Writing by Khadijah Aliyu; Editing by Basirat Memudu
The Kano State Government has defended its decision to request the return of official vehicles from government officials who recently resigned their appointments, stating that the action is in line with public service rules and existing laws.
The clarification was contained in a press statement issued on by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya.
The government said the directive followed widespread discussions and what it described as misleading commentaries on social media alleging that the administration acted unfairly in asking former appointees, particularly commissioners, to return vehicles assigned to them during their tenure.
According to the statement, the vehicles were provided strictly for official use and remain government property, not personal gifts or entitlements.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the vehicles in question were provided to officials solely in recognition of their positions as public office holders and for the purpose of carrying out official duties. They are not personal property,” the statement says.
The government further explained that public service regulations and administrative procedures require any official who resigns from office to return all government property in their possession, including official vehicles.
It notes that while the vehicles remain public assets, the Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, retains the discretion to allow a resigning appointee to keep such vehicles or to request payment for them, either in full or in part, if deemed appropriate.
The government described the directive as a routine administrative procedure consistent with due process and warned against politicising or misrepresenting the action.
It also assures that recovered vehicles would be reassigned to newly appointed commissioners or other eligible public officials to facilitate their official duties.
The Kano State Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
It urges members of the public to disregard misinformation and avoid spreading claims capable of creating confusion or unnecessary tension.
The statement adds that the administration remains focused on delivering democratic dividends to the people of Kano and would not be distracted by what it described as propaganda.
