A coalition of non-profit organization, Good Governance and Change Initiative (GGCI) yesterday demanded a re-visit to the recommendations of the 2006 white paper report that exposes and indicted presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on a scandalous land deal.
Besides, the coalition was quick to equally requested immediate resignation or sack of the Kano Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji for alleged partisanship and incompetence of duty.
Raising from a one-day Good Governance Appraisal Summit in Kano, the coalition include right advocates, victims of recent demolition of properties in Kano and nd others stakeholders decried actions and policies being undertaken so far by Governor Abba Yusuf in the state.
The coalition alleged that former Governor and leader of Kwankwasiyya movement, was found guilty of allocating lands belong to Eid praying ground, monument among others to friends and associates, the same accusation leveled against former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
In a communique issued after their summit, the coalition resolved that the government of Kano state should stop further demolition of properties of innocent citizens with immediate effect.
The groups worried that the Chairman of the state Anti-corruption Commission has allowed himself to the bought by a political interest to carry out a prepared script saying he is no longer competent to occupy the office.
The communique was signed by the national coordinator of Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative (CGGCI), Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, national coordinator of the Progressives League of Youth Voters, Comrade Abdul Us and Shuaibu and national coordinator of Northern Nigeria Civil Service Group.
According to the communique, “That the government should, as a matter of urgency, compile a comprehensive list of victims of the demolition and commence the process of compensation.
“That the government should set up a committee to verify genuine landowners with the view to return the same property to them. That Governor Abba Yusuf should take his time to study the handover note of the previous administration instead of taking hasty decisions, bearing in mind that government is a continuum.
“That the state anti-corruption commission has completely been politicized especially with the appointment of a partisan and card carrying member of the NNPP as Chairman and therefore Barrister Muhuyi Magaji, should either resign honorable or sack immediately.
“That the Kano state government should appoint a more senior, experienced, non-partisan and competent person to replace Barrister Muhuyi Magaji immediately in order to give credibility to the commission
“That the state government in the spirit of fairness should re-visit the recommendations of the 2006 white paper report that exposes the land scandal of the than former governor of the state Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso instead of chasing shadow by embarking on a vendetta mission and face governance.”
Earlier, some of the victims of demolition and traders lamented their ordeal since their property were demolished.
One of the victims, Umar Ibrahim, said they were not given notice before their property were demolished, adding that goods worth millions of Naira had been looted as result of the demolition.
In his opening remarks, Comrade Ogenyi said recent actions of government in Kano state underscore the essence of good governance which “we advise the Governor to live up to his responsibility in ensuring the protection of lives and property of citizens.
“The government is barely 40 days in office, it has ample times to correct its unpleasant decisions by reversing same for the interest of peace, unity and progress of Kano state.
“The recent demolition of properties in Kano metropolis has caused pain and untold hardship to many families.The government must realise that it was voted in by the people and should do everything possible to compensate the victims whose shops and houses were demolished by the Kano State Government.
“It is imperative to note that Kano State has the highest population in Nigeria with about 10.51 Million people living in abject poverty. The concerntration of government should be towards reducing poverty rate by creating job opportunities for the teaming population of young people instead of demoliting legally acquired shops and business premises thereby creating more poverty and unemployment in the State.
“One would be tempted to say, it is too early to assess the current administration in Kano State as the government came into power less than 40 days ago, but it actions within six days in office has prompted both local and international organisations to critically examine the process of governance and how it affects the people of Kano in particular and Nigerians in general.
“Kano is an economic hub with every tribe in Nigeria residing in the State. Whatsoever affects Kano affects the whole Country. We, therefore, hope that Mr. Abba Yusuf administration will quickly retrace its steps and listen to the voices or reasoning.”
