KANO, NIGERIA — The Kano State Censorship Board has summoned popular Kwankwasiyya praise singer Tijjani Gandu over an alleged violation of regulations governing the release of musical works in the state.
The board directed Gandu to appear before it and respond to the alleged breach, according to a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman.
The invitation comes amid the board’s enforcement of regulations requiring musicians, writers and producers of literary works to submit materials for review and approval before making them available to the public.
Board Cites Censorship Regulations
According to the board, the review process is designed to ensure that published materials do not contain words, expressions or messages capable of inciting public disorder or threatening peace and stability.
The board said it would not permit individuals to disregard its regulations under the claim of exercising freedom of expression.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the applicable laws without discrimination or favouritism.
The board urged Gandu to honour the invitation and warned that failure to appear could be treated as non-compliance and may lead to further action.
Gandu Linked To Kwankwasiyya Movement
Gandu is associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political movement linked to former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The development comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political movements and parties increasingly using music, social media and other forms of public communication to reach supporters.
The board’s action is specifically linked to the alleged violation of its regulations over a musical work, rather than an established finding of criminal wrongdoing.
NDC Candidate Demands Accountability In Delta
Meanwhile, the 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Delta State, Chris Iyovwaye, has called for greater transparency, accountability and job creation in the state.
Iyovwaye made the demand in response to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Independence Day message, in which the governor urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, courage and patriotism.
The NDC candidate argued that Deltans had already made significant sacrifices and said government leadership should demonstrate a similar commitment through concrete development programmes.
“With respect, Your Excellency, Deltans have sacrificed enough. What is missing is leadership that sacrifices,” Iyovwaye said.
Candidate Seeks FAAC Spending Details
Iyovwaye called on the Delta State government to publish details of how revenues and allocations from the Federation Account were spent between 2023 and 2026.
He also questioned how much of the increased Federation Account revenues received in 2025 went towards capital projects and job creation, compared with recurrent expenditure and other spending.
The demand forms part of his broader call for greater transparency in the management of public resources.
Ports Identified As Job-Creation Opportunity
The governorship candidate also called for renewed economic activity around Delta State’s ports.
He identified the ports in Warri, Koko, Sapele and Burutu as potential drivers of employment and economic activity, arguing that their effective development could create significant opportunities for residents.
“We have four ports – Warri, Koko, Sapele, Burutu – that can give jobs to 50,000 Deltans,” he said.
Iyovwaye said government policies should produce measurable improvements in the daily lives of residents, arguing that patriotism should be demonstrated through practical development.
“If we love Nigeria, we must fix Delta. Patriotism is not a sermon. It is a job. It is a working port. It is a working hospital,” he said.
Calls For Better Public Services
Iyovwaye also demanded improvements in basic infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply and roads across the state.
He argued that democratic governance should be reflected in tangible services for citizens, including access to clean water, functional schools, quality roads and adequately equipped hospitals.
On workers’ welfare, he acknowledged the state government’s reported increase of the minimum wage to ₦77,500 but said rising living costs continued to place pressure on residents.
“Governor Oborevwori, Deltans are not lazy. We are not unpatriotic. We are tired,” he said.
Iyovwaye consequently called for what he described as a reset focused on transparency, industrialisation, job creation and accountable governance.
The two developments highlight separate political and governance debates in Kano and Delta states as political activities continue to build ahead of the 2027 elections.
