Tension as new Kano governor reverses sale of govt assets by Ganduje
Abba Kabir Yusuf, the newly sworn-in governor of Kano, swung into action immediately after being pronounced the state chief executive on Monday, May 29, 2023.
The governor announced the reversal of all government assets sold by the immediate past administration headed by Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.
He specifically asked security agencies in the state to take over the assets immediately.
In a Twitter post clarifying the directive, the governor stated that the Ganduje-led administration sold the Kano state government’s assets to its cronies.
He wrote:
”In line with our transition advisory, I am announcing today that all public places and assets that were immorally plundered and sold by the Ganduje administration should be taken over by law enforcement agencies pending the final decision of the government.
”We have noted that the last administration had sold lands in and around schools, religious and cultural sites, hospitals and clinics, graveyards and green areas, and along the city walls of Kano.
”We have also noted that they indiscriminately sold numerous other landed properties and assets belonging to the Kano state government within and outside the state to their cronies and agents.”
The governor’s pronouncement immediately drew applause from several Nigerians on the micro-blogging platform.
Taye Olajide, a UK-based businessman, wrote in response to the governor’s directive:
”This is a bold and necessary step towards justice and accountability. It is disheartening to see public places and assets being plundered and sold for personal gain.
”The actions of the previous administration show a complete disregard for the well-being and future of the people of Kano.
”It is crucial that law enforcement agencies take swift action to reclaim these unlawfully sold assets and hold those responsible accountable.
”The government must ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of the people and not for the enrichment of a few individuals.”
Abu Yusuf, an engineer, declared support for the governor’s action by typing:
”A valuable tool for ensuring that the government is acting in the best interests of its citizens. Go on, sir; you are obligated to conduct it.”
Samfan Sam, a researcher, wrote:
”I love this immediate action. Go ahead, Mr governor. I was so amazed at the pictures I saw coming in from Kano today. Your people love you, do everything for them. Remain blessed and healthy, sir. God bless you.”
Nafiu Balarabe, however, advised the governor to thread softly, saying:
”Is governance about immortality or legality? Mr Governor should make sure legal means are used in whatever decisions he wants to take regarding the so-called public assets; if not, a legal battle might ensue and distract him from his core mandate.”
