Kano Ex-commissioners React To Official Vehicles’ Recovery, Allege Intimidation, Trespass
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The five Commissioners who voluntarily resigned from the Kano State Executive Council, have reacted to the recovery of their official vehicles by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, alleging intimidation and trespass on their homes.
The former commissioners alleged in a statement signed on their behalf by AVM Umar Ibrahim (retired) that during the vehicles’ recovery, their homes were trespassed upon and their families intimidated.
“Following our voluntary resignation as members of the State executive council shortly after the defection of Governor Yusuf to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in recent times, the Office of the secretary to the State Government formally dispatched letters to the affected Commissioners to return vehicles given to them.
“Subsequently, the affected personalities responded, drawing the attention of the Office on the provision of Revised 2023 Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission Act which justified the provision of related vehicles and others to such category of political and public office holders.
“Recall that the former commissioner of Transport who resigned earlier was granted such gesture and allowed to go with the vehicle freely.
“In order to ensure that the rule of law is fully complied by all and sundry including those in authorities, we immediately filed a court process to stem the tide and restore rights and privileges validly guaranteed by the law of our land.
“This methodical approach obviously rattled the regime and made them go berserk trespassing our homes and intimidating our families evacuating other personal vehicles belonging to our spouses while away from home.
“Apparently, on the orders of the Governor, our personal liberty and sanctity of our family members were grossly violated and disrespected.
“Such desperation of the Government to embarrass and undermine the integrity of public officers who have diligently served the state and its people is obvious and therefore condemnable in all ramifications,” the former commissioners said.
They, however, said that they would continue to uphold the principles of rule of law and urged their supporters to remain calm.
“As law abiding citizens, we would continue to uphold the principles of rule of law and urge all our supporters to remain calm during this negative propaganda until judicial interpretation is secured.
“After all, these vehicles were only provided to the beneficiaries four months ago prior to which they were utilizing their personal vehicles in all official engagements to ensure the success of the regime for more than two years. This warrants for compensation due to depreciation of our personnel vehicles,”the statement added.
The Anti-Corruption Commission had effected the vehicles’ recovery following the alleged continued refusal of the affected commissioners to return the government property.
The Chairman of the Commission, Sa’idu Yahaya, who led the operation, said the action became necessary after the former commissioners failed to comply with repeated official requests to return government assets.
The concerned former commissioners are: Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (rtd), former Commissioner for Internal Security; Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports; Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, former Commissioner for Science and Technology; Dr. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, former Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs; and Hon. Nasiru Sani Garo, former Commissioner for Special Projects.