Ex-Kano Commissioners Protest Vehicle Seizure, Harassment By Government

Former members of the Kano State Executive Council have accused the state government of intimidation and rights violations following the recovery of official vehicles from them by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC).

In a press release signed by Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (retd) on behalf of the affected officials, the former commissioners alleged that government operatives trespassed into their homes and seized vehicles, including those belonging to their spouses, after they voluntarily resigned their positions.

They said the dispute began after the Office of the Secretary to the State Government requested the return of official vehicles assigned to them while in office. However, the former commissioners argued that they had drawn attention to legal provisions they believed entitle them to retain such benefits, stating that they “responded, drawing the attention of the Office on the provision of Revised 2023 Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission Act which justified the provision of related vehicles and other [benefits] to such category of political and public office holders.”

The ex-officials said they subsequently approached the court to protect what they described as their lawful rights. “In order to ensure that rule of law is fully complied by all and sundry including those in authorities, we immediately filed a court process to stem the tide and restore rights and privileges validly guaranteed by the law of our land,” the statement said.

They further alleged that the government’s response was excessive, claiming operatives “went berserk trespassing our homes and intimidating our families evacuating other personal vehicles belonging to our spouses while away from homes.”

The former commissioners described the action as a violation of their rights, saying their “personal liberty and sanctity of our family members were grossly violated and disrespected.”

LEADERSHIP reports that the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission recovered five government-owned vehicles from the former commissioners who resigned following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Operatives of the commission carried out the recovery on Thursday after the affected officials reportedly ignored several directives to return the vehicles assigned to them while in office.

Those affected included AVM Ibrahim Umar (retd), former Commissioner for Internal Security; Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports; Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, former Commissioner for Science and Technology; Dr. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, former Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs; and Hon. Nasiru Sani Garo, former Commissioner for Special Projects.