Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf of Kano State has instructed all his political appointees to declare their assets.

Governor Yusuf gave the directive during an Iftar (Ramadan breaking of Fast) with Heads of Government Agencies and Special Advisers at Government House, Kano.

The governor said that 60 to 70 per cent of the appointees had yet to comply with the Code of Conduct rules.

He urged them to promptly obtain, complete, and submit the necessary forms, to ensure compliance with the law.

Yusuf also addressed special advisers on the importance of providing counsel and submitting reports on governance matters.

He encouraged them to actively monitor government affairs and offer advice, whether positive or negative.

Yusuf also said that 13 Hajj seats bad been allocated to the Heads of Government Agencies.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Dr Rahila Mukhtar, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (KCHIMA), thanked the governor for his support.

The Secretary to the State Government, Malam Umar Ibrahim, reminded the appointees of their oath to execute their duties with justice.

Ibrahim urged them to remain committed to Yusuf’s mission and vision, prioritising transformation and improving the standard of living for citizens. (NAN)

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

According to media reports, Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has reiterated that political parties serve as public institutions where membership is open to all, much like places of worship such as churches and mosques.

His remarks come in response to the recent political shift involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, who left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the SDP. Adebayo clarified that while political parties welcome new members, joining a party does not automatically entitle anyone to leadership role.

In a Thursday interview, Adebayo underscored that simply affiliating with a political party does not grant individuals instant leadership positions. He drew a comparison with religious congregations, where people are free to worship but do not automatically assume leadership roles. This analogy, he argued, applies equally to political settings, where commitment, contribution, and discipline determine leadership opportunities.

Adebayo also cautioned against internal conflicts and unnecessary distractions within the party, warning that such divisions could be exploited by political opponents. He emphasised that opposition parties aiming to challenge incumbents must uphold a higher standard of discipline and unity.

Encouraging party members to prioritise collective goals over personal interests, he advised against engaging in disputes that divert focus from governance. He further stated that internal strife weakens the party’s credibility, making it easier for the ruling party to maintain dominance.

The SDP candidate urged members to refrain from using the party as a platform for settling personal scores, referencing disputes with political figures such as Bola Tinubu. While individual members may have disagreements with prominent politicians, Adebayo stressed that the party itself should remain focused on governance rather than personal rivalries.

He highlighted the importance of maintaining a clear vision, free from ego and distractions, stating, “When you join a political party, leave your ego, ambitions, and personal grievances at the door.” His call for unity reinforces the idea that an effective opposition must focus on policies and national issues rather than internal disputes.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has announced that all full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates will now be mobilised for the National Youth Service (NYSC).

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Folasade Boriowo.

Boriowo quoted Alausa as saying that after discussions with the Director-General of NYSC, only full-time HND graduates were eligible and could thereafter proceed with their mobilisation.

This development, he said, marked a major breakthrough for full-time HND graduates who were previously excluded from the NYSC programme.

According to him, it underscores the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusivity in the nation’s education system.

“However, those who did HND part-time are not eligible for mobilisation at all.

“To facilitate a seamless mobilisation process, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to expedite the collation of data for eligible HND graduates.

“In line with this, a circular has been sent to all Rectors of Polytechnics, instructing them to upload the necessary graduate data onto the newly created HND admission portal,” he said.

Alausa emphasised that NYSC mobilisation was strictly for those who completed a full-time HND programme.

He stressed that only full-time HND graduates would be mobilised, while those who did HND part-time remained ineligible.

He further disclosed that the newly created portal would ensure proper documentation of full-time HND graduates.

He added that this would also serve as the official database for NYSC mobilisation, addressing past challenges related to admission records.

The minister urged all eligible full-time HND graduates to take full advantage of this opportunity and proceed with their mobilisation without delay.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all qualified Nigerian graduates and ensuring their contributions to national development through the NYSC scheme. (NAN)