Birnin Gwari Union Demands Probe Into Alleged Sale Of Government Assets

The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU), has demanded an immediate halt to the disposal of public assets and the recovery of property unlawfully alienated.

BEPU called on Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, to immediately establish an independent judicial commission of inquiry headed by a serving or retired judge of unquestionable integrity to probe the transaction.

In a communique signed by BEPU Chairman, Board of Trustees,Prof. Lawal Khalid,
Chairman, Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU), Dr. Isah Muhammad and
Secretary-General, Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU), Engr. Muhammad Jamil Abdulhamid, after the union congress held in Kaduna, said the proceedings of the commission should be open, transparent and its report should be published in full.

The communique stressed that the commission should examine every transaction relating to the disposal of public assets in Birnin Gwari, identify persons involved, determine whether the Constitution, the Land Use Act and applicable laws were complied with, and recommend appropriate legal action where violations are established.

The Congress further demanded the immediate suspension of every ongoing transaction involving strategic public institutions and government lands in Birnin Gwari pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

According to the communique, “No further approvals, allocations, Certificates of Occupancy, survey plans, development permits or related processes affecting public assets should be issued until the Government concludes a comprehensive review of all transactions already undertaken.

“The Congress observed that the concerns extend far beyond a single institution.
They include the Birnin Gwari Public Library, Jibril Mai Gwari I Memorial Hospital, the Stadium, Sports Council facilities, Police Quarters, Veterinary Clinic, Fire Service lands, Government Staff Quarters, the Post Office and other strategic public properties.

“Many members expressed the fear that unless urgent intervention takes place, even the Local Government Secretariat and the Palace of the Emir of Birnin Gwari could one day become subjects of similar attempts at alienation.

“The Congress unequivocally condemns every unlawful, irregular or non-transparent disposal, transfer, allocation, lease or conversion of public institutions and government lands within Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.”

The Congress declared that public assets are held in trust by Government for the benefit of all citizens and must never become private property through abuse of office, manipulation of administrative processes, conflict of interest or any other unlawful means.

BEPU added, “The Congress demands the immediate recovery and restoration of every public institution or parcel of Government land found, after due investigation, to have been unlawfully, improperly or fraudulently alienated.

“The Congress calls upon the Kaduna State House of Assembly to immediately exercise its constitutional oversight powers by conducting a public hearing into the management and disposal of public assets within Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.Every Ministry, Department and Agency connected with the transactions should appear before the House and account for its actions” BEPU said.