. The economic climate didn’t help, as the rising prices of snacks made it difficult for students to afford my products. As a result, sales dwindled, and I was left relying on the kindness of friends who purchased my snacks out of sympathy. But I knew I couldn’t sustain a business based on charity. I needed a more reliable solution. Having always been self-sufficient, I decided to explore alternative options for supporting myself financially. This led me to take on a job as a sales girl at the market.

Landing a job as a sales girl at the market was a dream come true. The pay was good, and I was finally on my way to becoming a successful, independent businesswoman – a goal I’d always been passionate about. As a final-year student in my final semester, I had a flexible schedule, with lectures only on Mondays and Thursdays. This allowed me to dedicate the remaining days to work, as agreed upon with my boss.

However, my new role came with its own set of challenges. My early morning departures and late evening returns raised concerns at home. In my community, it’s deemed improper for a female child to stay out late at night. My mom would often call me, suggesting that I quit my job, as it was deemed more suitable for men. The real issue, though, was the difficulty I faced in finding transportation after closing work at 6 PM. The location was far from home, and the rush of workers leaving at the same time made it challenging to find a ride, often leaving me stranded until 7 or 8 PM.

My experience as a salesgirl taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and determination. However, juggling this role with my academic responsibilities proved incredibly challenging. The physical and mental exhaustion were constant companions, and convincing my mom to allow me to continue working was an ongoing battle.

Through this journey, I’ve come to realise that becoming a successful businessperson requires unwavering dedication. Business and education are two distinct paths that demand individual focus. In my opinion, it’s unrealistic to expect someone to excel in both simultaneously.

I struggled to balance these two aspects of my life, and I firmly believe that students should prioritise their studies. Entrepreneurship can wait until after graduation, or students can explore business ventures that complement their academic schedules without compromising their studies. By focusing on one goal at a time, individuals can give their all and achieve success.

Amina is a level 400 student of Mass Communication, and she writes from Bayero University, Kano

By Uzair Adam  

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved a two-year service extension for the Head of Civil Service, select Permanent Secretaries, and senior civil servants, effective December 31, 2024.  

This decision, formalised through an Executive Order signed by the Governor, is rooted in the Doctrine of Necessity and aligns with Section 5(2) and Section 208 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).  

A statement from Aliyu Yusuf, Director of Public Enlightenment, Office of the Head of Civil Service, highlighted the beneficiaries of the extension. 

They include Alhaji Abdullahi Musa as the Head of Civil Service and Permanent Secretaries Umar Muhammad Jalo, Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Mu’azatu Isa Dutse, Abdulmuminu Musa, and Tijjani Muhammad Sharif. Bashir Idris Diso, the Clerk to the State House of Assembly, was also listed.  

The extension applies to civil servants who were due for retirement by December 31, 2024, under the Civil Service Rules and Kano State Pension Trustees Fund Law. 

According to the Executive Order, these individuals have demonstrated exceptional competence, dedication, and responsibility in their roles, making their retention critical to ensuring efficient service delivery.  

Senior civil servants granted the same extension include Comrades Kabiru Ado Minjibir, Marwan Mustapha, Tajuddeen Bashir Baba, Hashim A. Sule, and Kabiru Inuwa. Additionally, critical healthcare professionals, including Amina Idris (Psychiatric Nurse), Ahmad Lawan (Peri-Operative Nurse), Hussaini Nuhu (Pediatric Nurse), Salisu H. Nadosun (Peri-Operative Nurse), and Larai Ahmadu (Critical Care Nurse), also benefited from the extension.  

The statement emphasised the importance of these personnel in maintaining the functionality of the state’s civil service and directed the beneficiaries to continue their duties according to the Civil Service Rules.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, mourns the loss of his mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi Umar, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 25 2024.

The late Hajiya Maryam was a respected matriarch known for her compassion and dedication to her family and community. Her passing has left a significant void in the lives of her loved ones and the people of Jigawa State.

