Abba Yusuf orders 44 local governments in Kano to contribute N670m to purchase cars for Emir Sanusi

The directive which which was made public through a leaked memo has been generating reactions across the state.

The official correspondence, dated March 25, instructed the 44 local government councils in the state to provide funds for the Kano Emirate Council.

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The memo stated that the funds would be deducted directly from the State/Local Government Joint Account and paid to a private company, Sottom Synergy Resources Ltd, contracted to buy the vehicles.

The company was contracted to supply four vehicles and refurbish two vintage ones for the Emirate Council.

The memo, titled “Conveyance of Approval for the Release of Funds,” was signed by Abubakar S. Dabo, Director of Local Government Inspection, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.

“I am directed to convey Government’s approval for the release of the aggregate sum of N15,227,272.72 per LGA… to repair 2 No. vehicles and supply 4 No. vehicles to the Kano Emirate Council through Sottom Synergy Resources Ltd,” the letter stated.

According to the breakdown, the N670 million will cover the refurbishment of a 1969 Rolls Royce (DH 420), restoration of a Cadillac limousine, and the purchase of four 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser VXR vehicles.

The memo also instructed all LGA chairpersons to ensure compliance with due process in executing the project.

The decision has drawn criticism online, with many questioning the government’s priorities at a time when several local councils are struggling with infrastructure and basic services.

A former media aide to former Governor of the State, Abdullahi Ganduje, Salihu Tanko-Yakasai, is one of several socal media enthusiasts that shared the leaked letter online, questioning the rationale of the decision.

“If it’s true, then this is oppression!!!” wrote social media user Mubashshir Saidu. “Leaders should always pay attention to the condition of the common people! What’s the problem with Emir Sanusi or his palace and vehicle? Come on, people.”

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Alhassan Yaryasa, reacting to the development slammed the government for approving the money.

He said, “How can the state government approve this huge amount of money while the residents of the state capital and some other major towns in the state are grappling with water scarcity?

“This is a complete misplacement of priority. How can you spend this money on repairs and purchase of new vehicles for the Emir while other sectors need government attention, especially education and health sectors that have suffered neglect?”

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Yaryasa, who was the former coordinator of Tinubu Campaign Organisation for Kano South, called on Governor Abba Yusuf to reconsider the decision and channel the funds to areas where they would be needed most.