The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Bayero University Kano (BUK) has labeled the federal government as untrustworthy due to the half salary payment to university lecturers for October. During a protest at BUK, ASUU's Kano Zonal Coordinator, Professor Abdulkadir Mohammed, accused the government of attacking Nigeria's intellectuals. The lecturers submitted a letter to the BUK Vice Chancellor and threatened to take action if their issues are not resolved. BUK students also protested in support of the lecturers, demanding a resolution to the ongoing conflict between ASUU and the government, which they believe is undermining education in Nigeria. ASUU had previously ended an eight-month strike on October 14, and upon resuming work, lecturers were only paid half of their expected salaries.

Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF) and the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) are planning a protest to demand full payment of their Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) by the federal government. The allowance is designed to prevent retired servicemen from using their military skills against the state. This announcement comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu approved N18 billion for Group Life Assurance and other benefits for families of deceased servicemen. The veterans' spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, has criticized government officials for obstructing their demands and has also condemned the purchase of expensive SUVs for federal lawmakers. The veterans are calling for a new SDA payment template, pension adjustments, and payment of outstanding wage arrears from the Buhari administration. Durowaiye-Herberts has called on veterans to be ready for a new protest date, which will be communicated under the hashtag #Let the Veterans Breathe.

The Kano State government, through the Commissioner for Justice, Lawan Musa, has reiterated Governor Abdullahi Ganduje's commitment to signing the death sentence of Abdulmalik Tanko, who was convicted for the murder of five-year-old Hanifa. Tanko, the owner of Noble Kids School, killed Hanifa after kidnapping her and collecting ransom. The case has caused national outrage, with significant public interest in the swift execution of justice. The convicts have a three-month period to appeal the sentence. The Commissioner assured that if no appeal is made, the execution will be carried out in Kaduna, as Kano State lacks the facilities for such executions. Currently, there are nine other individuals on death row in Kano, but their cases are under appeal. The article also references a past suggestion by Governor Ganduje to amend the law so that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, rather than state governors, would sign death warrants.

Isah Garba, a Senior Program Officer at CITAD, has stated that the Kano State government lacks the constitutional authority to regulate social media. This statement comes in response to the Kano State Hisbah Board's announcement of plans to regulate social media in collaboration with the Kano State Censorship Board, citing concerns over immoral content on platforms like Tik Tok. Garba argues that the responsibility for regulating social media content lies with NITDA and that there is no evidence to support claims that social media is causing increased divorce rates in Kano. He suggests that the Hisbah Board should focus on sensitizing the public on proper social media use rather than attempting to regulate it, and he questions the feasibility of policing morality online.

The Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) has given Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu a five-day ultimatum to apologize to the Chief of Defense Staff for ordering the arrest of a soldier and making derogatory remarks, which were circulated in a viral video. CCV's spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, stated that failure to apologize would lead to Lagos State being excluded from the 2024 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Herberts criticized the governor's actions and language towards the soldier and announced plans for a protest by veterans at Tafawa Balewa Square on January 14, 2024, warning of a confrontational approach if opposed by the governor's supporters.

Paul Adama, a member of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's inner circle, stated on Wazobia FM Kano that Osinbajo has President Muhammadu Buhari's support to run for president. Adama highlighted that Osinbajo's role as vice president is largely ceremonial and that he should not be blamed for the current administration's faults. He also mentioned that APC governors and some from the PDP back Osinbajo. The vice president has been lobbying state governors, crucial in Nigerian politics, and formally declared his presidential intention after securing the necessary support. His declaration followed a meeting with APC governors, signaling a strong position to become the party's presidential candidate.

Nigerian biker and author Kunle Adeyanju is nearing the end of his London to Lagos charity motorcycle ride, set to arrive in Lagos on May 29. He announced his updated arrival date on Twitter after reaching Ghana. The journey aims to raise awareness and funds for polio immunisation. Adeyanju has traveled through multiple countries and recently expressed his dissatisfaction with his experience in Mauritania, criticizing the locals' unfriendly behavior towards foreigners. His adventure covers 12,000km and has taken him through over 75 countries.

Military veterans from the Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF) and the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) are set to conduct a protest at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Monday. This demonstration, as stated by REMENAF's National Secretary Ambassador Roy Okhidievbie, is aimed at demanding the payment of their security debarment allowance. Previously in 2022, these veterans had organized protests at the ministries of finance, defence, and the National Assembly to voice the same demand. The upcoming protest intends to block access to the Ministry of Defence's Ship House on Olusegun Obasanjo Way.

