A group of Kano-based human rights lawyers has alleged that Federal Government political plot against Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II necessitated the cancellation of Sallah durbar festivities across Kano emirates.

In a strongly worded petition submitted to Kano State Commissioner of Police, the National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers also alleged that security alert raised as justification for imposing the ban lacked merit and may be a veiled move to curtail the influence of the reinstated Emir of Kano.

The police prohibited the UNESCO certified Kano cultural status as intangible heritage of humanity, after sensing security breach even when the 15th emir Aminu Ado Bayero cancelled his planned paralleled Durbar.

Addressing journalists shortly after submitting their letter to the police commissioner, leader of the lawyers, Barrister Usman Imam Tudun Wazirchi insisted the ban was unnecessary.

Tudun Wazirchi said the so-called security threat has no substantial basis, claiming that “If Durbars were allowed to hold in high-risk states like Borno, Katsina, and Zamfara, why not Kano?

“Even during Boko Haram’s peak, such total bans were not implemented,” the lawyers emphasized.

The lawyers accused “unpatriotic citizens” and political actors of instigating fears in the minds of peaceful residents simply to prevent the cultural pageantry associated with Emir Sanusi’s return to palace. They argued that the ban not only infringes on cultural rights but also represents a broader attack on constitutional freedoms.

Referring to the recent Court of Appeal judgment that upheld Sanusi’s position, the letter warned against using law enforcement to carry out political persecution.

The lawyers also addressed their concerns to international bodies, including the UN, EU, and African Union, signaling a desire to draw global attention to what they called “an orchestrated attack on Kano’s heritage and legitimate royal leadership.”

The media fraternity in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the passing of veteran journalist and former Managing Director of Sokoto State-owned The Path Newspaper, Alhaji Ibrahim Na’ayi Salisu.

Popularly known as Na’ayi, the seasoned editor breathed his last on the night of Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Federal Medical Center in Gusau, Zamfara State. His death marks the end of an era for many who admired his dedication and contributions to journalism in northern Nigeria.

Before his tenure at *The Path Newspaper*, Na’ayi was also the Managing Director of *Legacy Newspaper*, a Zamfara State-owned publication. Over the years, he played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse in the region, mentoring young journalists and ensuring that factual, investigative reporting remained at the heart of local journalism.

His funeral prayer is scheduled to take place today, Tuesday, at 10 a.m., as family, friends, and members of the media industry gather to bid their final farewell.

Condolences have started pouring in from colleagues, media professionals, and political figures who recognize Na’ayi’s enduring legacy in journalism. Many have described him as an icon of truth, integrity, and professionalism.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Aamin.

The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as non-compliance with the federal character principle in political appointments.

Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, the lawmaker accused the President of violating the constitutional requirement for balanced representation in government appointments.

Ndume pointed to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that political appointments reflect the country’s diversity.

“The figures are there. You can look at the figures. I sent you one. I sent you figures. It’s not that I’m just making accusations. And it’s not that I’m saying, well, the president has no right to do that kind of thing.

But it’s a constitutional provision. Section 13, I mean, Section 14 (3) of the constitution is very, very clear,” he said.

The senator added that the current appointments fail to align with the federal character principle as outlined by law.

“When you look at it vis-a-vis the appointments made so far, and there are political appointments, the constitution is very clear.

It is because of avoiding such infractions that the constitution clearly states that appointments, especially political appointments, should reflect the federal character, and that is not the case here.

And all I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that it can be corrected; otherwise, you know, these things can boomerang at a certain period of time”, Ndume stated.

Ndume, a senior member of the National Assembly, clarified that his comments were not meant as a personal attack on the President but rather a duty tied to his role as a lawmaker.

I know, as you rightly say, people look at me as somebody that is critical of the government. I have the right to do that in the first place. And in fact, that’s why I’m in the National Assembly in the first place.

“Collectively, we are supposed to oversight the acts of Mr President and point out some of these irregularities. That is what we swore to do. It’s not personal”, he added.

Addressing potential backlash for his remarks, Ndume remained resolute.

“Each one of us will stand before God, and God will ask him to account for what he is responsible for. Besides, we are all in this government. What will we tell our people? When you have these figures out, it is already viral, it is already in circulation.

But you know what, after this interview, those attack dogs or maga-dogs will start attacking Ndume, not the message.

“It is not about Ndume or me being a senator. As a Nigerian, I have the right to voice out all these things. Not only that, I have the right to even protest. I have the right. That is guaranteed by the constitution. But from tomorrow, those so-called Tinubu boys or people will start attacking Ndume. These are the facts”, the lawmaker said.