Kano

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared a 24-hour curfew throughout the state, effective immediately, in response to the escalating violence and disruptions that have emerged amid civil demonstrations. 

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the decision was made unanimously during an Emergency State Security Council meeting. 

The governor stated that the curfew is necessary to restore order and ensure the safety of communities, following the hijacking of peaceful protests by thugs and hoodlums who engaged in looting, destruction of property, and violence against innocent citizens. 

“The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities,” said Governor Yusuf.

“It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses.” 

The governor called on citizens to remain vigilant and united, saying, “Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals to divide us. Together, we can navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient Kano State.” 

All security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure full compliance with the curfew, and citizens are urged to heed this directive for their safety and well-being.

By Uzair Adam

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has condemned the senseless destruction of the NCC’s Digital Innovation Park in Kano.

The facility, poised for launch next week, was ravaged by fire and looted during the protests on Thursday.

This cutting-edge hub was designed to turbocharge Nigeria’s technical talent accelerator program (3MTT) and host various initiatives, including a buildathon holiday maker program for secondary school kids commencing next week.

Dr. Tijani expressed his dismay on social media, stating, “Devastated to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano, slated for launch next week to supercharge our technical talent accelerator (3MTT), has been reduced to ashes and plundered by protesters.”

The minister stated the devastating impact of this destruction on planned initiatives, saying, “In addition to #3MTT, this facility was set to host our buildathon holiday maker program for secondary school kids starting next week.”

He also lamented the loss, saying, “A staggering amount of resources, worth millions of Naira, have been squandered.”

This incident unfolded amidst widespread unrest in Kano, where protesters targeted the yet-to-be-commissioned NCC Industrial Park.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Jibawa Community in Gaya Local Government Area, Kano State, are sounding the alarm over the dire condition of their local healthcare centre. 

The facility, which serves a population of over 13,000, including vulnerable women and children, has deteriorated to a shocking state, posing a significant threat to their health and wellbeing. 

Photos of the clinic reveal a hazardous environment, with collapsed ceilings and wards overrun by bats, making it uninhabitable for patients. 

The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of medical personnel and equipment, leaving residents to fend for themselves in times of medical need. 

Expectant mothers are forced to embark on a treacherous 5-kilometre journey to neighbouring communities in search of healthcare, while others face a harrowing experience in their quest for medical attention. 

In a desperate plea for help, the community is calling on the Kano State government, Federal Ministry of Health, and Kano Ministry of Health to intervene and address the facility’s deplorable state. 

They are urging for immediate reconstruction, equipping, and staffing of the healthcare center to ensure residents have access to quality medical care.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The High Court in Kano State has issued a permanent injunction in favour of Emir Sanusi, prohibiting the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and four other former Emirs from parading themselves as Emirs. 

The ruling explicitly states that the former Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, along with their employees and representatives, are forbidden from portraying themselves as Emirs. 

This decision comes after the Kano State government took legal action to prevent the deposed emirs from using their royal titles and residing in their palaces. 

The government had earlier issued a 48-hour notice for the emirs to vacate their palaces following their deposition. 

With this ruling, the court has reinforced the government’s stance, solidifying Emir Sanusi’s position as the rightful Emir of Kano. 

The ruling is going to take another dimension in the ongoing dispute over the Emirship of Kano, and it is expected to bring clarity and stability to the traditional institution in the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said no fewer than 25 persons died while 53 persons were injured in an accident that occurred along the Kano-Kaduna highway on Monday. 

The corps’ public education officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said this in a statement in Abuja. 

He said the crash involved a trailer conveying about 90 persons at about 03:15 a.m. Mr Ogungbemide said the accident was caused by a speed violation that eventually led the vehicle to lose control. 

“However, the FRSC emergency and rescue team was able to rescue 12 persons without injury from the crash. 

“The rescued victims have been taken to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for proper medical attention,’’ he said. 

Mr Ogungbemide said the truck driver had been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution. 

The spokesman, however, quoted the FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as calling on traditional and religious leaders to join FRSC in the campaign against conveying humans, goods, and animals by trailers. 

Mr Shehu also implored them to caution their subjects against travelling on such trailers.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has expressed profound sadness over the tragic loss of 14 worshippers who were crushed by a trailer after Friday prayers in Kano State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, which occurred in Imawa town, Kura LGA of Kano State.

Senator Barau commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of the injured.

He described the incident as “shocking” and offered his deepest condolences to those affected.

The statement read, “With profound sadness, we mourn the tragic loss of 14 worshippers crushed by a trailer after Juma’at prayers on Friday in Kano.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. We offer our deepest condolences in this hour of unimaginable grief.

“We pray for the souls of the departed to rest in Aljanatul Firdausi and for the Almighty Allah to grant strength and comfort to those they left behind,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A tragic incident occurred in the Kuntau area of Gwale Local Government Area, Kano State, on Friday morning, resulting in the collapse of a one-storey building.

Reports indicate that eight people lost their lives in the disaster. 

The building, which was under construction, collapsed during a rainstorm, trapping 15 people, including the owner, workers, and passersby who had sought shelter inside.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as neighbors and bystanders rushed to assist those trapped under the rubble. 

Seven victims were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Unfortunately, one person succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital. 

Efforts are ongoing to ensure no one else is trapped in the debris.

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.”

If I were Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, I would respectfully refrain from interfering in Kano politics, as it is not an election season.

Despite my desire to influence the state’s affairs, I would acknowledge that my time in charge has passed, and I would allow Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to lead as he sees fit.

I have had my time and made significant decisions, even challenging my former long-term boss.

Furthermore, I would prioritize the well-being and safety of the state and its people above my personal political ambitions.

Given my tainted record, I would strive to preserve the remaining respect that some people still hold for me.

Peace.

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim writes from Cologne, Germany.

It is challenging, if not impossible, to raise a child, have him educated and employed, and then simply let him go without expecting anything in return. You may also want to guide him in his work. Determining the appropriate time to grant the child complete independence is a complex matter.

The relationship between Sen. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf exemplifies the above dynamic. Despite Senator Kwankwaso’s claims or desires to refrain from interfering in Engineer Yusuf’s work, it is inherently difficult to do so.

On Abba’s part, he feels a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness towards Kwankwaso. This gratitude naturally leads him to want to please his benefactor. Therefore, even if Kwankwaso were to distance himself, Abba would (and should) strive to do his utmost to fulfill the expectations and preferences of his mentor.

Godfatherism exists globally, particularly in democratic systems. I dislike it. I cherish my freedom and independence of thought, especially on matters related to Nigeria. Therefore, this post is not an endorsement of it.

Still, if I were Kwankwaso, I would try harder to stay away from the affairs of governance in Kano. I believe Abba is a competent protégé and old enough to lead the state. In fact, I would stop him from trying to please me, such as when he wanted to appoint my son as a commissioner. I would remind him to stop the vendetta and focus his energy elsewhere.

Anyway, I am not a politician. I am an academic. I wish my state and country all the best.

Peace.

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim writes from Cologne, Germany.