Muhuyi Rimingado, the reinstated chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, has admitted to being a beneficiary of one of the ‘illegal structures’ slated for demolition.
He admitted that the state’s immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, assigned him one of the plots but later sold it, Daily Nigerian reports.
Mr Rimingado, who is also a member of Governor Abba Yusuf’s committee to demolish ‘illegal structures’ in the state, confirmed to Daily Trust that he was assigned a plot near the area designated for demolition.
The state government designated additional properties for demolition last week, including the one assigned to Mr Rimingado by his former principal.
Plazas and filling stations along the popular BUK road, as well as property built on the demolished Kano City Wall land, are among them.
Isma’ila Bello, one of the affected structure’s owners, claimed that he paid N15 million for the plot from Mr Rimingado.
In the ongoing demolition exercise, Mr Bello also accused the state government of using double standards.
He claimed that some of the properties targeted for demolition were obtained “legally” from individuals with ties to the current administration.
“We awoke yesterday to find red paint on our properties.” This is not the way out that the government is taking. A leader safeguards his people’s lives and property. That position was reserved for the state’s powerful men at the time.
“His [Rimingado] plot was number 25 across from Gidauniya, right next to Hauren Shanu. And, if you’re talking about Badala, the Gidan Murtala building was built on Badala, as were the buildings next to it.
“There is no justification for the demolition, and it makes no sense.” “They are marked for demolition because we received them from the previous government,” Mr Bello explained.
He also claimed that there are properties along the site that have not been marked because they belong to people close to the government.
When contacted, Mr Rimingado stated that he stands by the position he expressed on Trust TV regarding the buildings slated for demolition at Salanta and that anyone attempting to use the recent development to cast aspersions on him and the government was mischievous.
He insisted, however, that the plot was not built within or on the Kano ancient wall.
“Demolition marking is different because it is not within a school, place of worship, or hospital.” In my opinion, the governor can allocate a plot of land to anyone, but he cannot issue a public space to anyone. “I maintain my position,” he added.
