Following the recent response by the Kano state government over the alleged diversion of N6.5 billion by its official, where it blamed former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, his personal aide Muhammad Garba has warned against weaponizing his name for political attacks and personal agendas.
This is contained in a statement he signed and issued to newsmen in Kano on Monday dismissing all the alleged financial misappropriation, corruption and misconduct allegations against Ganduje as false.
“I feel compelled to address recent claims circulated by the Kano State Government that seek to link former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to alleged financial misappropriation, corruption, and misconduct. These assertions, specifically regarding the supposed overspending through the Protocol Directorate and claims of land grabbing, are politically motivated, misleading, and entirely untrue.
“Governor Ganduje completed his tenure with integrity, diligence, and a steadfast commitment to the people of Kano State. Throughout his administration, he prioritized governance, development, and the welfare of citizens, ensuring that all state resources were managed responsibly, transparently, and within established legal and procedural frameworks” part of the statement reads.
The statement further explained that all the claimed misappropriation of funds by the Ganduje’s protocol directorate when he was governor were coordinated through the office administratively according to law, and strictly within the scope of state-approved budgets. “Any attempt to suggest otherwise distorts the facts and misrepresents the nature of state governance under his administration” he stated.
“References to alleged scandals are false and politically charged. Governor Ganduje’s service record shows decades of dedication to Kano State, and using such narratives to attack his legacy is an act of misinformation designed to mislead the public and distract from genuine governance issues.
“During his tenure, Governor Ganduje maintained policies and systems aimed at protecting public assets and ensuring proper land administration. Assertions that land grabbing or asset misappropriation were regular practices under his leadership are entirely inaccurate. These claims unfairly tarnish the reputation of a leader whose administration was committed to the lawful and transparent management of state resources.
“Governor Ganduje’s legacy is defined by transparency, accountability, and public service. He served the people of Kano State faithfully, leaving behind programs, policies, and structures that continue to benefit citizens. Any attempt to associate him with contemporary misconduct or misdeeds of the current administration is baseless and politically motivated.
“It is therefore imperative that the public, media, and political actors refrain from using Governor Ganduje’s name for political attacks, propaganda, or misinformation. If there are genuine concerns or allegations against any government, there exist proper legal and institutional channels to investigate them responsibly. Dragging the name of a former leader into these narratives is both unjust and misleading” he added.
He then concluded by calling on the Kano state government to “stop using Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s name for political attacks or personal agendas”.