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Governor Yusuf Flags Off ₦16 Billion Gratuity Payment for Former APC Councillors, Others in Kano

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In a landmark move aimed at promoting justice, fairness, and equity in governance, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has officially flagged off the payment of over ₦16 billion in outstanding gratuities and allowances for former councillors and political office holders across the state’s 44 Local Government Councils. The event took place on Wednesday in Kano.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Yusuf emphasized that the payment was not a political gesture but a moral obligation and legal entitlement owed to those who diligently served the state. “This payment is not a privilege; it is a right. It is our way of appreciating their service and upholding the principles of justice and fairness,” the governor said.

In a statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs said according to the governor, the initiative reflects his administration’s core values of dignity, equity, and accountability in public service. “This moment is not merely ceremonial; it symbolizes our administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding dignity, fairness, and accountability in public service,” Yusuf stated.

The Governor recalled that when the matter of unpaid gratuities was brought before the Kano State Executive Council, the decision to approve the payment was unanimous, irrespective of the political affiliations of the affected councillors. “It was not right to deny people their entitlements after they have served diligently. This administration has resolved to be different,” he declared.

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Governor Yusuf lamented the failure of the previous administration under the APC to fulfill these obligations. “Councillors from the 484 wards across the 44 local government councils, who served at different times, were unjustly denied their gratuity. We cannot toe that same line of injustice,” he added.

The payment scheme covers various categories of beneficiaries, including former councillors, vice chairmen, local government chairmen, supervisory councillors, and special advisers. The disbursement will be implemented in three phases:

* **Tranche A (2014–2017):** ₦1.8 billion to be immediately disbursed to 903 beneficiaries.
* **Tranche B (2018–2020):** ₦5.6 billion for 1,198 beneficiaries, scheduled for disbursement between May and July 2025.
* **Tranche C (2021–2024):** ₦8.2 billion allocated for 1,371 beneficiaries, to be disbursed between August and November 2025.

In addition to these gratuity payments, the Governor revealed that ₦1.27 billion has been earmarked and is currently being disbursed to cover housing and furniture allowances for current elected and appointed political office holders in the local government areas.

“These payments go beyond financial transactions. They represent our values — that service must be respected, commitments must be honored, and leadership must be accountable,” Governor Yusuf stated, reinforcing the symbolic and practical importance of the gesture.

The governor also used the occasion to commend the efforts of various stakeholders who contributed to the success of the exercise. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the verification teams, finance officers, oversight committees, and administrative coordinators for their meticulous and tireless work,” he said.

He concluded his address with a call for continued unity, cooperation, and shared commitment to development. “Let us work together to build a more prosperous and inclusive Kano State. With pride in our collective effort and confidence in our shared future, I hereby launch the first phase of these payments,” Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared.

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Court Restrains Anti-Corruption Commission, Others from interfering in MAAUN’s Affairs

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A Kano High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) and four other parties from interfering in the internal and external affairs of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (AAUN), Kano.

Justice Sanusi Ado Ma’aji of the High court of Kano Judicial Division issued the order, while ruling on a motion of ex parte filed by the management of the university.

The respondents in the suit are the Kano State Government, PCACC, Kano State House of Assembly and the state’s Attorney-General and concerned parents of the institution.

Justice Ma’aji in the court order dated December 11, 2025, restrained the respondents or any other person acting on their behalf from inviting officials of the institution or interfering in the administrative and academic activities of the intuition, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

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The court also directed all the parties to maintain status quo in relation to the matter between the applicant and the first respondent, pending the determination of the originating summons.

Speaking after the ruling, MAAUN’s counsel Zahraddeen M. Bello, said that the court’s decision reaffirmed the rule of law and the need for due process, saying the university will continue to operate within the confines of law, while the case is pending.

However, the court granted leave to the applicant to serve court processes on the fifth respondent at its office located at No. 224 Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Kano.

The matter was adjourned to December 29, 2025 and the order was given under the hand and seal of the presiding judge and was duly endorsed by the Principal Registrar of the court.

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Jigawa Trains Local Government Chairmen on 2025 Tax Reform Act

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The Jigawa Joint Task Committee has commenced a two-day capacity-building training for local government chairmen and policymakers. The two-day capacity program focused on the new Nigeria Tax Reform Act (NTA) 2025, which is scheduled to take effect nationwide on January 1, 2026.

The training gathered a contingent of state and local revenue stakeholders, including all 27 local government chairmen of Jigawa State, led by the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), revenue officers, and key policy and tax experts.

The core objective of the session was multifaceted: to enhance understanding of the NTA 2025 and its specific implications for local government administration, strengthen collaboration between state and local tiers for revenue harmonization and joint administration, and improve the technical capacity of local government leaders in deploying modern revenue processes and digital systems.

During the event, the Executive Chairman of the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service (JIRS), Dr. Nasir Sabo Idris, commended the state government’s leadership for its commitment to fiscal autonomy.

“I wish to acknowledge the immense support of His Excellency, Governor Malam Umar Namadi, FCA,” Dr. Idris said.

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According to Dr. Idris, Jigawa Governor’s commitment to revenue generation has been unwavering, ensuring a consistent improvement in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Dr. Idris pointed out that the upcoming launch of JigiTax, a wholly digital platform designed to streamline and modernize revenue collection across Jigawa State, is underway.

He said the move is seen as a direct response to strengthening transparency and blocking revenue leakages.

On his part, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Local Government, Ibrahim Graba Hannun-Giwa, whose address was delivered by the Director of Research, Malam Samaila Yusuf, said:

“The Ministry of Local Government is doing all it takes to continue supporting the visionary policies of Governor Namadi and driving policies that will shore up the revenue base of our local governments,” Malam Yusuf stated, emphasizing a unified approach to fiscal strength.

The dividends of the collaborative efforts were highlighted by the ALGON Chairman, who also serves as the Chairman of Dutse Local Government.

Speaking to newsmen, he asserted that the state’s disciplined approach had fundamentally altered the financial landscape at the grassroots level.

“With the commitment shown by Governor Namadi and the diligent efforts of the Jigawa Joint Revenue Committee, no local government in Jigawa now seeks intervention,” the ALGON Chairman declared.

He said, “Revenue loopholes are being systematically blocked, and improved compliance by different stakeholders, including markets and motor parks remitting their taxes, has significantly boosted our revenue drive.”

He further confirmed that the local governments had already undertaken a series of awareness trainings for all relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition to the NTA 2025.

Barrister Aliyu Abdullahi said the in a paper presentation titled “State and Local Government in the Law,” by a legal practitioner. The paper specifically called for the legislative institutionalization of the Jigawa Joint Revenue Committee by the State House of Assembly. This institutional backing, the practitioner argued, would solidify the collaborative framework for revenue harmonization and ensure its longevity beyond the current administration.

 

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Former President Obasanjo Endorses Turaki’s Faction of PDP

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo hosted the national working committee (NWC) of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The PDP faction visited the former president on Saturday, and Kabiru Turaki led the delegation.

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Those among the delegation are: Muazu Aliyu, former Niger governor; Jonah Jang, former governor of Plateau; Adolphus Wabara, former senate president, and many more.

Interacting with the delegation, Obasanjo commended the faction’s effort, adding that its members should “soldier on”.

The former president also urged the faction to remain steadfast in instilling discipline in the party, adding that:

“anybody who wants to belong to a political party must adhere strictly to its rules and regulations”.

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