Kano State Property Sale Controversy: Incoming gov. demands accountability
Kano State Property Sale Controversy: Incoming gov. demands accountability
Story from Saleh INUWA, Kano
The governor-elect of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his transition committee have raised concerns over the alleged sale of government property by the outgoing governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The committee has drawn attention to the purported sale of the Kano State Public Procurement Bureau office, also known as the Due Process Office, located on State Road. It is claimed that the property was sold to Ganduje’s son for a nominal sum of N10 million, only to be subsequently resold for over N300 million.
Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the chairman of the Recovery of Public Assets Subcommittee of the NNPP Gubernatorial Transition, led other members of the committee to the site and expressed deep worry over the alleged sale of government properties.
He emphasized that the incoming administration not only intends to recover these properties but also prosecute those found guilty of their sale.
“We are deeply concerned about the manner in which the outgoing administration is disposing of the common assets entrusted to the people of Kano State. This act resembles the vandalization of essential structures of governance. Such behaviour is highly disappointing from a government that has been given the opportunity to lead the state for eight years,” Bichi said.
Bichi went on to reveal that the Due Process Office was reportedly sold for less than N10 million, only for Ganduje’s son to later sell it for over N300 million. He described this situation as the most unfortunate destruction of public property one could imagine.
“It appears as though the property was practically handed over to him for free, with instructions to find a buyer,” Bichi added.
When contacted for comment, the State Attorney General, Musa Abdullahi Lawal, claimed to be unaware of the transaction and declined to provide further details on the matter.
The State Commissioner for Information, Malam Mohammed Garba, also stated that he had no knowledge of the transaction but assured the press that he would make inquiries and provide updates.
Dr Bichi cautioned that the real investigation would commence on May 29, hinting that the incoming government would thoroughly investigate all properties sold during the outgoing administration’s tenure and reclaim any that were unlawfully sold.