Governor Yusuf defends Kwankwaso against theft allegations from former SSG Bichi
Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has responded to allegations made by the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi.
Bichi accused Yusuf’s administration of misappropriating local government funds, specifically alleging that N2 billion was being diverted monthly to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure and mentor to Governor Yusuf.
These claims have sparked controversy and debate within the state.
Governor Yusuf’s response
In a meeting with elected ward councilors at the Coronation Hall of the Government House on Sunday, Governor Yusuf vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as “false and baseless.”
He emphasized the integrity of his administration and defended Kwankwaso’s reputation, stating that he has never been found guilty of theft or corruption during his extensive political career. The governor expressed surprise at Bichi’s comments, suggesting that they were unfounded and motivated by personal grievances following his removal from office.
Yusuf articulated that accusations against Kwankwaso were particularly egregious given his history of public service in various high-profile roles without any record of financial misconduct. He asserted that such claims are not only disrespectful but also damaging to the political landscape in Kano.
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He said, “We thank God that our government is clean from top to bottom. It’s a government that pays attention to every aspect of development. The funds entrusted to us have been used judiciously.
“I am surprised to hear certain comments from someone who was once brought into this government, supported, and given a powerful position to serve both the people and the administration. Today, he’s out of government and making wild claims. I heard he said this administration, which is not even two years old, has stolen ten times more than the previous government under Ganduje. I wonder—does this statement come from someone thinking rationally?
“This same individual also claimed that our leader (Jagora) demands N2 billion monthly from the governor. This N2 billion, if allocated to the local governments, would do so much good. Jagora, a man of God who has served as a federal lawmaker, two-term governor, minister, senator, and twice a presidential candidate—someone who left office with the people of Kano begging him to return—left with a clean and commendable record. He is known for integrity and careful handling of public funds. Yet, this man dared to accuse him of theft?
“Here is someone who couldn’t be found wanting for even a million naira during his service, and yet these accusations are surfacing only now that you’re no longer part of the government. I say, you are lying. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is not a thief, and the people of Kano are proud of him. You and your allies will not tarnish his name.
“If you want to criticize based on policy or performance, that’s fair. But we will not allow anyone to insult our leaders. You claim the governor was begging you for help—are you the governor’s father? Or is he your father? Did you appoint the governor, or did he appoint you? Are you the one sending requests to him, or is he begging you for favours? Clearly, something is wrong.
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“The office you were given had no relation to the budget—if it did, let us know. No reasonable person would accept this behavior. I want to call on people who think this way to tread carefully. We even question whether such a person is truly from Kano, because a true Kano indigene would never stoop so low as to insult our leaders and spread falsehoods against them.”
The backdrop of this dispute is significant in understanding the political dynamics in Kano State. Corruption remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, often complicating governance and public trust.
The allegations made by Bichi reflect concerns about accountability and transparency in government operations.
