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RE: Kano State At A Crossroads: Setting The Records Straight On Baseless Allegations

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Kano patriotic coalition of 87 civil society organizations have rejected a biased and politically motivated statement by league of CSOs accusing present administration of corruption.

In a statement signed by the convener Hassan Ibrahim Gama and co- convener Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma in behalf of the eighty seven groups on late Monday, the patriotic CSOs advised civil societies operating in Kano to embrace responsible engagements guided by facts and constructive partnership with government rather than partisan-driven activism.

“CSOs, NGOs and CBOs operating in Kano State should utilise available accountability platforms and networks in the state covering various sectors (education, health, environment, budget etc.) to transparently engage state government and it’s institutions”

The statement said “the attention of 87 members of the Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (PCCSOs) in Kano State has been drawn to a press statement issued on August 23, 2025 by a group parading itself as the League of Civil Society Organisations in Kano State, wherein it made sweeping allegations of corruption and mismanagement against the present administration of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State”

The patriotic CSOs said, they acknowledged that every citizen and civic group has the constitutional right to demand accountability, but, they are deeply concerned that the said statement is not only premature, misleading, and politically motivated, but also a deliberate attempt to discredit the ongoing reforms of the current administration and misinform the good people of Kano State.

“The Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations therefore considers it necessary to set the record straight and defend truth against propaganda.”

OUR POSITION:
1. Allegations Are Not Convictions
The cases referenced in the League’s statement are still under investigation by the EFCC and ICPC. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, no individual can be pronounced guilty through civil society press releases. To do so amounts to media trial, character assassination, and disregard for judicial processes. As patriotic CSOs, we uphold the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

2. A Misleading Narrative
Contrary to the exaggerated picture of “systemic rot” painted by the League, facts on ground show that the present administration has introduced reforms to promote accountability, including:
a)Full compliance with external audits and fiscal reporting.

b)Adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which has reduced leakages and improved financial discipline.

3) Establishment of procurement monitoring units and anti-corruption desks across MDAs.

These are concrete actions that any fair-minded observer cannot ignore.

The group also expressed concern over Politicization of Civil Society in Kano.

“It is regrettable that the League has abandoned neutrality and chosen to align with partisan interests. True civil society does not serve as a propaganda arm of the political opposition. Reckless and alarmist statements risk scaring away investors, demoralising public servants, and undermining the developmental gains already being achieved in the state”

4. Constructive Engagement, Not Blackmail
Accountability requires sober reflection, evidence-based advocacy, and constructive dialogue with institutions—not media trials or sensational headlines.

The patriotic CSOs said it is evident that, the government of Kano State has consistently maintained an open door policy for engagement with genuine civil society actors, encouraging the League to use these platforms instead of playing to the gallery.

“OUR STAND AS PATRIOTIC CSOs
1. Due Process is Ongoing: The allegations remain under investigation, and it is reckless to hastily pass judgment before any court pronouncement.

2. Zero-Tolerance for Corruption by the Administration: The government has strengthened public procurement, treasury management, and digital payments to reduce malpractices.

3. Isolated Allegations, Not Government Policy: The acts of a few individuals under probe cannot be generalised to indict an entire administration.

4. On Development and Partnerships: Contrary to claims of lost confidence, Kano continues to attract investors and international partners in agriculture, education, and infrastructure.

The 87 groups further explained that, genuine CSOs should pursue fairness, patriotism, and fact-based advocacy rather than unverified claims that weaken democracy.

“CSOs, NGOs and CBOs operating in Kano State should utilise available accountability platforms and networks in the state covering various sectors (education, health, environment, budget etc.) to transparently engage state government and it’s institutions”

The group then called on the good people of Kano State to remain calm, discerning, and not be swayed by desperate attempts to create panic and distrust in governance.

“We urge the anti-graft agencies to continue their constitutional duties without fear or favour, but equally without yielding to media sensationalism or political manipulation”

“We advise civil society platforms in Kano to embrace responsible engagement, guided by facts and constructive partnership with government rather than partisan-driven activism”.

“We reaffirm our support for the government’s reforms and urge all citizens to join hands in preserving peace, stability, and development in Kano State”

It explained that, Kano State is not “at a crossroads” as sensationally claimed, but rather, the state is on a clear path of reform, modernization, and inclusive development under a leadership committed to transparency and accountability. No amount of blackmail or propaganda will derail the vision for a prosperous and united Kano.

“It is important to note that the so-called League of CSOs Coalition has demonstrated an inability to properly coordinate itself. This is evident as two or more individuals have openly issued disclaimers, stating that they were not part of the press release and have dissociated themselves from it.”

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The Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations therefore rejects the biased and politically motivated statement of the League of CSOs and reaffirms its commitment to defending truth, justice, and the collective interest of the people of Kano State”.

