Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Uzair Adam

The crisis within Kano’s ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has intensified as Governor Abba Yusuf reportedly distances himself from party leader and political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to some reports, the governor has allegedly ignored Kwankwaso’s calls and skipped meetings, indicating a potential split.

Supporters of Yusuf have launched the slogan “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba, stand on your feet), encouraging him to govern independently.

The Daily Reality learned that this internal rift stems partly from Kwankwaso’s alleged control over local government appointments without the governor’s input, leading Yusuf to eventually dismiss Kwankwaso-appointed caretaker chairmen in September.

Kwankwaso’s influence over the party has also faced challenges in court; recently, an Abia State High Court recognized Boniface Aniebonam as the party’s leader.

Some high-ranking NNPP officials, including State Secretary Baffa Bichi and several Kano lawmakers, reportedly support Yusuf’s autonomy and may be exploring alliances with the ruling APC.

The movement has gained traction, with some party members openly pledging loyalty to Yusuf and distancing themselves from Kwankwasiyya, Kwankwaso’s political movement.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has issued an executive order, effective October 24, 2024, prohibiting the unauthorized allocation of land under the guise of “corner shops” or “curve-outs” across the state.

The order restricts all state and local agencies, including the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), the Housing Corporation, the Ministry of Environment, REMASAB, and the Ministry of Agriculture, from approving any structures or land use permits in this context.

Governor Yusuf, invoking his authority under the Nigerian Constitution and the Land Use Act, specified that only the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning is authorized to process and approve land occupancy permits.

This executive directive extends to market stalls, shops, and other business interests within designated urban areas, ensuring that any changes comply with the existing land use regulations in the state.

The order further restricts the conversion, sale, or transfer of any state-vested properties without explicit prior approval from the governor.

The ancient Kano City walls, grazing reserves, and cattle routes are also protected under this mandate, prohibiting any land allocations or occupancy permits on these historical and essential sites.

To ensure enforcement, the governor has tasked the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, led by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rmingado, with monitoring compliance and curbing violations.

The governor emphasized that the order addresses growing public concerns over unauthorized land allocations within school and hospital premises, as well as other public utilities.

Governor Yusuf highlighted the state’s commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure from encroachment, particularly where public buildings are used for private business under questionable approvals.

Key officials, including the deputy governor, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief of Staff, and the Anti-Corruption Commission chairman, attended the signing of the executive order.

The new measures are aimed at preserving public land for its intended use and ensuring that public institutions uphold their responsibilities in managing state assets.

By Uzair Adam

The Association of Online Media Guild (ASSOMEG) has extended its heartfelt condolences to Malam Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, following the passing of his son, Abubakar Sadiq, who died on Thursday at age 15.

In a statement jointly issued by ASSOMEG’s Chairman, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, and Secretary, Abbas Yushau Yusuf, on Friday, the association shared that Sadiq passed away in an Indian hospital after a successful bone marrow surgery.

“This tragic loss resonates within the media community, and we join in the sorrow and grief that Mr. Bature and his family are facing,” the statement said.

The message emphasized that Malam Sanusi Bature is a respected ally within the media sector and has offered his support and partnership over the years.

ASSOMEG conveyed its solidarity, expressing thoughts and prayers for Bature and his loved ones during this trying time.

“We pray for the strength to bear this profound loss and trust that Almighty Allah (SWT) will provide solace and peace to his family,” the statement added.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has initiated the distribution of essential learning materials to schools across the state’s 44 local government areas.

The launch ceremony, held at the government house on Thursday evening, saw the distribution of 120,000 cartons of chalk, 97,532 workbooks, 93,600 exercise books, 199,234 classroom registers, 350,000 report sheets, 351 lesson observation books, and national anthem booklets to schools.

Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of this effort in revitalizing the state’s struggling education system.

“This marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by Kano’s education sector, which has suffered from inadequate infrastructure and a growing number of out-of-school children,” the governor remarked.

He further stated the government’s focus on training and retraining teachers, rehabilitating schools, and constructing new classroom blocks to create a more conducive learning environment for students.

The Commissioner of Education, Umar Haruna Doguwa, praised the governor’s unwavering support for the education sector and noted that the declaration of a state of emergency on education had led to meaningful reforms and exceeded expectations.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dissolved the caretaker committee chairmen of all 44 local government areas, effective immediately.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature.

The decision comes just a week after the state House of Assembly extended the caretaker chairmen’s tenure by two months, having been set to expire on September 8.

Lawmakers said the extension was meant to ensure continuity in local governance ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 26.

Governor Yusuf instructed the caretaker chairmen to hand over leadership responsibilities to their respective Directors of Personnel Management, stating that the dissolution also affects vice chairmen, secretaries, and councillors.

In his remarks, the governor expressed gratitude for the caretaker chairmen’s contributions and hinted at possible future collaborations.

By Dr. Mansur Hassan

The Kwankwasiyya movement, founded and led by Senior Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has emerged as a dominant force in Nigerian politics, particularly in Kano State. With a reputation for championing transparency, good governance, and the empowerment of the masses, Kwankwasiyya has also developed a unique and highly effective method for selecting political candidates. This process reflects the movement’s deep-rooted commitment to democracy, grassroot participation, and merit-based leadership.

A Thoughtful Approach to Candidate Selection

At the heart of the Kwankwasiyya movement’s political ideology is the belief that leadership should reflect the will of the people while upholding competence, dedication, and integrity. In line with these principles, the movement has designed a multi-layered process for selecting candidates for both primary and secondary elections, ensuring that only the best and most qualified individuals are chosen to represent the party.

