Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Mansur Hassan, PhD.

The executive governor of Kano state, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, made a triumphant return to Kano in grand style after the Supreme Court affirmed his position as the duly elected governor.

The air in Kano was filled with excitement as millions of residents gathered yesterday to welcome their leader to the commercial city centre.

His Excellency embarked on the journey from Kaduna at 9 am, and despite the approximately 13-hour journey, he arrived at Filin Mahaha Kofar Na’isa in Kano state by 10 pm. The extensive duration was attributed to the massive crowds that lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved governor.

The overwhelming love demonstrated by the people of Kano towards Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf serves as a powerful testament to the justice upheld by the Supreme Court. This judicial affirmation not only solidifies democracy but also underscores the importance of respecting the choices made by the masses.

Notably, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu hailed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as a hero, acknowledging his steadfastness and reaction during the previous judgements of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The governor’s resilience in the face of challenges has earned him widespread admiration.

As Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf begins his tenure, we express our heartfelt wishes for a successful term and the continued implementation of pro-masses policies that uplift the welfare of the people of Kano state.

In extending our wishes, we also hope for good health and wisdom for Senator Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the grand commander of the Kwankwasiyya movement. May his guidance contribute to the betterment of the state and the nation as a whole.

Dr. Mansur Hassan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The eagerly awaited judgement in the Kano State governorship election dispute has been set for Friday, January 12, 2024, according to an announcement from the Supreme Court.

The case involves Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna. 

A notice issued to all concerned parties outlines the court’s directive that each side can bring no more than two legal representatives during the judgement proceedings.

This decision comes after a five-member panel, led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, listened to arguments in late December last year and subsequently reserved judgment. 

The appellate court had previously upheld the tribunal’s decision, which removed Governor Abba Yusuf and declared Dr. Nasiru Gawuna as the rightful winner.

However, disputes arose among NNPP supporters, particularly concerning alleged conflicting judgements delivered by the appellate court. 

While NNPP supporters contested the ruling, pointing to discrepancies in the judgements, APC supporters celebrated the verdict in favour of their candidate. 

The tense situation in the state prompted the Kano State Police Commissioner, Gumel, to impose a ban on protests and rallies.

Despite efforts to ease tensions through a peace accord signed by the leadership of both parties, incidents of violence have been reported, underscoring the heightened anxiety surrounding the election dispute.

By Mansur Hassan, PhD

Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, the esteemed representative of the Kano Central Senatorial Zone, has made an indelible mark on the political landscape with the construction of an unprecedented constituency office – a pioneering initiative in northern Nigeria.

As the Deputy Minority Whip in the red chamber, Senator Hanga recognizes the paramount importance of serving his constituents. Beyond the legislative responsibilities, he has demonstrated a commitment to actively listening to the needs of the people he represents, ensuring their voices are heard in the corridors of power.

The recently built largest constituency office stands as a testament to Senator Hanga’s dedication to fostering development and enhancing the lives of those he serves. This state-of-the-art facility not only symbolizes progress but also serves as a hub for engaging with the community, addressing concerns, and strategizing on impactful legislative initiatives.

What sets Senator Hanga apart is not just the physical structure of the constituency office, but the comprehensive vision he brings to his role. Alongside the office inauguration, he has unveiled plans to launch a series of developmental programs. These programs are poised to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people in Kano Central, showcasing a holistic approach to representation.

In an era where effective governance requires more than just legislative prowess, Senator Rufa’i Hanga emerges as a beacon of leadership. His dedication to bridging the gap between the government and the grassroots is commendable and serves as an inspiration for other political leaders.

As we applaud Senator Hanga’s achievements, it is imperative to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of key figures like H.E. Abba Kabir Yusuf and Madugun Kwankwasiyya Senator Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. Their collective commitment to the welfare of the people reinforces the idea that progress is a shared responsibility.

