‘Kwankwaso Not A Thief’, Yusuf Denies N2 billion Monthly Payment To Ex-Gov

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has dismissed as “false and baseless” claims of financial impropriety made by Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), over the alleged theft of N2 billion from local government money.

Governor Yusuf’s words follow recent claims attributed to Bichi, in which he (Bichi) allegedly accused the current administration of misappropriating funds and claimed that Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor of the state, got illegal payments from the state treasury.

However, the governor, who addressed 484 elected ward councillors in the Government House’s Coronation Hall on Sunday evening, stated that his administration remains transparent and accountable.

“God has already provided us with everything we hoped for from this government. We are all satisfied, and no thief can be at ease among us; as long as someone is a thief, they cannot be here,” Governor Yusuf remarked.

He condemned the allegations as an attempt to destroy the name of his political mentor, Senator Kwankwaso, who he claims has an unblemished record of public service.

“Thank God, our administration is pure from top to bottom. It is a government that focusses on all aspects of development. “The funds entrusted to us have been used wisely,” he stated.

Governor Yusuf expressed dismay at the comments attributed to Bichi, adding that the former SSG was formerly a member of the administration and had been given the opportunity to serve the people.

“I am startled to hear certain words from someone who was previously recruited into this government, supported, and placed in a high position to serve both the people and the administration. Today, he’s out of government and making outrageous allegations.

“I heard he stated that this administration, which is only two years old, has stolen ten times more than the previous government under (former governor) Abdullahi Ganduje. I’m curious: does this comment come from someone who thinks rationally?

The governor also dismissed allegations that Senator Kwankwaso receives monthly payments from the state government, calling them malicious fabrications.

“The same individual also said that our commander (Jagora) seeks N2 billion each month from the governor. This N2 billion, if allocated to local governments, would do tremendous good.

“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 told reporters.

“Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is not a thief, and Kano residents are proud of him. “You and your allies will not tarnish his name,” the governor proclaimed.

The governor challenged the accuser’s integrity, questioning if Bichi’s acts were consistent with the principles of a true Kano indigene.

Yusuf responded, “You mentioned that the governor had asked for your assistance. Are you the governor’s parent? Is he your father? Did you appoint the governor, or did he choose you?

“Are you the one making requests for him, or is he begging for favours?” Clearly, there is a misunderstanding. Your assigned office had nothing to do with the budget; if it did, please let us know. A rational person would not condone this behaviour.

“I’d like to caution everyone who thinks like this. We even doubt whether such a person is genuinely from Kano, because a true Kano indigene would never attack our leaders or promote falsehoods about them.”