Kano

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Kano state house of assembly has passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024 after scaling its third reading.  

The law has abrogated the establishment of five new Emirates in the state. All offices established under the repealed law have been set aside by the new bill. 

Also, all district heads elevated or appointed under the repealed law are to revert to their previous positions. 

The Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Law, 2024, was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing the Dala Constituency, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa.  

The law, which created five new emirates, was first assented to by ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on December 5, 2019. 

A principal officer of the assembly, who did not want his name mentioned, said, “No Jupiter can stop the assembly from amending the law.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Heavy security was present at the Kano House of Assembly on Wednesday as lawmakers commenced the amendment of the State Emirates Council law that created five Emirates.

The amendment, sponsored by the majority leader and member representing Dala constituency, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, scaled its first reading.

Armed security operatives from the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) took over strategic places at the assembly complex, while journalists who came to cover the day’s proceedings were asked to identify themselves before they were allowed entry.

All roads leading to the assembly complex were barricaded.The Kano state emirates council law, 2019, which created five new Emirates, was first assented to by the ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on December 5, 2019.

The governor assented to an amendment to the law on October 14, 2020, and signed another amendment on April 11, 2023.

Section 3(1) of the law established five distinct Emirates of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, with Kano and Karaye having eight local government areas of jurisdiction each, while Bichi and Gaya Emirates share nine local government areas of jurisdiction each, and Rano emirate enjoys jurisdiction over 10 local government areas out of the 44 local councils in the state.

Section 4 of the law established the state council of chiefs membership, which includes the five emirs, secretary to the state government, commissioner for local governments, and five chairmen, with one each from the Emirates, as well as 10 kingmakers and representatives from the business community and the security agencies, and not more than two appointees by the governor.

Section 5 provides for the chairmanship of the council of chiefs, which shall rotate among the emirs. When Emir Muhammad Sanusi, who chaired the council, was deposed on March 9, 2020, the law was amended to read, “there shall be the chairman of the council, who shall be the emir, Kano emirate.”

A principal officer of the Assembly, who does not want his name mentioned, said, “We were ready for this a long time ago, and only God can stop this amendment.

“We wanted all these emirs to go 20 days after this administration was inaugurated, but here we are. So, tomorrow (Thursday) there would be a special session of the assembly to consider and pass the amendment.”

However, the minority leader of the assembly, Abdul Labaran Madari, told BBC Hausa, “12 APC members in the assembly were not opposed to the amendment, provided none of the five Emirates would be dissolved, and the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, would not be deposed and replaced with Muhammad Sanusi.”

Madari said, “Though the NNPP lawmakers in the assembly have the numbers to effect the amendment, the opposition members would ventilate their opposition.” He added that the ruling party had perfected its plan to dissolve Bichi Emirate, as well as reinstate the deposed Emir Sanusi.

“The other emirates would be left with three local government areas of jurisdiction each.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has issued a 16-day ultimatum to the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to convene meetings of various party organs or face legal action.

In a letter dated May 21, 2024, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lukman requested that the President compel Ganduje to convene meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC), National Caucus, and the National Advisory Council (also known as the Board of Trustees) within 16 days.

These organs have not met since Ganduje assumed office on August 3, 2023, with only the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting regularly to oversee the party’s day-to-day operations.

The letter was copied to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum Hope Uzodinma, among others.

Lukman’s ultimatum emphasizes the need for the party’s organs to meet and make crucial decisions, warning of legal action if the meetings are not convened within the specified timeframe.

The letter reads in part, “l am compelled to kindly draw Your Excellency’s attention that as it is, our party is operating almost blindly without recourse to provisions of the APC Constitution. Meetings of organs as specified by relevant provisions of the APC Constitution are not taking place.

“Decisions, which established organs of the party are expected to take, are being taken by individual leaders outside those organs. One of the critical organs, the Board of Trustees, which is renamed National Advisory Council has not been inaugurated since the formation of the APC in July 2013.

“With such reality, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has appropriated the powers of all organs and in its name the National Chairman is taking discretionary decisions.

