By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Government has refuted reports alleging the diversion of N6.5 billion from the state treasury, dismissing them as “false narratives orchestrated by the opposition to tarnish the image of the administration.”
The rebuttal follows a report by Daily Nigerian on August 22, 2025, which claimed that the Director-General of the Government House Protocol Directorate, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, was linked to an alleged diversion of public funds already before the High Court.
In a statement issued on Monday, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity at the Government House, maintained that all financial dealings of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) strictly adhere to budgetary guidelines and established financial regulations.
“Every cash outflow into MDAs is duly budgeted with clear codes in the state’s fiscal policy. No government official accesses public funds without a defined purpose,” Bature stated.
He noted that the Protocol Directorate is responsible for logistics, welfare, and official engagements of the governor and visiting dignitaries, explaining that about 95 per cent of its functions involve financial transactions conducted with government approval.
The statement stressed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration would not allow the integrity of its officials to be undermined by political propaganda.
“The Yusuf administration remains committed to financial prudence, transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption. We will not allow our aides’ reputations to be destroyed by deliberate blackmail from unpatriotic elements,” it said.
The government reaffirmed confidence in Rogo’s credibility, describing the allegations as unfounded. It added that all officials, including the Director-General of Protocol, are open to scrutiny by anti-graft agencies when required.
It further accused political opponents of sponsoring the allegations as part of a smear campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
“These claims are nothing but fiction designed by desperate politicians relying on propaganda to remain relevant,” the statement noted.
The government also pointed to alleged financial mismanagement under former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s administration, citing withdrawals of over N20 billion between February and May 2023. It referenced the dollar-video scandal as evidence of what it called “eight years marred by corruption.”
While pledging transparency, the government warned it may pursue legal action against those spreading misinformation.
“No propaganda, fabricated claims, or media trials will derail our determination to serve the people with honesty and accountability,” the statement added.
It concluded by noting that it would not comment further on the matter since it is already before a competent court.