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Kano Govt Moves against Emir Sanusi, Set to Create New Emirates
The Kano State government has launched a fresh probe to scrutinise the expenses of the Kano Emirate Council from 2013 to 2019.
The probe was initiated by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, according to a letter dated May 2, and signed by the commission’s Head of Operations, Suleiman Gusau.
Also, a top official in the commission, who asked not to be named, told PREMIUM TIMES that the letter has been sent to the emirate council, inviting some officials to come and “clarify some issues.”
The letter invited top emirate officials including Mohammad Kwaru (accountant of the council); Mannir Sanusi (chief of staff to the emir); Isa Sanusi (former principal private secretary and half-brother to the emir) and Mujittaba Falakin Kano (private secretary to the emir), to shed light on spending from 2013 to 2019.
The officials are expected to honour the commission’s invitation on Thursday, May 9, by 12 p.m. at the headquarters of the agency.
Mismanagement of funds?
The letter indicated the commission invited the aforementioned staff for an alleged violation of section 26 of its enabling law in the management of emirate’s funds.
It also stated that the invitation was based on the power conferred to it under “Section 9 and 15 of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended).”
The commission and the state assemby had earlier started a similar investigation, which many believed were moves to ‘dethrone’ Mr Sanusi, an outspoken leader.
Mr Sanusi was a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. While he held sway under the Jonathan administration, he often revealed acts of fraud in the economy which did not endear him to many. Since assuming the throne, he has also constantly put the authorities on their toes through regular criticism of government policies.
Additional Emirates
The current move comes just hours after the Kano Assembly formed a committee to look into the possibility of creating four additional emirates in the state in order to whittle down the emir’s powers.
In a plenary session on Monday, Speaker of the House, Kabiru Rurum, read a letter signed by one Ibrahim Salisu “and others”, seeking the creation of new emirates in Karaye, Bichi, Rano and Gaya.
A former governor of Kano, Abubakar Rimi, had once created additional emirates in Karaye, Rano and Gaya during the reign of the late Emir Ado Bayero. But this was later revoked by his successor, Sabo Bakinzuwo.
Premium Times
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The Christmas/End of Year party of the Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA) was filled with excitement, pomp and pageantry as the 84-86 set celebrated its 40th anniversary of leaving the school.
The highlight of the event was the donation of N20 million from the set’s endowment to serve as a seed fund for the national body’s endowment through the National ICOBA. The donation was received by Mr Femi Banwo, President ICOBA International and Mr Kunle Elebute, Chairman ICOBA National Endowment Committee
The 84-86 set’s Board of Trustees Endowment Committee had established an independent endowment in 2009 with a vision to create a lasting legacy for the set. Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the ICOBA 84-86 Board of Trustees and Endowment Committee, Dr. Falil Ayo Abina, expressed his delight, stating that it was a dream come true.
Dr. Abina explained that one of the core lessons learned at Igbobi College was “self-denial.”
He reminisced about the Self-Denial Fund (SDF), where students were taught to contribute their weekly “widow’s mite” to share with the less privileged in society. Dr. Abina emphasized that when the endowment committee conceived the idea of the endowment 15 years ago, they had this legacy in mind, aiming to serve a purpose greater than self.
The donation of N20 million to the national endowment is expected to inspire others within the alumni and other school alumni associations to follow suit.
This generous donation is the first in ICOBA’s history and arguably in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
The 13-member endowment committee, also include Demola Ipaye, Fola Laguda, Gbenga Aina, Demola Oladeinde, Jimi Onanuga, Abayomi Alabi, Kwami Adadevoh, Bayo Ayoade, Tunde Sadare, Wole Ogunbajo, Tunji Akinwummi, and Lanre Olusola, worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality and it was indeed mission accomplished for the ‘Nobles Nigerians ‘ as Igbobians are called.
The recent US presidential election should be praised for its credibility and peaceful conduct. The election serves as a model for Nigeria, highlighting the importance of free, fair and transparent polls, according to the publisher of online platform, Bluefames Media, Mr. Victor Udoh
The US election saw Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, emerge victorious over Democrat, vice president Kamala Harris. Trump secured 270 electoral votes, surpassing Harris’s votes.
While congratulating Trump on his victory, Udoh noted that the election’s smooth process, devoid of issues like ballot box snatching, violence and technical glitches.
In contrast, Nigeria’s electoral process often faces challenges, including delays, vote-buying and disputes over results, he lamented. Udoh emphasized the need for Nigeria to learn from the US example, ensuring credible elections that reflect the will of the people.
He said: “Nigerians and the international community monitored the outcomes of the US election. You could see that the US electoral process demonstrates the value of credible and peaceful elections, which experience Nigeria can draw lessons from to improve its own electoral system.
“By embracing transparency, accountability and peaceful conduct, Nigeria can strengthen its democracy and ensure governance that truly represents the people’s will.”
Udoh, a publicist and motivator, pointed out that learning from the US experience, Nigeria can address its electoral weaknesses and foster a more robust democracy, which in turn, can lead to better governance, economic growth and improved living standards for Nigerians.
“Nigeria must prioritize electoral reform and transparency to ensure that its citizens’ voices are heard and valued,” he stressed.
He, however, warned that “a second Trump term may have significant implications for global issues like dollar value, immigration, energy and geopolitical stability.”
Victor Udoh is the publisher of online platform, Bluefames Media
