The Senator representing Kano South, Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, has urged Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to focus on the welfare of the citizens rather than trying to please former governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Sumaila made this call while speaking to journalists in Abuja, stressing the need for fairness in governance, especially towards opposition members in the state.
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There have been speculations within the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) that Kwankwaso heavily influences Yusuf’s administration. Allegations suggest that the former governor plays a significant role in key policy decisions.
Recently, Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, a House of Representatives member representing Dala Federal Constituency, who distanced himself from Kwankwaso, claimed that the friction between Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso was linked to disputes over a drug contract and a state-funded scholarship program.
Senator Sumaila expressed concerns over these reports, warning that the people of Kano would not forgive Governor Yusuf if he fails to meet their expectations. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the governor and his mentor, Kwankwaso, in prioritizing public interest.
“The greatest danger is betraying God, who made it possible for him to become the governor of Kano State,” Sumaila stated. He cautioned, “If you betray one person, you might seek their forgiveness, but if you betray over 20 million people or those who supported you, it becomes a grave issue. I am appealing to Governor Abba to avoid this danger.”
The senator further emphasized that the governor’s administration should not only cater to the interests of Kwankwaso or members of the Kwankwasiyya movement but should also protect the rights of all NNPP members and other supporters. “We also have rights that must be protected,” he said. “He must also safeguard the rights of APC members who did not vote for him, as well as those from PDP and other smaller parties.”
In a related development, a faction of the NNPP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has criticized Senator Kwankwaso’s recent visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, describing it as a “deceptive maneuver.” The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abdulsalam Abdulrazaq, remarked after a meeting in Lagos, “As far as the NNPP is concerned, Kwankwaso and his allies are gone for good.” He added that the party is “regaining peace and stability.”
The NWC also stated that Kwankwaso holds no official role within the NNPP and cautioned Governor Otti against involving himself in internal party issues allegedly “orchestrated by Kwankwaso.”