Below are the groups that endorsed this position

S/N
Name
Organization

1
Farouk Umar
Citizens for Development and Education (CDE)

2
Peter Hassan Tijani
Network for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEDIN)

3
Yahaya A. Yahaya
National association of persons with physical disabilities Kano Chapter (NAPWPD)

4
Hassan Ibrahim Gama.
Masses First International Organization -MFI

5
Wali Ado Rano
Voice of the Hopeful Enlightenment and Development Initiative (VOHEDI)

6
Nworisa Michael
Stand For Peace Initiative

7
Dr. Kabir Hamisu Kura.
Community Development Initiative

8
Rakiya Abba Tahula
Interfaith Peace Foundation

9
Dr. Ramatu Garba
Support for Women and Teenage Children (SWATCH)

10
Maimuna Umar Sheriff
Centre for Gender Base Violence Advocacy

11
Ahmad Tijjani
Alkali Ahmad Center For Development

12
Ibrahim Muhammed
Rural – Urban Slums Development Initiative (RUSDI)

13
Abubakar Shariff Jaddah
Society for Women and Child Health Initiative (SWACHI)

14
Saratu I. Maigida
Lifeline Initiative For Widows Empowerment and Economic Development (LIWEED)

15
Ali Suleiman
Friends of the Community Organization (FOCO)

16
Halima Titi Bello
Women Gender Developers (WOGEND)

17
Dr. Yahaya Danjuma
International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS)

18
Safayanu Bichi
Kano Budget Working Group

19
Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma
Community Rights Initiative of Nigeria (CORIN)

20
Abdulrahman Uba Daushe
Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN)

21
Rakiya Ladi Musa
Ansar Women Development

22
Sabo Bello Madaki
Kiru Community Development Association

23
Sunusi Hashimu
Society for Child Support and Economic Empowerment (SOCSEE)

24
Samaila Namadi Ahmad
Yadfulde kiru local government Association and development

25
Asaju KolawoleKola
Kola and Funke Care Foundation

26
Ruth Stephen
Touch and Care Foundation (TOCAF)

27
Bashir A Bashir
Diamond Youth For Community Development

28
Salisu Gambo Ditol
Youth mobilization by media

29
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Non-formal Development for Education and Health Initiatives ( NDEHI)

30
Dr. Tanimu Adam Ibrahim
Gwarzo Initiative Forum

31
Ola Taiwo
Mari-Care Foundation for Widows, Single Parents, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Nigeria. (MARI-CARE)

32
Suleiman Idris
Northern Youth Assembly

33
Mohammed Hussaini
Nigerian Democracy Working Group

34
Haj. Aisha Ahmed Abdulkadir (Dangi)
Sustainable Diana mic and Human Development Initiative

35
Gharzali Ibrahim Ungogo
Ummatee Centre for the Promotion of Public Education, Accountability and Social Safety (Ummatee-C4PASS) –

