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KNSG Breaks Silence on Alleged Diversion of N6.5 billion

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1 year ago

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The digital media space in the last few days has been awash with a series of false narratives bordering on the accountability, trust, and financial worthiness of some key political aides of the Kano State Government.

One of the ill-intended narratives, most likely sponsored, was a publication on Daily Nigerian, a Kano-based online news platform, on August 22nd, 2025, which particularly drew government attention to the allegation of withdrawal and diversion of ₦6.5 billion from the state treasury.

Central to the case of purported misappropriation, already under litigation at the High Court, is the Director General, Protocol Directorate, Kano State Government House, Alh. Abdullahi Rogo.

1. Without prejudice to the ongoing litigation on the matter, the state government is obliged to avail the public with the nitty-gritty of the Directorate of Protocol’s operations at Kano Government House, which is not different from structures obtainable in all states and the federal government.

2. First, government makes bold to say every cash outflow into Ministries, Departments, and Agencies is properly budgeted with clear codes well spelt out in the fiscal policy of the state. Hence, no individual in government MDAs handles public funds without proper designated purpose.

3. The Directorate of Protocol, Kano State Government, handles critical responsibilities in Government House and key operations in the Office of the Chief Executive of the state. These responsibilities cover but are not limited to logistics, accommodation, welfare, and management of the Governor’s itineraries within and outside the country.

4. The Directorate of Protocol is equally entrusted to provide required logistics to VIPs and VVIPs, which include the Presidency, Ministers, foreign aides, and other diplomatic visitors on official state visits to the Governor. The large number of personalities captured in this category also includes ordinary citizens that mostly attract the special attention of the Governor.

5. Expectedly, over 95 per cent of the responsibility of the Directorate of Protocol involves large volumes of financial transactions and more often than not, settles liabilities incurred on the state at the instance of His Excellency.

6. While the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will remain focused on governance and maintain its position on financial prudence, accountability, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, the government will not sacrifice the integrity of its aides to deliberate acts of political blackmail being orchestrated by unpatriotic elements of society.

7. The government is also not in doubt of the credibility of the Director General, Directorate of Protocol, Government House, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo.

8. More importantly, the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) administration will remain open to lawful, fair, and unbiased criticism within the ambit of the law, but will not succumb to easy blackmail through misinformation.

9. Kano State Government is aware of the nefarious activities of a particular opposition group seeking to pull the present administration down. The opposition party is struggling hard, using the digital space to overblow the matter to misinform the general public.

10. While the government will allow them to continue running after shadows, we wish to also reawaken the consciousness of the public to how the immediate past Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, through the Protocol Directorate, spent over N20 billion from the state treasury in just three months between February and May 2023 after his party, the APC, lost woefully to the NNPP.

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11. The previous administration recklessly governed Kano for eight corruption-driven years with traces of multiple accounts operated by the former First Lady and purchases of houses in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

12. People of Kano have not forgotten the dollar-video scandal featuring the former Governor and immediate past Ag. National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

13. Under the previous administration, land grabbing became a norm and taking over public assets became a hobby to the first family and their associates.

14. The government is aware that the opposition group in Kano has set up an office solely for writing petitions against officials of the present administration just to distract the leadership from fulfilling its campaign promises in an attempt to scandalise key officials and weaken their support for the governor in building a prosperous Kano.

15. As Kano navigates to a corruption-free state in the last two years, investors from within and across the globe have begun to increasingly explore the state’s potentials.

16. The good people of Kano and indeed Nigerians are commending the Kwankwasiyya Gida-Gida administration for the restoration of hope by running a transparent and open government, which makes Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf arguably the most awarded and recognized Governor in the Fourth Republic.

17. This assertion is evident in the numerous awards received by the people’s governor at local, national, continental, and global stages.

18. The Government of Kano State will continue to hold the media in high esteem, but only for ethical and responsive journalism. As the media nurtures public conscience with truth and fact, the government urges credible platforms not to allow unpatriotic groups or individuals to use their respected medium to mislead or misinform the public.

19. Once again, for clarity, the Office of Protocol in any government or institution is purely administrative in function. Its mandate is to coordinate official engagements, state visits, receptions, ceremonial events, and logistics including handling honorarium, and other interventions as well as special assignments. It is not an independent spending office and does not undertake any financial transactions outside established rules and approvals. Every action undertaken by the Protocol Office is done within the framework of the law and with the express approval of the government the under a designated budget code

20. The allegations being peddled are therefore nothing more than a work of fiction, carefully crafted by political opponents who have resorted to blackmail and propaganda in their desperation to remain relevant ahead of the 2027 elections.

