“I was stranded and didn’t know what to do, I just kept trekking,” one of the residents affected by the strike lamented.
Channels Television gathered that the riders are aggrieved because they are asked to pay N8,000 as the annual renewal of their operating permit.
The Director, Kano State Road Traffic Agency Bappa Angudi described the strike as baseless because a serene and safe environment is derived from revenue generation.
“The reason why there is peace in Kano is due to the efforts made by the government and security agents in the state. This entails spending a lot of money and revenue is required to take care of all these things.
“The law says they must pay their revenue and they don’t want to pay. They have once gone to court and the court ruled that they should obey the law and pay,” Angudi said.
Also in an interview with Channels Television, the Secretary of Tricycle Operators Association in Kano said most of the tricycle operators do not belong to the association and do not comply with regulations.
Meanwhile, Kano residents said they are hopeful that the strike will be called off as soon as possible so they can return to their normal lives.
Tricycle operators provide almost 99 per cent of Kano’s main means of transportation and its environs.
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, says he has no regret supporting Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to succeed him as the Chief Executive of the state.
During his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Senator Kwankwaso spoke about his relationship with Governor Ganduje in the past, as well as how they both worked together until 2015.
“I have no regret whatsoever because we are still strong, much stronger than 2015. Not only in Kano but across the country and beyond,” he said.
Kwankwaso was first elected governor of the north-western state in 1999 and was re-elected in 2011, completing his eight years allowed by the Constitution.
When Ganduje became governor, Kwankwaso was a Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District in 2015.
Though elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his then deputy, Abdullahi Ganduje, succeeded him in 2015 as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“He (Ganduje) was my deputy from 1999 to 2003 and, of course, my SA when I was the Minister of Defence and thereafter in 2007, I lobbied the then President Yar’Adua and, of course, he got a job in the Chad Republic to be the Executive Secretary of Chad Basin,” the governor said.
“He was there when I got a ticket in 2010. I asked him to resign and come back to Nigeria to be my deputy. When I was going, I thought we should have an inclusive government by supporting him to become governor.”
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso speaks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on January 09, 2022.
Fake News
Kwankwaso admitted that the first three years of exiting the Government House were tough because of the actions of his successor, a situation that forced him out of Kano despite being a member of the 9th Senate.
Asked if he plans to dump the PDP, the former governor said he has not discussed the possibility of joining the ruling party as his focus was to work with the PDP to win the 2023 general elections.
“I have never told anybody that I have decided to go to the APC or any other party for that matter,” he said. “I am in PDP and I have seen so many speculations over a long period, especially from my brothers and sisters in the APC that I am planning to move from the PDP to the APC.
“I think it is just fake news, even though it makes me feel very happy. Many people in the APC, those who have worked together with me in that party are sending all these sorts of messages around.
“But I am happy to say that we are working very hard to ensure that we have success in the forthcoming elections.”
Yobe state Governor and Chairman APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Hon. Mai Mala Buni has condoled the family of Late Alh. Othman Bashir Tofa, the government, and the people of Kano State over the former presidential candidate’s demise.
Governor Buni said he has received the news with deep sorrow and sadness, noting that “he (TOFA) was an iconic politician who shares the values of politics as a call to service, to promote good governance and to improve the lives of the electorates”.
Buni added that the “late Tofa was a fine gentleman, a true democrat and a nationalist with a definition of politics as a tool for service delivery”.
The governor, who is also the chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee, said Nigeria lost the politician at a time when the country’s democracy needs his wise counselling.
He prayed Allah to grant Tofa eternal rest in Aljannatur Firdausi and to grant his family, associates, and the people of Kano State the fortitude to bear the loss.
The governors of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa have signed the budget for the 2022 fiscal year in their respective states.
While signing a budget of N278.58 billion for Kaduna, Governor Nasir El-Rufai assured residents that the budget would be faithfully implemented to advance public welfare, as well as develop human capital and infrastructure.
The signed budget allocates N184.53 billion to capital expenditure and N94.05 billion to recurrent, a ratio of 66%:37%. The signing ceremony, held at the Government House, was attended by the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, and principal officers of the legislature, commissioners, and other aides of the governor.
Governor El-Rufai was pleased that for the seventh consecutive year, Kaduna has continued to sign its appropriation bill into law well ahead of the first day of January.
