Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has expressed unwavering support for the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, amid speculation over a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Sunday during a meeting with 484 councillors from the state’s 44 local government areas, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his loyalty to Kwankwaso and indicated his readiness to follow his political direction, regardless of party affiliation.
Governor Yusuf, though silent on the next political move and whether or not the Kwankwasiyya movement would remain in the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), said he is convinced Kwankwaso will not lead him astray.
Although Kwankwaso, the Presidential candidate of NNPP in the 2023 general election, has neither confirmed nor debunked the alleged move to cross over to APC, the body language of Governor Yusuf during the meeting on Sunday may have reinforced an affirmation of the impending defection.
“As our revered leader who has attained various heights in his political career and respect as a political icon nationwide, who when you meet for advice and such advice yields positive results, we would not ignore such a person. Therefore, wherever he goes, we are ready to follow,” Governor Yusuf affirmed.
Responding to former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi on allegations against Kwankwaso, who he claimed to have been receiving N2 billion monthly from the state treasury, Governor Yusuf insisted the ex-SSG may be suffering from a mental illness to assume that position.
Yusuf, who refuted what he described as a false claim, questioned why the ex-SSG would resort to pity politics of corrupt allegations against Kwankwaso after benefiting from the same person.
The governor also lamented incessant media trials on prominent individuals and traditional leaders, with a rain of insults on respected personalities. He vowed the government’s readiness to take drastic measures against local radio stations.
“There is a beneficiary of this government that was removed from his position that I watched on social media falsely saying that this government within two years has stolen ten times more than what Ganduje had stolen in his two terms. Why didn’t he say this when he was in office? You can condemn us, our government, and others, but we will not tolerate you insulting our leader.
“I want to use this opportunity to remind you that this election is based on the trust by the people; there is no looting or misuse of public funds under this government. This government will not accept oppressing the poverty-stricken. You should all be committed to the service of the people.
“The issue of education and health should be in the lead, followed by the welfare of the youth and farming, whereby youth and women will be supported. I hope everyone of you will go back to his constituency to come up with a project he wants executed in his council.
“We want you to fish out problems that will help youths who have qualifications but no resources to further their education; bring them out, and we will sponsor them. Bring out youths and women that need support, and we will help them. We have changed the system in such a way that whatever is taking place in any council will involve the councillors,” Yusuf said.
In a remark, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Isma’il Jibril Falgore, who was a former councillor of Falgore Ward in Rogo Local Government, harped on a smooth working relationship between the local councils and chairmen for the overall peaceful running of the local councils.
