Politics
Kano: Coalition Charges Gov Yusuf To Probe Kwankwaso’s Tenure As Governor
…warns against selective justice
Jibrin Ibrahim, Abuja
The Coalition for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has welcomed the proposed probe of Alhaji Umar Ganduje’s tenure as Kano State governor.
The Coalition, at a press conference on Monday, described it as a positive step towards accountability and transparency in governance.
Obinna Francis, the Convener of the Coalition, however, charged Governor Abba Yusuf to extend the probe to other notable individuals in the state such as Rabiu Kwanksaso.
Francis emphasised that selective justice is a threat to society everywhere in the world, hence the failure to investigate Kwankwaso and others will be seen as biased and political.
”The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the State Government to Investigate the immediate past administration in the state ought to start their investigation from 1999-2003 and 2011-2015 when 70 per cent of government properties were sold or fraudulently allocated to friends and families, and not just focusing on only 2011-2015,” the statement said.
“But it is unfortunate to bring to our notice that the magnanimous sharing of the state assets happened right under the nose of Abba Kabir Yusuf when he was the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport. Should we infer that Mr Governor doesn’t know that he who lives in a glass house doesn’t throw stones!
”We all know It is a popular knowledge that the best way to kill a weed is from its root. Therefore, it is alarming that Governor Abba Yusuf seems to focus so much attention on killing the weed of corruption at the top with so much aggression, by solely focusing on witch-hunting the poor in Kano State, which is completely unacceptable.
“We believe that justice should be blind and impartial, regardless of one’s social or political status. Therefore, we call for a fair and comprehensive investigation that includes all relevant parties.
”Governor Abba Yusuf should be wise enough to know that it is only when the foundation of transparency is strong, that’s when corruption can be fully addressed.
”The relentless attacks on Chairman Ganduje by Governor Abba Yusuf and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso not only create a sense of instability in the political landscape of Kano State, but also undermine the democratic process. Instead of fostering healthy political competition and constructive dialogue, their actions fuel division and animosity. This not only harms the state’s political stability but also hampers the overall development and progress of Kano State.
”In light of these concerns, the Coalition for Truth and Justice urges Governor Abba Yusuf to extend his investigation to include the period when Rabiu Kwankwaso served as the Governor of Kano State. The government should be upright in its dealings by not selfishly restricting its investigation to between 2015 and 2023, but from 1999 till 2023. This will ensure that justice is served without bias or favoritism.
”It is no news there are rumors among the people of Kano that Governor Yusuf is dinning with Kwankwaso, and that is the reason he’s shielding him from any probe of corruption about his administration in Kano State. The governor must prove it to every Kano citizen that he who comes to equity, must come with clean hands, and this will be a welcome development by all.
”For the record, it can be noted that; From 2011-2015, the controversial five kilometer road projects in the 44 local governments were awarded and only for the funds to be misappropriated without the project being executed under the Kwankwaso administration.
”During the same period under review, over N3 billion naira was also earmarked for a particular project but allegedly misappropriated by Kwankwaso during his Presidential Campaign in Lagos when N70 million was released by each local government.”
David Olayinka, Akure
The Jagunmolu of Ikaleland and Ojagbulegun from The Source, Prince ( Dr.) Gen. Olu Bajowa, CFR has commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing him as a Governor whose victory at the November , 16th poll was made possible by God , the Almighty and the good people of Ondo State , who showed him massive love and vote support on election day.
Gen. Bajowa gave this indication in a special congratulatory statement, personally signed by him , which copy was obtained by thepolity.net
In the statement, the retired top brass Army General said, ” I write to join all well-wishers to congratulate you on your well deserved election victory as ” the God’s anointed” Executive Governor of Ondo State.
“The people have spoken loud and clear! Your outstanding and overwhelming performance with the wide margin at the polls is a testimony of your popular acceptance by the good people of The Sunshine State.
” As the old proverb says, ‘ Vox Populi, vox dei’ ( the voice of the people is the voice of God), therefore by God’s grace , you are the Executive Governor of Ondo State for the next four years. ”
While congratulating the Governor on his ‘ sweet victory,’ Gen. Bajowa said Gov. Aiyedatiwa has enormous responsibilities in making life more abundant for the people of Ondo State, noting that the Governor’s responsibility includes providing adequate security, transformation of Agriculture , health and education sectors among others; the fight against poverty, hunger and unemployment , ensuring adequate water and regular power supply for the growth of SMEs and reactivation of all the moribund industries with serious attention to road network and infrastructural development. Going further, Gen. Bajowa noted, “Also important are the issues of the development of our natural resources and solid minerals : bitumen, oil, fisheries and the Ondo State deep seaport project.
” You can count on me , my family and the entire Bajowa Royal Family for our continued support and loyalty to good governance and administration of Ondo State,” Gen. Bajowa stated.
While wishing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa a successful tenure , Gen. Bajowa wished him more of God’s guidance , protection and good health as he governs Ondo State afresh.
…as voting commences across wards
Feranmi Daniel, Abeokuta
There was very impressive turn out in Sagamu and Ikenne Local Governments on Saturday during the Local Government elections going on in the State, as voters were seen trooping to their various polling units to cast their ballots.
Recalled that Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) had earlier slated Local Government elections for Saturday, 16th November, 2024.
An election observer from Advocacy for Social Justice & Liberty, Charles Odunuga, commended the electoral body for what he termed decent and well organized process.
He therefore, urged electorate to maintain the peace till the end of the exercise, adding that peaceful environment plays pivotal role in strengthening democracy.
Also, a voter in Sagamu, Pastor Sola Komolafe, euologised the proactiveness of the electoral commission and level of preparedness, including level-playibg ground for opposition parties to thrive.
In the same vein, Mrs Kafilat Sokoya, another voter in Grammar School area of Ikenne described the process across the town as peaceful and orderly, as she advised voters to shun inducement and act of violence.
Feranmi Daniel, Abeokuta
The ongoing local government polls in Ogun State got off to a good start on Saturday. This newspaper can exclusively report.
Election into chairmanship and councillorship positions are currently ongoing in the 20 local government councils of the state, with the major political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) saying that they will have a good showing.
In the polling units surveyed in major cities such as Abeokuta, the state capital; Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ota and Ilaro, election materials arrived on schedule even as voters expressed confidence that the exercise would be concluded without any hassles.
Findings by reporters across the state have not shown any incident of voter harassment or ballot box snatching so far.
This contradicts the false alarm raised by a major opposition party in the state to the effect that the election has been bedevilled by violence.
Some voters, however, complained of late arrival of materials even as officials of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) interviewed across the state said materials have reached all polling units in the State and they expected voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise.