Abdullahi Ganduje, the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the call for his arrest by the Kano government is “baseless” and “reckless”.
After the state executive council meeting on Friday, Ibrahim Wayya, the commissioner for information and internal affairs, told journalists that cabinet members discussed Ganduje’s alleged provocative statement on the vulnerability of the state to banditry.
The commissioner said that less than 48 hours after the alleged provocative statements, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the state, raising concerns that the remarks might have been premeditated or linked to the assault.
Wayya also called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former governor for attempting to create an illegal militia group.
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Responding in a statement issued by Edwin Olofu, his chief press secretary, Ganduje said the position of the Kano administration reflects “desperation” and “incompetence” on the part of Abba Yusuf, governor of the state.
The former Kano governor said the remark credited to the government is an “abdication of responsibility by a leader who has failed to secure the lives and property of citizens.”
“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” the statement reads.
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“At a time when communities such as Bagwai, Shanono and Tsanyawa and other affected areas are living in fear, the governor has neither visited nor shown empathy towards the victims.
“His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve.”
The spokesperson said that Ganduje kept the state safe for eight years as governor, earning commendation for peace and stability, in contrast to what it described as the “directionless” posture of the present government.
“Dr. Ganduje has never been associated with violence nor linked to any act that undermines the peace and stability of Kano state,” he said.
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“Governor Yusuf should focus on his constitutional duty of protecting Kano residents instead of engaging in political theatrics and peddling unfounded allegations.
“Leadership is demonstrated through purposeful action, responsibility and compassion, not through press conferences and issuing frivolous statements aimed at diverting public attention from one’s failures.”
