Adamu Mukhtar (popularly known as Unguwar Gini), a former special adviser on protocol to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, has criticised the Kano State government over its claims on the N6.5bn diversion scandal.
The government of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had defended the current director general of protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, insisting that the protocol office under Ganduje’s tenure received as much as N20bn between February and May 2023.
But reacting on Tuesday, Mr Mukhtar said the claim was false, misleading, and politically motivated.
“Budget never exceeded N300m” Mukhtar
According to him, official records show that the annual budget for the protocol directorate never went beyond N300m.
“Records show that the total federal allocation for that period was N33.05 billion, and the Directorate’s annual allocation never exceeded N300 million. The allegation is therefore misleading and politically motivated,” he said.
Mr Mukhtar also accused the Yusuf-led government of trying to clear Mr Rogo through propaganda, even though the case is already before a competent court.
Mukhtar: Government must provide answers, not excuses
The former aide argued that the contradictions in the government’s defence undermine the judiciary and show desperation.
“The people of Kano deserve answers, not excuses. Was N6.5 billion withdrawn? For what purpose? Was it properly retired with documentation?” he queried.
He urged the government to publish verifiable records instead of engaging in “lengthy political rhetoric.”
Call for transparency and vigilance
While noting that every accused person deserves presumption of innocence, Mr Mukhtar stressed that due process must prevail.
“Instead of lengthy political rhetoric, the government should publish verifiable records to clear doubts. Accountability is not blackmail; it is the people’s right,” he said.
He then called on civil society organisations, the media, and anti-graft agencies to remain alert until the case runs its full legal course.
