Many protesters have taken to Kano streets to express their displeasure with the ongoing demolition exercises of the state government under the administration of Abba Yusuf Kabir (Abba Gida Gida).
Abba Gida Gida since his first day in office has pulled down some structures while several others have been marked for demolition.
The government premised its action on the grounds that the land upon which the affected structures were erected were “illegally” allocated by the immediate past government.
The structures already demolished include the multi-billion Naira project at the old Daula Hotel, shopping plazas at the Polo Ground and at the Eid ground, while residential and commercial buildings have been marked for demolition at Salanta area and BUK road.
While the government has insisted there is no going back in its resolve to “restore” the Kano Urban Development Masterplan which include removing structures erected on public spaces, the protesters that hit the streets early Monday demanded that the government rescind its decision
Some of the placards read “Do the right thing Abba Kabir Yusuf”, “Don’t drive away investors from Kano”, “Billions of Naira property demolished because of envy” among various others.
Addressing newsmen at the protest, the organizers headed by the Director, Research and Development Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative, Zahraddeen Sani Baba, said that it is unfortunate property worth N226 billion has been destroyed within three weeks in office by the new government.
The group also called on the government to compensate the victims who’s property were demolished.
“We the people of Kano State unanimously voted for Governor Abba Yusuf in a view to bring development to the State. It was believed that, the Governor is the messiah of the time who shall continue with people’s oriented programs of his predecessor to salvage the people of Kano State.
“It is unfortunate that within six days in office, the perceived messiah became a source of sorrow to many residents and indigenes of Kano State, who acquired land from the previous administration of Abdullahi Ganduje when the Governor ordered demolition of properties worth over two hundred and twenty six billion Naira within three weeks in office.
“Let it be on record that six days in office is insignificant for a people’s oriented government to order demolition of properties because the time allowed by law for such notice was not followed. It is our believe that Governor Yusuf is using people’s hard earned investment to settle political scores with the previous administration which is a bad development.
“We expect to know that once you emerge a governor you become a governor for all and not that of NNPP alone.
“The Land Use Act specified that, individual does not own land as all lands belong to the Government. It is true that government is also a continuous process where successors inherit assets and liability.
(Source: Intel Region)