21. Members of the public should note that the Government of Kano State has absolutely nothing to hide. The administration is fully committed to transparency and accountability, and as such, any government official, including the Director-General of Protocol, is always ready to provide explanations to anti-graft agencies whenever necessary to give clarifications on their activities and official engagements. The government encourages lawful processes and remains confident that its officials can fully explain and defend their actions in line with due process and public service regulations.

22. The people of Kano State are therefore urged to see through this plot for what it is: an orchestrated smear campaign intended to distract the government from its people-centered programmes by the enemies of Kano people. These falsehoods will not succeed. This administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is fully focused on delivering good governance, protecting public resources, and improving the lives of citizens.

23. Let it be on record that this government remains firmly committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and prudent utilisation of public funds. No amount of fabricated allegations, propaganda, or media trial will derail the resolve of this administration to serve diligently and uphold the trust of the people. The government of Kano state therefore, wishes to send a word of caution to the opposition figures to disengage from the deliberate spread of lies and misinformation. While the government welcomes constructive criticism and lawful scrutiny, it will not hesitate to seek legal redress against those who persist in maligning its officials or attempting to incite the public with baseless allegations.

25. As the case stands before a court of competent jurisdiction, Kano State Government will remain indifferent on this matter till the case is determined at the appropriate time.

Signed
Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa
Director General, Media and Publicity
Government House, Kano

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APC Denies Plot to Assassinate Atiku, Urges Security Agencies to Question Timi Frank

Published

18 hours ago

on

October 20, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations that the Nigerian Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, and called on security agencies to invite Timi Frank to substantiate the claim.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dele Alake, dated October 20, 2026, the council said:

“Our attention has been drawn to the statement by Timi Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress, alleging that the Nigerian Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the ADC. This is a grave allegation that Mr Frank must prove. We thus urge security agencies to invite him to substantiate the allegation, given its gravity and the urgent need to preserve life.”

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The council also rejected any involvement by the presidency or the APC Campaign Council, stating:

“We categorically reject the claim that the presidency of Nigeria or the APC Campaign Council is involved in any plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any opposition figure.”

It further dismissed as false claims that security personnel attached to Atiku had been withdrawn, saying the former vice president is protected by the police and the Department of State Security. According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu recently directed security agencies to reinforce and increase protection for all presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates across the country.

The council said security around the ADC presidential candidate had never been compromised and that, as a former vice president, Atiku enjoys two levels of state-funded security protection, which the statement said Tinubu had increased ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It urged candidates, parties and supporters to be factual and responsible in public statements and to avoid utterances that could trigger avoidable tension, accusing Frank of “typical opposition rabble-rousing.”

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Kano Youths Condemn Lawmaker Over Alleged Mockery of Governor Yusuf

Published

18 hours ago

on

October 20, 2026

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Concerned youths of Gama Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State have condemned the member representing Nassarawa Local Government in the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Bello Ali Yusuf, over an alleged act of mockery directed at Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The youths, in a gathering on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, said they were displeased with the lawmaker’s reported action of holding the ear of a live rabbit in the presence of his supporters, which they alleged was intended to ridicule the governor.

Addressing journalists during a peaceful press briefing, the youths described the incident as disrespectful to the office of the governor and contrary to the cultural values and traditions of Gama Ward and the wider Kano community.

According to the group, the alleged conduct was undemocratic and unbecoming of an elected representative, adding that public officeholders should demonstrate maturity, decorum and respect for democratic institutions in their political engagements.

The Concerned Gama Youth further expressed concern that the incident could create unnecessary political tension and undermine the prevailing peace in the state.

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They maintained that political disagreements should be handled through constructive engagement and democratic processes rather than actions they considered capable of ridiculing public officeholders.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that the group also reaffirmed its support for Governor Yusuf, commending his administration for what it described as people-oriented projects executed in Gama Ward and other parts of Nassarawa Local Government Area.

Specifically, the youths highlighted the construction of the road linking Gwagwarwa to Gama Hotel, describing the project as an important intervention that had improved transportation and eased movement within the community.

While addressing the press the group’s Secretary-General, Comrade Auwal Garba Gama, the road had also contributed to economic activities and improved access for residents.

The youths said the project demonstrated the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development and the welfare of residents of Gama Ward, adding that they appreciated the administration’s efforts to address the community’s needs.

Consequently, the group called on the leadership of the Kano State House of Assembly to investigate the incident and take what it described as immediate and decisive disciplinary action against Bello Ali Yusuf.

The youths argued that the alleged conduct had the potential to bring the legislature into disrepute, urging the Assembly’s leadership to ensure that elected representatives upheld the standards expected of public officeholders.

