Kano State Government has dismissed as misleading the widespread social media claims suggesting that it unfairly directed some recently resigned officials, including commissioners, to return official vehicles assigned to them following political developments in the state.
In a statement signed on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government clarified that the action was lawful, routine, and consistent with public service regulations.
The clarification comes amid discussions surrounding the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the subsequent resignation of some political appointees.
According to the statement, the vehicles in question were provided strictly in recognition of the officials’ positions as government appointees occupying public offices and were allocated solely for official duties.
“The vehicles are government property and not personal gifts or entitlements,” the statement emphasized.
The statement further explained that while the vehicles remain public assets, it is entirely at the discretion of the Governor to permit any resigning appointee to retain such vehicles.
It added that directing the return of the vehicles or requiring payment for them, where deemed appropriate, falls within the Governor’s absolute discretion and does not alter their legal status as public property.
The statement stressed that public office is governed by established rules of public service, financial regulations, and existing laws in Nigeria.
It noted that by law and administrative procedure, any public officer who resigns is required to hand over all government property in his or her possession, including official vehicles.
Describing the directive as a routine administrative practice, the government said it aligns with due process and standard public service procedures and should not be politicized or misrepresented as punitive.
“Government property remains government property at all times unless expressly transferred through lawful and documented procedures,” the statement added.
The government assured that any recovered vehicles would be reassigned to newly appointed commissioners or other public officers entitled to official vehicles for their engagements.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the management of public resources, the Kano State Government urged members of the public to disregard misinformation and refrain from spreading unfounded claims capable of creating unnecessary tension.
It maintained that under the leadership of Governor Yusuf, the administration remains focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kano State and will not be distracted by what it described as propaganda.
