Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has categorically rejected the allegations of financial impropriety made by former Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, regarding the supposed misappropriation of N2 billion from local government funds, labeling them as unfounded and without merit.
Governor Yusuf’s remarks follow recent statements attributed to Bichi, in which he (Bichi) reportedly accused the current administration of misappropriating funds and alleged that a former governor of the state, Musa Kwankwaso, received illicit payments from the state treasury.
The governor, who spoke to 484 elected ward councillors at the Coronation Hall of the Government House on Sunday evening, emphasized that his administration is dedicated to transparency and accountability. He remarked, ‘Everything we aspired to achieve in this government has already been realized by God. We are all satisfied, and no thief can find solace among us; as long as there is a thief, they cannot remain here,’ stated Governor Yusuf. He characterized the allegations as an effort to tarnish the reputation of his political mentor, Senator Kwankwaso, who he asserted has an unblemished record in public service.
‘We are grateful that our government is free of corruption from top to bottom. It is a government that prioritizes every facet of development. The resources entrusted to us have been utilized wisely,’ he added. Governor Yusuf expressed astonishment at the remarks attributed to Bichi, pointing out that the former SSG was once part of the administration and had been afforded the chance to serve the populace. ‘I am taken aback by the statements from someone who was previously integrated into this government, supported, and granted a significant role to serve both the people and the administration. Now, he is outside the government making unfounded accusations. I have heard that he claimed this administration, which has not yet reached two years in office, has embezzled ten times more than the previous government led by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The governor refuted allegations that Senator Kwankwaso receives monthly payments from the state government, labeling them as malicious lies. He stated, ‘This same individual also alleged that our leader (Jagora) demands N2 billion monthly from the governor. If this N2 billion were allocated to local governments, it would greatly benefit the community.
Jagora, a man of faith who has served as a federal legislator, two-term governor, minister, senator, and twice a presidential candidate someone who left office with the people of Kano urging his return—departed with an exemplary and honorable record.’ He further asserted, ‘Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is not a thief, and the citizens of Kano take pride in him. You and your associates will not tarnish his reputation.’ The governor also questioned the integrity of the accuser, asking if Bichi’s actions reflected the principles of a genuine Kano native. Yusuf remarked, ‘You assert that the governor was pleading for your assistance; are you his father, or is he yours? Did you appoint the governor, or was it the other way around? Are you the one making requests to him, or is he seeking favors from you?
Clearly, something is amiss. The position you held had no connection to the budget; if it did, please clarify. No rational individual would condone such conduct. I urge those who think in this manner to proceed with caution. We even doubt whether such a person is genuinely from Kano, as a true Kano native would never degrade themselves by insulting our leaders and disseminating falsehoods against them.
