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BREAKING: Kano Gov Abba Yusuf dumps NNPP

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The governor of Kano state, Abba Yusuf has formally announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Yusuf announced this in a statement issued by his media aide Sunusi Tofa on Friday, January 23.

According to Tofa, the governor cited the growing internal crisis which has continued to rock the party and its leadership.

Tofa added that the governor in a letter addressed to the chairman of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area said his resignation as a member of the party is with effect.

“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party,” Yusuf’s letter said.

Continuing, Tofa added that the governor said that in recent times, the NNPP has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes, many of which are presently before the courts for judicial determination.

“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both state and national levels,” Yusuf said.

He also appreciated members of the party and its leadership for presenting the platform and support to deliver good governance to the people of Kano States.

“I remain sincerely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the party, its leadership, and members across Kano State to be part of its political journey since 2022, as well as the support, goodwill, and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party.

In addition to this, Tofa said in the statement that the governor will be leaving the party alongside 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen across the state.

 

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Kano govt suspends doctors who left scissors in patient’s stomach

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has admitted that the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, was caused by medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano.

In a statement, its Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, said preliminary investigation ordered by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, confirmed that surgical scissors were left inside the patient’s body after a procedure.

The Board announced the immediate suspension of three personnel directly involved in the case from clinical duties.

It also referred the matter to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for further investigation and disciplinary measures in line with professional standards and the law.

“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement read.

Daily Trust had earlier reported how Aishatu Umar died after doctors allegedly abandoned surgical scissors in her stomach following an operation at the government-owned Urology Centre in Kano.

Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, narrated that his wife suffered severe complications after the surgery, which eventually led to her death despite repeated complaints to the hospital.

The incident sparked outrage among residents and raised concerns about poor oversight and accountability in public health facilities.

Many Nigerians also took to social media to demand justice for the deceased and reforms in the healthcare system.

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Kano Government Bans Live Broadcasts of Political Programs

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kano State Government has banned live political programmes and prohibited journalists from asking “provocative” questions during media interviews.

In a statement issued after a meeting with media executives on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, declared a ban on live political programmes across all media platforms in the state.

The statement, signed by the Director of Special Duties in the Ministry, Sani Abba Yola, also introduced stringent new guidelines for journalists and media guests.

According to the statement, anyone appearing on air for interviews must now sign an undertaking to avoid making abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks.

Presenters are also prohibited from asking what the government describes as “provocative questions” or using suggestive gestures that could elicit controversial responses or damage the image of the state.

Waiya defended the measures, insisting that the aim is not to muzzle the press or suppress political dissent, but to preserve what he called the “sanctity of Kano’s cultural and religious values.”

He said the state had made “remarkable progress” in reducing hate speech and unethical broadcasting practices following earlier collaborations with media leaders.

“Our goal is responsible communication that respects our values. This policy is about protecting our dignity, not about targeting opposition voices,” he stated.

However, critics have described the move as a clear attempt to tighten control over the media and silence critical voices under the guise of morality and cultural preservation.

“This is censorship disguised as cultural protection,” said a Kano-based journalist who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal. “Banning live political debates and policing journalists’ questions is a dangerous precedent — it shrinks civic space and weakens democracy.”

Media observers have raised alarm over what they see as a growing pattern of authoritarianism in Kano’s media environment.

The recent detention of Kano Times editor Buhari Abba and journalist Ismail Auwal — allegedly on the orders of Waiya after they published a critical article — has further fueled concerns about shrinking press freedom in the state.

Human rights organizations are urging the Kano government to reverse the ban and allow journalists to do their work without fear of intimidation or censorship.

“Protecting cultural values should not come at the expense of free expression and the public’s right to information,” said a statement from a local press freedom advocacy group. “True democracy thrives on robust dialogue, not silence.”

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Emir Sanusi II Defies Police Ban, Leads Hawan Nasarawa Durbar Procession

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, has led the traditional Hawan Nasarawa Durbar despite a police ban on the event. The historic procession, a key part of Kano’s rich cultural heritage, took place amid heightened tensions.

The police had earlier prohibited the Durbar, citing security concerns, but Emir Sanusi II proceeded with the revered tradition, drawing massive public support.

Traditionally, the event features the Emir and his entourage riding on horseback in a grand procession from his palace to the Government House to pay homage to the governor.

Held on the third day of Shawwal, Hawan Nasarawa is a significant highlight of Eid celebrations in Kano.

However, this year, Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori issued a ban on all durbar activities, citing security threats.

In response, Emir Sanusi II opted to conduct the Hawan Nasarawa in a motorcade rather than the usual horseback procession.

The Emir, accompanied by his entourage, departed the palace in a grand motorcade and proceeded to the Government House, where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received him, maintaining the longstanding tradition.

Notably, this year’s event also saw a deviation from the usual route traditionally taken during the procession.

Despite these changes, the Emir’s motorcade was cheered on by a joyous crowd as it made its way to the Government House.

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Kano Airport runway temporarily shut after Max Air tyre burst incident

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The runway at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport has been temporarily closed for inspection and clearance after a Max Air plane suffered a tyre burst while landing on Tuesday night.

The aircraft, Flight VM1605 (registration 5N-MBD), experienced a tyre burst while landing at 10:57 p.m. All 53 passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries.

The aircraft was removed from the runway to Taxiway B at 4:28 a.m. on Wednesday. As the runway remains closed for inspection, flight disruptions are expected.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered a thorough runway inspection before reopening.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also launched an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, Max Air has apologized for the inconvenience and promised to provide updates on flight schedules.

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53 passengers escape death as Max Air suffers tyre burst in Kano airport

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft, registration number 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano on Tuesday night, January 28.