“With such reality, many of the decisions taken not only violate sections of the APC Constitution but also undermine Sections 221 — 229 of Part Il of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended as well as the Electoral Act 2022.

“I want to kindly demand that every necessary initiative should be started between now May 21, 2024 and June 7, 2024 to activate all organs of the APC in line with the extant provisions of the party’s constitution.

“Failure to do that will compel me as a patriotic Nigerian and loyal party member who has paid his dues to seek legal redress. Democracy is meaningless without functional political parties.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Kano State following a devastating fire incident at a mosque in Larabar Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of several worshippers.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, condemned the “heinous act” and prayed for a speedy recovery for those injured.

According to reports, a family dispute over inheritance led to the tragic incident, which occurred during the early morning prayer session at around 5:30 am.

The suspect, Shafiu Abubakar, allegedly set the mosque ablaze by spraying petroleum and locking the door, trapping approximately 40 worshippers inside.

President Tinubu strongly denounced the act of arson, directing law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the prosecution of those responsible.

He extended his sympathies to the bereaved families, all those affected, and prayed for the quick recovery of the wounded.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A 26-year-old man, Yusuf Abdullahi, was arraigned before a Kano State Sharia Court, Fagge, for allegedly assaulting his friend, Aminu Umar, resulting in the loss of a tooth.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Abdul Wada, the defendant and the complainant had a disagreement on May 9, which escalated into a physical altercation.

The defendant allegedly gave the complainant several blows to the head and body, causing injuries and resulting in the loss of a tooth.

The Khadi, Malam Umar Lawal-Abubakar, ordered the defendant to be remanded in a correctional center and adjourned the case until May 30 for further hearing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A devastating explosion rocked a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, on Wednesday, leaving 24 people critically injured.

The blast occurred during the early morning Subhi Prayer, sending shockwaves through the community. 

According to the Kano Police Command, the explosion is believed to have been caused by a petrol bomb, although a full investigation is still ongoing.

The police were quick to respond to the scene, cordoning off the area and rushing the victims to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment. 

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed that 20 male adults and 4 male children were among the injured.

He also revealed that the principal suspect, Shafi’u Abubakar, aged 38, has been arrested and is currently in police custody. 

According to the suspect, the explosion was a result of a prolonged family disagreement over inheritance.

He allegedly targeted those he believed had cheated him, who were present in the mosque at the time. 

The police have assured the public that a detailed investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released as it progresses. 

The victims and their families are in the thoughts and prayers of the community as they recover from this devastating incident.

 By Uzair Adam Imam

Sadiq Zubairu, previously employed by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), has admitted to the murder of his colleague, Bello Bukar Adamu, over an unresolved debt of N3 million. 

Adamu, a resident of Kano, went missing after allegedly receiving an urgent call from Zubairu. Two days later, Adamu’s body was discovered in Kumbotso Local Government Area.  

According to Abdullahi Abubakar, Adamu’s brother, Adamu had high hopes of securing a job offer with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and had entrusted Zubairu to facilitate the opportunity.

However, upon receiving the call from Zubairu, Adamu vanished. Police spokesperson Abdullahi Kiyawa confirmed Zubairu’s arrest and the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Zubairu reportedly confessed to conspiring with two others to lure Adamu to his house, where they fatally assaulted him and disposed of his body. 

Zubairu claimed the dispute arose from his inability to repay the N3 million debt he owed Adamu, which was taken under false pretenses of securing a job offer. 

The Daily Reality learned that hundreds gathered for Adamu’s burial, mourning the loss of a trusted colleague.  

Sani Bala, KEDCO’s spokesperson, expressed shock at the incident, stating that it was a personal matter unrelated to the company.

He clarified that Zubairu was no longer an employee at the time of the incident.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The New Incentive All Babies Are Equal has recognised five local governments in Kano State with a cash award of N150,000 each for their steadfast dedication to child vaccination efforts in their respective areas. 

Mubarak Bawa, the Operations Coordinator of the programme, revealed that the selection criteria for the award included metrics such as enrollment figures, retention rates for the Penta vaccine, vaccine supply management, documentation accuracy, and the extent of vaccination-related activities, all based on data from 2023. 

