As part of renewed efforts to strengthen safety in schools, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced the recruitment of 17,600 security guards to be deployed across public schools in Kano State with immediate effects.

This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.

Speaking at an official event in Kano, the governor revealed that 400 security personnel will be recruited and stationed in each of the state’s 44 local government areas. The initiative aims to safeguarding the lives of students and teachers, and create a safe learning environment across all public schools.

“This decision was born out of our administration’s commitment to protect our children and teachers from emerging security threats,” Governor Yusuf said. “We cannot afford to allow fear or insecurity to disrupt the education of our future leaders.”

The newly recruited guards will be trained and strategically deployed to man school gates, monitor suspicious activity, and coordinate with relevant security agencies where necessary.

This development comes alongside several other education reforms introduced by Gov. Yusuf’s administration, including the solarization of 200 schools and the distribution of instructional materials, as well as plans to permanently employ qualified BESDA staff.

Governor Yusuf reiterated that security, education, and youth empowerment remain key pillars of his administration’s agenda. He called on parents, community leaders, and traditional institutions to support the government’s efforts in ensuring safety in schools and promoting quality education for all.

A group of political commentators in Kano State under the umbrella of Gauta Club has expressed support for the recent ban on live political programmes in the state, citing concerns over inflammatory language and public peace.

Hamisu Danwawu Fagge, Chairman of the Gauta Club, stated this on Monday while addressing journalists in Kano. We back the ban of live political programmes in Kano. Let it be censored before it goes on air,” he said.

Fagge explained that the decision to support the broadcast restrictions was rooted in the group’s founding purpose. “That is why we formed the Gauta Club — to ensure responsible political commentary that promotes peace and unity in the state,” he added.

According to him, many residents of Kano have welcomed the ban, viewing it as a necessary step toward restoring civility in political discourse. “The Kano populace is very glad about the ban,” he asserted.

He stressed that the group supports the prohibition of direct live interviews with politicians. “This will help us in sanitizing political programmes from vulgar language and abuse,” Fagge said.

Fagge also revealed that the Gauta Club would implement internal regulations to screen its members. “We are going to censor every member of the Gauta Club before going on air. We will soon visit the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and even radio stations to reinforce our stance,” he added.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that the chairman emphasized the group’s diverse membership. “Our members come from all the major political parties — the NNPP, APC, and PDP. We are united by our shared desire for the peaceful coexistence of Kano,” he concluded.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday said that necessary amendments on the Electoral Act will be completed before the 2027 elections.

Prof. Yakubu also debunked the insinuation in some quarters that he has been sacked and declared that he still remains the country’s Chief Electoral Officer.

The INEC Chairman spoke while fielding questions from State House correspondents after the inauguration of two National Commissioners by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the commission alongside relevant stakeholders have reviewed the 2023 general elections and came up with 142 recommendations, adding that out of the number, eight required electoral amendment.

Professor Yakubu, who said that he was at the seat of power for the inauguration of two national Commissioners from Southeast and North West said that the commission now has full compliment of the commissioners as required by law.