The Kwankwasiyya Professionals Forum convened a two-day emergency stakeholders’ meeting on May 4th and 5th, 2025, at Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in Kano to address concerns over alleged defamatory statements made by former Secretary to the State Government, AB Bappah Bichi, against the esteemed leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. The forum, comprising experts from diverse backgrounds, strongly condemned what it described as inflammatory remarks aimed at tarnishing Dr. Kwankwaso’s reputation. According to Comr. Haruna Musa Gaza, Chairman of the forum, “These statements are not only malicious but also an attempt to incite hatred and provoke violence against our revered leader.”

During the deliberations, members reaffirmed Dr. Kwankwaso’s enduring legacy and contributions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development. The forum praised his leadership, integrity, and philanthropic efforts, insisting that his work has positively impacted millions of Nigerians. “Dr. Kwankwaso is a visionary leader whose contributions to our great nation cannot be undermined by baseless accusations,” Gaza stated. The body further emphasized its unwavering support for Kwankwaso while calling on Nigerians to recognize the profound impact of his leadership.

In response to Bichi’s remarks, the forum resolved to pursue legal action to ensure accountability for what they termed defamatory allegations. Legal proceedings, according to Gaza, will be instituted to address the matter in court, and all available legal avenues will be explored to seek redress. “We will not allow these false claims to go unchallenged. Justice must prevail, and we will fight to ensure that defamatory statements like these do not go unchecked,” Gaza affirmed. The forum vowed to hold Bichi responsible for his utterances and pursue the matter to its logical conclusion through legal means.

Despite the forum’s strong condemnation, it urged all Kwankwasiyya supporters and Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of provocation. The forum stressed the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding unnecessary escalation. “We call on our supporters to exercise restraint. Violence is never the answer, and our movement stands for peace and development,” Gaza emphasized. The forum maintained that while legal action is necessary, peaceful resolution and respect for the law remain top priorities.

Additionally, the Kwankwasiyya Professionals Forum commended the Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his administration’s efforts in advancing development projects across the state. The forum encouraged Kano residents to continue supporting the governor’s initiatives aimed at fostering progress and stability. “Governor Yusuf is working tirelessly for the betterment of Kano State, and we urge citizens to stand behind his administration’s laudable projects,” Gaza concluded. The forum reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability while championing the cause of peace and development.

The Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) has announced the suspension of operations across its 36 state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The decision was disclosed by MATAN’s National President, Jamilu Abbas, while addressing journalists on the prevailing challenges within the association.

According to Abbas, the suspension comes in response to multiple concerns raised by stakeholders, alongside unforeseen circumstances that have impacted the organization’s unity.

He emphasized the need for solidarity, stating, “Based on the current situation across the country regarding our association, along with the receipt of various calls from stakeholders and unforeseen circumstances—including exchanges of words on our platform—I believe that we are one family, united in the progress of our great nation. That is why we are MATAN: when we work, our nation moves forward.”

The MATAN President clarified that, despite the general suspension, the scheduled inauguration for Imo State would proceed as planned, while that of Enugu State has been postponed. Abbas noted that further directives on the future of the association’s activities would be determined by the Federal Executive Council. He stated, “In view of all these developments, as the President and father of our teeming family members, I am here to announce that the Enugu State inauguration is suspended, while Imo State’s inauguration should proceed as scheduled. Furthermore, the operations of all 36 state chapters and Abuja are hereby suspended until the Federal Executive Council convenes and announces a new mode of operation for the entire 36 states and Abuja.”

Abbas acknowledged that the suspension could cause disruptions for MATAN members but stressed that it was a necessary course of action. He expressed his regret over the inconvenience, adding that he remains optimistic about the upcoming discussions with the Federal Executive Council, which he believes will provide lasting solutions to the association’s concerns. “This decision was made out of necessity. I believe the suspension may hurt our members, and we regret any inconvenience this painful decision may cause. However, we had no choice but to implement it. I am confident that the outcome of our meeting will serve as the final solution to our grievances,” he stated.

MATAN members across the country will be awaiting further updates as the association navigates this transitional phase. In the meantime, Abbas urged traders to remain united, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to resolving the underlying issues affecting the organization.

The Market Traders Association of Nigeria is a national organization committed to supporting market traders and advancing trade-related policies for economic growth. The association plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between traders and government stakeholders, ensuring that market conditions remain favorable for business development.

This latest suspension marks a pivotal moment for MATAN, with traders, stakeholders, and the government looking ahead to forthcoming resolutions.

A newlywed woman, Saudat Jibrin Adam, has been arrested for allegedly kill!ng her husband, Salisu Idris Ibrahim, just nine days after their wedding in the Farawa community of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State.

The tragic incident, which occurred late Monday night, has shocked residents of the area.

According to eyewitnesses, Saudat allegedly asked her husband to close his eyes for a “surprise” before fatally slitti!ng his throat with a knife.

A neighbour, Dini Mada, who was one of the first to arrive at the scene, disclosed that Salisu named his wife as the attacker before succumbing to his injuries at the hospital.

“I asked him who did this to you, and he said, ‘Dini, it’s my wife. She stabbed me in the neck in the parlour.

“She told him to close my eyes for a surprise, not knowing she had hidden a knife,” Dini recalled.

He added that Salisu’s mother, whose home is attached to the couple’s residence, alerted him moments after hearing a disturbance.

“She thought it was an external attack, but we found Salisu bleeding with his throat slit.”

The suspect reportedly locked herself in a bedroom after the attack and was discovered by police during a search of the premises.

“She was on the phone when police entered and arrested her.

“We didn’t even know she was still in the house,” Dini added.

Sources close to the deceased claimed that the couple had unresolved marital issues.

Despite displaying affection during their courtship, the suspect allegedly refused to consummate the marriage and frequently declined to cook for her husband.

“That night, Salisu bought gurasa and meat for dinner because she again refused to cook,” one friend said.

Neighbours described the suspect as appearing “normal” and often accompanying her husband to visit family nearby, which made the attack even more shocking.

Family members confirmed that Salisu was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

His brother, Tanimu Idris, said he has been buried according to Islamic rites.

As of the time of this report, the Kano State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement.

Spokesperson SP Abdullahi Kiyawa said the command is investigating the matter.