The National Population Commission (NPC) has criticized the federal and state governments in Nigeria for not collaborating with the commission in distributing palliatives intended to mitigate the economic impact of petrol subsidy removal. Citizens have reported the distribution as non-inclusive. Despite not conducting the 2023 census, the NPC claims it has sufficient data to help target the most vulnerable Nigerians. The removal of petrol subsidies by President Bola Tinubu has led to significant price increases, affecting the cost of goods and reducing purchasing power. The Nigerian government has responded by approving the distribution of food and funds to states. In Kano State, complaints have arisen about the exclusion of junior workers and artisans from the palliative distribution, which the Kano State Head of Civil Service denies. The NPC insists it can provide accurate data for distribution, while analysts debate the effectiveness of palliatives as a long-term solution.

The article discusses Nigeria's journey since gaining independence 63 years ago, highlighting the country's struggle with democracy, economic challenges, and social issues. It reflects on the opinions of Nigerians who feel the country is retrogressing due to problems like high fuel prices, unemployment, and elite domination. The National Bureau of Statistics reports job losses and multidimensional poverty, while experts like Dr. Abdulsalam Muhammad Kani and Prof. Kamilu Sani Fage criticize the government's mismanagement and policies that exacerbate insecurity and poverty. The 2023 Global Organised Crime Index ranking Nigeria sixth globally for organized crime is also mentioned, with Dr. Yahuza Getso suggesting solutions to security challenges. The article concludes with a call for government officials to reflect and address the nation's issues as Nigeria celebrates its independence anniversary.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that it only monitored the People’s Democratic Party's (PDP) primaries conducted by the Shehu Wada Sagagi faction in Kano State. The PDP had parallel governorship primaries on May 25, resulting in Muhammad Sani Abacha emerging as the winner from the Sagagi faction, while Alhaji Sadiq Wali won in the faction led by Ambassador Aminu Wali. INEC's Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano, Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, stated that the commission recognized the Sagagi faction as the lawful faction at the time of the primaries. INEC declined to monitor the parallel primaries requested by the PDP headquarters team, as they were already committed to the Sagagi faction's primaries. INEC is not legally bound to recognize any candidates from primaries it did not monitor.

The Kano state government in Nigeria has begun enforcing a ban on rickshaw operations after 10 pm, which was decided after a security meeting on Monday. The enforcement started on Thursday night, and there was total compliance as police and KAROTA officers set up roadblocks on major roads. No rickshaws were seen after the curfew time, and residents were forced to walk long distances to reach their destinations. Some residents, including a couple stranded at Abdullahi Wase Hospital, expressed concerns and appealed for a reconsideration of the ban due to the difficulties it posed for those traveling at night.

Kunle Adeyanju, known as Lionheart, rode his power bike from London to Lagos to promote polio vaccination. After arriving in Nigeria, he continued his campaign across various states with the Rotary Club and a bikers association. In Kano State, he met with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and emphasized the importance of continued immunization to maintain Nigeria's polio-free status, citing the resurgence of polio in other countries. Adeyanju, the President of the Rotary Club in Ikoyi, Lagos, called for more funding to combat polio and pledged the Rotary Club's support. The Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, affirmed the state's commitment to polio eradication and ongoing sensitization efforts.

The North West zone of the National Association of Nigerian Student (NANS) has declared its intention to join other zones in protesting against the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The regional coordinator, Comrade Ziya'u Sarki, has indicated that discussions with other zones are in progress. NANS national leaders are set to meet in Abuja for an emergency meeting on Friday. The National President of NANS, Sunday Asefon, has expressed the association's readiness to protest, referencing the current student protests in Benin City as a precursor to larger demonstrations expected in Abuja.

Abba Kabir Yusuf, the gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for Kano State, has promised to rejuvenate the dormant textile industry and establish additional state universities if he wins the election in 2023. During the inauguration of the NNPP's presidential/gubernatorial campaign council, Yusuf presented a 70-page blueprint and committed to continuing the work of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. He criticized the current state government for nepotism in project allocations and vowed to abolish the office of the first lady to prevent familial interference in governance, which he believes has obstructed progress in Kano State.

The state government of Kano imposed a 24-hour curfew following the governorship election tribunal's ruling, which declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the 18 March election. This decision led to heightened tensions and an early rush by residents to get home. On Thursday morning, the city was calm with security forces, including police, soldiers, and NSCDC officials, deployed to key areas for enforcement. They conducted stop-and-search operations at various strategic locations. Despite the curfew, some areas like the New Road market remained active, and youths were seen playing football.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has criticized a bill proposed in the House of Representatives that seeks to extend the validity of JAMB's UTME results from one year to four years. The bill, sponsored by Senator Tolulope Sadipe, is seen by JAMB as an ignorant move. JAMB's Head of Media and Publicity, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, expressed concerns on Wazobia FM Kano, stating that such a change would imply a candidate cannot retake the exam for a decade if the validity is extended to ten years. He also clarified that JAMB's role is to regulate the admission process, not to determine the standard of education or be held responsible for a student's failure in exams. The board has set the minimum score for university admission at 140 and for polytechnics and colleges of education at 100, allowing institutions to develop at their own pace.

