The controversy surrounding an alleged altercation between a Kano State government aide and a journalist during the Argungu Motor Rally has taken a new turn, as the journalist insists that legal action may be the only option if no formal communication or apology is issued.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Race Course in Kano metropolis during the Argungu Motor Rally, an event organized as part of activities marking the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.

The government official involved who was identified as Abdullahi Sani Rogo, a Senior Special Reporter with the Kano State Government, while the journalist at the center of the dispute is Abdulbaki Ali Ahmed Sharifai, who was covering the event in his professional capacity.

According to eyewitnesses, the alleged verbal exchange took place shortly after journalists including Mr. Sharifai conducted an interview at the venue.

The incident occurred in the presence of senior officials, including, comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism as well as Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha, Chairman of the Kano State Censorship Board.

Following the incident, Mr. Sharifai proceeded to the Divisional Police Office in Bompai, headquarters of the Kano State Police Command, where he filed a formal complaint.

However, Rogo declined to honor police invitation and using Kano state government house as shield from arrest.

Subsequently, Commissioner Waiya reportedly invited the journalist for dialogue and assured him that he would intervene in the matter and ensure that Mr. Rogo offers an apology to resolve the issue amicably.

However, as of the time of filing this report, no official apology or formal communication has been issued by Mr. Rogo, the Kano State Government, or the Office of Special Advisers to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Sources close to Mr. Sharifai revealed that he believes pursuing legal action may be the most appropriate course if the matter remains unaddressed formally.

The journalist reportedly maintains that he was carrying out his lawful professional duties at the time of the alleged insult and deserves institutional response and redress.

According to the source, Mr. Sharifai holds that without proper communication from the concerned government official, the Kano State Government, or the office of the governor’s special advisers, seeking remedy in a court of law remains the best available option to protect his rights and professional integrity.

The incident has generated conversations within media circles regarding respect for journalists, professionalism at public events.

As of press time, neither Mr. Rogo nor the Kano State Government has released an official public statement on the matter.

The situation remains under close observation as stakeholders await further developments, including whether reconciliation efforts will prevail or the matter will proceed to litigation.

Another Journalist with Hikima Radio Mubarak Auwal Unguwa Uku narrated his ordeal in the hand of Auwal Sani Rogo where he threaten him to cut off a live programme on the day Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was received in the All Progressives Congress at Sani Abacha Stadium.

Mubarak Auwal Unguwa Uku said this was how the Government official intimidated him

“He said I had to cut the live broadcast because there was a fight between security officers and the Chairman of Danbatta Local Government. The chairman removed his flowing gown and started brawling with the security officers because they stopped him from entering the VIP section.

So I said, if he is ignorant, let him ask how journalism works their quarrel should not force me to stop my work.

He tried to grab me and continued hurling insults. I kept my composure and ignored him. ”

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has officially sacked Kayode Egbetokun from his position as Inspector General of Police. The announcement was confirmed by senior police officials and sources within the Police Service Commission

Tunji Disu, currently the Assistant Inspector General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, has been named as Egbetokun’s successor.

A source revealed, “Egbetokun was at the Presidential Villa yesterday and was instructed to prepare his handover notes. He has likely done so already and will hand over to Tunji Disu.” The source further described Egbetokun as “incompetent and power-drunk,” with many scandals marking his tenure. The President reportedly advised him to step down and focus on treatment for kidney-related health issues.

The decision to remove Egbetokun has reportedly been met with widespread approval among police officers. “Police officers jubilated when the news broke on Monday. Although the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, reportedly wanted him to remain, the President was resolute on the matter,” a source added.

Egbetokun’s time as IGP was marred by controversy, including his extended stay beyond the mandatory retirement age and years of service, sparking debates over violations of police service regulations. Allegations of nepotism and favoritism also dogged his tenure, with investigations highlighting rapid and questionable promotions within his close circle, particularly involving Bukola Yemisi Kuti, his Principal Staff Officer, who critics claim had a personal relationship with him.

Further controversy arose from reports linking ₦100 million from Anambra State’s security vote to Victor, Egbetokun’s son. Critics raised alarms about the possible diversion of state funds for private benefit, allegations that were met with aggressive legal actions by police authorities against journalists and activists who reported on these issues.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Just over a week after President Bola Tinubu assented to the 2026 Electoral Act, signs of discord have emerged within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to reports from leadership, a number of APC governors are deeply unhappy with the removal of the indirect primary election mode from the newly signed legislation.

According to party insiders, the governors feel they were outmaneuvered by federal lawmakers, who they claim drove the amendment process with unusual speed, culminating in the President’s prompt assent.

“We feel frustrated and ambushed,” a governor from the South-East region was quoted as telling an aide to President Tinubu during a meeting in Abuja on Sunday. The source added that the South-East governor was accompanied by a colleague from the South-West to voice their collective concerns. Their primary grievance, it was gathered, is that the new law significantly curtails their influence over the candidate selection process within the party.

At the heart of the dispute is the removal of the indirect primaries option. The previous Electoral Act of 2022, in Section 84(2), allowed political parties to nominate candidates through direct, indirect, or consensus primaries. The new 2026 Act, however, prescribes only direct and consensus primaries in Section 84.

The indirect system, often referred to as the delegate system, has historically been a powerful tool for state governors, who typically wield significant control over the selection of delegates. The new direct primary mode, which mandates voting by all registered party members, is seen by the governors as a move that dilutes their control over who flies the party’s flag, particularly for National Assembly seats.

A credible source within the party elaborated on the governors’ perspective, stating that they felt sidelined during the legislative process. “All the governors elected on the APC platform are committed to complementing the efforts of our leader and President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the source said. “But the events of the last few days have felt like an ambush. There is a growing frustration that the President may be prioritising the counsel of some lawmakers over that of the governors.”

The source clarified that the governors’ opposition is not to the entire bill but to specific provisions. “It’s not that they have many issues with the entire Bill, but they had tabled specific reservations with Mr. President, particularly regarding the selection of National Assembly candidates for the 2027 elections. He had given his consent on those points. The governors believe they have a better grasp of the grassroots and who is electable.

Their plan was to complement Mr. President by ensuring the nomination of strong candidates. Now, they feel ambushed and frustrated that they may be sidelined from nominating candidates for the National Assembly elections.”

Responding to the reports, the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, moved to quell the narrative of a rift, stating that governors were not outwitted and remain loyal to the party and national interest.

In a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Oguwike Nwachuku, Governor Uzodimma described the amendment process as a purely legislative affair. He stressed that the lawmakers acted in the national interest and that the resulting framework is for the overall good of the populace.

“The legislators deliberated on it and arrived at a compromise, which the president assented to,” Governor Uzodimma was quoted as saying. He emphasised that as responsible and responsive members of the party, “they are loyal to every decision of the party.”

He further submitted that the governors have “no reason to feel outwitted,” as the actions were taken “for the well-being and overall good and benefit of the populace.”

President Tinubu signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law last Wednesday. The signing proceeded despite public debate over another contentious clause that makes the electronic transmission of election results optional. The final version of the Bill notably deleted the indirect primary option, retaining only the direct and consensus modes.