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Shekarau at 70: Politics Is a Religious Duty in Service to Humanity – Former Kano Governor

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Malam Ibrahim Shekarau addressing the press

 

Former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has described active participation in politics as a religious duty and a means of serving humanity, emphasizing that the process of producing credible leaders must be anchored in moral and spiritual values.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Kano to mark his 70th birthday, Shekarau said leadership selection through political participation is not only a civic responsibility but also a divine obligation for Muslims.

According to the former governor, “Since the only way we establish and get leaders is through the political process, then politics and the process of producing credible leaders have also become a religious duty. Participating in the process of producing credible leadership is a must under the umbrella of Islam because that is service to humanity.”

Shekarau explained that his continued involvement in politics is not driven by personal ambition but by a lifelong commitment to ensuring the emergence of credible, just, and trustworthy leaders. “I’m not in politics necessarily to become A, B, or C,” he said. “I will remain in the political arena to contribute to the best of my ability to ensure credible leadership. This is my mission in life.”

Addressing questions about his future plans, the former governor said he has no concerns about what comes next, insisting that his focus remains on service and contribution to society. “There’s nothing like ‘what next’ for me,” Shekarau stated. “When I was made a principal, I never begged for it. When I was promoted, I never lobbied. Whatever comes my way is determined by Allah.”

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Reflecting on his political and professional journey, Shekarau said he has no regrets, noting that every event in his life has been guided by divine will. “I have never had any regrets because whatever happens, I believe it is Allah’s choice,” he said. “Even if I set out to achieve something and do not succeed, I have no regrets because Allah has destined what I will achieve in life.”

The former educationist also recalled his early days as a teacher and union leader, noting that his leadership experience dates back to the early 1980s. “I was elected state secretary of the Principals’ Conference in 1982, became state president in 1984, and later served as national president between 1988 and 1992,” he recounted. “So, election and leadership have always been part of my life.”

Commenting on Nigeria’s political development, Shekarau expressed his belief in party-based politics rather than individual alliances. “I do not believe in individual politics; I believe in party politics,” he emphasized. “That was why we worked to form the APC in 2013 when ANPP, CPC, and a faction of APGA came together. But unfortunately, what we see today are individuals moving from one party to another for personal gain.”

He also called for unity among opposition parties ahead of future elections, arguing that a strong opposition is necessary for Nigeria’s democratic growth. “Whatever you say about the PDP, it remains the only party that has survived since 1999,” he said. “We are inviting other parties like APC, Labour, SDP, and others to come together under one umbrella to form a formidable opposition ahead of the next elections.”

Assessing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Shekarau commended efforts to address insecurity but urged more decisive action to curb killings and improve citizens’ welfare. “No nation is free from criminality, but what matters is reducing it to the barest minimum,” he said. “Government must prioritize security of lives and property.”

He further stressed that economic reforms must focus on ensuring food security, describing access to affordable food as the most important aspect of governance. “Whatever the government does, if people cannot afford food, then it is meaningless,” Shekarau stated. “Food is the most important thing in people’s lives.”

The elder statesman also shared what he described as his five guiding principles of success good conduct, hard work, perseverance, consistency, and patience urging Nigerians, especially the youth, to live by these values. “Good conduct makes people respect and trust you, hard work brings success, perseverance sustains it, consistency earns recognition, and patience crowns all efforts,” he said.

Shekarau concluded by expressing gratitude to Allah and to all who supported him throughout his 70 years of life, offering prayers for mutual forgiveness and peace. “I thank everyone who stood by me and forgive all who may have wronged me,” he said. “Let us continue to be good, hardworking, and patient in all that we do.”

 

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RATTAWU Kano Chapter Hails DG Sunusi Bature For Repairs of Association Bus

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The Kano State chapter of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) has commended the Director-General, Media and Publicity to State Governor, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, for facilitating the repair of the association’s bus.

The commendation was made by the Chairman of RATTAWU Kano State Council, Comrade Babangida Mamuda Biyamusu, in a statement issued to pressmen in Kano.

According to the chairman, the union’s bus had been grounded for some time due to mechanical faults, creating challenges for members in carrying out official assignments and union activities.
He described the intervention by Alhaji Sunusi Bature as timely and highly commendable, noting that it has restored the vehicle to operational condition and eased transportation challenges faced by the association.

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“On behalf of the entire RATTAWU family in Kano State, we sincerely appreciate this magnanimous gesture. The repair of the bus will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency and supporting our activities,” Comrade Biyamusu stated.

The chairman assured that members of the union would continue to play their professional role in sensitising and informing the public about government policies, programmes, and developmental initiatives across the state.

Comrade Biyamusu also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for what he described as the administration’s commitment to the development of the state through its Kano First agenda.
He further described Governor Yusuf as a people-oriented and media-friendly leader whose administration has continued to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people and accelerating the state’s development.

The RATTAWU chairman reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting professionalism in the media industry and supporting initiatives that contribute to the progress and development of Kano State.

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NNPC Enhances Diagnostic Healthcare Capacity with MRI Machine Donation to Dala Orthopaedic Hospital

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NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Ltd., has commissioned and handed over a fully installed a state-of-the-art, 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System to the National Orthopaedic Hospital (NOH), Dala, Kano State.

The intervention, which is in furtherance of NNPC Ltd’s commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening medical infrastructure across Nigeria, is expected to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic, neurological, trauma and musculoskeletal and gynaecological conditions. Before the intervention, patients needing advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced challenges of travelling long distances, longer waiting time and delay of care due to high cost and availability.

Speaking at the ceremony held in the Hospital’s premises in Kano on Thursday, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, represented by the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said the donation is part of a wider corporate goal and focus to contribute strategically to national healthcare development. “At NNPC Limited, we are intentional about ensuring that our social investments are impactful, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities we serve.

Through the NNPC Foundation, we would continue to implement interventions that create measurable social value across Nigeria,” he said. He described the intervention as timely and needed where it serves as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system due to challenges of infrastructure deficits, equipment limitation, and increasing demand for specialized services.

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Also speaking the Executive Vice President Business Services, NNPC Ltd, Mrs Sophia Mbakwe, represented by the Executive Director Program Management at the NNPC Foundation; Mrs Rose Okonkwo said NNPC Limited goes beyond barrels of crude production to impact lives positively, reaffirming the commitment of the company to improving the well-being of Nigerians as well as strengthening key national institutions.

“Today’s event is a testament to our steadfast commitment to deliver measurable impacts and scalable sustainable interventions to communities across Nigeria, inclusively targeting under-served and vulnerable members of the society. By this intervention, NNPC Limited aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life of the people, Kano State, the North-West geopolitical zone and, by extension, all Nigerians who depend on the National Orthopedic Hospital, Dala for specialized medical care,” she stated.

In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf who was represented by the Commissioner for Health; Abubakar Labaran Yusuf commended NNPC Foundation for the donation, which he described as a major milestone in improving healthcare services in the region through early and accurate diagnosis and care.

The Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Isa Nurudeen expressed appreciation to NNPC Ltd. for the intervention, noting that the donation will have a transformative impact on the hospital’s operations and services. The event was attended by representatives of NNPC Ltd., management and staff of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, government officials, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

 

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FCT Police Enforce Tinted Glass Ban

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for operating with tinted glasses, obscured number plates, and improper registration as it commenced the enforcement of the ban on tinted vehicles across Abuja.

Addressing journalists at the command on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was aimed at tackling the growing use of such vehicles by criminals involved in one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes within the territory.

According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has given the command the go-ahead to enforce the ban.

Sanusi said intelligence reports indicated that criminal elements deliberately use tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to hide their identities, evade detection, and frustrate law enforcement efforts.

He said: “The IG has given us the mandate to begin the enforcement of the ban on the use of tinted vehicles and other offences as earlier stated.

“Intelligence reports at the disposal of the command indicate that many criminal elements deliberately use such vehicles to conceal their identities, evade detection, and frustrate law enforcement efforts. This poses a serious threat to public safety.”

The police commissioner explained that the enforcement exercise followed a directive to begin strict implementation of regulations prohibiting the use of tinted glasses and other traffic-related violations that could aid criminal activities.

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Consequently, he said the command had launched a comprehensive operation targeting vehicles operating in violation of the regulations.

“This exercise is not intended in any way to inconvenience law-abiding citizens, but it is to deny criminals the cover they exploit to operate crimes against innocent citizens and the FCT residents at large,” Sanusi stated.

He disclosed that more than 30 vehicles had already been seized during the operation.

“As part of this ongoing enforcement, over 30 vehicles found to be operating with tinted glasses, covered or obscured number plates, and without proper registration have been impounded,” he said.

The commissioner warned that owners and operators of the impounded vehicles would be prosecuted in accordance with relevant laws.

“The owners and operators of these vehicles will be charged to court in accordance with the laws of the Federation and the FCT Road Transport Regulations Act, 2023,” he added.

Sanusi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention, urging residents to support the enforcement exercise.

He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.

“We therefore seek the understanding, cooperation, and support of the public as we continue this enforcement exercise and enforce the ban on the use of such vehicles and the total ban on tinted glasses across the FCT,” he said.

The police boss maintained that the crackdown was part of broader efforts to improve security and deny criminals the means of operating undetected within the nation’s capital.

The enforcement of restrictions on tinted vehicles comes amid uncertainty over the status of the Nigeria Police Force’s tinted glass permit policy.

On January 1, 2026, the Force suspended nationwide enforcement of the policy following an interim court order restraining its implementation, according to a statement issued by the then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.

The police had earlier announced on December 15, 2025, that enforcement of the policy would resume from January 2, 2026, as part of measures aimed at strengthening public safety and internal security.

However, it remains unclear whether the court order has since been vacated or whether the suspension remains in effect.

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