He attributed the trend to the active collaboration between the House of Assembly and the executive for the benefit of the people of the state.
The governor described the budget as a budget of the people, as well as a budget of sustainable growth, and commended the lawmakers for their thorough work on the draft budget estimates.
In neighbouring Kano, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje signed the 2022 budget of over N212 billion into law during a State Executive Council meeting attended by principal officers in Government House.
He commended the public hearing held in October at the State House of Assembly which allowed for public contributions as it was all-inclusive for participation at all levels.
The governor promised to ensure that capital projects would be completed at the end of his tenure, saying the bill tagged Budget for Consolidation and Prosperity was meant for that purpose.
On his part, Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State signed a budget of over N340 billion into law, a figure less than N17 billion from the initial N340 billion earlier proposed and presented to the State House of Assembly in November.
Speaker of the House, Tasi’u Zango, while presenting the appropriation bill to the governor, explained that the budget witnessed modest adjustment after careful study by the lawmakers.
The capital expenditure now stands at N223 billion, representing 68 per cent while recurrent expenditure is now over N100 billion, representing 30 per cent of the total budget.
Just as his Katsina counterpart, Governor Badaru Abubakar signed a total of N177.7 billion as the budget for Jigawa State for the 2022 fiscal year.
The bill, presented by the Speaker of the House accompanied by some principal officers, has the education and health sectors engulfing almost half of the entire budget.
Fire has gutted the office of Senator Barau Jibrin of Kano North Senatorial District in the early hours of Tuesday on Maiduguri Road in Kano metropolis.
Maiduguri road is known for business activities in the busy area.
However, the ever-busy environment was interrupted with the appearance of a large crowd made up of mostly youth.
The chief security guard of the building, Saminu Idris who was at the scene told Channels Television what happened.
“I saw a large crowd of young men advancing towards the office in the morning at around 8.30 am, before we knew what was happening they took our phones from us, picked our generating set and started breaking windows and burning furniture and we took off for safety,” he said.
The guard said he couldn’t recognise anyone of them but they were all carrying different types of sticks, knives and cutlasses.
There was heavy presence of policemen at the scene of the burnt campaign office which was yet to be opened for political activities.
The Kano State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to fish out the culprits.
The boat involved in the accident is seen in this photo taken on November 30, 2021.
Twenty people have been confirmed dead with seven others rescued after a boat carrying passengers capsized in Bagwai River in Bagwai Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State.
According to an eyewitness, the accident happened on Tuesday evening.
Authorities of the Kano State Police Command confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Wednesday.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abdullahi Haruna, said a rescue mission was underway, adding that the number of people involved in the accident cannot be ascertained yet.
“20 bodies have been recovered, and we were able to rescue seven,” he said. “The boat was overloaded with passengers numbering 40 to 50 passengers.
“We are doing our best to rescue other passengers or recover their bodies.”
The helmsman of the canoe and two other male passengers were among those rescued by fire servicemen and local fishermen close to the river bank.
Channels Television gathered that the canoe was carrying Islamiyah schoolchildren and other passengers from Badau village to Bagwai LGA where they were expected to board a vehicle to Tofa LGA for the Maulud celebration.
“The body of a woman and her baby have been found, and multiple Islamiyah students. The driver and six other passengers have also been taken to hospital,” an eyewitness said.
“We have counted over 40 pairs of shoes. Right now police have arrived and fire servicemen and also local fishermen are on a rescue mission. We need assistance from anyone who can bring torchlight or can participate in the rescue effort.”
See photos from the scene of the incident below:
Sympathisers and onllokers at the scene of the rescue operation.
The accident occurred in Kano State on November 30, 2021.
An FCT High Court on Tuesday sacked the All Progressives Congress (APC) Exco loyal to the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Delivering a ruling on the reliefs sought by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Justice Hamza Muazu, granted all the reliefs sought.
The Shekarau faction is seeking a declaration that the Ganduje-led group did not conduct ward and local government congresses.
Recall that parallel congresses were held in Kano, with Abdullahi Abbas emerging as Chairman of the Ganduje-led group and Ahmadu Zago emerging Chairman of the Shekarau-led group.