ShopRite is set to close its operations in Kano State, Nigeria, with the last day of trading being January 14, 2024. The Kano branch manager, Itopa Samuel, confirmed the closure to Nigeria Info/Wazobia FM but did not provide further details. He emphasized that ShopRite would continue operations in other parts of Nigeria. The store has offered discounts to clear out inventory before the closure. Although a few customers were seen shopping, the press was not permitted to interview them as the branch had not received the necessary clearance.

The Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) has threatened to halt operations at Nigeria's Ministry of Finance from 10 January 2023 if their Security Debarment Allowance is not paid by the end of December 2022. The allowance, approved by President Muhammadu Buhari at N134.7 billion, has been a subject of contention. The Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed, proposed paying the allowance in tranches over three years, which the veterans have rejected. The Secretary of the SDA Technical Committee, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, expressed his dissatisfaction with the handling of the matter by the Ministry of Finance, stating that spreading the payment over three years would undermine the allowance's intended purpose.

The Kano State government, under the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, demolished buildings at Daula Hotel and Hajj Camp in Kano city. This action occurred shortly after the governor ordered a halt to construction at the Hajj Camp. The demolition led to looting of building materials and sparked a mix of public reactions. While some criticized the governor for engaging in politics of vengeance, others supported the move, believing it would lead to positive changes. The police were unable to prevent the looting due to being outnumbered. The governor's Chief Press Secretary, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, claimed the demolitions were part of efforts to restore Kano State's former glory.

The Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) has submitted a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to address the delay in the payment of the Security Debarment Allowance to its members. Despite the president's approval of N134.7 billion for this purpose during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event, the veterans claim that the relevant ministries have not taken action to distribute the funds. The CCV, through its secretary/spokesperson Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, has warned of a peaceful protest that could cause national embarrassment if the allowances are not paid by the end of 2022. The petition also highlights previous issues with delayed payments, such as the 14-month minimum wage arrears that were only resolved after protests. Various high-ranking officials and military leaders have been copied on the petition.

Shehu Sagagi, the chairman of the PDP in Kano, criticized the party's national leadership for submitting the name of Sadiq Wali as the governorship candidate to INEC, despite Sani Abacha winning the primary that INEC monitored. Sagagi highlighted that INEC must accept the candidate listed by the national party due to the Electoral Act, even though they are aware of the actual primary winner. He suggested that the rightful candidate, Abacha, should seek legal action to reclaim his mandate. Sagagi refuted claims of working with the NNPP and allegations of the national body favoring the APC. He expressed willingness to collaborate with Wali's faction if Abacha regains his candidacy and denied that his criticism of the national chairman, Iyiorchia Aiyu, was the reason for the national body's actions.

Abdullahi Yakubu, a reporter for Leadership Newspapers in Kano, Nigeria, has suffered hearing impairment after being punched by federal lawmaker Ado Doguwa during a press briefing. The incident occurred when Doguwa, who represents Tudun Wada Doguwa Constituency, was addressing an ongoing dispute with APC deputy governorship candidate Murtala Sule Garo. Yakubu, who has been friends with Doguwa for 30 years, attempted to de-escalate a threat made by Doguwa but was assaulted instead. The reporter has now taken legal action, and a doctor has confirmed damage to his eardrum. The case is under investigation by the police following a court order.

An explosion caused by a man frying fish near a gas retail outlet in Sheka quarters, Karshen Kwalta, Kano, resulted in the deaths of two children, 11-year-old Sunusi Adamu and 13-year-old Umar Gambo, and injuries to 19 others. The incident, which also damaged three nearby buildings, prompted the Kano State Police Command to start an investigation and an awareness campaign to prevent similar incidents. The police spokesperson, Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the casualties and the ongoing investigation. Atiku Maniru, the elder brother of one of the deceased, urged the Kano State government to impose restrictions on gas retailers operating in residential areas.

