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North West Senate Constitution Amendment Zonal Hearing Commences in Kano

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Efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to align with contemporary realities continue today with the opening of a two-day North West zonal public hearing of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in Kano State.

The hearing, held at the Bristol Palace Hotel in the ancient city of Kano, has drawn participants from the seven States in the region: Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

At the hearing, stakeholders from the seven states, including civil society, organised interest groups, traditional institutions, professional associations, and others, will articulate and discuss their various positions on all issues related to constitutional amendments.

Setting the tone for the public hearing, the Deputy President of Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau I Jibrin, in his opening address, said the Senate was not predisposed to any particular positions of amendments, but will fully gauge the pulse of the general public to arrive at a concensus on all proposed amendments in consonance with extant legislative processes.

” Since our nation’s return to constitutional democracy in 1999, following a prolonged period of military dictatorship, the calls for amendments and reviews to the Constitution have remained persistent and vigorous.

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” In response to growing demands, the 10th Senate constituted the Constitution Review Committee to address citizens’ calls for amendments to the Constitution. The Committee’s mandate is to foster a broad national consensus, rather than echo the voices of a powerful minority that dominate media platforms. This context guided the Committee as it sought memoranda and proposals from Nigerians on potential constitutional changes aimed at enhancing good governance and promoting the welfare of all individuals, rooted in the principles of freedom, equality and justice.

” Members of the Committee hold no preconceived opinions to impose upon you but are committed to being guided by legislative practices grounded in the highest ethical standards, integrity, open-mindedness, and patriotism. I implore all stakeholders to provide their input in accordance with these standards while maintaining the utmost decorum and responsibility,

” Several key issues we need to address include electoral reforms and adjudication; judicial reforms focused on case management and administration; enhancements to local government administration; the involvement of traditional institutions in contemporary governance; promoting human rights; ensuring gender equity and inclusion in governance; the devolution and distribution of powers; the structure of our federation; and concerns related to security and policing.

” We have carefully reviewed and translated your memoranda into bills, which we now present to you for further input and discussion, “Senator Barau said.

Reiterating the critical role of achieving a broad consensus on all issues in the review exercise, Senator Barau called for effective collaboration among the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly and an understanding of the executive and judicial arms of government.

” It is crucial to recognise that our committee’s work represents a collaborative effort with our esteemed colleagues in both the House of Representatives and the State Houses of Assembly. To achieve the vital constitutional reforms, we must unite and work in harmony. I am encouraged by the numerous national and state legislators present today, all of whom share a common vision. Our collaboration will not end with this public hearing; together, we will enhance our contributions to produce outcomes that resonate with a national consensus, always prioritising the interests of our citizens.

” Additionally, it is imperative to engage the understanding of our executive and judicial branches of government, as they are fundamental in executing the will of the people and enforcing the rule of law. A law that lacks implementation is, by definition, ineffective, and we must avoid this pitfall as we pursue our objectives,” he said.

The hearing concludes tomorrow, July 27th, 2025.

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Mahanga TV appoints former AREWA24 staff Zuwairiyah Girei as MD

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Mahanga TV, a Kano-based television station, has appointed former AREWA24 staff member Zuwairiyah Adamu Girei as its new Managing Director, bringing her more than 14 years of experience in Hausa-language television production and broadcasting to the organisation.

Girei was formally welcomed into her new role during a reception held at Mahanga TV’s premises in Kano on Monday, November 2, 2026, marking a new phase in the organisation’s growthe barely three months after its launch.

Speaking at the reception, Girei expressed excitement over her appointment, describing her experience at AREWA24 as a significant milestone in her professional journey.

She said she would draw on the knowledge and experience acquired during her time at the television station to strengthen Mahanga TV and drive it towards greater achievements.

“All the experience I have at AREWA24, I will bring here, and I think I will do extraordinary because I know what I have learnt there. I pray that we will see success beyond our expectations,” she said.

