Abba Kabir Yusuf (Gida-Gida)

By Aiman Fodio

I respect Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a leader and admire his dedication to charitable causes, especially education. He is, by no means, a saint; he is human, like all of us, subject to the frailties that come with the human condition. Yet, when we consider moral reasoning, pragmatism in leadership, ethical choices, and the complex compromises of politics, I believe he emerges as a stand-out figure in Nigeria’s presidential landscape today.

We all concur that the nation cannot grow without a productive, well-educated populace. Therefore, we must commend his efforts in providing scholarships and educational support to countless underprivileged youths. 

In Nigeria, where quality education is often reserved for the privileged few, he at least tried to bridge that gap. These are nothing short of transformative. He’s not just speaking abracadabra on X (Twitter) about change; he actively works to make it accessible, particularly for those who need it most. Don’t just come and tell me that he did all that with the government money or looted; I challenge you to bring someone with a comparable track record which surpasses his commitment to uplifting the marginalised.

As we know, Nigeria is a developing nation grappling with the intricacies of governance that differ from those in developed and developing countries. This climate needs politicians who starkly contrast with the transactional politics that often dominate our region. 

Kwankwaso is unique in that his power hinges on support from ordinary Nigerians, while many of his contemporaries are tethered to elite alliances. This dynamic has made him the Jagora—leader and guide—to many, though some may derisively label him the ‘Local Champion’.

Most (about 95%) oppose him with divisive ideologies that tarnish his reputation and undermine his connection with his supporters. Many view his popularity with scepticism, trying to erode his strong rapport with his base. Yet, Kwankwaso resonates with the public, not because of propaganda, but because of his track record and genuine empathy. For this reason, he remains one of the few politicians whose influence is authentically rooted in the people’s will, making him a formidable figure on the national stage.

One aspect of Kwankwaso’s political style that I find particularly troubling is the pervasive influence of godfatherism. It’s disheartening to observe his tendency to exert undue influence over his protégés, such as Governor Abba. This dynamic creates a political climate where loyalty to a godfather supersedes the imperative of serving the collective interests of the populace. 

Godfatherism has no place in a progressive political landscape; it stifles authentic leadership and compromises the integrity of those who are meant to govern. Kwankwaso should let Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf focus on the ideals that empower him, granting him the latitude to evolve and serve his constituents with the autonomy they deserve. That would earn Kwankwaso more respect.

Despite this concern, I firmly believe that Kwankwaso remains one of the most qualified and deserving candidates to lead Nigeria. The need to choose the “lesser of two evils” becomes glaringly apparent in a milieu often characterised by many less competent alternatives.

While no leader is without their shortcomings, his extensive experience and interest in uplifting the marginalised position him as a formidable candidate. We must weigh our options carefully, recognising that his potential to enact positive change far outweighs the flaws that may come with his political relationships. Ultimately, our choice should reflect the need for a leader who prioritises the people over personal ambition, and I still see that potential in him.

Aiman Fodio wrote via aimanfodio@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, PhD, FNSE, National Leader of the NNPP, welcomed Nigeria’s top political dignitaries to Kano for his beloved daughter’s wedding.

The illustrious event, held under the serene ambience of Kano’s cultural heritage, saw the presence of Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf joined hands with his mentor and received many prominent leaders. Among them were Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, CON, former Governor of Zamfara State; Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi; and His Excellency Adamu Aliero, former Governor of Kebbi State.

Social media commentators praise the politicians’ display of unity. Others add that the occasion transcends political affiliations, bringing together leaders from diverse backgrounds to celebrate a union rooted in love and tradition. The wedding symbolises more than just a family milestone—it has become a testament to the power of unity, respect, and collaboration in Nigeria’s political sphere.

The event was a magnificent display of cultural pride and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees and further solidifying Sen. Kwankwaso’s role as a unifying figure in the nation.

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State High Court has once again issued an order preventing the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, from carrying out renovations to the Nassarawa Mini Palace.

