KANO State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Thursday sought the collaboration of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor the distribution of subsidised fertiliser across the state, in a move many political observers have described as reflecting a lack of confidence in the state’s anti-corruption machinery.
The development came just moments after the governor openly challenged the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Saidu Yahya, to intensify the fight against corruption, warning that anyone unwilling to discharge the responsibility should “step aside.”
Yusuf made the remarks during the flag-off of the distribution of 150 truckloads of subsidised fertiliser to farmers across Kano’s 44 local government areas.
According to a statement issued by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor said he invited the EFCC and ICPC to monitor the distribution to ensure transparency and accountability and to prevent diversion of the commodity.
“We want every bag of this fertiliser to get to the intended beneficiaries. That is why we have invited the EFCC and ICPC to monitor the exercise and ensure transparency and accountability,” Yusuf said.
The governor’s subsequent remarks to its chairman suggested dissatisfaction with the agency’s performance.
Expressing hope that the commission would regain its relevance, Yusuf said he wanted to see it become more visible in tackling corruption and holding public officials accountable.
“I want to keep seeing results. I want to hear that someone has done something wrong, you arrested the person and asked why it happened,” he said.
The governor lamented that fighting corruption often attracts resistance, including blackmail and intimidation, but insisted that public officials must remain steadfast.
“Fighting corruption is not an easy task. You must be prepared to endure criticism, false accusations and all kinds of plots. But by the blessings of the Prophet, none of these will affect you if you remain committed to the truth,” he said.
He further warned that failing to act decisively or publicise the commission’s activities would undermine his administration’s anti-corruption agenda.
“If you don’t do that, and if you don’t publicise what you are doing, you will take us backwards. We will not allow anyone to take us backwards,” Yusuf said.
In what many attendees interpreted as his strongest rebuke yet, the governor declared that fear had no place in public service.
“Fear is not part of our duty. If you are afraid, why did you swear by the Qur’an to serve the people? If you cannot do the job, step aside and allow someone else to do it.”
He also directed the 44 local government chairmen to ensure that the fertiliser reaches genuine farmers, warning that anyone found diverting the commodity would face the full weight of the law.