The court granted the reliefs seeking a declaration that the Plaintiffs are the authentic and democratically elected exco and ought to be recognised by the Defendants as the 27 elected ward executive committee members for each of the 484 Wards in Kano State; 5-elected Ward delegates for or to each of the 44-Local Government Areas; and 5 – elected Ward delegates per ward for or to the State Party Congress on July, 31 2021.
The court also granted reliefs nullifying, voiding, and or setting aside any other list of any other report or directives given by the Defendants on 9th August 2021 or any other date, other than the valid, and authentic summary result sheets for Ward Congress, Elected Delegates and State Delegates of Kano State consisting of the Plaintiffs’ names as the duly, valid and democratically elected Ward Executive Committees, Ward Delegates to the Local Government Areas and Ward delegates to the State Party Congress of the APC of Kano State.
An order of perpetual injunction was also granted, restraining the Defendants from receiving, accepting and or acting or purporting to act on, rely on, or approving any other list or purported list emanating from other than the duly constituted Ward Congress Committee (WCC) of the APC consisting of the names of the Plaintiffs as the 27 elected ward executive committee members for each of the 484 Wards in Kano State,
5-elected Ward delegates for or to each of the 44-Local Government Areas and 5 – Elected Ward delegates per Ward for or to the State Party Congress of the APC.
The late Dangote’s body was received by family members earlier in the day.
The Vice President of the Dangote Group, Sani Dangote, has been buried in Kano State.
Sani Dangote’s burial took place on Wednesday at the Palace of the Emir of Kano.
Earlier, the remains of Aliko Dangote’s younger brother arrived at the Aminu Kano International Airport. Family members were on the ground to receive his body.
The late Sani Dangote died on Sunday, according to a statement by the Dangote Group.
Those who attended the burial include Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State; Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Senate President Farouk Lawan; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and other dignitaries.
Since his demise, condolence messages have been coming from various leaders across the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari, aside from an earlier call to the Dangote family, also sent a delegation to represent him at the burial of Aliko’s younger brother who died after a protracted illness in the United States.
In a message to Alhaji Aminu Dantata, the patriarch of the Dantata family, and to the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko, President Buhari described the deceased as an honest business leader with a reputation for integrity.
According to a letter sent through the delegation led by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Buhari said the late Sani Dangote was “an exemplary person who, along with his brother, Aliko demonstrated the power of human spirit and determination.”
Buhari said the late business tycoon was a man of integrity.
He thanked the Dangote family for spreading happiness and giving the country an appreciable identity to the world.
President Buhari equally prayed to Allah to grant fortitude to the Dantata and Dangote families over the loss.
The delegation met Hajiya Mariya Sunusi Dantata, the mother of the Dangote’s, and also consoled the Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and through him consoled the Emirate Council and the people of Kano.
The delegation was also received by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who thanked the President for sending a powerful delegation to the burial.
A delegation from the President also attended the burial ceremony held in Kano.
The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko, and his uncle, Alhaji Aminu Dantata expressed appreciation to the President and prayed in turn for his good health and the success of the administration he leads.
Several dignitaries attended Sani Dangote’s burial.
In addition to Sirika, the delegation included the Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mahmud Mohammed; Minister of Power, Engineer Abubakar Aliyu; Director-General DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi and the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
All members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) seeking election into executive offices in Kano State will be subjected to a mandatory drug test, authorities have said.
The Commissioner for Information in Kano, Muhammad Garba, disclosed this in a statement on Monday ahead of the party’s state congress scheduled for October 16.
He advised all aspirants to visit the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano from Tuesday by 7am.
Garba, who explained that the decision was part of the government’s policy to rid Kano of illicit substances, warned that no contestant would be screened without undergoing the mandatory drug test.
He stated that similar tests were carried out for contestants in local government elections, as well as political appointees, including members of the state executive council before offering them portfolios.
The commissioner revealed that Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had already informed the state office of NDLEA for the conduct of the tests.
He warned that the government would not hesitate to issue necessary disciplinary measures against anyone found with a trace of illicit substance, including a compulsory recommendation for rehabilitation.
Garba said during the conduct of similar tests on contestants for the local government election, at least 13 councillorship candidates were disqualified and replaced based on reports by the NDLEA after they tested positive for drugs.
According to him, the present administration has been passionate about fighting illicit drug trafficking and abuse and has instituted programmes aimed at curtailing drug abuse in the state.
