Civic platform One Kano Agenda has raised alarm over rising insecurity in Kano State, warning that abductions, attacks, and suspicious activities are threatening both residents and the wider Northern region. The group made the call during a press conference in Kano on Wednesday , stressing that the state’s reputation for peace and hospitality is under strain.

According to the group adressed by its Chairman Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai said credible reports have emerged of unidentified individuals operating commercial motorcycles across several communities, particularly in Kano North.

Many of these individuals reportedly do not speak fluent Hausa, fueling suspicion among locals. The organization commended the Kano State Government for swiftly banning motorcycles in the metropolis and praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s introduction of the Safe Corridor program, which has absorbed over 2,000 youths into community security and intelligence structures.

According to Abbas initiative said for the first time in Kano’s history that insecurity is being tackled through both rehabilitation and enforcement. Previous administrations, it noted, relied largely on force and political alliances. Residents were urged to report suspicious activities, avoid direct confrontation, and remain vigilant.

Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai further called on Emirate Councils and traditional leaders to strengthen coordination with district and village heads to ensure swift information flow to security agencies. The group also urged community members to cooperate fully with police, vigilante units, and intelligence frameworks, while encouraging security agencies to intensify patrols and surveillance, especially in border and transport areas.

The organization expressed concern over what it described as “reckless politicization” of security challenges by certain media outlets and political actors. It accused some of exploiting the situation for personal gain, pointing to reports of police redeployment from flashpoints to cemeteries, leaving vulnerable communities exposed. “Such actions embolden criminal elements to see Kano as a safe haven,” the group warned.

On recent directives involving a former governor and a senator, One Kano Agenda stressed the importance of due process and professionalism. It urged security agencies to act transparently and in compliance with constitutional provisions, regardless of the individuals’ status.

In its closing remarks, the civic platform announced plans for a “Peace Walk” and “Prayer for Divine Intervention” to unite residents and foster solidarity. Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai said the initiative, it said, would appeal for divine protection over Kano and Northern Nigeria. The group urged stakeholders, especially media and political actors, to prioritize public safety over personal gain.

Kano State has successfully hosted the 47th National Council on Establishments (NCE), bringing together senior public service leaders to strengthen policies and reforms in Nigeria’s Civil Service.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the Civil Service as the backbone of governance and stressed that its efficiency is critical to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She announced the approval of new policies on Rewards and Recognition, Incentives and Consequence Management, and Mentoring, as well as continued efforts toward digitalisation and capacity building through ASCON and Federal Training Centres.

She commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for hosting the Council and for Kano’s worker-friendly policies.

In his address, Governor Yusuf highlighted Kano’s historic contribution to national governance and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to civil servants’ welfare. He disclosed that the state has settled over half of the ₦48 billion inherited retirement benefits backlog, with the balance to be cleared soon. He also noted improvements in promotions, training and working conditions.

Both leaders urged participants to commit to the core values of Accountability, Meritocracy, Professionalism, Loyalty and Efficiency, as deliberations continue.

The Council’s resolutions are expected to strengthen governance and public service delivery across the federation.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a new batch of non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate.

The new nominees include the immediate past Sole Administrator of Rivers State and former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former presidential aide, Ita Enang; former Imo State First Lady, Chioma Ohakim; and former Minister of Interior and former Chief of Army Staff, Abdulrahman Dambazau.

The nominations were announced on Thursday during plenary, after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter on the floor of the chamber.

In the letter, Tinubu urged the Senate to give swift consideration to the nominees to help fill key diplomatic positions.

Akpabio referred the list to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs with a directive to screen the nominees and report back within one week.