By Salejo Kano
The Kano State Government has denied allegations of diverting ₦6.5 billion from the state treasury, describing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by the Director General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa, the government said the publication making the allegation, released on August 22 by Daily Nigerian, was part of an orchestrated campaign to discredit key officials.
The report had linked the Director General of Protocol, Government House, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, to the alleged diversion. But the government clarified that the Protocol Directorate is strictly administrative, with functions including logistics, accommodation, welfare, and coordination of official engagements for the governor and visiting dignitaries.
“All financial activities of the Directorate are budgeted, coded, and executed within due process. No government official has access to state funds outside established rules,” the statement explained, reaffirming confidence in Rogo’s integrity.
The government accused opposition elements of fueling the controversy to weaken Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections. It also referenced what it called “reckless spending” under the previous administration, alleging that over ₦20 billion was spent through the Protocol Directorate in the final three months of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s tenure.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability, the government stressed that it welcomes fair criticism but will not condone deliberate misinformation or blackmail. It warned that legal action may be taken against those who persist in spreading falsehoods.
“The people of Kano should see these allegations for what they are—an attempt to distract this administration from its commitment to good governance and protecting public resources,” the statement concluded.
The government said since the matter is already before the courts, it will await the outcome of judicial proceedings.