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AB Mahmoud, Kurawa urge devolution of powers for effective Justice system

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AB Mahmud SAN

 

Former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) AB Mahmoud, Senior has advocated restructuring of institutions in the administration of justice system, essentially to devote powers to state government.

AB Mahmoud, senior advocate of Nigeria, who believed the concentration of judicial powers, “where all matters of interest are anchored in Abuja” is not justifiable in a complex system the country operates.

“There is need for restructuring of institutions to devote powers to state government. The Federal government can handle issues of terrorism, and other external burden. But there is no reason or justification where all matters of investigation are anchored from Abuja.

“If there is break down of law and order in a state, the government of that state should be allowed and held responsible to manage, because the Governor is elected by the people of the state”. AB Mahmoud said.

Mahmoud spoke while delivering papers on Challenges of Effective Administration of Criminal Justice System at a three day capacity building workshop for prosecutors in Kano, raised concerns on critical impediments in the administration of criminal justice system in Kano.

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The senior lawyer cited the roles of security agencies entrusted with investigative powers, prosecutors and the court, held that only a symbiotic collaboration between the institutions can guarantee effectively administration of justice system in the country.

He however regretted the overbearing influence of police who are primarily entrusted to conduct case investigation and now taking over prosecution powers from the Ministry of Justice due to power overload at the central government. Mahmoud urged the police to rather focus energy on investigative skill through of forensic capacity building.

Besides, the senior lawyer challenged the prosecutors to remain firm on the bricks of ethics standard and professionalism while striving to rise above selfish interest of politicians in public prosecution.

Earlier,Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Umar Faruq Ibrahim reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the state.

Governor Yusuf who declared the workshop open, described the capacity building sessions as “another significant step in our collective resolve and commitment to entrench an effective criminal justice administration process in our dear state.”

He emphasized the vital role of prosecutors in upholding justice, stating, “You are not just case managers, but guardians of fairness and protectors of public trust. Your work has a direct impact on how justice is delivered and how society functions.”

Governor Yusuf noted that the training was timely, aiming to sharpen the skills of prosecutors, deepen their knowledge, and equip them with modern tools and ethical frameworks aligned with global best practices. He commended the organizers Kurawa, Husseini & associates in collaboration with Kano state ministry of Justice for their initiative.

On his part, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, highlighted the importance of capacity building for prosecutors in ensuring efficiency and accountability in the justice sector.

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BREAKING: Gov. Yusuf to Formally Join APC on Monday

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 26 January 2026, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last Friday.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday.

The statement recalled that Governor Yusuf first joined the APC in 2014 when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, a position he later conceded to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

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It noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, including his most recent stint in the NNPP, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.

Governor Yusuf stated that rejoining the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.

He added that the decision would also consolidate political stability and unity in the state.

On Monday, 26 January 2026, the governor will formally register as a member of the APC in Kano alongside 22 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and the 44 Local Government Chairmen.

He is also expected to officially launch the APC e-registration exercise in the state.

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NGO Sensitizes Physically Challenged on Disability Law, Calls for Speedy Establishment of Commission

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A non-governmental organization, Non-Formal Development for Education and Health Initiative (NODEHI), has embarked on a sensitization program to educate persons with disabilities in Kano State about the Disability Law passed by the State Assembly. The initiative seeks to bridge the knowledge gap among the physically challenged and push for the speedy establishment of a disability commission to ensure full implementation of the law.

Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Auwalu Halilu, Adviser to NODEHI, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among persons with disabilities about their rights under the law. He noted that many physically challenged individuals were not even aware of the provisions of the legislation.

“We gathered the physically challenged persons to enlighten them on the Disability Law and the steps required for its implementation. If strictly enforced, the law will help reduce street hawking among persons with disabilities. While the law has been partially implemented, the commission that should oversee its enforcement is yet to be established. We hope our recommendations will guide the government towards proper implementation,” Dr. Halilu stated.

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Participants at the event expressed both optimism and concern. Abdurazak Ado Zango, one of the attendees, acknowledged government efforts but lamented the lack of proper monitoring. He stressed the need for inclusive education and guidance, particularly in confronting challenges faced by disabled students in examinations conducted by JAMB and WAEC.

“Government is trying its best, but unfortunately, progress is not being tracked. We should be pacesetters in educating the physically challenged. Funds meant for disability support must be accessible and not diverted. Each ministry should have a desk officer to represent persons with disabilities,” Zango said.

Adding her voice, Ambassador Rabia Yusuf Gezawa, Executive Director of the Gender and Disability Inclusion Advocacy Center, described the sensitization as crucial for stakeholders. She highlighted the slow pace of implementation since the law was passed during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and reintroduced under the current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“The bill has been moving very slowly. Although Governor Yusuf is familiar with the law, more needs to be done. Each ministry, department, and agency should appoint directors to ensure compliance. There should also be customized instruments and interpreters to make the law accessible to all,” Gezawa explained.

Stakeholders called for the immediate establishment of the Disability Commission, which they believe will serve as a central body to coordinate implementation, monitor compliance, and ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into government programs.

The program appealed to the Kano State Government to prioritize disability inclusion, allocate more budgetary resources, and guarantee that persons with disabilities are represented across ministries and agencies.

 

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Kano Commissioner Resigns, Citing Political Pressure and Threat to Office’s Integrity

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kano State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect, citing the state’s “prevailing political turmoil.”

Kofarmata announced his decision in a formal resignation letter, expressing concern that the current political climate could compromise the independence and impartiality required of his office.

He argued that the growing tension and expectations of political loyalty risked creating a perception—or reality—of compromised judgment, which he said was inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of a State Commissioner.

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“The integrity of the State Commissioner’s role rests on the ability to act without undue influence, partisan pressure, or divided allegiance,” Kofarmata stated. He added that remaining in office under such circumstances could erode public confidence in the institution.

He explained that his resignation was motivated by a desire to safeguard the credibility of his office and uphold his personal commitment to ethical public service.

Kofarmata thanked the Kano State Government for the opportunity to serve in various ministries, stating that his tenure allowed him to contribute to policy reforms and the state’s development.

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served, and for the trust placed in me during my tenure,” he said. He expressed hope that his departure would allow the institution to function without question or constraint.

He formally requested that his resignation be accepted as official notice of his disengagement from the Kano State Executive Council.

His resignation comes amid a period of heightened political tension and realignment in Kano, sparking public debate over governance and institutional independence in the state.

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