Condemnations have trailed the decision of the Kano state government to demolish a famous monument in the commercial city.
The roundabout, renovated by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration, was brought down in the early hours of Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
The state government’s action has sparked outrage among prominent citizens of Kano, including supporters of the governor, Abba Yusuf.
‘’We must all condemn this thoughtless decision to demolish this monument, designed by a young female architect to commemorate Kano’s Golden Jubilee.
‘’I support the ongoing demolishing of private buildings in schools, hospitals, mosques, etc., but not wanton destruction of public monuments/buildings, simply because Ganduje built them,’’ famous Kano journalist Jaafar Jaafar tweeted.
Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide, wrote:
‘’I am yet to see any justifiable reason for the demolition of the Kano Golden Jubilee Roundabout by the State Government. The structure was one of Kano’s most beautiful and well-known monuments in recent years. The historic monument, symbolizing our dear state, shouldn’t have been destroyed unjustifiably.’’
Interestingly, a supporter of the governor also condemned the act.
Bichi Mahmoud stated:
“As a town planner, real estate developer, investment promoter and supporter of the KWANKWASIYYA movement……I condemn the demolition of this edifice in whichever guise by the Kano State Government. It is ill-timed and a waste of scarce public resources.”
Emma Umeh, a Peoples Democratic Party member, warned the Kano state governor that he is digging his own political grave.
He tweeted:
“In Nigeria, it is easy for people to love you quickly and hate you later. The way the Kano Governor is going, demolishing properties left, right and centre, he will only acquire more hate towards himself at the end of the day. That is not how things should be done.”
Salihu’ Dawisu’ Tanko Yakasai, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party in the 2023 governorship election, agreed with Umeh.
He said:
“We’ve not seen any plans for a new Kano. We’ve not heard of ways to make Kano greater. All they have been doing since assuming office is vindictiveness; some justified, others not so much. Once you lose the goodwill of Kano, there is no gaining it back, even if you’ll turn it to Mecca.”
Meanwhile, the Kano state government has revealed why the tower was demolished.
Malam Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the Press Secretary to Governor Abba Yusuf, said the structure is too tall to be placed in front of the government house, saying it defaces its main gate, which blocks the view for security surveillance.
He added:
“The government wishes to make it clear that it became very necessary to take down the structure for the purposes of immediate reconstruction and downsizing to ensure visibility of the government house entrance and safety of motorists.”
