Ex-Governor of Kano State and the National Leader of Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso has slammed some key members of the New Nigerian Peoples Party in Kano State, who recently defected to All Progressives Congress, describing their actions as betrayal of the the movement and party.

He made this remark at his Miller Road residence in Kano on Friday evening when he received hundreds of supporters from Takai Local Government who refused join the All Progressives Congress.

Recall that Senator Abdulrahman Kawu, who represents Kano South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, recently defected to the APC along with some federal lawmakers from Kano State.

Even though Kwankwaso did not mention their names, he said,” Kano South is a lesson. Voters rejected superghetti, N200 and Atamfa (wrappers) and were patient to vote for the NNPP.

“But those who won the election among us decided to abandon the masses and join those who do not have the masses at heart but are only after what they will get for themselves and their families.

“There is no worse political sin than leaving the party that gave you the opportunity and support but later you abandoned the party. This is the highest level of betrayal,” Kwankwaso said.

He, therefore, advised the youth to be wary of such politicians who are not after their well-being but rather they are after their pockets.

The former governor, who appreciated the decampees for “taking the courage to return to their base, said all those who betrayed Kwankwasiyya would regret their actions sooner or later.

“Fighting Kwankwasiyya is not an easy task, they will not know until when they engage in the fight.

In his remark, the state NNPP chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa thanked the decampees for taking the right step and assured them that the party would treat them equally.

The occasion was witnessed by the Senator representing Kano Central, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, former Commissioner of Religious Affairs, Falali and chairman of Takai local government, Ibrahim Faruruwa among others.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said there is nothing wrong if Nigeria evolves into a one-party state, provided it reflects the will of the people.

Speaking to State House correspondents on Friday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Ganduje dismissed concerns raised by opposition leaders over the country’s political direction.

He insisted that the growing dominance of the APC is a reflection of public trust in the party’s governance.

“If one-party state is a wish and blessing to Nigeria; One-party state is not by force; it is by negotiation,” Ganduje said.

“If other political parties see the effect of the positive governance of our party and decide to come to our party willingly, I think there is nothing wrong with that.”

Citing China as an example of a successful one-party system, Ganduje stated that the APC is not actively working to eliminate opposition, but that defections and realignments are part of democratic processes.

“Too many political parties spoil governance,” he added.

Ganduje led three senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly from Kebbi State, to meet with President Tinubu, announcing their intention to join the APC.

According to him, their defection is the result of extensive negotiations among stakeholders in the state and is part of APC’s broader strategy to strengthen its base.

“This is a good development and in consonance with what is happening in Nigeria today. Almost every week in the Senate and House of Representatives, you see members of other political parties decamping to our party,” he said.

Ganduje assured that the APC is prepared to smoothly integrate the new members, maintaining that the party’s strategy to expand both its numbers and the quality of its membership is aligned with democratic principles.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, launched a new police-led school protection squad under the Safe School Initiative.

Egbetokun said the unit is part of the national strategy to fortify educational institutions against rising security threats.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Schools Protection Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, performed the unveiling on behalf of the IGP and stressed the urgent need for coordinated security measures to safeguard students, staff, and school infrastructure across the country.

Shogunle, who spoke at a stakeholders’ forum on school security, said Nigeria has increasingly battled threats such as kidnapping, homicide, and the destruction of school property.

He explained that these challenges have forced many schools to shut down, thereby worsening the problem of out-of-school children and affecting surrounding communities.

He cited the 2021 National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, revealing that “more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while more than 19,000 were displaced between 2012 and 2016”.

Shogunle said, “Today’s event, Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities, aligns with the national plan on financing safe schools in Nigeria.

“The plan has a national investment response aimed at protecting schools, learners, teachers and non-teaching staff from attacks in all parts of Nigeria and was designed to achieve measurable outcomes such as reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving Nigeria’s rating in the human capital index in the long run.”

Bauchi State Police Commissioner Sani-Omolori Aliyu also addressed participants at the forum. He confirmed that Nigeria has recorded a disturbing increase in kidnappings, banditry, and attacks targeting students and school staff.

He said these incidents have disrupted learning and spread fear among parents, pupils, and the broader society.

Aliyu revealed, “It was in response to the development that the Nigerian Police collaborated with the federal and state governments and various stakeholders to develop the safe school programme aimed at creating a safe school environment that allows children to pursue their education, free from the spectre of violence or fear.”

He continued, “The Safe School Program is a comprehensive initiative that involves multiple stakeholders and agencies working in unison to prevent attacks, respond effectively in emergencies, and support communities and schools affected by violence.

“The Safe School Squad will be guided by a comprehensive policy framework that delineates its mandate, functions, and operational protocols.”

Aliyu noted that the unit would collaborate with schools, local communities, and relevant bodies to detect and respond to threats swiftly.

He added that the formation of the squad signifies a major leap in the police force’s dedication to school safety.

“This squad will be rigorously trained and dedicated to tirelessly preventing attacks and effectively addressing emergencies as they arise,” he said.

He emphasised that “The Safe School Program transcends a mere police initiative; it is a collaborative effort necessitating the engagement of all stakeholders. We earnestly encourage parents, educators, students, and the wider community to support this initiative and join hands with us in ensuring that our schools remain sanctuaries for learning.”