Nigeria Content Online

Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has faulted reports that
one of his wives, Halima Shekarau, is planning to contest Kano Central
Senatorial seat in 2011.

Mr. Shekarau, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on
Media and Public Relations, Sule Ya’u Sule, stated categorically that none of
his wives is a politician, let alone one aspiring for any political office in
the state.

He also expressed wonder that some “faceless persons” would
spread such news.

“We are in possession of posters urging one of my wives to
contest for a senatorial seat. This is baseless, because my wives are complete
housewives and do not intend to take part in partisan politics,” he said.

The governor spoke after the rumour gained ground that he has
decided to field his cronies for various elective positions in the state. He
added that the posters urging Halima to contest were printed without either his
knowledge or that of his wife. Mr. Shekarau however, declined to mention the
name of the group behind the campaign.

He spoke hours after one of his long time ally, Sani Rogo,
declared for the Kano South senatorial seat.

He appealed to people who think they wish the governor’s family
well or want them to contest for any position, to immediately desist from
printing posters or related materials urging any of them to vie for a political
post in the state.

New women centre

Meanwhile, Mr. Shekarau has laid the foundation of a Women
Development Center at Kofar Na’isa, Kano City, that would cost the state
government about N1.4 billion.

He revealed that the idea was conceived as part of his
administration’s determination to make women more productive and self-reliant.

“It is when women are educated and empowered with skills that
they can make more positive contributions to nation building”, he said.

He explained that the project was designed to provide
beneficiaries with education and vocational skills that will enable them live
meaningfully as human begins.

Mr. Shekarau urged women in the state to avail themselves of
opportunities provided by the state government to improve their living
conditions and to enhance the status of their families.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maimuna Kabir Khalil, said when
the new Center is completed, it will be a model in the country.