The legal action was initiated by the Kano State Government, the Attorney-General of Kano, and the Kano Emirate Council, who filed a motion through their counsel, Rilwanu Umar SAN, on September 12.

They requested the court to stop Ado-Bayero from making any changes to the palace located along State Road in Kano.

In her ruling, Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki, the Chief Judge of Kano State, found the applicants’ request valid, noting that the Emir had neither submitted a counter affidavit nor provided a written defense.

Abdu-Aboki referred the case to High Court 15 for further proceedings.

During the session, counsel for the applicants argued that Bayero had been removed from his position by the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law of 2024.

Despite being served on September 14, the respondent had not filed a response or appeared before the court.

The applicants also requested that the court declare the Nassarawa Mini Palace as the property of the Kano State Government and the Kano Emirate Council, not the personal property of Ado-Bayero.

Previously, on September 13, the court issued an Interim Injunction, preventing the Emir and his representatives from demolishing, renovating, or making any alterations to the palace until the case is resolved.

The court ordered that the status quo regarding the palace’s structure and design be maintained during the legal process.

By Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB)

It is widely recognised across Kano State that the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools have been abandoned and remain under incomplete construction. These schools were established in 2012 during the second tenure of former Governor Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. 

The initial progress on these schools was swift under Kwankwaso’s administration. However, the subsequent government, led by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, halted the continuation of the project.

The abandonment of these schools has not only led to their physical decay but also created opportunities for theft and vandalism, with some individuals stealing materials from the school premises. The neglected sites have also become hubs for illicit activities, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities.

It is crucial to bring this matter to the attention of His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, the current Governor of Kano State. Your commitment to advancing education in both urban and rural areas, particularly through the construction of classroom blocks, the reduction of registration fees for higher education institutions, and the provision of postgraduate scholarships, is commendable and has garnered praise from Kano residents and visitors alike.

During your 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial campaigns, you pledged to resume work on the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools. I respectfully appeal to your administration to take swift action to complete these schools. By doing so, you will transform these temporary sites into permanent institutions, ensuring they fulfil their original purpose and preventing further loss of valuable materials.

Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB) wrote from Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State High Court has adjourned a ruling on the ongoing dispute over renovations to the historic Nasarawa mini palace in Kano until October 10, 2024. 

The case, presided over by Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, involves an application seeking to halt the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with modernisation plans for the palace.

The plaintiffs, which include the Kano State Government, the Attorney General, and the Kano Emirate Council, are pushing to preserve the palace’s original structure, arguing that renovations would compromise its cultural and historical significance. 

The Daily Reality reports that the Emir is the sole defendant in the case.

During the hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, Habib Akilu, noted that the defendant’s legal team was absent and moved for an interlocutory injunction to prevent any renovation until the court delivered its final judgment.

The plaintiffs had previously secured an interim injunction on September 13, 2024, following the release of a proposed plan to modernise the palace. 

In support of the motion, a 33-paragraph affidavit deposed by the Matawallen Kano, Ibrahim Ahmed, emphasised the palace’s importance as a symbol of cultural heritage, warning that any changes could erase its architectural and historical integrity.

Justice Aboki has ordered that all relevant court processes be posted publicly to keep all parties informed.

By Uzair Adam 

“I have not been paid for over six months now. I have two wives and ten children. I had to feed them with sicklepod (Tafasa in Hausa) for breakfast before I left home this morning,” said Malam Muntari Yakub (not his real name), an employee of the Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB), in a shaky and traumatised tone.

Malam Yakubu’s experience is similar to that of many REMASAB staff who have not received their salaries for over six months due to outstanding debts owed by the Kano State government. 

The situation has made life even more difficult for them amid the soaring economic crisis in the country.

The workers, whose duties include sweeping streets and evacuating refuse, told our reporter that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s current administration has paid them only four times since he took office more than a year ago.

