The All Progressives Congress (APC) has sounded the alarm bells, accusing the Kano State Government of orchestrating plans to spend a staggering N8 billion from local government councils’ funds without adequate justification. Abdullahi Abbas, the state’s APC chairman, voiced these concerns in a strongly-worded statement released on Tuesday in Abuja.
Abbas called upon both the local government councils and commercial banks in the state to put a halt to the process of clearing the release of funds to the state government.
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The urgency, he explained, stems from the prevailing political uncertainty in the state, primarily driven by the impending Supreme Court judgment on the governorship election.
Expressing deep concern, Abbas suggested that the situation appeared to be pushing the government, led by the NNPP (New Nigeria People’s Party), to assume control of local government functions, potentially paving the way for the misappropriation of funds exceeding N8 billion.
The APC leader revealed that the party had secured a copy of the approval letter from the Ministry for Local Government. This letter directed all 44 local government councils to release N101 million each for the construction of the Dan’Agundi interchange and N36 million each for the construction of the Tal’udu interchange. The funds were intended as contributions from the councils to these infrastructure projects.
Abbas further disclosed that the NNPP government had made strategic personnel changes by removing and appointing new Directors of Personnel Management (DPMs) and treasurers. This, he asserted, was a calculated move to ensure a smooth execution of plans to control and potentially embezzle funds allocated to local councils.
In a direct plea to the NNPP’s government, Abbas urged them to prioritize the interests of the people of the state. He emphasized that the decision to embark on such projects had faced internal criticism within the NNPP, indicating potential dissent within the party’s ranks.
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As the political landscape in Kano remains tense pending the Supreme Court judgment, the allegations raised by the APC add a new layer of complexity, raising questions about the transparency and intention behind the allocation and utilization of local government funds.