36
Rabi Yusuf Gezawa MON
Center For Empowerment Of Older Persons And The Vulnerable (CEOPAV)- Formally know as GADIAC

37
Mustapha Muhammed
Social Awareness and Community Development Initiative (SACDI Nigeria)

38
Prof Muhammad Bello Shitu
Inclusive Community Education and Development Association ( ICEADA)

39
Ismail Kanye
KABO Local Government Development Forum

40
Bello Karaye
Karaye Initiative Forum

41
Sani Bello Madaki
Kiru Community Development Association

42
Hassan Musa Yaro
Cardinal and Development Support Initiative

43
Maimuna Shu’aibu
Muna Helping Hand Foundation

44
Aisha Halliru
Halliru Memorial Youth Development and Empowerment initiative (AYDI)

45
Yusuf Muhammad Anas
Dawaki Youth Network for Better Tomorrow Initiatives

46
Abdurrashid Salisu Baba
Tsakuwa Mu Farka Development Association

47
Umaima Muhammad.
Aminci Multipurpose Development Association.

48
Hassan Jibril
Gano Development Association

49
Nusaibatu Muhammad
Iyayen Giji Development Association.

50
Adamu Balarabe Sarbi
Sarbi Development Association

51
Abdurrazak Ayuba usaini
Minjbir East Community Development Association(Mecda)

52
Zubairu Bala
Kwarkiya Youth Mobilization Forum

53
Ismaila Abdullahi
Gidan Kankara City Community

54
Audu Saidu
Mu Tallafi Juna Kadawa (B) Gwale Local Government

55
Umar Iliyasu Madobi
Madobi Youth Development Forum

56
Nura Lambu
Tofa Youth Development Forum

57
Shehu Isah
Gajida Youth Development Associations

58
Abdulaziz Habibu Bello
Yanoko Youth Development Association

59
Suleiman Lawan
Gulu Community Development Association

60
Ubale Yusuf
Kofar Gabas Development Association

61
Dalhatu Jibrin Dalhatu
Karaye Initiative Forum

62
Abubakar Auwal Ahmad
Diso Self Help Group ( DISHEG) Gwale Local Government

63
Murtala Muhd Rabiu
Hannu Dayawa Youth development Association Bachirawa – Ungogo Local Govt

64
Habibu Barau Ruwantsa
Ruwantsa Youth Development Association, Dambatta

65
Sulaiman Yusuf Maitama
Dambatta Reporters

66
Kabiru Balarabe Dambatta
Dambatta Academic Forum

67
Auwal Idris Dorayi
Center for Peace and Environmental Justice CEPEJ

68
Garba Lawan
Rano Development Association

69
Adamu Umar
Rano Youth Enlightenment Forum

70
Auwal Ayuba
Toranke Educational care & support Association.

71
Aminu Sa’ad
Consolidated Ajingi Development Association.

72
Saminu Yusha’u Chula
Chula Area Development Association.

73
Abdullahi Madaki
Kunkurawa Youth Development

74
Sunusi Garba Shehu Gajale
Kafin maiyaki Community Development Association (KACODA), Kiru Local Government Area.

75
Ahmad Tahir
Doguwa Tailoring association.

76
Abdulrazaq Ado Zango
Kano Initiatives Of Persons With Special Needs (KIPSN)

77
Dr. Mustapha Mukhatar
Danbatta Development Forum (DDF)

78
Sani Shuaib Rogo
Rogo Concern Citizens

79
Amb. Abbas Abdullahi
Beyond Border Alliance (BBA)

80
Khadija Shehu Muhammed
Save the Future Initiative (SAFI)

81
Abubakar Abdulkadir
One Voice Development Initiative (OVID)

82
Lami Bako Yakasai
Enlightenment And Empowerment Of Northern Women Initiative

83
Solomon Samuel
Mercy Helpline Initiative

84
Barr. Mustapha Idris
Human Right and Community initiative. Contact person

85
Khadija A. Muhammad
Nana Aisha Development Initiative (NADI)

86
Isyaku Ahmad
Voice And Accountability Platform (VAP)

87
Bashir Adamu Jigirya
Participatory Learning and Action for Community Ownership (PLACO)

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Court of Appeal Reserves Judgment on El-Rufai’s Bail Appeal

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The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna on Monday, October 5, reserved judgment in the appeal filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai, challenging the ruling of the Kaduna State High Court that dismissed his bail application.

El-Rufai, who is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), had approached the Court of Appeal, asking it to overturn the High Court’s ruling and grant him bail.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the proceedings, the ICPC lead counsel, Ayodeleji Adelukpe, said the former governor approached the Court of Appeal with an application challenging the ruling delivered by the trial court on his bail application.

“We oppose that because the bail application he is appealing against here, which is the ruling on the application, is the second one. They actually filed three before the trial judge.

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“The first one was dismissed. They brought another one without showing any exceptional ground, so it was dismissed too. However, without relenting, they proceeded with another application, making it the third, which was also dismissed.

“Upon dismissal of the third application, El-Rufai decided to appeal the second application, which was the second ruling that led to this current appeal. That is why we are challenging the appeal.

“We are challenging the appeal because the trial judge who dismissed those applications was right. They failed to show any exceptional ground for why the second application should be granted.

“Despite this, they did not in any way inform the Honourable Court that they had filed the third application, which was also dismissed.

“In summary, our argument is that the appeal is unmeritorious,” he said.

However, lead counsel to the appellant, Paul Erokoro, SAN, expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would grant their request and overturn the High Court’s decision on the bail application.

Erokoro described El-Rufai’s arrest and the legal battles surrounding him as politically motivated, arguing that the former governor did not commit treason or kill anyone and that the offences he is charged with are bailable.

“El-Rufai is a public figure who cannot run; he was a former governor and a former minister and is an elder statesman.

“Bail is a constitutional right. Except in capital offences, a defendant who is not on bail finds it very difficult to prepare his case.

“El-Rufai, held in ICPC custody by the agency prosecuting him, will find it difficult to access his lawyers and witnesses because he cannot be sure his communication with them is confidential.

“But with this appeal, we hope the court will take a different view and honour the bail application,” he said.

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Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi Welcomes 21 Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries, Flags Off Second Batch of 38 Students

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Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi Welcomes 21 Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries, Flags Off Second Batch of 38 Students

Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, has welcomed 21 beneficiaries of his foreign scholarship programme who recently returned after completing their Master’s degree programmes abroad.

He also flagged off the second batch of the programme, comprising 38 new beneficiaries who are set to travel abroad to pursue Master’s degree programmes.