They lamented that their situation had worsened due to the nine months of unpaid salaries they were still owed from the previous administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who left office in 2023.

Yakubu recounted his distressing experience amidst the salary stoppage and the threat of hunger, “I am not a rabbit, and none of my family members are, but we eat sicklepod (Tafasa) to stave off hunger and avoid death. I had to gather some this morning for breakfast before leaving home.”

“Our salary is just ten thousand naira. You can imagine what we can buy with this meagre amount, especially with the rising cost of food. Despite struggling with this small amount, the government has left us stranded without pay for over six months,” Malam Yakubu said.

Another worker, who requested anonymity, revealed how his wife left him due to the enormous debt he had accumulated and his inability to provide for his family since his salary was stopped, exacerbated by the current economic situation in the country.

He said, “It is painful to say that my wife left me because of this situation I am in today. No matter how small the salary, it’s better to cover some of your family’s needs than none at all. After she left, the landlord also evicted me because I couldn’t pay the rent.”

The man added that despite the demanding nature of their job, most of them have to walk to their assigned streets to work, and no equipment is provided for them.

Buy your own equipment or quit the job

The workers who spoke to our reporter alleged that, despite several months of unpaid salaries, no equipment is provided for them. When they complained, their supervisors threatened them, saying they should either buy the equipment themselves or quit if they couldn’t afford it.

Another worker, who preferred to remain unnamed, said, “I had to borrow money to buy this broom you see in my hand. When I complained, my supervisor told me to buy it myself or stay home until REMASAB provides one.”

A woman with small children at home under her care said the situation at REMASAB is shocking, especially considering that one has to buy a broom. “This worsens our debt because we have to borrow money to eat and buy brooms,” she added.

Confusion over new workers receiving salaries

However, there is confusion among the workers following reports that new employees hired by Governor Yusuf after he assumed office in 2023 have been receiving their salaries.

The workers complained that despite the outstanding salary debt owed to them by the Kano State government, the new workers are paid every month, making them wonder if they are still considered employees.

“The new workers are also working with us. We call them ‘Askarawan Kwankwasiya,’ and you will see them wearing red caps or hijabs. We were shocked when we learned they are being paid monthly because we thought we might all have been sacked,” they said.

Workers remind Governor Yusuf of his promises

The workers passionately pleaded with Governor Yusuf to come to their aid, as they also had families who depended on them. 

They reminded the governor of his promises: “When he first came into power, there were rumours that we were all sacked. 

But the governor called us to a meeting at the Coronation Hall of the Government House. He told us that he had not sacked us. 

He promised to resolve our issues and said we would soon be paid. He told us that if the accountant had not travelled out of the country, we would have received our salaries that month.

“However, months later, we have yet to receive any payment. We don’t know if the accountant is still out of town. 

“We want to call on the governor to remember his promises, including doubling our salaries, and come to our rescue.”

When contacted about the situation, Ahmadu Haruna Danzago, the Managing Director of REMASAB, declined to comment, stating he was not the appropriate person to address the inquiries. 

“You should contact the Director of Operations, as he is responsible for answering these questions,” Danzago said.

Workers undergoing biometric 

Addressing the questions, Ibrahim Nasir, the Director of Operations at REMASAB, responded to some concerns.

He clarified that the organisation is currently working to resolve issues that have led to delays in worker payments. 

Nasir explained that a new biometric system had been introduced to centralise monthly salaries, but some workers had difficulties completing the biometric process. 

Regarding the alleged outstanding debt of seven months, Nasir disputed this claim, stating, “They owe us only three months, not seven. 

Some workers were previously disengaged but were later reinstated by the Kano State Government.”

Nasir indicated he was unaware of the allegations that workers were compelled to buy their own materials. 

He explained, “We typically purchase materials in bulk, and we have recently exhausted our stock. We are in the process of providing a new supply of materials.”

