…it’s misallocation of resources, unacceptable – Group
Amid the controversy that trailed the Kano Emirate tussle, the Kano State government has earmarked the sum of N99.9 million for renovation of Nassarawa mini palace, where the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero currently occupies.
The State’s Commissioner of Information, Halilu Dantiye disclosed this while briefing newsmen on outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Abba Yusuf.
Dantiye said the sum was for renovation of the defective wall or fence and surroundings at Nassarawa Emir’s Palace.
Recall that the government had ordered the Commissioner of Police to evict the 15th Emir, Bayero from the palace where he is trespassing on government property and for onward demolition and renovation.
The sum was out of the N8.6 billion total sum earmarked for various projects around health, education, water supply and agriculture among others expected to be executed across the state.
“Revocation and Re-award of contract for the construction of Post Midwifery Institute at Gezawa Local Government Area at the sum of N770,858,450.39, Reconstruction and Renovation of Defective Wall/Fence and Surroundings at Nassarawa Emir’s Palace at the sum of N99,928,541.63 and Rehabilitation of water supply infrastructure at government house at the sum of N126,987,787.
“Release of funds for the procurement of essentials drugs and welcome packs for newborns, free maternal, neonatal, child health and free accidental and emergency commodity for January to March, 2024 at the sum of N165,000,000, Repair of 18km old water pipeline at Dambatta LGA and its Environs at the sum of N129,636,102 and Construction of 138 No. new hand pump boreholes under the second phase of PEWASH programme State Matching Project at some local government areas at the sum of N193,000,000.
“Revocation and Re-award of contract for the completion of the construction of college of Nursing and Midwifery at Madobi local government area at the sum of N57,066,422.52, Payment for the excess workload allowances to the two state owned universities ADUDT and YUMDUK at the sum of N447,621,640.79, Construction of Magistrate courts complex at the premises of Gidan Murtala at the sum of N259,143,824.08 and the procurement of fertilizer by the 44 Local Government Councillors to enhance food security and agricultural productivity during the 2024 raining season at the cost of N5,073,840,000.
“Others include, Renovation & Upgrading of D-ward for the establishment of sickle cell unit at Murtala Muhd Specialist Hospital, Kano at the sum of N81,621,546.76, Construction/Renovation works at Infectious Diseases Hospital to accommodate the new Kano State Centre for Diseases Control at the sum of N64,825,000.83 and 25- Reconstruction/Conversion of Gidan Murtala ground floor to accommodate a new ministry at the sum of N196,853,158.99 among others to the total of N8,629,636,749.49 Billion.
“These projects aim to enhance the state’s infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security,” the approvals by the State Executive Council reads.
Meanwhile, a Kano based group known as War Against Injustice, WAI has described the allocation as misallocation of resources and unacceptable.
The group’s Executive Director, Comrade Umar Ibrahim said government should place priority on welfare of the common man and not the interests of the elite while calling on the government to redirect the funds towards projects that will benefit the majority of the population.
“We are appalled by the Kano State Executive Council’s decision to approve the reconstruction and renovation of the Nassarawa Emir’s Palace at a staggering cost of 99,928,541.63.
“This gross misallocation of resources is unacceptable when primary schools and healthcare facilities in Kano State are in a state of disrepair.
“The government’s priority should be the welfare of the common people, not the interests of the elite.
We demand that the government reconsider this decision and redirect these funds towards projects that benefit the majority of the population,” Comrade Ibrahim however stated.
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