The commissioner said the measure included setting up and streamlining activities of the state’s Task Force Committee on Illicit Drugs, which has intercepted and destroyed drugs worth billions of naira.
Operatives of the Kano State Command have rescued dozens of people from an illegal rehabilitation centre.
The victims, numbering 47 and all males, regained freedom on Thursday following a raid of the illegal facility at ‘Yar Akwa community of Unguwa Uku district in Tarauni Local Government Area of the state.
Mr Haruna Kiyawa, who is the Police Public Relations Officer in Kano, confirmed the rescue of the victims to Channels Television on Friday.
He explained that the operation resulted in the arrest of two of the operators of the facility, saying the rescued persons were between the ages of 12 – 30.
Four of the victims who were in chains with varying degrees of injury have been taken to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for treatment, the command’s spokesman said.
He assured the people of the community and residents of the state that the arrested operators would be charged as soon as the police were done with the investigations.
WATCH: Police Uncover ‘Rehabilitation Centre’ With Chained, Maltreated Children In Daura
One of the inmates who hailed from Lagos State decried the humiliating condition they were subjected to at the centre.
The rescue of the victims comes almost two years since authorities in Kano banned operations of illegal rehabilitation centres across all local government areas in the state.
Security operatives busted several illegal rehabilitation centres across some states in the northern region of the country, including Kaduna, Katsina, and Kwara States two years ago.
On October 12, 2019, a team of police operatives uncovered and shut down an Islamic home housing some children subjected to inhumane treatment in the Sabon Garin Daura area of Katsina State.
The building was discovered after some of the boys held at the facility fled and staged a demonstration in protest of the alleged violation of human rights at the centre.
WATCH: How We Were Sexually Abused In Illegal Kaduna Rehab Centre – Victim
Owned by one of the most famous and respected Islamic scholars in Daura, Bello Mai Almajirai, the centre is said to house people perceived to be outlaws from their parents and society.
Barely a week after the operation, security operatives invaded another illegal facility known as Malam Niga’s Rehabilitation Centre in Kaduna State.
Five days after the invasion, security operatives busted another illegal facility where over 100 victims living in inhuman condition were rescued.
Security issues continue to dominate the news in Nigeria and across the world. The passing week had its fair share of security-related matters making the rounds, with the attack on Nigeria’s Defence Academy stirring many questions.
Having examined the stories published in the course of the passing week, here are the top quotes that best relay the tone and mood of most of what transpired within the week in focus.
1. “The security architecture of the Nigerian Defence Academy was compromised early this morning by unknown gunmen.”
A front view of the NDA Headquarters in Kaduna State.
2. “We must compromise somebody, either through blackmail or through incentives – maybe we give money; or we try to indoctrinate that person. We can’t succeed without an inside person.”
Commodore Olawunmi believes the Nigerian government is not sincere in the fight against Boko Haram.
Former Nigerian Navy Commodore, Kunle Olawunmi, says the bandits who attacked the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Tuesday did so with help of at least one insider.
3. “Nigeria will continue to exist because the cost for us for Nigeria not to continue to exist is much more than the cost for us to make Nigeria continue to exist.”
A file photo of former President Olusegun Obasanjo
4. “Today, based on our dialogue and reconciliation, we used the repentant bandits to secure the release of these students.”
A file photo of Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.
Governor Bello Matawalle, speaks on how students released from the den of their captors were released through the help of some repentant bandits.
5. “He sorely will be missed”
Sir Victor Uwaifo was a multi-talented musician, songwriter, sculptor, and professor.
Buhari condoles the family and friends of the legendary musician, Sir Victor Uwaifo.
6.“One thing I know is that the intelligence community is solid in this country but what impedes them in carrying out some of the jobs they want to do is politics, politicians because when you mix with politics security, then it becomes a big problem.”
A former Deputy Director, Department of State Services, Dennis Amachree speaks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on August 27, 2021.
Former Deputy Director, Department of State Services, Dennis Amachree, identifies politics as a factor hindering security agencies from effectively performing their jobs.
7. The situation in Nigeria today calls for the deepening of political and religious collaboration at all times.”
A file photo of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha believes Nigeria’s current security challenges call for deeper collaboration between political and religious leaders in the country.