Under Islamic traditions, the burial rites are scheduled to take place later today at 4:30 PM in her hometown of Kafin Hausa. The family has called on well-wishers to join them in offering prayers for her eternal peace.

In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the Governor prayed for Allah’s mercy to grant his mother eternal rest in Jannah and comfort the bereaved family.

The people of Jigawa State stand united with the Governor in mourning, reflecting on the cherished memories and legacy of Hajiya Maryam Namadi Umar.

May her soul rest in peace.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has implemented a series of measures to strengthen its anti-corruption framework and improve governance.

Speaking during the commemoration of the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day and Human Rights Day on Tuesday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf unveiled the Kano Integrated Governance Accountability System.

The system, to be implemented across all 44 local government areas, will utilize an e-portal to enhance transparency in contract awards and public administration.

Governor Yusuf highlighted the state’s progress in developing a Central Criminal Register Software designed to streamline the criminal justice process, ensure fairness, and combat corruption effectively.

“To bolster our anti-corruption efforts, we have proposed amendments to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Law and are working on a Proceeds of Crime Bill to ensure transparent management of recovered assets,” Yusuf stated.

He described the significance of eradicating corruption as a “cancer that erodes trust and undermines institutions.”

He also linked anti-corruption efforts to protecting human rights, stressing the administration’s commitment to justice, equity, and accountability.

The event featured a symposium and an evening musical concert to engage stakeholders, particularly youth, in the fight against corruption, human rights abuses, and gender-based violence.

The Governor commended the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, which is led by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, for its dedication to promoting transparency and accountability.

He also extended appreciation to federal anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC, and the National Human Rights Commission, as well as development partners like the MacArthur Foundation and ROLAC, for their collaborative efforts.

In his address, Barrister Rimingado reiterated the Commission’s commitment to tackling corruption and urged young Nigerians to participate in the fight actively.

The state’s Attorney General, Haruna Isa-Dederi, also praised the Governor for providing an enabling environment and revealed that the Ministry of Justice now has an Anti-Corruption Unit empowered to investigate and prosecute cases.

Representing the ICPC Chairman, Ibrahim Garba-Kagara highlighted the challenges of combating corruption, citing insufficient political will and public awareness as key obstacles.

However, he commended Kano State’s proactive approach and encouraged youth participation.

The symposium drew participants from various sectors, including representatives from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions and officials from the EFCC, DSS, Code of Conduct Bureau, civil society organizations, and the Kano State Police Command.

The initiatives unveiled underscore the state’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

By Anas Abbas

As the Harmattan season arrives in northern Nigeria, its dry, dusty winds from the Sahara present both beauty and challenges. Lasting from late November to mid-March, this weather phenomenon often worsens respiratory and skin health issues. Medical experts offer essential advice to help individuals protect their well-being during this period of challenges.

In an exclusive interview, Dr Naser Yakubu Ismail, a seasoned medical doctor, shed light on key health risks associated with Harmattan and how to address them effectively.

Respiratory Health: A Key Concern

“The dry air and dust particles characteristic of Harmattan frequently trigger asthma attacks, bronchitis, and allergies,” warned Dr. Naser in a report by The Daily Reality. He stressed the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent respiratory complications during this period.

Skin Issues on the Rise

Beyond respiratory concerns, Harmattan’s low humidity often worsens skin conditions, such as dryness and eczema. “The dry air strips the skin of its natural moisture, leading to irritation and discomfort,” Dr. Naser explained. Those with pre-existing skin conditions may experience heightened symptoms, making proper skincare essential.

Additionally, cold temperatures can pose heightened risks for individuals with sickle cell disease, as they are more susceptible to painful crises triggered by sudden drops in temperature.

Expert-Recommended Preventive Measures

To reduce health risks during Harmattan, Dr. Naser provided several practical tips:

1. Stay Hydrated

“Drinking plenty of water is crucial to keeping both the skin and respiratory system moist,” he advised. Adequate hydration supports skin elasticity and overall respiratory function, lowering the risk of complications.