In conclusion, let us extend our well-wishes with a resounding “Long live Senator Rufai Sani Hanga!” May his leadership continue to illuminate the path toward a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of Kano Central Senatorial Zone.

Dr. Mansur Hassan is a Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has exhibited profound compassion by sponsoring the lesser Hajj (Umrah) pilgrimage for the parents of Asma’u Sani, a young girl he had initially sponsored for a surgical operation in India.

Tragically, Asma’u passed away before the scheduled departure to the Indian hospital, prompting the governor’s empathetic response.

In a poignant gesture of condolence, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, accompanied by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, visited the grieving family at Alkalawa Quarters in Gwarzo local government area.

During the visit, the governor directed that the funds earmarked for Asma’u’s surgery be redirected to sponsor her parents for the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, symbolizing a compassionate response to the family’s loss.

Moreover, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf pledged to immortalize the memory of the late Asma’u. He instructed the local Imam to secure a plot of land for the construction of either a hospital or an Islamiyya school, to be named in honor of the departed soul.

This commitment underscores the governor’s dedication to preserving the legacy of individuals who have made a positive impact on their communities.

Expressing his deep sorrow over the untimely death of young Asma’u, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the event as shocking and deeply pathetic.

The governor’s words reflected the genuine empathy he holds for the family in their moment of grief.

Malam Sani, the father of the deceased, moved by the governor’s honorable gesture, offered prayers for the success of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s electoral affirmation at the Supreme Court.

This acknowledgment highlights the reciprocal respect and admiration between the governor and the bereaved family during this challenging time.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s compassionate response to the tragedy exemplifies leadership that extends beyond governance, embracing a heartfelt connection with the people.

The sponsorship of the Umrah pilgrimage and the commitment to immortalize Asma’u Sani through community development initiatives stand as enduring symbols of empathy and solidarity in the face of loss.
 

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano state has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. 

The tribunal had declared Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the March 18th, 2023 election, deducting over 165,000 votes from Yusuf’s tally due to alleged lack of proper endorsements on the ballot papers. 

In a notice of appeal filed by his lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Yusuf argues that the tribunal made a significant error in its analysis of the evidence presented by the APC. 

According to the appeal, the analysis conducted by the APC’s own witness only identified 1,886 ballots without proper endorsements, a stark contrast to the 165,616 deducted by the tribunal. 

The appeal argues that the tribunal erroneously deducted over 165,000 votes from Yusuf’s tally due to a misunderstanding of the evidence presented. 

It claims that the analysis conducted by the APC’s witness identified only 1,886 ballots lacking proper endorsements, significantly less than the number deducted. 

The appeal further clarifies that even among the ballots flagged, many had partial endorsements like signatures or stamps, not justifying their complete removal. 

The appeal emphasizes that all the disputed ballots carried official markings like the INEC logo, coat of arms, and serial numbers, confirming their legitimacy. 

Governor Yusuf’s legal team is confident that the Supreme Court will recognize the errors in the tribunal’s decision and restore his rightful victory.

The outcome of this appeal will have significant implications for the political landscape of Kano state and could set a precedent for future election disputes. 

The Supreme Court is yet to schedule a hearing for the appeal.

Both parties will present their arguments to the justices, who will then issue a final ruling on the matter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kano state government has dispatched the fifth batch of 50 first-class graduates to pursue their Master’s Degree programmes in India. 

The beneficiaries, part of the 1,100 indigenous students sponsored by the state government for overseas studies, departed from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport for Lagos on a Max Air aircraft at 7:30 a.m. on Friday. 

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Yusuf Kofarmata, and other government officials were present to witness the departure.

From Lagos, the beneficiaries are scheduled to board an Air Peace flight to India at 2:00 p.m. Speaking after the takeoff, Dr. Kofarmata noted that this initiative is a continuation of the government’s commitment to the 1,100 postgraduate scholarship programme for the academic year 23-2024. 

