The Kano State Censorship Board has summoned Tijjani Gandu, a popular praise singer associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement, over an alleged violation of its regulations. The board directed Gandu to appear before it to respond to the alleged breach. This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman. The invitation followed the board’s requirement that musicians, writers and producers of literary works submit their songs, scripts and other written materials for review and approval before making them available to the public.
The Kano State Censorship Board said the review process was intended to ensure that published works did not contain words, expressions or messages capable of inciting public disorder or disrupting peace and stability in society. The board reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law and said its regulations would be implemented fairly, without discrimination or favouritism. It also urged Gandu to respect the law and honour the invitation, warning that failure to appear could be regarded as non-compliance and may result in further action.
Tijjani Gandu is associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political movement linked to Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, in Kano State. The movement has been active in Kano State, and Gandu's music is widely popular among its supporters. The summon has sparked concerns about the freedom of expression and the role of the censorship board in regulating artistic works.
Meanwhile, Chris Iyovwaye, the 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Delta State, has called for greater accountability, transparency and job creation in the state. Iyovwaye made the demand in a statement issued on Friday in response to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Independence Day message, in which the governor urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, courage and patriotism.
Iyovwaye argued that Deltans had made significant sacrifices and called for leadership that would demonstrate a similar commitment through development programmes and policies. He called for greater transparency in the management of the state’s revenues and allocations from the Federation Account. Iyovwaye specifically asked the governor to publish a breakdown of how his administration had spent revenues and allocations from the Federation Account between 2023 and 2026.
Iyovwaye also questioned how much of the FAAC windfall in 2025 was allocated to capital projects that created jobs and how much went to recurrent expenditure and what he described as political settlement. He called for the revival of economic activities around Delta State’s ports, arguing that the facilities could contribute significantly to employment. “We have four ports – Warri, Koko, Sapele, Burutu – that can give jobs to 50,000 Deltans,” he said.
Iyovwaye demanded stronger delivery of basic infrastructure and public services across the state, including clean water, good roads, schools and hospitals. He also acknowledged the state government's increase of the minimum wage to N77,500 but said rising living costs remained a concern. Iyovwaye consequently called for what he described as a “reset” centred on transparency, industrialisation, job creation and accountable governance.
Key points
- The Kano State Censorship Board has summoned Tijjani Gandu, a popular Kwankwasiyya praise singer, over an alleged violation of its regulations.
- Chris Iyovwaye, the 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Delta State, has called for greater accountability, transparency and job creation in the state.
- Iyovwaye demanded stronger delivery of basic infrastructure and public services across the state, including clean water, good roads, schools and hospitals.