2. Dress Appropriately

For individuals with sickle cell disease, staying warm is non-negotiable. “Wear layers, including sweaters, hoodies, and socks, to retain body heat,” Dr. Naser recommended. Minimising exposure to extreme cold by staying indoors during frigid weather is also advised.

3. Manage Asthma and Allergies

Asthma patients are particularly vulnerable during Harmattan. Dr. Naser emphasised the importance of identifying and avoiding triggers such as cold air, dust, and pollen. He also encouraged consistent use of prescribed medications and maintaining a dust-free home environment.

4. Combat Dry Skin

Using moisturisers regularly can alleviate skin dryness. “Apply a thick layer of cream or ointment after bathing to lock in moisture and protect the skin,” Dr Naser suggested.

5. Monitor Symptoms

“Be vigilant about health symptoms during this season,” Dr. Naser cautioned. Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, severe headaches, or unusual fatigue should not be ignored. Individuals experiencing these symptoms, especially those with underlying health conditions, should seek prompt medical attention.

A Call for Vigilance and Proactivity

Dr Naser urged the community to prioritise their health during Harmattan. “Stay informed about weather conditions, take preventive measures seriously, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if needed,” he said.

Adhering to these recommendations—staying hydrated, protecting the skin, and prioritising respiratory health—individuals can mitigate the adverse effects of Harmattan. Awareness and proactive measures are essential for ensuring a healthy and safe season for all.

By Habibu Ma’aruf Abdu

Renowned Kannywood actor, Sani Musa Danja, has been appointed Special Adviser on Youth and Sports by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

This was announced in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

The appointment is widely seen as a well-deserved recognition of the actor’s loyalty and dedication to Governor Yusuf’s Administration. As a long-time supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Danja actively campaigned for the Governor during the 2023 elections.

Interestingly, he had previously contested for the chairmanship of Tarauni Local Government under the governor’s party, NNPP, but lost the primaries to Amb. Yusuf Imam Ogan Ɓoye.

However, with Ogan Ɓoye’s victory in the chairmanship election, Danja has now taken over his former position as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports.

This appointment marks another significant recognition of Kannywood personalities by the governor, following similar appointments of Abba Al Mustapha, Tijjani Gandu, Sunusi Oscar, and Aina’u Ade (Laila).

Lest you forget, the federal government has also appointed Kannywood stars Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau to serve in various capacities.

By Anwar Usman

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has affirmed to the residents of Bichi Local Government Area in Kano State that the Emirate Council will ensure the peaceful conveyance of their District Head, Munir Sanusi Bayero, to assume his duties in Bichi.

Sanusi gave this assurance on Wednesday during a solidarity visit by traditional and religious leaders from Bichi, led by the Chairman of Bichi Local Government, Alhaji Hamza Sule, at the Gidan Rumfa palace in Kano.

The Emir explained that a new date would be scheduled for the transfer of the District Head, who was recently turbaned at the palace after an earlier attempt was disrupted.

“I assure you that another day will be fixed, your District Head will surely be brought to you, and everything will take place peacefully,” he said.

The pledge followed an incident last week when security personnel allegedly denied access to the palace to prevent the District Head’s planned departure for Bichi.

According to palace sources, the heavy security presence disrupted the scheduled ceremony, leaving the reasons for the intervention unclear.

“What happened was only a distraction. We still don’t know why it happened, and those involved have not disclosed the reason why they did it. However, this will not stop anything.

In his remark, Alhaji Hamza Sule reaffirmed the people of Bichi’s loyalty to the Emirate and Muhammad Sanusi II’s leadership.

“Even on the controversial day that was fixed for your visit to Bichi to accompany the new District Head, Munir Sunusi Bayero, we were fully ready to receive you, but we only heard that there was a crisis when we were already celebrating your coming.

“We in Bichi, from our Imams, Village Heads, Wards Heads, and everybody, are behind your royalty, and our solidarity is only for you.

“That is why we decided in our numbers to come today and reiterate our loyalty to you and whatever decision you have taken on your domain, Bichi,” he stated.