The selected graduates, now on their way to reputed institutions like Sharda, Symbiosis, Mewar, Sri Sai, Swarnnim, and Kalinga, were chosen based on their outstanding performance during their undergraduate studies. 

Highlighting the significance of the programme, Dr. Kofarmata stressed that the students would focus on internationally competitive fields, contributing to bridging the manpower gap not only in Kano State but also across the nation. 

“A total of 550 students are the first batch who are going to eight reputable universities to study in internationally competitive areas of professionalism to bridge the manpower gap in the state and across the nation.  

“The students are also expected to acquire experience, skills, and knowledge with the view to revamp the state commercial status and explore other potential for socio-economic development,” he said. 

Providing an update on the progress of the previous batches, Dr. Kofarmata revealed that the students had already commenced their academic pursuits, and approximately 30 beneficiaries had secured casual employment with their respective institutions, a testament to their academic prowess. 

Acknowledging the support and commitment of Governor Yusuf, the Commissioner noted the celebration among beneficiaries, parents, well-wishers, and citizens of the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kano governorship saga continues as Abba takes battle to Supreme Court Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, ousted by the electoral tribunal and subsequently denied reprieve by the Court of Appeal, has pledged to contest the ruling at the Supreme Court.

The appeal court, situated in Abuja, upheld the tribunal’s decision, unseating Yusuf and confirming Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the legitimate winner of the March 18 election. 

Governor Yusuf, undeterred by the setback, conveyed his determination in a televised address on Friday night.

“Our lawyers will challenge the Appeal Court judgment at the Supreme Court. We trust that the Supreme Court will restore the mandate entrusted to us by the people of Kano,” he asserted, urging citizens to remain law-abiding amid the legal wrangling, with security measures in place to ensure public order. 

Conversely, the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, hailed the court’s decision as a triumph for democracy.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for maintaining a fair administration of justice, Ganduje acknowledged the challenges faced during the case.

“This victory is for all of us. We know what happened during the election, and by the grace of God, we got a fair judgement in favour of our great party, APC,” he remarked. 

Ganduje, anticipating further legal manoeuvres, remarked, “There is nothing wrong for them to go to the Supreme Court. We too, we are ready to meet them in the Supreme Court. Insha Allah, we will win at the Supreme Court as well.”

By Anas Abbas

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on infrastructure development as a key indicator of progress and development in many countries. Governments often prioritize the construction of bridges, roads, and other physical structures as a means of showcasing their commitment to progress.

However, it is important to recognize that true development goes beyond just the physical infrastructure and involves the development of human capital.

While infrastructure development is undoubtedly important, it is equally crucial to invest in the development of human resources. This includes providing access to quality education, training, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Human capital development is essential for creating a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can contribute to the overall development of a nation.

A recent example of the emphasis on human capital development can be seen in the actions of the current Kano state government. Instead of solely focusing on infrastructure development, it also recognized the importance of investing in human capital develop. The administration sponsored numerous students who had graduated with first-class honors to pursue their Master’s degrees in India. This intervention is set to enable the beneficiaries to advance their education and acquire valuable knowledge that can be applied in the development of the state and the nation.

This programme us not new in the state. During Rabiu Kwankwaso second tenure as governor of the state, he sponsored over one thousand students abroad to pursue their Master’s degrees in different countries of the world.Infrastructure is doubtlessly important for the development of a nation, but it is crucial to recognize that human capital development should be the top priority If you critically observe the society today, you will find out that infrastructure can deteriorate over time and require continuous maintenance and investment, human capital development is enduring and can be needed for such maintainance need.

The knowledge and skills acquired by individuals remain with them and can be passed on to future generations, creating a lasting impact on the nation’s development. This initiative highlights the significance of human capital development in driving sustainable development.

By investing in the education and training of individuals, governments can empower their citizens to become active participants in the development process. These individuals can then use their expertise to address local challenges, drive innovation, and contribute to economic growth.

Furthermore, human capital development has a ripple effect on society. When individuals are equipped with knowledge and skills, they are better positioned to create positive change within their communities. They can become leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates for social and economic progress. This, in turn, can lead to a more inclusive and sustainable development that benefits all members of society.

I found it laughable when in the trending Kaduna vs Kano online banter sparked by one Hafsat Paki video in which she talked Kano people down, many commenters paid undue attention to buildings as a way to show that Kaduna is more developed than Kano (Kano has fair share of beautiful buildings if you ask me). For me the ongoing effort in place by the government to better the human capital of the state deserves more attention than anything thing else.

In conclusion, while infrastructure development is important, it is equally crucial to prioritize human capital development as a key component of overall development. The recent initiative by Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf to send students abroad for further education serves as a powerful example of the value of investing in human capital.

By focusing on human capital development, governments can create a foundation for long-term sustainable development that empowers their citizens and drives progress from within.

Anas Abbas is communication student at Bayero University, Kano . And can be reached via anasabbas2099@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kano State has dispatched the fourth batch of 150 graduates to India under its foreign scholarship program.

These graduates, part of the 1,001 indigenous students sponsored by the state government, departed from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at 7:30 a.m. on Friday. 

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Kofarmata, and other government officials were present at the airport to witness the departure. The flight is scheduled to land in Lagos before continuing its journey to India. 

Dr. Kofarmata emphasised that the departure of this batch is a continuation of the government’s commitment to implementing the 1,001 postgraduate scholarship programme for 23–2024.

The beneficiaries, all first-class graduates, were selected based on their outstanding performance in undergraduate studies. Upon arrival in India, the students will be enrolled in various universities to pursue their Master’s degree programs.

Dr. Kofarmata highlighted that they will focus on internationally competitive areas of professionalism, contributing to bridging the manpower gap not only in Kano State but across the nation. 

“A total of 550 students make up the first batch, heading to eight reputable universities, aiming to fill the manpower gap in the state and across the nation. The students are also expected to acquire experience, skills, and knowledge to revamp the state’s commercial status and explore other potentials for socio-economic development,” explained the commissioner. 

The initiative, in line with the campaign promises of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, aims to revive and strengthen the educational sector.

The first batch of 140 students had already departed for India on October 20, followed by the second batch of 33 graduates heading to the Islamic University in Uganda. 

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Governor Yusuf for fulfilling his campaign promises and reviving the scholarship program, originally introduced by the former governor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

The Commissioner noted the joyous celebrations among the beneficiaries, their parents, and well-wishers, reflecting the positive impact of the government’s commitment to educational development in the state.

By Mansur Hassan, PhD

Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State, has recently shed light on the alleged misappropriation of funds by Nigerian governors, exposing lack of impactful policies.

Over the past eight years, Kano State witnessed a dearth of policies that benefit the less privileged directly. In contrast, the Kwankwasiyya administration, led by Abba Gida Gida, has swiftly demonstrated its prowess in governance within five months, particularly through transformative healthcare and educational ‘revolution’ spanning from primary to tertiary levels.

Under Kwankwasiyya’s leadership, there has been a significant focus on education, including sponsoring first-class graduates to foreign universities—an initiative emulated by other nations. The educational revolution initiated during the 1999-2003 and 2011-2015 periods has left an enduring mark, with numerous scholars benefiting from foreign scholarships.

However, the governors who presided over the state from 2015 to 2023 failed to implement any substantial policies for the state’s improvement. Criticism was leveled against the transformative programs introduced by H.E. Abba Kabir Yusuf, particularly after the mass wedding event known as “auren ‘yangata.” The sponsorship of 1001 first-class graduates further intensified opposition, with the former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, dismissing the program as useless.

This criticism seemingly stemmed from the program’s focus on underprivileged children, contrasting with Ganduje’s past sponsorship of his own children’s education abroad. The clash underscores a debate on priorities and equitable policies in Kano State.

Dr. Mansur Hassan is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano