The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has fired back at Dr. Rabi’u Kwankwaso, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), over his recent criticism of the Federal Government’s palliative distribution methods. Kwankwaso had raised concerns about how the palliatives meant for the needy were being handled, prompting a sharp response from the APC.
In a statement issued by the APC Chairman in Kano, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the party expressed its disapproval of Kwankwaso’s remarks. Abbas emphasized that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, is actively working to alleviate hunger in the country by rolling out several palliative measures targeted at poor households and vulnerable individuals. However, he claimed that the efforts were being undermined by the NNPP-led government in Kano.
Abbas specifically accused senior officials in the NNPP government of diverting the palliatives meant for the public. He cited instances where government officials were allegedly involved in the illegal sale of resources intended for distribution to those in need. One such example was the Managing Director of the State Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO), Dr. Tukur Dayyabu Minjibir, who was reportedly caught selling grains belonging to the state. Additionally, Tasi’u Al’Amin Roba, a Senior Special Assistant to the Cabinet Office, was arrested for allegedly diverting the state’s palliatives.
In light of these allegations, Abbas called on Kwankwaso to direct his handpicked governor to investigate these incidents and hold the individuals involved accountable. He urged the NNPP government to ensure that those responsible for the missing palliatives are prosecuted and made to answer for their actions.
Abbas also criticized Kwankwaso for implying that the palliative distribution process was controlled solely by the APC. He clarified that the Federal Government had reconstituted a bipartisan committee to oversee the distribution, which included members from multiple political parties, such as the NNPP, PDP, and IPAC. According to Abbas, this approach was adopted to ensure transparency, prevent diversion of resources, and guarantee that the palliatives reached the intended beneficiaries—those in need across the state.
The APC chairman defended the recent reshuffling of Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, explaining that the decision was made by President Tinubu to ensure that only competent and diligent heads of security agencies were posted to the state.
Abbas further noted that Kano remained relatively peaceful during the two terms of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, attributing the current security challenges in the state to the NNPP government. He accused the NNPP of encouraging and supporting violent youth, which, in his view, has contributed to the increasing insecurity in the state.
The APC’s response underscores the deepening political tensions between the ruling party and the NNPP in Kano, as both sides continue to clash over governance and the management of state resources.
