The APC has demanded an investigation into allegations that Kano government officials diverted federal palliative rice intended for distribution to those in need, raising concerns about corruption and mismanagement.
Kano State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) is advocating for an autonomous inquiry concerning the purported diversion of Federal Government marked relief rice by Kano state functionaries.
Reportedly, the purported misappropriation of the rice was attributed to Shehu Sagagi, who serves as Governor’s Chief of Staff. Nonetheless, he refuted these claims and maintained that he procured some of it using his own funds and others were contributed by generous individuals for nourishing their school pupils. This explanation comes directly from him.
Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the chairman of APC in Kano expressed concern over the repeated cases of diversion of palliatives by officials from New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) government situated in that state.
Abbas demanded an impartial inquiry and prosecution of those responsible, cautioning that legal measures would be taken against the government if this request is ignored.
On Saturday, the Kano APC chairman stated that the repeated detrimental incidents illustrate the NNPP government’s inability to take appropriate measures against officials who were caught diverting relief materials.
This could be understood as implying that the acts are being committed with its implicit approval.
The discovery of hundreds of bags of rice bearing the label “Federal Government Food Security Program” at Wada Sagagi Islamic School, owned by Shehu Wada Sagagi – Chief Staff in Kano’s Government House – last week is a regrettable incident.
Sagagi failed to give a persuasive explanation on how the bags of rice, which were part of the grains given to Kano State Government for aiding poor and vulnerable residents affected by fuel subsidy removal, ended up in his personal dwelling that has now been converted into an Islamiyya school.
Abbas stated that Tasiu Al’amin-Roba was arrested in December of last year for allegedly diverting the state’s palliatives. He added that Roba is said to work for Baffa Abdullahi Bichi, who holds the position of Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Cabinet Office and has been identified as Secretary to the State Government.
According to him, the perpetrator was caught repackaging rice and maize in a Sharada warehouse before being apprehended.
The Kano State Government frequently engages in rebranding and repackaging certain types of grains that they intend to distribute, often incorporating the governor’s image and NNPP logo for their members.
Dr. Tukur Dayyabu Minjibir, the Managing Director of Kano State’s Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO), was suspended in September last year for allegedly participating in an unsuitable sale of grains owned by the state government.
To ensure deterrence measures, the Kano State Government must not simply suspend or investigate; rather, it is crucial that they prosecute all individuals involved in these scandals until a conclusion has been reached.
Abbas noted that despite the fact that 70 trucks of fertilizer, seedlings and other farming essentials were provided for free distribution to farmers in Kano by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, credit was falsely claimed by the state government as if it had procured these products.
According to him, the bags were purportedly sold at a rate of N5,000 each to farmers.
The chairman of the APC in Kano criticized the NNPP government’s actions as an intentional effort to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its support for people during these challenging times.
The Kano State Government has received truckloads of grains from the Federal Government on various occasions for distribution among those in need. However, despite a ceremonial launch, these initiatives have not had any noticeable impact on society at large.
As far as we know, the government of Kano State was given 100 trucks filled with rice, 44 trucks loaded with sorghum and an additional four trucks carrying maize. Furthermore, there were also allocations of 969 metric tons of maize, 1,320 metric tons of sorghum and 417 metric tons millet for fair distribution to all local government areas. In addition to this already substantial amount received by Kano state officials; they have just recently been granted another shipment consisting of twenty more vehicles containing rice.”
It is regrettable that despite Tinubu’s tireless efforts in Kano, the citizens have not perceived any tangible results. This was made evident by their level of disillusionment and protest against the government during #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, as lamented by the APC chairman.