They also appealed to community leaders, political stakeholders and residents of Gama Ward to continue supporting the governor’s administration while maintaining peace and mutual respect despite political differences.

The group urged residents to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could escalate political disagreements, while calling on them to pray for the success of the governor’s administration.

The secretary also reaffirmed the group’s solidarity with Gama Ward, Nassarawa Local Government Area and Kano State.

 

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‎IITA Trains Over 1,800 Farmers on Modern Farming Techniques in Kano

Published

2 days ago

on

October 19, 2026

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‎The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ecological Project Office (EPO), has trained more than 1,800 farmers in Kano State on modern farming techniques aimed at increasing crop yields and improving food production.
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‎The programme covered farmers from 16 local government areas in Kano South Senatorial District, equipping them with modern agricultural practices to improve farm productivity and address challenges associated with farming, particularly during the dry season.
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‎The training and demonstration of improved farming technologies took place in Hamdullahi community, Albasu Local Government Area, where farmers were introduced to improved crop varieties and other techniques for achieving higher yields.
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‎Speaking at the event, IITA Project Coordinator, Professor Lucky Omoigui, said the training was designed to enhance farmers’ knowledge of improved seed varieties and modern agricultural practices.
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‎He disclosed that more than 1,800 people had benefited from the programme, expressing optimism that the knowledge gained would encourage dry-season farming and boost food production.
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‎Omoigui urged the participating farmers to apply the knowledge acquired to improve their farming practices and increase crop yields.
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‎As part of the programme, the farmers visited demonstration farms, where they were shown modern techniques for cultivating crops, including cowpeas, maize, soybeans, groundnuts, sorghum and rice.
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‎Speaking on behalf of EPO, Bashir Ibrahim Umar said agriculture plays a vital role in poverty reduction and job creation, particularly for young people in Nigeria.
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‎He stressed the need for sustained farmer awareness campaigns and access to agricultural knowledge to encourage the adoption of modern farming technologies and improve livelihoods.
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‎Also speaking, Garba Ayuba, who represented the Chairman of Albasu Local Government Area, Garba Aliyu Hungu, expressed satisfaction with the programme and urged farmers to put the techniques they had learnt into practice.
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‎Similarly, the Gaya Zonal Director of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Danjuma Uba, commended the farmers for their interest in learning modern agricultural practices.
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‎He emphasised that collaboration between agricultural development agencies and farmers was essential to ensuring the sustainable adoption of modern farming technologies.
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‎In his remarks, Alhaji Saidu Abdulkadir Hamdullahi, whose farm was used to demonstrate the improved crop varieties, said some people had previously doubted the possibility of achieving successful crop production during the dry season.
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‎However, he expressed surprise and delight at the results achieved on his farm, saying the experience had boosted his confidence in dry-season farming.
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‎He thanked IITA and its partners for the training, noting that the programme had improved farmers’ knowledge of seed planting, fertiliser application and other modern agricultural practices.
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‎According to him, the new knowledge would help farmers increase productivity and improve their income.
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‎The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector by encouraging farmers to adopt modern technologies to improve food production and reduce poverty in Nigeria, particularly in areas facing water shortages.

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IITA Technical Support through the Ecological Project Office to promote the best climate-smart agricultural practices around the dams to boost food production and increase the income of smallholder farmers in the Kano South Senatorial District

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is collaborating with the Ecological Project Office (EPO) to leverage the Federal Government’s rehabilitation and expansion of irrigation infrastructure in the Kano irrigation project, covering Tiga Dam, Challawa Gorge Dam, and Kafin-Chiri Dam in the Kano South Senatorial District, to promote sustainable irrigation and dry-season farming to boost agricultural productivity and increase the income of smallholder farmers. The collaboration under the project “Community-based Engagement on Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity Restoration for the Kano Irrigation Scheme” is being implemented across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) surrounding the dams (comprising Ajingi, Garko, Bunkure, Doguwa, Tudun Wada, Karaye, Gaya, Albasu, Kibiya, Rogo, Kiru, Wudil, Bebeji, Sumaila, Takai, and Rano), covering 155 communities.

The project interventions aim to boost year-round farming by combining irrigation with climate-smart practices to increase productivity and income, enhance food security, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. A total of 1,890 farmers, 20% of whom are women, have been trained in Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), climate-smart irrigation and water-harvesting technologies, and youth entrepreneurship in climate-smart agricultural practices across the 16 LGAs to enhance their resilience to climate-related vulnerabilities.

Participating communities have witnessed increased farming activities and improved access to and use of climate-smart agricultural technologies, contributing to increased productivity, income, and food security.

 

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