Outlining her vision for Mahanga TV, the new Managing Director said the organisation would look beyond Northern Nigeria and target audiences across Africa and the rest of the world.

She identified the large Hausa-speaking population as a major opportunity for the industry, noting that despite the challenges facing Hausa-language broadcasting, the sector has a substantial audience.

“We have over 60 million Hausa speakers in Nigeria, so I think we have a target audience we have to try to reach,” she said.

Girei said her leadership would focus on understanding audience expectations, introducing improvements and positioning Hausa productions for international recognition.

“Our thinking is pan-African; our thinking is the world. Our thinking is now how can Hausa film reach the Oscars. That is the thinking,” she said.

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Looking ahead to the next decade, she expressed her ambition to see Mahanga TV secure three to four Academy Awards, earn international recognition and become a household name among viewers across different age groups.

She said she envisioned a future where Mahanga TV would be the preferred television platform in homes, with both adults and children identifying with its programmes.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mahanga TV, Nuhu Abdullahi Balarabe, said Girei’s appointment was informed by the organisation’s rapid growth and the need for experienced leadership to sustain its progress.

Balarabe explained that he initially served as both Managing Director and CEO but decided to appoint a dedicated Managing Director to oversee the organisation’s daily operations and provide the leadership required to sustain its expanding activities.

He said the organisation needed someone who could provide consistent leadership and maintain its momentum as it continued to grow.

“She is well experienced, and I’m sure she will use that experience to take the organisation further from where it is,” he said.

Balarabe disclosed that Mahanga TV had recorded progress beyond its initial expectations within three months of launching, attributing the achievement to the dedication of its staff, consultants and advisers.

He said the organisation was expanding its content offerings through original productions and partnerships with independent producers to provide audiences with engaging programmes.

He also urged viewers to continue supporting the station and sharing feedback through its social media platforms and WhatsApp channel, assuring them that the organisation remained open to suggestions as it worked to improve its services.

Reaffirming the organisation’s broader ambition, Balarabe said Mahanga TV was committed to ensuring that Hausa stories, culture and experiences reached audiences across the world.

“We have a beautiful tale happening in Northern Nigeria, and I believe it is only we that can tell our own story. We want to make sure all our stories are told and they reach every part of the world,” he said.

Also speaking, Mahanga TV’s Creative Director and Brand Manager, Abdulbasit Abanikanda, described Girei’s appointment as a timely development that would strengthen the organisation’s management structure and provide better direction for its expanding workforce.

Abanikanda recalled that Mahanga TV started with a team of just three people but had since grown considerably, making the appointment of an experienced manager necessary to coordinate its activities.

He expressed confidence in Girei’s ability to advance the station’s creative vision, noting that her ambition of taking Hausa stories to audiences across the world aligned with the organisation’s objectives.

With Girei’s appointment, Mahanga TV aims to consolidate its early progress, strengthen its content production and expand the reach of Hausa storytelling, creating opportunities for Northern Nigeria’s stories, culture and creative talent to gain wider national and international recognition.

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Kano Governor Nominates Ex- Speaker, Spokesperson as Commissioners

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has nominated his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Balarabe Sa’idu Gani, for appointment as commissioners.

The governor has forwarded their names to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The Assembly is expected to screen the nominees on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, said the legislature had received a formal communication from Governor Yusuf requesting the screening of the two nominees.

He added that the exercise would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gani served as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2007, while Bature currently serves as the governor’s spokesperson.

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2027: Rep Abubakar Kabir Bichi holds strategic meeting with Kano lawmakers

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The Chairman, House of representatives committee on appropriations Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has convened a meeting of all APC State Assembly Members and 40 Candidates in the upcoming 2027 General elections, led by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore.

Crucial issues were discussed on how best to coordinate their campaigns programs to deliver the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

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The meeting was held at his Bichi office, Sunday evening 1st November 2026.

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