The incident occurred at 10:57 PM as Flight VM1605 arrived from Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. All 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated without injuries.

Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft lost its nose landing gear tyre during landing. As of now, Max Air has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

This event adds to several similar incidents involving Max Air’s fleet. In May 2023, the same aircraft, 5N-MBD, suffered multiple tyre bursts upon landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Additionally, in July 2024, another Max Air Boeing 737 experienced a tyre burst during takeoff at Yola Airport.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has previously conducted audits on Max Air following such incidents, identifying several safety and maintenance violations.

Despite these findings, the airline has continued its operations.

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Gov Yusuf sacks SSG, Chief of Staff, 5 commissioners

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has reshuffled his cabinet, sacking the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioner of Information and four other commissioners.

According to his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa the development forms part of a major political decision to effect pragmatic political realignment of his administration.

According to the statement by Bature, Governor Yusuf maintained the much awaited decision that finally came to enable optimum performance that will drive more dividends of democracy to the good people of Kano State.

Those affected by the major shakeup are the Chief of Staff, Alh. Shehu Wada Sagagi whose office is now scrapped, and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, who was dropped on health ground.

According to Bature, Governor Yusuf removed some cabinet members and reassigned others to enhance administrative performance and political retool.

Those who retained their positions are Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar, Commissioner for Budget and Planning Hon Musa Suleiman Shannon and Commissioner for Works and Housing Engr. Marwan Ahmad.

Also retained are Commissioner for Solid and Mineral Resources, Sefiyanu Hamza, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Shiekh Ahmad Tijani Auwal, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya and that of Internal Security and Special Services, Major General Mohammad Inuwa Idris Rtd.

According to the statement, those reassigned are the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam, who was moved from Ministry of Local Government to Higher Education; Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman moved from Science and Technology to Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata from Higher Education to Science, Technology and Innovation.

Others on reassignment list include Hon. Amina Abdullahi from Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to Ministry for Women, Children and Disable; Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo, from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to Ministry of Special Duties.

Also, the Governor has directed the Chief of Staff and the five commissioners that are dropped to report to the office of the Governor for possible reassignment.

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Diverted Palliative Rice worth N1bn uncovered in Kano warehouse

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Agency said, on Tuesday, it uncovered a warehouse where diverted palliative rice worth N1bn was being kept.

The agency said the warehouse, located along Ring Road in the Nasarawa Local Government Area, was sealed during an operation led by its Chairman, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado.

According to the agency, bags of rice with the picture of President Bola Tinubu and the inscription ‘Ramadan Kareem’ were found in the warehouse.

Speaking to newsmen after the operation, Rimin-Gado said the facility was stockpiled with 28 trucks of the rice allegedly diverted by some individuals for re-bagging.

The chairman said the diversion of the commodity was an illegal and corrupt act which would not be condoned by the agency.

“In a nutshell, this is a clear form of corruption because this is a property meant for the public. Considering the hardship we have today, somebody has the temerity to come and start re-bagging it.

“We recovered a re-bagging machine for repacking and re-bagging rice meant for the public.

So, we are here based on investigative activities. We are armed with our search warrant, arrest warrant and court order,” Rimin-Gado said.

He said the agency would conduct a thorough investigation with a view to uncovering those behind the theft.

“For now, we have arrested one person and we will make sure we uncover those behind it and forestall these kinds of activities,” he said.

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Kano polls: 20 chairmanship aspirants test positive for drug abuse

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

At least 20 chairmanship aspirants for the Local Government elections in Kano State have tested positive for drugs including Cannabis.

This was disclosed by the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday, September 10.

According to the agency’s Kano State commander, Abubakar Ahmed, the candidates tested positive for multiple drugs during the screening for the LG elections in the state.

Ahmed the aspirants, mostly those presented. H the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) tested positive for prohibited substances including nicotine, hemp benzodiazepines and opioids.

While none of the female aspirants tested positive for any of the drugs, the NDLEA assured that the screening process would continue.

He also said that during this process more aspirants would be tested by the agency to ensure that those vying for positions are clean from any form of substance use and abuse.

Ahmed added that once the process is completed, the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) will go ahead with its final verification exercise for aspirants.

KANSIEC had earlier said that the LG elections in the state will be held on October 26, 2024.

According to the commission, a total of 44 chairmanships and 484 councillor positions will be contested by different parties across the state.

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Kano journalist remanded in prison for allegedly insulting Gov Yusuf in Facebook post

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A magistrate court in Kano has ordered the remand of Muktar Dahiru, a journalist with Pyramid FM Kano, in a correctional centre following allegations of making a Facebook post deemed “insulting” to Abba Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State.

Dahiru was arrested on Thursday and secretly charged before Magistrate Court 24 at Gyadi Gyadi on charges of criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult.

The presiding magistrate, Ummah Kurawa, ordered Dahiru’s remand pending the hearing of his bail application, scheduled for September 3.

The controversial Facebook post reportedly involved the sharing of an audio interview with an opposition politician who accused Governor Yusuf of corruption.

The politician called for federal anti-corruption agencies to investigate the “Novomed scandal” rather than leaving the matter to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCCAC).

The scandal in question centers around a multi-billion-naira drug procurement scam, which recently led to the arrest of five individuals by the Kano anti-corruption agency.

Among those arrested was Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and the managing director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals.

The accused were charged with violating public procurement laws by allegedly conspiring to award a contract for drug supplies to Novomed.

In addition to the Facebook post, Dahiru is accused of publishing an audio program in which one individual criticized the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, for allegedly living a lavish lifestyle while portraying himself as sympathetic to the poor.

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