Following a deadly gas explosion on May 16, 2022, in Sabon Gari, Kano, the Kano State Government pledged N9 million in compensation for the victims. However, some victims, including three-month-old Kachi Ekemezie and Amarachi David, have not received any funds because their names were not on the list compiled by the Igbo ethnic leader, Igwe Boniface. The list only included those treated at specific hospitals, excluding those who sought treatment elsewhere due to lack of space. Despite complaints and corroborations of the victims' plight, Igwe Boniface has declined to comment. The principal of Winners Academy, Lennie Ujaja, and the chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Adeolu Samuel Adeyemo, have acknowledged the issue and are working to compile additional names for potential further assistance. The Kano State Commissioner for Information, Mohammadu Garba, stated that the government's support should not be conditional and that community leaders could present additional names for consideration.

The newly elected governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has initiated a cleanliness drive by mandating all vehicles and businesses to have waste bins. Despite the public's support for the initiative, there is skepticism regarding its implementation and the effectiveness of the state's waste management agency. The previous administration had privatized waste management to Capegate Investment Limited, which has not been successful in keeping the city clean. The failure of waste management has led to sanitation issues and contributed to the spread of diseases like cholera. The current state of waste disposal in Kano is affecting the city's cleanliness and could hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and sanitation.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has stated that its members will not give up the eight months of salaries that were withheld by the government during their strike, nor the half salary that was withheld in October. ASUU Zonal Coordinator, Professor Abdukadir Muhammed, expressed the union's determination to fight for these salaries on Wazobia Kano FM. He criticized the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, for taking the union's struggles personally and argued that the government's no-work-no-pay policy should not be applied to academics. Professor Muhammed urged Nigerians to encourage the government to put aside its pride. He also mentioned that ASUU's National Executive Council would provide an update on the salary issue after their meeting at the University of Abuja. Additionally, he dismissed the legitimacy of the new Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA), stating that its members did not work during the strike.

The Kano branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress has reached an agreement with the Kano State Government to pay public workers a N20,000 wage award starting from March. This interim arrangement will benefit over 150,000 workers and will remain in place until a new minimum wage is legislated. The NLC chairman, Kabiru Inuwa, also addressed the federal government's claims about the legality of the NLC's planned nationwide rally, clarifying that the existing court order only prevents striking, not protesting.

Shoprite, a supermarket chain, has closed its store in Kano, Nigeria, due to economic challenges. The closure was first announced in December 2023, with the company stating that other locations would remain open. In the days leading up to the closure, Shoprite reduced its operating hours and had discussions with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. Despite these talks, the closure proceeded as planned on Sunday, January 14th. Customers found the store closed during regular hours and were met with a notice about the change in operating times. The store's shelves were being emptied, and a staff member confirmed the inevitable shutdown. Customers like Ibrahim Mohammed expressed disappointment over the store's departure.

The article discusses the expiration of the 90-day appeal window for Tanko Abdulmalik, who was sentenced to death for the murder of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar. The Kano State High Court handed down the sentence, and with the appeal window closed, residents are pressuring the state governor to sign the death warrant. The school where the crime took place is being converted into residential apartments, and the community is on edge, with some threatening to protest. Hanifa's father urges patience, trusting the governor's promise to sign the warrant. The state Commissioner for Justice has reiterated the governor's intention to sign, but there has been no confirmation of an appeal by Tanko's counsel. The article also touches on the broader context of death penalty executions in Nigeria, noting that only two governors have signed death warrants since 1999.

Nigeria's textile industry, once a major employer, has significantly declined, with over 117,000 jobs lost in 26 years. Factors such as high production costs, unfavorable government policies, and competition from cheap imports have contributed to the industry's downfall. Companies like Angel Spinning and Dyeing Limited in Kano have laid off thousands of workers, and the Gaskiya Textile Mill closed in 2005. The Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association warns of further collapse without government intervention. Imported textiles from China and Indonesia are dominating the market due to lower prices. The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria is considering protests in Abuja, while the Kano State government is looking to reduce production costs with a new gas pipeline project. A revived textile industry could potentially create millions of jobs, countering the national unemployment rate of over 33%.

The Nigerian textile industry, once a major employer, has significantly declined, with over 117,000 jobs lost in 26 years. Factors such as high production costs, unfavorable government policies, and competition from cheap imports have contributed to the industry's downfall. Companies like Angel Spinning and Dyeing Limited and Gaskiya Textile Mill in Kano have shut down, leaving thousands unemployed. The Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association warns of further collapse without government intervention. Imported textiles from China and Indonesia dominate the market due to lower prices. The National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria is considering protests against the Nigerian Customs for inaction. The Kano State Government is attempting to reduce production costs by leveraging the Abuja-Ajaokuta-Kano gas line project. A revival of the textile industry could potentially create millions of jobs amidst a national unemployment rate above 33%.