By Uzair Adam 

Following allegations of fraudulent activities, the Kano State Judicial Service Commission has suspended two Sharia Court registrars, Jamilu Ibrahim and Zubairu Sulaiman.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Spokesman of the Kano Judiciary, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, on Friday. 

The commission took disciplinary action during its 75th meeting held on September 12, 2024.

According to the statement, the investigation revealed that Jamilu Ibrahim was involved in a fraudulent transaction linked to the illegal sale of two plots of land through a writ of possession. 

The investigative committee recommended his dismissal, but the commission opted for an indefinite suspension without pay, pending the outcome of his trial at a Magistrate Court.

Additionally, the investigation found that Zubairu Sulaiman, Registrar of the Upper Sharia Court, received one million naira into his personal account as a commission from the sale of the land. 

Consequently, the Judicial Service Commission has suspended him for four months without pay.

The statement reiterated the commission’s commitment to enforcing disciplinary measures against staff involved in misconduct, particularly those in judicial roles, to protect the integrity and accountability of the judiciary while maintaining public confidence.

By Bilal Muhammad Bello

Sir, as a concerned indigenous person of the Kumbotso Local Government Area, I am writing this letter to remind you of a project that your administration has abandoned.

Your Excellency, I want to commend you for the unparalleled projects you have bequeathed in Kano State, especially in road construction in urban and rural areas. Not to mention other roads that are still under construction. The public, inhabitants of Kano State and visitors to the state can testify to your good work.

Today, the Kano metropolis has roads built with green verges, pedestrian walkways, drainage systems, street lights, and an underpass, all thanks to the development of your orientation.

Sir, the people of Zawachiki Diga, Yankusa, Rinjin Wanzamai, Gadama, and Kumbotso Township in Kumbotso Local Government Area want to draw your attention to the reconstruction of Kumbotso Road from Zawachiki Diga—Kumbotso Township to Zaria Road.

As we all know, the road network contributes immensely to Kano state taxation because of the Challawa Industrial area and the socio-economic development of the area.

It is also important to draw the governor’s attention to the silent neglect of the construction of Sabuwar Gandu—Danmaliki to Kumbotso Township Road, which has stopped. 

Therefore, I wish to appeal to the governor to do something about these roads so as to bring succour to our people whose economic activities, livelihoods, and related developmental issues have been hampered by their deplorable state.

I respectfully appeal to your administration to revive these projects and alleviate the hardships faced by our people.

Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB) is a student of Mass Communication department, Bayero University Kano.

By Anas Abbas

In a bid to restore normalcy, the Kano State government has ordered all the state’s civil servants to resume work immediately, following a relaxation of curfew hours by 12 hours.

According to a press release by Bintu Nuhu Yakasai, Director of Public Enlightenment in the Office of the Head of Service of the Kano State, the directive follows the state government’s decision to relax curfew hours from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Musa appealed to civil servants to report to their offices at the usual hour of 8:00 a.m. each day.

The Head of Service reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enhancing the civil service and improving workers’ lives. He urged civil servants to redouble efforts to boost service delivery, striving for excellence in their roles.

He also stressed the need for civil servants to comply with the directive, returning to work immediately to ensure uninterrupted public services.

By Anas Abbas

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has inaugurated the Kano State Advisory Committee on the New National Minimum Wage to oversee the implementation of the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage in the state.

The committee, headed by Alh. Usman Bala Muhammad, Special Adviser to the Governor on State Affairs, has been tasked with presenting practical recommendations for the state government’s immediate implementation within three weeks.

Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo emphasized the committee’s responsibility to plan effectively for the newly approved minimum wage, stressing that the welfare of workers is a top priority for the government.

The committee comprises representatives from various state ministries and departments, including the Head of the Civil Service, Commissioner of Finance, Planning and Budget, Information and Internal Affairs, and other stakeholders.

Abba assured workers that the implementation of the new minimum wage would boost development across all sectors in Kano State.

The move follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the new national minimum wage, which is intended to improve the standard of living for Nigerian workers.