Kano Ex-Governor Denounces False Reports of Embezzlement in CCTV Project

Former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, vehemently denies allegations that his administration obtained a N10 billion loan for the installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the Kano metropolis. In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Malam Muhammad Garba, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs during Ganduje's tenure, dismissed the reports as misleading and falsely attributed to a nonexistent civil society organization, the Coalition of Political Analysis Forum and Governance. He claimed that the intention behind these allegations was to tarnish the former governor's reputation by demanding an investigation into the supposed misappropriation of funds.

Garba emphasized the lack of credibility of the organization making these claims, stating, "To further confirm that they are fake, the so-called organization knew nothing about the project, and the haste with which their paymasters want them to be in the media exposes clearly their intent." He further challenged the organization to provide evidence of the alleged N10 billion loan.

In providing context, Garba clarified that during the previous administration, the State Executive Council and the Assembly had granted formal approval for the CCTV camera project due to its significance in enhancing security in the state. However, on July 1, 2022, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an injunction restraining the government from obtaining the loan.

Additionally, Garba noted that on July 19, the same court, presided over by Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, acknowledged that it had been misled in the case by an individual named Yusuf Isyaku Rabi'u, who falsely claimed to represent another nonexistent civil society organization called Kano First Forum. Consequently, the court discharged the restraining order.

Addressing the delay in executing the CCTV camera project, Garba explained, "The said loan for the CCTV camera project, despite its importance in fighting crime and efforts to expand security infrastructure, the government decided to expand the project, and unfortunately, up to the end of its tenure, the facility has not been secured, and therefore the project could not be executed."

He further revealed that the Ganduje administration had intended to undertake the project, recognizing its significance. Notably, a bill was already before the National Assembly, which had passed through the second reading, proposing the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in private buildings and offices.

The statement issued by the former Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs sought to refute the allegations, presenting a detailed account of the legal circumstances surrounding the alleged loan and highlighting the administration's commitment to enhancing security in Kano State.