The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has called for an independent investigation into allegations of the diversion of Federal Government-branded palliative rice by officials of the Kano State Government.
The allegations center on Shehu Sagagi, the Chief of Staff to the Kano State Governor, who is accused of being involved in the diversion of the rice.
Sagagi, however, denied the claims, stating that the rice found at his Islamic school was either purchased with his funds or donated by others for feeding the students.
Expressing concern, APC Chairman in Kano, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, voiced the party’s unease over the repeated instances of palliative diversion by officials of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) government in the state.
He called for an independent investigation and prosecution of those involved, warning that the APC would consider legal action if their demands are not met.
In a statement released on Saturday, Abbas criticized the NNPP government for its failure to take appropriate action against officials implicated in palliative diversion. He suggested that the lack of response might be interpreted as tacit approval of these activities.
Abbas highlighted a recent incident where hundreds of bags of rice, labeled ‘Federal Government Food Security Program,’ were found at Wada Sagagi Islamic School, a private institution owned by the Chief of Staff, Shehu Wada Sagagi. He argued that Sagagi’s explanations for how these government-donated grains ended up at his private school were unconvincing.
Abbas also referenced a December incident where Tasiu Al’amin-Roba, allegedly working for the Secretary to the State Government, Baffa Abdullahi Bichi, was arrested for repackaging state palliatives at a warehouse in Sharada. The suspect, identified as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Cabinet Office, was accused of diverting rice and maize meant for the public.
Additionally, Abbas criticized the Kano State Government for rebranding and repackaging palliatives, often distributing them to party members with the governor’s picture and the NNPP logo. He recalled that in September last year, Dr. Tukur Dayyabu Minjibir, Managing Director of the state’s Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO), was suspended for the alleged improper sale of government-owned grains.
Abbas stressed that suspending or investigating officials is not enough; there must be follow-through with prosecution to deter such actions in the future.
He further alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had sent 70 trucks of fertilizer, seedlings, and other inputs for free distribution to Kano farmers, but the state government claimed credit for the supplies as if they had procured them. According to Abbas, these items were sold to farmers at a cost of N5,000 per bag.
The APC chairman accused the NNPP government of deliberately undermining President Tinubu’s efforts to support the people during these challenging times.
He pointed out that while the Federal Government has donated significant quantities of grains to Kano State, the impact of these interventions has not been felt by the larger society.
Abbas concluded by expressing disappointment that despite these federal efforts, the people of Kano have yet to see tangible benefits, as evidenced by the frustration and anger displayed during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
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