Bawa disclosed this information during the ‘Kano State and LGA Award’ ceremony held at The Afficent Event Center in Nassarawa GRA, Kano.

He stated the program’s overarching goal of efficiently saving lives. 

He further stated that a significant achievement in Kano, where over 520,000 infants were enrolled, and a total disbursement exceeding N1.4 billion, facilitated more than 5 million vaccinations across the state. 

The event, conducted in collaboration with the Kano state government, aimed to recognise the dedicated efforts of individuals and organisations in boosting childhood immunisation rates and saving lives in the state. 

Out of the 44 local governments in Kano, five were awarded N150,000 each based on criteria such as enrollments, penta retention rate, vaccine supply, documentation, and activities using 2023 data.

The awarded local governments were Nassarawa, Tsanyawa, Dawakin Tofa, Takai, and Minjibir, respectively. 

He added that, “Since 2017, we have been actively coordinating with state governments and LGAs to provide cash incentives to increase childhood vaccinations in Northern Nigeria.” 

He also noted the importance of incentivizing efforts, stating, “Data shows that rewarding people for their efforts helps increase engagement and accountability—leading to a more productive and efficient system as we work toward our common goals.” 

In recognition of his outstanding dedication to enrollments, immunisation rates, activities, and stakeholder engagement, Kamilu Ahmad Musa was awarded N30,000 as the best NI-ABAE manager in Kano State. 

Dr. Nasir Mahmoud Muhammad, the Kano Director General of the Primary Healthcare Management Board, commended the New Incentive All Babies are Equal for their support towards the state’s Primary Healthcare program.  

He noted, “The New Incentive Kano State Management Board recognized local government areas that are excelling in the provision of immunization.  

“Based on the criteria and ranking, we selected the best local governments out of the 44, who gathered here and were recognized,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fahad Danladi, a proud father from Kano, Nigeria, who resides in the United States, has taken to social media to celebrate his daughter Fariha’s outstanding academic achievements.

Fariha was rewarded with a brand new bike for her hard work and dedication to her studies. 

Fahad, who was overjoyed by his daughter’s success, shared the news on Twitter, saying, “I’m beaming with pride to share that my 2nd daughter, Fariha Danladi, has been rewarded with a brand new bike for her outstanding academic achievements in school! Her hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see her excel. Congratulations, Fariha, on this well-deserved recognition!” 

Fariha’s achievement is a testament to the importance of hard work and determination, and serves as an inspiration to her peers and the Nigerian community in the US.

Her family and community appeared to be proud of her accomplishments.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Police Command in Kano State clarified that the recall of police officers from the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) is solely for the purpose of conducting a staff audit, contrary to speculations of political vendetta. 

The Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, explained to reporters in Kano that the recall aims to ascertain the precise number of police personnel seconded to the commission since 2015. 

Gumel noted that the move is a response to numerous complaints received through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU), alleging highhandedness and deviation from assigned duties by the police attached to the commission. 

“The exercise was simply a response to series of reports received through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU),” Gumel stated. 

“They portrayed policemen attached to the commission as being highhanded and deviating from the expected role of providing static guard and other duties at the commission.” 

Gumel further clarified, “For the purposes of clarity, members of the public are to note that the object of the ongoing staff audit is basically to address the litany of complaints as reported by sections of the media.” 

He expressed that the audit became necessary to rectify anomalies in the commission’s operations, where police officers were reportedly involved in arrests and investigations, deviating from their original mandate. 

“In summary the step is towards ensuring a better and effective service delivery by the policemen devoid of abuse of process in the interest of the people,” Gumel added. 

The Commissioner also revealed that similar audits were conducted in the past, with officers returning to their duty posts upon conclusion. 

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has approved the immediate return of some police officers providing guard duty at the commission who have undergone the audit process. 

“Should the commission require more policemen for other duties than what has been expressly approved by the IGP, it should apply to IGP for approval and deployment,” according Gumel.