The Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, has called for a robust separation of powers among all organs of government, stressing the need for the executive to allow the legislature to function independently.

Senator Hanga made the remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Kano, where he spoke extensively on governance, security, and his contributions to his constituency. He emphasized that his efforts in Kano Central have been “enormous,” citing projects and initiatives he has facilitated.

Commenting on recent developments in Benin Republic, Senator Hanga described the change of government there as “unfortunate,” adding that as a politician and democrat, he hopes such undemocratic actions fail. He urged Nigeria to strengthen its democratic institutions and ensure that governance reflects true democratic values.

The lawmaker criticized the President for not allowing the National Assembly to operate freely, noting that many ministers have failed to discharge their duties effectively. “That is why the President is choked up,” he said, urging better coordination between the executive and legislature.

On the withdrawal of police protection from VIPs, Senator Hanga argued that the President was ill-advised. He explained that members of the National Assembly are among the most targeted individuals and VIPS should have been provided with alternatives before such withdrawal.

Senator Hanga strongly opposed the creation of state police, warning that it could lead to abuse of power by governors. “Creating a state police means creating a police state where governors will use them for intimidation,” he cautioned. He further noted that both the police and army are already grappling with unpaid salaries, questioning the practicality of introducing another policing structure.

He revealed that 19 governors had backed the idea of state police, suggesting that their support may have been driven by panic rather than sound judgment.

Highlighting his contributions to Kano Central, Senator Hanga disclosed that he had proposed the establishment of a Federal University in Kura, which is awaiting presidential assent. He also announced plans to launch a programme in partnership with Kayi Bank to empower his constituents, particularly women.

According to him, Kano Central is the most populous constituency in Nigeria and faces numerous challenges, including a high rate of out-of-school children. He explained that his empowerment initiatives are designed to address these pressing issues.

Senator Hanga stated that he will not contest in the next election, declaring that he feels fulfilled with his service. “I am not going to contest the next election. I am fulfilled,” he said.

Independent Hisba Fisabilillah has launched the distribution of forms to 12,000 persons who were screened in 44 local government areas of Kano State from Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s administration to the current administration.

The Co-Chairmen of the committee who distributed the forms are former Kano State Commandant of the Hisbah Board during Ganduje’s tenure, Sheikh Muhammad Haruna Ibn Sina, and Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, in Kano.

After the committee formed by the former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, completed its work, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, sought the arrest of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his alleged intention to launch his own security forces. But the committee that conducted the operation denied this, saying that it is the Independent Hisba Fisabilillah.

The committee added that this Independent Hisba has been operating since the tenure of former Kano Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, when he was reluctant to implement Islamic Shari’a law at that time.

The committee stated that the Independent Hisba Fisabilillah will work in collaboration with the security agencies and will not tolerate anything that is against the law and not the work of Almighty God.

And as the committee explained, the Nigerian Constitution allows that anyone found to be acting improperly should be handed over to the appropriate authority.

Therefore, the committee said that if he did so, then according to the Constitution of the country, he did not commit a crime.

Likewise, the committee warns anyone who joined Hisba Kwankwasiyya to leave it or go and collect this Hisba Fisabilillah form, which is free and not for sale.

The Chairman and Co-Chairman of the committee, Sheikh Haroon Sani Ibn Seena and Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, said that if the APC takes power in 2027, they will confirm that this person is not a Hisba Fisabilillah and is not a person who is doing the work of God.

Therefore, they called on them to go and collect this form so that they will not be screened and found to be non-compliant, saying that this is not Hisba Gandujiyya or Hisba Ganduje Foundation, but only Hisba Independent Fisabilillah.

After the committee formed by the former Kano State Governor and former National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, completed its work, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, sought the arrest of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his alleged intention to launch his own security forces. But the committee that conducted the operation denied this and said that it is the Independent Hisba Fisabilillah.

The committee added that this Independent Hisba has been operating since the time of former Kano Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, when he did not implement Islamic law at that time.

The committee stated that the Independent Hisba will work in collaboration with the security forces and will not tolerate anything that is against the law and not the work of God.

And as the committee explained, the law of the land allows that anyone found to be acting improperly should be handed over to the appropriate authority.

Therefore, the committee said that if he did so, then according to the Constitution of the country, he did not commit a crime.

Likewise, the committee warns anyone who joined Hisba Kwankwasiyya to leave it or go and collect this Hisba Fisabilillah form, which is free and not for sale.

The Co-Chairman of the committee said that if the APC party takes power in 2027, he will confirm that this person is not a Hisba Fisabilillah and is not a person who is doing the work of God.

Therefore, he calls on them to go and collect the form so that they will not be screened and found to be non-compliant, saying that this is not Hisba Gandujiyya or Hisba Ganduje Foundation, but only Hisba Independent Fisabilillah.

Soldiers in the West African nation of Benin have announced on national TV that they have ousted President Patrice Talon and seized power.

A message from the French embassy in Benin said gunfire had been reported near the residence of the president in the main city of Cotonou.

The soldiers also announced a suspension of the constitution, the closure of all land borders as well as the country’s airspace.

According to their statement, Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.

They justified their actions by criticising President Talon’s management of the country

Talon, 67, is due to step down next year after completing his second term in office, with elections scheduled for April.

A businessman known as the “king of cotton”, he first came to power in an election in 2016. He had promised not to seek a third term and had already named a successor.

The French Embassy has urged its citizens to stay indoors for their safety.

This apparent coup in Benin comes just over a week after Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown as president in nearby Guinea-Bissau.

In recent years, there have been several coups in West Africa, including in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger, heightening fears that the security of the region could worsen.

BBC