Kano State Government Orders Local Governments to Fund Vehicles for Emir of Kano
Local Government councils in Kano State have been ordered to accumulate the sum of ₦670 million to finance vehicles for Emir Sanusi.
In a shocking turn of events, a report has emerged suggesting that the Kano State government has directed each of its 44 local government areas to cough up a whopping ₦15,227,272.72 - totalling ₦670m - for the Kano Emirate Council.
The funds are said to be earmarked for repairs and the purchase of flashy vehicles for the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.
The directive, contained in a memo from the Ministry of Local Government, arrived with reference number MLG/INSP/LGD/166T/6, dated March 25, 2025, and was addressed to all local government chairpersons.
A source close to the palace confirmed the memo's authenticity to Punch, divulging, "The deal is on, and they're lining up the vehicles for delivery. The vintage ones are getting a facelift, too".
According to the memo signed by the Director of Local Government Inspection, Abubakar S. Dabo, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government, the fund will be taken from the State/Local Government Joint Account for the repairs of two vehicles and the supply of four new ones to the Emirate Council.
The letter, under the heading "Conveying Approval for the Release of Funds," obtained by the newspaper, reads, "I am instructed to communicate the government's endorsement for the withdrawal of the aggregate sum of ₦670,000,000.00 at the rate of ₦15,227,272.72 per LGA from the State/Local Government Joint Account for the refurbishment of 2 vintage vehicles and the purchase of 4 new vehicles for the Kano Emirate Council via Sottom Snergy Resources Ltd, as follows:
"Complete overhaul of the engine, bodywork, and interior of the 1993 Fleetwood Cadillac limousine at ₦25 million and comprehensive renovation and rebuilding of both engine, interior, and bodywork for the 1998 Daimler D5 at ₦25m.
"We are also procuring one Toyota Hilux pickup 2024 model at ₦98 million, one Toyota Hiace Bus at ₦98 million, one Toyota Land Cruiser VXR full option 2024 model at ₦268 million, and one Prado 2024 model at ₦156m."
The letter, which was also dispatched to the Auditor General, Local Government Audit, Kano State, and all Zonal Inspectors, Ministry for Local Government, Kano State, sees them tasked with ensuring meticulous adherence to due process.
Crucial Insights
1. Luxury Expenditure: Diversion of funds for luxury vehicles raises concerns about mismanagement of public resources during challenging economic times.
2. Community Development: The substantial contribution may curtail funding for essential services or projects within local governments.
3. Leadership Controversy: Controversy within the Kano Emirate Council may exacerbate perceptions of favoritism or misuse of public funds.
4. Transparency and Accountability: The need for transparency and accountability in governance is vital, particularly when it comes to expenditures driven by luxury cars.
5. Prioritization of Needs: Heavy spending on vehicles for the elite might strain relationships between the government and the populace, as public interests are seemingly overlooked.
- The luxurious expenditure on vehicles for the Emir of Kano, revealed in the recently leaked memo, raises questions about the management of public resources, especially during difficult economic times in Nigeria.
- The substantial contribution demanded from the 44 local government areas of Kano State for the Emir's vehicles might potentially limit funding for essential services or projects within those local governments.
- The controversy surrounding the allocation of funds for the Kano Emirate Council's vehicles might escalate perceptions of favoritism and misuse of public funds within the political landscape of Nigeria.
- In the face of this revelation, the need for transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in matters pertaining to luxury car expenditures, becomes increasingly critical.
- The excessive spending on vehicles for the elite, as demonstrated by the directive from the Kano State Government, may strain relationships between the government and the general populace, who may feel that their interests are being overlooked.
