Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State for resorting to diversionary tactics to mask his administration’s shortcomings.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje expressed disappointment with the governor’s attempts to deflect attention from the lack of tangible progress in the state, despite increased allocations under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration since May 29, 2023.
Ganduje’s remarks come in response to the Kano State Government’s decision to file criminal charges against him, alleging bribery of $413,000 and misappropriation of N1.38 billion.
Asserting that the state’s efforts to tarnish his reputation would fail, Ganduje emphasized the administration’s ignorance and disregard for the rule of law.
The statement partly reads, “In their desperate attempt to malign me and my family, they either forgot or probably cannot conduct themselves by the dictates of the law.
“They failed to take judicial notice of the recent pronouncement of the Federal High Court in Kano which ruled that the so-called offence I am being accused of is a federal offence that can only be prosecuted by the Attorney General of the Federation and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.
“Rather than join issues with my traducers in Kano over the trumped-up charges levelled against me, I would implore them to redirect their energies towards easing the plights of our people in Kano.
“They still have the opportunity to revert to my blueprint for the sustainable growth and development of Kano State. It is not yet late in the day for them to emulate my developmental strides. They can still salvage the situation as my tenure was devoid of any wrongdoings”.
While welcoming the administration’s decision to probe allegations of misappropriation of public funds and political violence during his tenure, Ganduje suggested extending the investigation period to cover years preceding his administration.
“As the saying goes, he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. It shouldn’t be seen as targeted at my administration alone. It should not be seen to be borne out of malice, vindictiveness and ill will. It should be for public good and interest.
“We conducted the affairs of governance in the state openly and transparently during my tenure. We don’t need to be seeking direction from our masters to do what is proper,” the statement added.
