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Special Advisers Forum Passes Vote of Confidence on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

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Comrade Baffa Sani Gaya while addressing the Press being flanked by other special advisers

 

The Special Advisers Forum of Kano State has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, commending his visionary and people-centered leadership that has ushered in a new era of progress, accountability, and sustainable development across the state.

Speaking at the Kano NUJ Secretariat during a press briefing, Comrade Baffa Sani Gaya, Chairman of the forum, declared the forum’s unwavering support for the governor. He described Yusuf’s administration as transformational, inclusive, and committed to the welfare of Kano citizens.

“Since assuming office in May 2023, His Excellency has shown relentless dedication to good governance, transparency, and social justice. His achievements across key sectors are a testament to his capable and compassionate leadership,” Gaya told journalists.

Gaya highlighted the governor’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption, which has led to sweeping public financial reforms. These include the implementation of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), blocking financial leakages, and ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions.

“Over ₦28 billion in outstanding gratuities and death benefits have been settled, including severance and furniture allowances owed to local government councilors from previous administrations,” Gaya noted.

He added that the automation of revenue systems and enhanced auditing have significantly improved Kano’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), restoring public trust in the state’s fiscal management.

The forum praised Governor Yusuf’s historic investment in education, including the declaration of a state of emergency in the sector. Gaya revealed that the governor allocated over 29% of the state’s budget to education exceeding the UNESCO benchmark.

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“The administration recruited 5,634 teachers and 3,866 facilitators, renovated classrooms across all 484 wards, and settled outstanding WAEC, NECO, and NBAIS fees for indigent students,” Gaya said.

He also cited the reopening of Kano State Polytechnic and the establishment of the College of Education and Advanced Studies in Ghari, alongside the sponsorship of 1,001 first-class graduates for overseas postgraduate studies.

Gaya outlined major strides in healthcare, including the establishment of diphtheria and leprosy treatment centers, solarization of pediatric hospitals and PHCs, and recruitment of 210 medical officers and 36 house officers.

“The government has deployed 14 ambulances across 14 zones and launched the Abba-Care scheme, which provides free maternal healthcare and expanded insurance coverage,” he added.

The forum acknowledged the revitalization of Kano’s agricultural sector through the recruitment of 1,000 extension workers, construction of 11 mini-earth dams, and distribution of 543 trucks of fertilizer to over 100,000 farmers.

“912,079 livestock have been vaccinated, and food palliatives were provided to 500,000 households. Climate-smart equipment was distributed to 6,000 smallholder farmers under KSADP, APPEALS, and SPIN projects,” Gaya explained.

Governor Yusuf’s infrastructure drive was also lauded, with ongoing construction of major flyovers, interchanges, and over 20 metropolitan roads. Gaya mentioned the revival of 5km dual carriage roads across all 44 LGAs and the implementation of solar street lighting and wireless traffic control systems.

“These projects have improved mobility, safety, and urban sustainability across Kano,” he said.

Gaya highlighted the administration’s economic initiatives, including the revitalization of five garment industries, a ₦5 billion SME loan scheme with the Bank of Industry, and the attraction of $15 million in foreign investment in the energy sector.

“Over 5,200 women and youth are empowered monthly through capital support programs. The mass wedding program has benefited 1,800 couples, promoting dignity and family values,” he added.

The forum commended the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and a Security Trust Fund, as well as the passage of Nigeria’s first Public Health Security Bill. Special anti-phone snatching squads and neighborhood watch teams have also been formed to combat crime.

In conclusion, Comrade Baffa Sani Gaya reaffirmed the forum’s full support for Governor Yusuf and endorsed him for a second term.

“His Excellency’s leadership has proven to be transformational and visionary. We proudly and unequivocally support his re-election bid to continue the development of Kano State,” Gaya declared.

