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KNSG Breaks Silence on Alleged Diversion of N6.5 billion

Published

5 months 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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Waiya Tackles Buba Galadima on Governor Yusuf’s Defection, Says Voting Decisions Rest With the Electorate

Published

25 minutes ago

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January 25, 2026

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The Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has issued a press statement challenging recent remarks by elder statesman Engr. Buba Galadima, who suggested that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf cannot secure a second term without the political support of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In the statement dated January 25, 2026, Waiya described Galadima’s assertion as “analytically weak, misleading and dismissive of Kano State’s deeply rooted political culture.” He emphasized that while Kwankwaso remains a respected political heavyweight, Kano’s democratic tradition is not permanently contingent on the influence of a single individual.

According to Waiya, “There is no dispute that Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is a strategic mobiliser and one of the most consequential figures in Kano’s modern political history. His influence is real and well earned. However, to suggest that Kano’s political future is permanently contingent on the shadow of a single individual is to misread both history and democratic behaviour of the people in the State.”

Waiya further expressed surprise that such a claim came from Galadima, noting that the elder statesman had previously benefited from Governor Yusuf’s inclusive leadership. “In the hope of institutional improvement, the Governor appointed him Chairman of the Governing Council of Kano State Polytechnic, notwithstanding the fact that he is not an indigene of Kano State. Regrettably, the tenure yielded little or no measurable impact,” Waiya stated.

The Commissioner stressed that leadership is validated by tangible outcomes rather than commentary. “As the timeless proverb reminds us, the tree is known by its fruit,” he remarked, underscoring the need for performance-based legitimacy in Kano politics.

Highlighting Kano’s unique political culture, Waiya argued that power in the state ultimately rests with the electorate. “Kano operates on its own historical rhythm, civic memory, and political consciousness. Here, power does not permanently reside with godfathers; it rests with the electorates, whose loyalty has always been conditional on performance, character, trust and reliability,” he explained.

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Waiya cited historical precedents to support his position, pointing to the emergence of Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau as governor in 2003 without godfather backing. “His re-election validated a simple Kano principle: legitimacy is always derived from the people,” Waiya said.

He also referenced Kwankwaso’s own political return in 2011, noting that it was based on his record rather than anointment. “His past performance functioned as political capital. That experience alone should caution against overstating the durability of godfather politics in Kano,” Waiya asserted.

On Governor Yusuf’s mandate, Waiya emphasized that it was earned through popular legitimacy. “He was elected by the people of Kano, across party lines and political interests, defended his mandate through institutional processes, and assumed power with popular legitimacy,” Waiya explained. He added that Yusuf has since transitioned from protégé to principled leader, prioritizing education, institutional reforms, and social equity.

Responding to claims that Yusuf is “standing on borrowed feet,” Waiya countered that governance in Kano is consolidated through delivery. “Political authority in Kano is consolidated over time through delivery, not inherited indefinitely through association,” he said.

While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s enduring influence, Waiya stressed that mentorship does not equate to permanent dependence. “Influence is not ownership, and mentorship is not permanent dependence. Kano’s political tradition has always allowed for maturation and continuity beyond individuals,” he noted.

Expressing confidence in Yusuf’s future, Waiya declared: “I firmly believe that not only will Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf secure a second term, he will govern more effectively in a subsequent tenure, because governance, like leadership itself, matures with experience.”

He warned that those predicting Yusuf’s collapse without a godfather underestimate Kano’s political memory. “As history has repeatedly shown from Governor Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso himself, Kano ultimately rewards performance, not proximity to power,” Waiya said.

The Commissioner also addressed internal challenges within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), noting that persistent conflicts and legal disputes have created divisions. “The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable,” Waiya explained.

He concluded by stressing that Yusuf’s decisions are taken in good faith, with a commitment to peace and progress. Quoting the Qur’an, Waiya reminded citizens: “Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Mawla (Protector). And in Allah let the believers put their trust.” He also cited a Hadith emphasizing reliance on divine decree, stating that “the pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”

“This,” Waiya concluded, “remains the enduring grammar of Kano politics.”

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JUST IN: Tinubu to Depart on Monday for Türkiye

Published

3 hours ago

on

January 25, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Nigeria from October 19 to 20, 2021.

During President Tinubu’s visit, both countries will engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values in finance, communication, trade and investment.

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The statement read, “the agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation and protocol, among others.

“A business forum will bring together investors from both countries to explore areas of interest during the visit.

“Members of the President’s entourage participating in the bilateral discussions include: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson.

“Others are: Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.”

The statement added that President Tinubu is expected to return to the country at the conclusion of the visit.

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BREAKING: Gov. Yusuf to Formally Join APC on Monday

Published

4 hours ago

on

January 25, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 26 January 2026, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last Friday.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday.

The statement recalled that Governor Yusuf first joined the APC in 2014 when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, a position he later conceded to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

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It noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, including his most recent stint in the NNPP, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.

Governor Yusuf stated that rejoining the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.

He added that the decision would also consolidate political stability and unity in the state.

On Monday, 26 January 2026, the governor will formally register as a member of the APC in Kano alongside 22 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and the 44 Local Government Chairmen.

He is also expected to officially launch the APC e-registration exercise in the state.

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