By Abdullahi Yusuf
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State says the Leader of the Kwankwasiyya political movement, Sen.Rabi’u Kwankwaso, is not a thief as claimed by a former top official of the State Government.
Prime Time News recalls that in a viral video, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, alleged that part of the reasons he was removed from office was that he was directed to give N2 billion monthly to Dr Kwankwaso, which he refused, but that the governor pleaded with him over the issue.
The issue became a subject of discussion on several radio stations and other media platforms.
“Our leader, Dr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, is not a thief, as he has never stolen money, anywhere, contrary to the allegations raised by such former official of our administration,” Yusuf said.
The governor made the remarks during his maiden meeting with 484 Councillors from the 44 local governments in the state at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano,on Sunday.
He explained that Kwankwaso had held several public offices including two-term Governor of the state, Defence Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and had never been found to have stolen public funds.
“So, it is very uncharitable, unfair, malicious and disrespectful for anyone to suggest that our leader had been collecting money illegally from the Government, ” he said.
Yusuf said spreading falsehoods, lies and being disrespectful to people is not in the character of the people of the state, and urged those harbouring such ideals to stop forthwith.
He also appealed to Radio Stations in the state to desist from granting air time to people who malign and disrespect others, especially elders, warning that Government was ready to use lawful measures to check the menace.
On the purpose of the meeting, the governor said the gathering was aimed at interacting with the councillors with a view fashioning out ways to develop their respective wards.
“Go back to your respective wards and identify development projects which your constituents need for their well being such as boreholes, sink wells, dispensaries and scholarships for deserving candidates to enable the government help in executing them, “he said.
He also asked the councillors to highlight youths and women empowerment as well as agricultural development needs of their wards to enable the government act on them.
Yusuf then advised the councillors to work in harmony with their respective Local Government Chairmen to enable them to deliver on the mandate freely given to them by the people.
“There should be no altercations between you and your respective Chairmen.Both of you are partners in development elected by the people to bring growth and development to your areas, ” he added.