Those in attendance at the meeting are majority of Special advisers to Governor Yusuf like Jamilu Abbas,Idris Salisu Rogo,Umar Garba Durbunde among others

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JUST IN: National Assembly to Re-gazette Tax Laws Amid Controversy

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The National Assembly has directed the Clerk to re-gazette four major tax reform acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions officially passed by parliament, following public controversy over discrepancies in the published laws.

In a Friday statement, House Spokesman Akin Rotimi said the leadership of both chambers authorized the move to “protect the integrity of the legislative record,” describing it as an administrative step to accurately reflect parliamentary decisions.

The directive addresses growing scrutiny over the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act (2025), and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025)—particularly concerning harmonization of bills, documentation sent for presidential assent, and the versions eventually published in the Official Gazette.

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Rotimi emphasized that the legislature is addressing the matter within its constitutional authority. Last week, the House formed a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the legislative and administrative handling of the acts.

“The Committee, alongside relevant National Assembly bodies, is conducting an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors,” he stated, noting the review will examine potential “lapses, irregularities, or external interferences.”

The process, he added, complies fully with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, and parliamentary standing orders.

While the re-gazetting aims to “clear any ambiguity,” Rotimi clarified that the review “does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority.” He also stated the action is without prejudice to other arms of government and does not affect existing rights or legal processes.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the House pledged to take “appropriate corrective measures” if procedural refinements are needed.

The public was urged to allow the institutional process to proceed “without speculation or conjecture.”

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Airstrikes: Activist Sowore Decries Reckless Breach of Sovereignty By the U.S Government

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a fierce condemnation of a confirmed U.S. military airstrike inside Nigeria, labeling the action a dangerous breach of sovereignty and an “imperialist move” by President Donald Trump.

Sowore’s warning follows President Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that he had ordered a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria. Trump justified the operation, stating the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians” and that he had delivered promised retribution: “there was hell to pay.”

While the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike was conducted “at the request of Nigerian authorities,” Sowore argued that direct foreign military intervention is a catastrophic precedent.

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“Nobody should be rejoicing about this,” Sowore stated. “The U.S. could help the Nigerian military, but U.S. military carrying out an attack inside Nigeria is extremely dangerous, reckless, and bad.”

He described the event as “a sad day for the so-called African liberation and Independence.”

The strike triggered panic on the ground in Sokoto State. Residents of Jabo village reported a sudden, loud explosion on Christmas night, with many fearing an imminent attack. “It happened suddenly… The explosion caused fear, but thank God it did not land among people,” one eyewitness said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for “Nigerian government support & cooperation” and ominously added there would be “more to come.”

The operation marks a sharp and controversial escalation of U.S. counter-terrorism activity in West Africa, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the future of regional security partnerships.

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Nigeria Aides U.S in Sokoto Airstrike Against ISIS

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Donald J. Trump has announced that the United States carried out targeted military strikes against ISIS–affiliated militants in north-west Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in American counter-terrorism operations in West Africa.

In a late-night statement published on Truth Social, the U.S. President said the operation was conducted under his direct orders as Commander-in-Chief, describing it as “a powerful and deadly strike” aimed at extremist elements responsible for repeated attacks in the region.

According to Mr Trump, the militants had been involved in brutal assaults on local communities, particularly targeting Christian populations. He said he had previously warned the group of consequences if the violence continued.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians… I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” the statement read in part.

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He added that the “Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” asserting that the U.S. would not allow extremist groups to flourish under his leadership.

While the President praised the American military, he also issued a stern warning to the militants, saying there would be further consequences if attacks on civilians persisted.

Confirming the development, the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that it provided the intelligence needed to the United States government concerning the airstrike.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” said the ministry.

It further stated that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

On the particular location of the strike in the northwestern part of the country, netizens, particularly from Sokoto State, have confirmed that a rocket landed in Jabo Ward, under Tambuwal LG of Sokoto State, Nigeria this same night.

Similarly, the United States Africa Command(AFRICOM), an organization responsible for the United States military operations in the continent, in a series of posts on X, said the airstrikes were launched based on requests of the Nigerian government.

“AFRICOM conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” the statement reads.

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