Gwarzo dares Kano Govt to prove alleged LG funds diversion through son

The governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, in Kano State and former Deputy Governor of the state, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has challenged the state government to provide evidence to support allegations that he received funds from local government councils through his son, Mujahid Aminu-Abdussalam.

Mr Gwarzo’s challenge followed claims reportedly made by the spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, alleging that local government funds were channelled to the former deputy governor through his son.

Reacting to the allegation, Mr Gwarzo described the claims as false, baseless and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and credibility built over years of public service.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba-Shuaibu, the former deputy governor said the accusations lacked any factual foundation and challenged the state government to make public any evidence linking him or his son to the alleged diversion of public funds.

“The allegations are mere figments of the Governor’s imagination, lacking any basis. We therefore categorically challenge the accuser to provide credible and verifiable evidence to substantiate these callous claims. Mere accusations, no matter how often repeated in the media, do not amount to proof,” the statement read.

According to Mr Gwarzo, public office holders must exercise restraint and responsibility in making allegations, especially those capable of damaging the reputation of individuals.

He maintained that throughout his years in public service, he had remained committed to the principles of transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

The NDC governorship candidate stressed that neither he nor any member of his family had engaged in any wrongdoing relating to local government finances, insisting that the allegations were politically motivated.

He further urged the Kano State Government to focus on addressing the challenges confronting the state rather than engaging in what he described as a campaign of character assassination against political opponents.

Mr Gwarzo expressed confidence that the truth would prevail and called on members of the public to disregard the allegations, which he said were intended to mislead citizens and damage his political standing.

The former deputy governor’s response adds a new dimension to the growing political tension in Kano State ahead of future electoral contests, with opposition figures and the state government increasingly exchanging accusations over governance and accountability issues.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government had not publicly released any evidence to support the allegations against Gwarzo and his son.

The controversy is expected to generate further debate in the state’s political landscape as stakeholders await additional clarifications from both parties.