8. “So why is this President obsessing about something which is being rejected right, left and centre?”
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka speaks to the press on August 27, 2021. Seun Okinbaloye/Channels Television
9. “Despite the divisive rhetoric of demagogues and the utterances of those who profit from disharmony, Nigerians do not hate each other.”
A file photo of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says despite the activities of those with a divisive agenda, Nigeria will prevail over her tribulations due to the resilience, faith, hope, and strength of its people.
10. “Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester.”
Manchester United announce they have reached a deal to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus, 12 years after he left Old Trafford for Real Madrid.
11. “To those who carried out this attack as well as anyone who wishes America harm, know this: We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay.”
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks about the situation in Afghanistan in the East Room of the White House on August 16, 2021, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)
US President Joe Biden pledges to hunt down the perpetrators of the suicide bombings that killed 12 American troops in Kabul and said the United States will not be deterred from its mission to evacuate thousands of civilians from Afghanistan.
12. “Unfortunately, we have recorded severe recalcitrance on the part of the public, which has led to the higher infection rates that we are now recording.”
A file photo of one of the COVID-19 treatment facilities in Lagos State. Photo: [email protected]
A dismayed Lagos State Governor reveals that the emergence of the third wave in the metropolis is based on the non-adherence to the laid-down health protocols designed to mitigate the pandemic.
13. “PDP and Secondus are not afraid of court; this party is a child of history, owned by Nigerians, bigger than any individual or group, including desperadoes.”
A combination of file photos of the PDP logo and Mr Uche Secondus
Through his lawyers, Mr. Uche Secondus responds to a court order restraining him from acting as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
14. “So many scenarios are being created though, could this be a criminal act to violate the sanctity of that military institution? Was it an opportunistic crime?”
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, speaks on the security challenges in the country on August 25, 2020.
Barely 24 hours after gunmen attacked the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State, Mr. Garba Shehu says the intention of the attackers should not be ruled, adding that it might be political.
15. “I was attacked more than 40, 50 times.”
A file photo of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum. Photo: [email protected]
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, says he has survived many attacks numbering over 40 by insurgents in the state.
16. “This is the time for patriots and people of goodwill to support and encourage those who are in the vanguard of the battle against wickedness in the land”.
President Muhammadu Buhari presides over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on August 18, 2021.
President Muhammadu Buhari says Tuesday’s attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), rather than dampen the morale of the Armed Forces, will buoy them to end criminality in the country.
17. “Nigerians do not deserve to go through this form of harrowing experience.”
A file photo of members of the House of Representatives attend a plenary at the lower chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja on November 24, 2020.
Members of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives say Nigerians do not deserve the torment which has become their plight in recent times.
18. “Things are not getting better. I have said it and will say it again and again until we see that yes; things are getting better.”
The Federal Government has released no fewer than 31 inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Kano State.
Spokesman of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
He said the release of the inmates was facilitated by the Presidential Committee on Correctional Centres Reform and Decongestion during their visit to the Kano Correctional Center.
“The Committee was in Kano for an on-the-spot assessment of conditions of Correctional Centres and inmates with a view to making payment of fines for inmates who were convicted of minor offences with the option of fines but unable to pay the fines as well as a general review of peculiar cases,” the statement read.
Giving the breakdown of the figures, Gwandu said 19 inmates were released through payment of fines by the Federal Ministry of Justice, three regained freedom through payment of fines by the Buni Yadi Foundation, while additional two others were also released.
Similarly, seven more inmates were released due to old age.
One of the inmates was granted a State Pardon by Rahama Husseini by Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The governor promised that the state government will support her rehabilitation.
Husseini found her way in prison in 2015 after a struggle with her husband which led to his unfortunate death.
“The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) brought to the attention of the chairman Hon. (Dr.) Justice I. U Bello(Rtd), the case of Rahama Husseini.
“In 2015, Rahama said to be fourteen (14) years at the time, was alleged to have been forcibly married off by her father and three days after, whilst her husband attempted to consummate the marriage, a struggle ensued which led to his unfortunate death,” the statement added.
Representatives of UNODC and Buni Yadi Foundation were also present to lend their voice and support for Rahama’s release.
The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had on October 30, 2017, constituted and inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Correctional Reforms and Decongestion.
Over 10,000 inmates have been released through the Committee.
