𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 — 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐯

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, says no society can achieve real development without justice, insisting that fairness, accountability and a functional rule of law must remain the backbone of governance.

Speaking at the Annual Dinner and Awards Night organised by CREED, where he received the Best Governor of the Year award, Yusuf — represented by the Attorney General, Abdulkarim Maude (SAN) — said justice only becomes meaningful when the system is accessible and fair to all citizens, regardless of background or status.

He noted that his administration has implemented major reforms to address prolonged detention, delayed trials and poor access to legal representation in custodial centres. A recent assessment of detention facilities, he said, uncovered troubling cases of inmates held for years without trial, case files or legal counsel.

Yusuf disclosed that he immediately directed the Attorney General to trace missing case files, issue timely legal advice, prosecute cases where necessary and withdraw those in which justice required discontinuation.

“A society that seeks development must first entrench justice. When the law functions effectively and fairly, society thrives; when it is weakened, every sector suffers,” he said.

The governor added that ongoing reforms include expanding legal aid, formalising volunteer support and integrating pro bono networks into the justice system to ensure justice does not depend on wealth or influence.

He further highlighted infrastructure and good governance as complementary pillars of development, listing new and rehabilitated road networks, school and hospital upgrades, and improved water supply as key priority investments.

Urban renewal projects — such as expanded drainage, improved street lighting, environmental upgrades and traffic reorganisation — are also underway to restore order in Kano metropolis and boost economic activity.

Yusuf stressed that his administration has strengthened transparency, blocked financial leakages and reinforced due process, noting that leadership carries a moral duty to protect public resources.