The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, has rebuked the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, for criticizing the Federal Government’s method of distributing palliatives to ensure the foodstuffs reach the intended beneficiaries.
According to a statement signed by Prince Abbas on his X handle, the Federal Government is committed to alleviating hunger in the country, but the NNPP-led government in Kano State is frustrating its efforts.
Abbas also criticized Kwankwaso for claiming that the distribution exercise was left solely in the hands of the APC.
Prince Abbas explained that the federal government’s decision to adopt a new method of palliative distribution stems from President Bola Tinubu’s dissatisfaction with the previous approach.
However, the reconstituted committee set up by the federal government is under the leadership of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, with members from the All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Senator Rufa’i Hanga (NNPP), Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP), members of the House of Representatives, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, the state deputy governor, traditional and religious leaders, among others.
According to Abbas, the bipartisan committee has developed detailed procedures for distributing palliatives to prevent diversion and ensure that the beneficiaries are truly the most needy members of the public.
He further disclosed that President Tinubu had approved several palliative measures for poor households and vulnerable individuals, but that those responsible for distributing the commodities were diverting them.
He alleged that the “scandalous activities involving senior officials of the NNPP government have highlighted how the palliatives failed to reach the targeted poor and vulnerable.”
The Chairman also claimed that despite warnings from the Kano State Government about consequences for anyone found diverting palliatives, the Managing Director of the state Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO), Dr. Tukur Dayyabu Minjibir, was implicated in the inappropriate sale of grains belonging to the state government.
He further stated that a Senior Special Assistant to the Cabinet Office, Tasi’u Al’Amin Roba, was arrested for the alleged diversion of state palliatives, having reportedly repackaged rice and maize at a warehouse in Sharada.
Abbas also alleged that a large quantity of rice meant for distribution to the poor was looted from the private residence of the Chief of Staff at the Kano Government House, Shehu Wada Sagagi, and that the matter is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Prince Abbas called on Kwankwaso to urge his chosen governor to launch an investigation into these acts of irresponsibility, ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable for the missing palliatives and prosecuted accordingly.
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He also criticized the 2024 Annual Ramadan Feeding Programme for serving poor-quality meals, which prompted Governor Abba Yusuf to declare that he had lost confidence in those he had entrusted with the responsibility.
Regarding the posting and reposting of directors of the Department of State Services, Abbas stated that the decision was based on President Tinubu’s special consideration for Kano and his commitment to ensuring that only diligent security agency heads are posted to the state.
He noted that during the two-term administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano remained relatively peaceful without incidents of violence.
However, he emphasized that the current insecurity in the state is the result of actions taken by the NNPP government, which encouraged and supported violent youth, particularly in the months leading up to the 2023 election.