Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, has expressed his support for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf regarding the demolition of buildings and monuments in the state metropolis.
Verified Gist reports that according to Kwankwaso, the demolition of properties near schools and mosques aims to restore the city’s master plan and accelerate development in the state.
He said their agenda is focused on development, not destruction, as some may claim. Kwankwaso highlighted that they have consistently discussed these demolitions since their campaigns in 2019.
“The demolitions are taking place in five specific areas. There is no law that permits demolishing a university to build shops,” Kwankwaso stated.
Addressing speculations that he exerts control over the new governor, Kwankwaso dismissed them as a waste of time.
“People are just wasting their time; what the poor want is to see things on the ground. Whether you are the one doing it or someone else,” he said.
“We are a team. All these issues that are raised are because of jealousy and hatred by the opposition, many of whom have made the mistake of leaving us. Ganduje has left us; has he succeeded?” he questioned.
He emphasised that their primary goal is to deliver tangible results for the people, regardless of who is responsible for implementing them. Kwankwaso reiterated the importance of unity within their team and attributed the criticism to jealousy and animosity from the opposition.
When questioned about the scope of the demolition, particularly whether it would focus solely on lands allocated by the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Kwankwaso clarified the situation.
“During my eight-year tenure, I never allocated land of this nature near any secondary or primary school. We only allocated land for the establishment of cities like Kwankwasiyya, Bandirawo, and Ibrahim Kunya. We carefully planned layouts and developed these cities. Compensation was provided, and many people were pleased as we increased the compensation amount tenfold,” Kwankwaso explained.
