Kano Electricity Distribution Plc. (KEDCO) extends its deepest commiserations and sympathies to the leadership, workers, and business owners affected by the recent devastating fire outbreak at the Dakata Small Scale Industries, in Kano.

This was conveyed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Yusuf during a commiseration visit by the KEDCO Management

During the visit, the KEDCO delegation was guided around the market by the leadership of the industries to assess the extent of the damage.

KEDCO understands the significant challenges such an unfortunate incident can cause, particularly for small-scale businesses crucial to the local economy. The company acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the entrepreneurs and workers within the Dakata small-scale community, who contribute significantly to job creation and economic growth in the region.

In response to this incident, KEDCO is committed to providing any necessary energy-related support to help those affected by the fire, facilitating their swift recovery, and smooth resumption of operations.

“On behalf of the Board and Management, we deeply sympathize and stand in solidarity with the people of Dakata and the affected industries. One of KEDCO’s missions is supporting the socio-economic growth and development of our entire franchise areas and, in times of crisis, we remain dedicated to doing everything in our power to assist in business recovery and sustainability,” the MD stated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected business owners. I can only imagine the challenges they are currently facing, however, they are not alone as we will continue to pray for Allah’s succor upon them,” he added.

Yusuf also urged all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future, by adopting appropriate safety measures across all industrial areas.

In a statement signed by Sani Bala Sani Head corporate communications said  the Chairman of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Dakata, Alhaji Zulkifilu Alasan, expressed deep gratitude for the visit, stating, “This visit is a testament to the new KEDCO’s commitment to excellence and customer intimacy. Since KEDCO’s inception, this is the first time its MD/CEO and his team embarked on such a solidarity visit to the Dakata small-scale industries.”

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has mourned a renowned industrialist in Kano State, Alhaji Nasiru Ahali, who died on Thursday night.
The industrialist died at the age of 108 at a hospital in Kano.

Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, described the deceased as a patriotic citizen whose contribution to industrialisation in Kano State cannot be overemphasised.

He urged the family of the late business icon to find solace in the fact that the deceased was a devout Muslim who spent his life and resources worshipping Allah SWT and assisting humanity.

“Malam Nasiru Ahali played a pivotal role in the development and growth of businesses in Kano. As one of the pioneer industrialists in Kano, he has helped shape the formation of formal businesses across the state through his company, Mainasara and Sons,” he said.

He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus and grant his family and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

In a statement signed by Ismail Mudashir Special adviser media and publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate said ” Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of our late business icon. May Allah SWT grant him Jannatul Firdaus and give all those he left behind the strength to bear this loss,” he said.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, has expressed strong reservations about the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso reflected on past political missteps and warned against repeating history.

Kwankwaso drew parallels to the events of 1992/93, recalling how parliamentarians in the National Assembly were distracted by leadership tussles, neglecting their legislative duties. He noted that this failure allowed executive actions to go unchecked, leading to significant political upheavals that still resonate in Nigeria’s history.

Addressing the current situation in Rivers State, Kwankwaso criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Similayi Fubara, his deputy, and legislators. He described the move as unilateral and deeply troubling, emphasizing that the legislature’s role is to hold the executive accountable, not to act as a rubber stamp.

Kwankwaso expressed disappointment in the 10th Assembly for ratifying the president’s proclamation without proper scrutiny. He highlighted the use of a voice vote, rather than a transparent and constitutionally mandated method, as a serious breach of democratic principles. According to him, the speed and manner of the decision undermine the democratic leadership structure in Rivers State.

The judiciary’s role in maintaining balance and fairness was also a focal point of Kwankwaso’s statement. He urged Nigeria’s legal custodians to deliver impartial judgments, free from external influences, to restore public confidence and calm tensions.

Kwankwaso labeled the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional and a potential catalyst for anarchy. He criticized the National Assembly for enabling such actions, urging them to act as a check on executive overreach rather than complicit participants.

The former presidential candidate also raised concerns about the reintroduction of military involvement in governance. He warned that this move could reverse the progress made in Nigeria’s 26 years of democracy, referencing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s efforts to confine the military to their barracks.

Kwankwaso further criticized the Attorney General’s statements following the proclamation, arguing that they have unsettled opposition-led states and set a dangerous precedent for federal-state relations. He contended that the situation in Rivers State does not justify such an extreme interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

In conclusion, Kwankwaso described the president’s actions as an unconstitutional overreach with the potential to foster a culture of impunity if left unchecked. His reflections serve as a cautionary tale for Nigeria’s democratic journey, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the rule of law and democratic principles.