Why We Are Demolishing Structures In Kano, By Yusuf

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has said that the ongoing demolition of illegal buildings on lands allocated by the previous administration of Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, is done for the restoration of a Kano City to its original designs.

He said as parts of efforts to restore the beauty of Kano walls as designated national monuments by the National Commission for the Museums, the Kano State Government has planned to rehabilitate the walls in the old Kano City with the debris of the demolished sites.

Governor Yusuf who stated this after inspecting the demolition sites in Kano metropolis maintained that debris of the demolished sites will be used to reconstruct the walls and people who have no business do not need to be seen at the demolition sites and the police and men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been mandated to man the sites and guard it against intruders.

H said: “We went round the city to inspect the sites and we decided to use the debris of the demolished sites to rehabilitate Kano City walls to preserve history, beautify Kano and make it sites of attraction as a national monument”.

“All those who are not parties to the demolition exercise should stay away as security agencies will not hesitate to take appropriate actions against intruders and those who tend to be recalcitrant.” The governor called on people of the state to continue to be law abiding and report any suspicious movement to the security agencies for continuous peace and stability in our dear state Kano.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to continue with the ongoing demolition of illegal structures, originally initiated by the previous administration, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and restoring order in urban areas.

According to him, the necessity of demolishing these structures was to ensure sustainable urban development and protect the interests of the general public, and he expressed concerns over the negative impact of unregulated structures on infrastructure, drainage systems, and public safety.

Citing specific examples, Governor Yu- suf highlighted how public assets were sold by the previous administration for personal gain, without considering the consequences on the community. He mentioned the division and sale of lands within the historic Massalacin Waje at Fagge LGA and portions of the Eid Prayer Ground, both of which have significant cultural and religious significance.

Yusuf questioned the silence of those who opposed the demolitions, particularly religious leaders, when the former governor was selling public assets to his family and close associates; he also expressed dismay at the sale of portions of graveyards for the construction of shops, while emphasizing the efforts made by the current administration to improve such areas.

The government revoked with the immediate effect the sales of Hasiya Bayero Pediatric hospital and the governor’s lodge located at Kwankwasiyya City, and directed for the immediate renovation of the health facility and revert to its operations as a specialist hospital that cater for the medical needs of hundreds of thousands of children from the state and beyond.

Yusuf, who led a delegation of top government officials on inspection to the two sites expressed displeasure on how the past government sold the places to their cabals for their selfish interest. “As promised during electioneering processions, we will not relent in reclaiming public properties either mismanaged or sold via shoddy deal and what was reclaimed would be judiciously utilize for the benefit of people of the state”

“I am at this juncture announcing the revoking of the sales of Hasiya Bayero Paediatric hospital and the Governor’s Lodge at Kwankwasiyya city that is hosting the office of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the health facility should be renovated and revert to its operations of healthcare delivery to children.”

Regarding the Hajj Camp, Yusuf explained how facilities within the camp were divided and sold, despite its purpose of serving as an exercise ground for pilgrims. However, he noted that the present Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has taken steps to reconstruct the camp and ensure essential amenities are provided.

He called on residents to cooperate with the government and adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the relevant authorities, and promised a fair representation of the business community in his cabinet, adding that a commissioner will come from their midst and other positions that will give the community the best representation.