The selection process begins at the local level, where the local government caucuses play a crucial role. The caucus engages in a consensus-building exercise among the aspirants within the constituency. This initial step underscores the movement’s emphasis on local representation and grassroots decision-making, allowing the community to participate in choosing those who will best serve their interests.

In cases where the consensus fails and the local leadership is unable to agree on a single candidate, a screening process is initiated. This screening is designed to assess the qualifications, leadership capabilities, and electability of the aspirants. The goal is to streamline the number of candidates, ensuring that only the most capable individuals advance to the next stage.

The Role of the National Leader

Once the screening process is complete, the shortlisted candidates are presented to the national leader, Senior Dr. Kwankwaso, for final review. Here, the movement’s supreme leader plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the selected candidates align with the values and vision of the Kwankwasiyya movement. Dr. Kwankwaso, with his vast political experience and insight, assesses whether the shortlisted candidates truly reflect the will and aspirations of the people. If there is any indication that the candidates do not align with popular sentiment, the national leader has the authority to call for further changes, ensuring that the process remains fair and representative.

However, when the consensus and the screening process successfully produce a candidate that meets both the local caucus’s approval and the movement’s broader ideological standards, the national leader endorses the candidate. This method guarantees that the selected candidates are not only popular but also competent, ethical, and aligned with the movement’s long-term vision for societal progress and development.

An Open Democratic Platform

Despite the careful and thoughtful selection process, the Kwankwasiyya movement remains committed to upholding democracy within the party. For any aspirant who feels dissatisfied with the outcome of the selection process, the opportunity to contest in the party primaries remains open. This option ensures that all candidates have a fair chance to present their case to the party’s larger membership, maintaining transparency and inclusivity within the movement.

This democratic safety valve is another reason why Kwankwasiyya’s method of candidate selection stands out. It allows for robust internal debate and competition while ultimately reinforcing party unity and strength.

A Cornerstone of Political Dominance

The Kwankwasiyya movement’s candidate selection process is a key factor behind its sustained political dominance in Kano State and its growing influence across Nigeria. The movement’s ability to produce competent, popular, and well-prepared candidates has earned it the trust of the people. The process ensures that leadership emerges from a foundation of integrity, merit, and accountability, reflecting the movement’s broader commitment to progressive governance.

Beyond mere electoral success, the Kwankwasiyya movement represents a political ideology that is centered on empowering the masses, fostering development, and ensuring that governance is responsive to the needs of the people. Its candidate selection process is a reflection of this ideology, ensuring that leadership is not imposed but earned through consensus, merit, and democratic principles.

Conclusion

The Kwankwasiyya movement, under the guidance of Senior Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has set an exemplary standard for political organization and candidate selection. By balancing grassroots participation with strong national leadership, the movement has created a model that ensures only the best candidates emerge, reinforcing its dominance and appeal. As Kwankwasiyya continues to grow in influence, its political ideology and practices will undoubtedly shape the future of Nigerian politics, setting a standard for others to follow.

Mansur Hassan, PhD
Secretary, Kwankwasiyya movement
Kano state.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Government has announced a relaxation of the curfew, which will now be in effect from 6 AM to 6 PM.

This decision was revealed by Kano Police Commissioner Dogo Salman following a joint security meeting with Governor Abba Yusuf at the Government House.

Commissioner Salman highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining peace and order while gradually lifting restrictions to allow residents to resume normal activities.

The adjustment in curfew hours reflects the improved security situation and the efforts of security agencies in restoring normalcy to the state.

Governor Yusuf urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement and adhere to the revised curfew regulations to ensure continued safety and stability in Kano.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The newly appointed Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, has convened a strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical and Operational Commanders.

This meeting is part of a broader effort to strengthen security and safeguard the lives and properties of all residents in the state. 

The Commissioner of Police appreciates the officers for their commitment and dedication to crime fighting and maintaining peace despite the daunting security situation in the state.

He further charged them to remain resolute and redouble efforts towards surmounting the scourge of thuggery and other violent criminal activities that had hitherto bedevilled the good people of the state. 

He charged the officers to continue with the community policing engagements with their stakeholders and to ensure no thuggery (Daba) incidents are recorded in their areas of responsibilities.

They are also warned to always be available to supervise their men, as the CP will be going around on supervision. 

Dogo reminded the officers that accountability and professionalism will be his driving forces.

In addition, he urges all the supervising officers to ensure the cleanliness of their offices, including detention facilities. 

The CP reiterated that “I can not be sitting in my office to allow thugs (Yan Daba) and other perpetrators of criminal activities to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the State.”

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

Kano State Police Commissioner, Usani Gumel, has vehemently denied allegations of disobeying Governor Abba Yusuf’s orders and taking instructions from unknown sources.

Gumel reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state, citing his track record as a champion of community safety and sustainable peace.

The denial comes on the heels of accusations leveled by the state Attorney General, Haruna Dederi, who alleged that Gumel consistently disobeyed the governor’s instructions and unilaterally banned Eid-el Kabir festivities without consultation.

Dederi further accused the police commissioner of attempting to undermine the constitutional authority of the governor by taking instructions from unknown sources.

The ongoing crisis in Kano State revolves around the contentious emirate issue, with two claimants, Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II, vying for the throne.

This has created palpable tension in the state, prompting the police to ban traditional Sallah Durbar processions to maintain peace.Gumel expressed shock and surprise at the allegations, noting his dedication to upholding the law and maintaining order in the state.

He reassured the public that the police would enforce the existing court order and work to resolve the emirate issue, prevailing on the two contending parties to respect the law.