Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

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.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani as the new Chief of Staff, Government House, Kano.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Dr. Sani, a seasoned medical doctor, policy expert, and retired Permanent Secretary, brings over 40 years of public service experience to his new role.

Prior to this appointment, he served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Service Matters.

A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with MBBS degrees, he also holds a diploma from Bayero University, Kano, and the prestigious mni certificate from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Sani held top-level administrative positions, including Director General in the Ministries of Health and Commerce, Executive Secretary, and Permanent Secretary in various government institutions.

He also served as Chief Medical Director at both the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and the Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital.

He has played a significant role in shaping health policies, civil service reforms, and social development in the state and beyond.

He has participated in over 40 state and national committees and has represented Nigeria in international medical and administrative engagements.

In a related development, Governor Yusuf has also approved the appointment of retired Major General Mohammed Sani as the new Director General of Special Services at the Government House.

A highly decorated infantry officer, Maj. Gen. Sani served in the Nigerian Army for over 35 years, holding several key command and staff positions.

He played critical roles in peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and national security operations before retiring.

The statement further noted that the decision to reinstate the Office of the Chief of Staff—scrapped in December 2024—is part of the governor’s broader effort to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.

Both Dr. Sani and Maj. Gen. Sani are expected to assume duties immediately.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday night, leading a high-powered delegation to attend the funeral rites of the late business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, in Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dantata passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.This was made known in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Accompanying the Governor on this solemn journey are the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Umar Namadi, former Governor Barr. Ali Saad Birnin Kudu, and other senior government officials and notable dignitaries from Kano.

The Daily Reality reports that Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a towering figure in commerce, philanthropy, and community service, spent his final days in devotion in Abu Dhabi before his passing.

His death marks the end of an era, closing a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s business and humanitarian history.

Speaking shortly before his departure, Governor Yusuf described the late Dantata as “a father to many, whose generosity and commitment to humanity transcended borders.”

He added that the presence of the delegation in Madina reflects the deep respect and gratitude the people and government of Kano State have for the deceased elder statesman.

The funeral in Madina is expected to attract delegations from across Nigeria, including federal and state officials, family members, business associates, Islamic scholars, and admirers, all gathering to pray for the repose of his soul.

Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata will be remembered for his humility, deep faith, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and community development.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared Monday a public holiday to sympathise with the families of the 22 Kano athletes who died in a tragic accident while on their way from Ogun State.

The governor gave the directive while still away on a pilgrimage for the 2025 Hajj.

“He directed that Monday, 2nd June 2025, be declared as a public holiday for the good people of Kano to pray and sympathise with the families of the victims.”

In a late-night statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed his profound sadness over the loss and assured that all necessary support would be provided to the grieving families.

“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured,” the Governor was quoted as saying.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief,” he added

The state also called on Imams and all Muslims within and outside Kano to pray for the departed souls and for their respective families to bear the loss.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has instructed all reassigned commissioners to complete their handover and assume their new roles by Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor emphasized that the cabinet changes would take full effect during the state executive council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

He stressed the importance of completing all transition processes ahead of the meeting.

“All commissioners affected by the changes are directed to hand over their responsibilities between Monday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 17, 2024,” the statement read.

The Governor further urged members of the state executive council to strengthen their teamwork and commitment to advancing his administration’s goals for the benefit of the people of Kano State.