By OBSERVERS TIMES.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has vehemently refuted allegations of misappropriation of public funds, dismissing claims made by former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, as “false and baseless.”
Speaking to 484 elected ward councillors at the Government House, Governor Yusuf defended his administration’s integrity and that of his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, against accusations of corruption.
“We are all content, and no thief can be comfortable among us,” Governor Yusuf stated, emphasizing the transparency of his government. “The funds entrusted to us have been used judiciously.”
The governor expressed surprise at Bichi’s claims, particularly the assertion that the current administration had stolen “ten times more” than the previous government. He also addressed Bichi’s allegation that Kwankwaso demands N2 billion monthly from the state coffers.
“This same individual also claimed that our leader (Jagora) demands N2 billion monthly from the governor,” Yusuf said. “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?”
Governor Yusuf strongly defended Kwankwaso’s reputation, stating, “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.”
He criticized Bichi’s timing, questioning the validity of accusations made only after Bichi left office. “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.”
Governor Yusuf also addressed Bichi’s claim that the governor sought his assistance, asking, “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.”
He concluded by urging those spreading falsehoods to “tread carefully,” and questioning if Bichi was acting in the best interest of the state.
The governor’s strong rebuttal follows reports in Daily Trust detailing Bichi’s accusations of financial impropriety against the current administration and Kwankwaso.