The event, which took place on Monday, 5 October 2026, at the Hagagawa Mini Stadium, Bichi, Kano State, featured a welcoming ceremony for the returning scholars, as well as the flag-off and presentation of awards to the second batch of beneficiaries.

The returning beneficiaries studied various science and technology-related courses, including Cybersecurity, Software Engineering and Information Technology. Six of the beneficiaries have also secured employment with the Federal Government and are expected to commence work at any time this week.

The event was attended by members of the National Assembly, stakeholders, community leaders, representatives of dignitaries, beneficiaries and their families, as well as other invited guests.

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Addressing the returning beneficiaries, Abubakar Kabir said the initiative was part of his efforts to address some of the challenges confronting the education sector and contribute to the development of human capital.

“If you remember, one and a half years ago, we gathered here to see you off as you departed for Malaysia to pursue your Master’s degree. Alhamdulillah, today we are here again to welcome you back after successfully completing your Master’s degree.”

“I was impressed by your dedication. As we can see today, you have all become high flyers in your different fields after graduation.

“This initiative is part of my efforts to address existing educational gaps and fast-track our country’s development. Globally, human capital is the number one asset, and it is against this backdrop that we have taken this step,” he said.

Speaking to the new beneficiaries, Abubakar Kabir urged them to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria while abroad. He charged them to remain focused on their studies, achieve outstanding academic results and make the country proud.

He noted that all necessary arrangements had been made to provide the beneficiaries with a conducive learning environment.

“In this regard, I feel that the best action is to support what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are doing by providing access to education for less privileged youths,” Abubakar Kabir added.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Foreign Scholarship Committee, Dr. Ado Abdu Bichi, said the beneficiaries were selected strictly on merit after undergoing a comprehensive screening process.

He commended the initiative of Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, saying the scholarship programme would contribute significantly to producing more highly educated young people in Bichi Federal Constituency.

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, commended Abubakar Kabir for his commitment to empowering young people through education.

“I have spent almost over 30 years in the House of Representatives, and I have never seen a member like Abubakar Kabir Abubakar. His participation and commitment are not only in Bichi, Lagos or Enugu; they extend across Nigeria,” Ado-Doguwa said.

The event brought together lawmakers from across the country, stakeholders, representatives of dignitaries, beneficiaries and their families, community leaders and other invited guests to mark another significant phase in the foreign scholarship programme.

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International Arabic Conference Calls for AI Integration

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An international conference on Arabic language and literature held at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has called for the integration of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and modern technology into the teaching, research and development of Arabic language studies. The recommendation was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the conference organised by the Department of Arabic, Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, BUK, from September 28 to 30, 2026.

The conference, titled “Contemporary Issues in Arabic Language and Literature: Prospects and Challenges,” brought together scholars, researchers, postgraduate students, educators and officials from Nigeria and other countries, including Chad, Algeria and Egypt, according to the communiqué signed by Professor Muhammad Rabiu Auwal, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee.

The conference participants said the rapid development of artificial intelligence and digital technology had created both opportunities and challenges for the Arabic language, urging scholars and relevant authorities to develop practical approaches for advancing Arabic language teaching, learning and research in the digital era, according to the communiqué.

The participants also called on governments, educational institutions and policymakers to explore the use of Arabic in national development, particularly in education, media, translation, diplomacy, the economy and culture. The conference further recommended aligning Arabic studies with societal needs and labour market demands through research in language, literature, criticism, linguistics, translation and interdisciplinary studies, according to the communiqué.

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The conference urged stakeholders to review Arabic language teaching methods and curricula, particularly for non-native speakers, while strengthening the connection between Arabic studies and modern fields such as computing, artificial intelligence, translation, media, tourism, diplomacy and the economy. The communiqué also called for collaboration between Arabic departments and departments of computer science, artificial intelligence, linguistics, translation and media.

The participants further recommended stronger academic cooperation between Nigerian universities and institutions around the world through exchange programmes, joint research projects, conferences, seminars, co-supervision of academic theses, exchange of professors and researchers, and sharing of scholarly publications and resources, according to the conference communiqué.

The conference also called for greater cultural and intellectual exchange between Arabic-speaking communities and Africa’s diverse peoples and languages, while encouraging students in higher institutions to pursue innovative research topics rather than merely repeating traditional areas of study. The participants, however, stressed the importance of preserving Arabic cultural heritage while embracing new areas of scholarship and technological development.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and the Wazirin Kano, as well as the Director of the Egyptian Cultural Centre in Kano, the Vice President of the Association of Arabic Language and Literature Teachers in Nigeria, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Mangal University of Technology in Chad, who delivered the keynote address, according to the communiqué.

The conference also called on governments and institutions to provide resources for Arabic-related scientific research and support academic programmes, conferences, seminars and research initiatives aimed at strengthening the language in response to contemporary challenges.

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