Amidst ongoing controversy over the Kano Emirate leadership, the Kano State government has allocated N99.9 million for the renovation of the Nassarawa mini palace, currently occupied by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
This decision was disclosed by the State’s Commissioner of Information, Halilu Dantiye, following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Abba Yusuf.
Dantiye clarified that the funds are intended for repairing the palace’s defective wall or fence and its surroundings. This move follows previous directives for the Commissioner of Police to evict Emir Bayero from the palace, which is government property, for demolition and subsequent renovation.
The allocation forms part of a larger N8.6 billion budget earmarked for various state projects including health, education, water supply, and agriculture initiatives across different local government areas.
In detailing the allocations, Dantiye stated, “Other approved projects include the construction of a Post Midwifery Institute in Gezawa Local Government Area, renovation of water supply infrastructure at the government house, and construction of new hand pump boreholes under the PEWASH programme.”
However, the decision has sparked criticism from the Kano-based group War Against Injustice with Executive Director Comrade Umar Ibrahim denouncing it as a misallocation of resources. Ibrahim emphasized the need for prioritizing public welfare over elite interests, urging the government to redirect the funds towards projects that benefit the broader population, particularly focusing on improving essential services like education and healthcare.
“We are deeply concerned by the State Executive Council’s approval of nearly 100 million naira for renovating the Nassarawa Emir’s Palace,” Ibrahim stated. “This misallocation of resources is unjustifiable when schools and healthcare facilities in Kano State are in dire need of attention. The government must reconsider and allocate funds where they are most needed,” he concluded.
