Kano, Nigeria – Muazu Magaji Dawakin Tofa, a former commissioner for works in Kano and a controversial figure, ignited a firestorm on social media by lambasting Northern Governors for their purportedly fruitless expenditure exceeding 1 trillion Naira since May 29, 2023. Dawakin Tofa’s scathing remarks, made via his verified Facebook account, pointed to a glaring lack of tangible results despite substantial financial investments across the Northern region.
In his Facebook post, Dawakin Tofa called attention to Kano State’s expenditure under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, highlighting what he described as “useless spending.” He cited examples such as the allocation of N800 million for mass weddings, N6 billion for Ramadan feeding, N40.3 billion for road construction and flyovers, N500 million for painting flyovers, N5.32 billion for government house renovation, N3.6 billion for postgraduate scholarships abroad, and the demolition of buildings worth N226 billion.
Despite these significant allocations, Dawakin Tofa lamented the dire living conditions faced by the majority of Kano residents, including water shortages in both rural and urban areas, and inadequate access to clean water. He also criticized the state of primary and secondary education in Kano, suggesting that the government’s spending priorities were misplaced.
Dawakin Tofa’s critique underscores broader concerns about the effectiveness and accountability of government spending in Northern Nigeria. Many citizens have voiced frustration over the apparent disconnect between massive budget allocations and the persistent socio-economic challenges facing the region.
As Northern Governors face mounting scrutiny over their expenditure patterns, calls for greater transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance processes have grown louder. Citizens demand concrete actions and measurable outcomes that address pressing needs such as infrastructure development, access to education, healthcare, and essential services.
In response to Dawakin Tofa’s allegations, government officials and representatives of Northern states are expected to provide clarifications and defend their spending decisions. The controversy surrounding Northern Governors’ expenditure highlights the urgent need for robust oversight mechanisms and a renewed commitment to prioritizing initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the people they serve.
