Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has denied signing any agreement with the Presidency prior to the 12 January, 2024 Supreme Court judgment which upheld his victory in the 2023 governorship election in the state.
The governor stated this in a statement, on Monday, by his Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Governor Yusuf described as falsehood a claim that he signed an agreement to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the judgment by the apex court.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misconception making round on the social media indicating an agreement between the Presidency and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the aftermath of the Supreme Court Judgment that affirmed the mandate of His Excellency.
“I wish to categorically state that Governor Yusuf did not enter into any agreement or condition with anybody before the Supreme Court Judgment. I therefore urged the public to dismiss the fallacy being orchestrated by enemies of progress.
“It is on record that the Justices of the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment with justice, equity and fairness and largely protect the integrity of the judiciary.
“For the purpose of emphasis, the rather fake agreement saying Governor Yusuf has accepted to cross carpet to the ruling APC, jettison purported claim to dissolve or allow the five emirates, discontinuing demolition of illegal structures and establishment of the Kano Elders Council should be disregarded,” it was stated in the statement.
The governor further declared that, having secured his mandate through popular votes of the people of Kano State and certified by a fair affirmation of the Supreme Court judgment, he would not be intimidated by any political opportunist.
“Let me state and emphatically so that Governor Yusuf has no prior agreement with President Bola Tinubu.
“However, the president should rather be appreciated for maintaining neutrality, peace and stability in Kano State.
“The governor would like to make it abundantly clear, that having secured his mandate through popular votes of the good people of Kano, and certified by a fair affirmation of Supreme Court judgment, he would not be intimidated by any political opportunist.
“Let me also remind those political jobbers hiding under the leniency of Mr. President that whatever political decision or direction that would be taken in Kano will be determined within the confines of the rule of law and executive powers vested in the Office of the Executive Governor.
“We debunk the rumour and state that no amount of blackmail will distract His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, from delivering his laudable projects and programmes for the good people of Kano State,” Dawakin Tofa stated.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for allowing level-playing ground for justice to prevail over the disputed governorship election.
“The president has demonstrated profound leadership quality by ensuring fair play despite being pushed by some undemocratic elements from Kano and beyond.
“The president is a true democrat who will not undermine other political parties in the interest of his party.
“No doubt, the refusal of the president to carry out the wishes of some prominent members of his party has brought about enduring atmosphere in Kano State.
“On this single act, the good people of Kano will continue to appreciate Mr. President and pray for him to succeed in his administration.
“The governor had several opportunities to meet the president, and, in all of his visits, the discussions were centred around the development of Kano State,” Dawakin Tofa added in the statement.
He also clarified that the Kano Elders Council, recently established, was a personal initiative of the governor to address issues concerning the state.
“It is aimed at finding lasting solutions to all solvable problems affecting the state socio-economic and political development. Hence, the Governor Yusuf was not under pressure to form the Council,” he added.
