The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Kano State Government of rebranding and selling rice donated by the Federal Government.

The APC accused the Kano State Government of rebranding and repackaging palliatives with Governor Abba Yusuf’s picture and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) logo, hence selling them to party members.

The party, however, called for an investigation into the alleged diversion of the rice donated by the federal government to the state government by some officials.

It also called for the urgent prosecution of those likely to be indicted by the independent probe.

The APC Chairman in Kano State, Abdullahi Abbas, who made the call in Kano, said the failure to take action may be seen as a tacit support for “these nefarious and unpatriotic acts”.

Abbas cited several instances, including the discovery of hundreds of bags of rice labelled “Federal Government Food Security Programme” at the Sagagi’s private school in Kano.

He also called for the arrest of one Tasiu Al’amin-Roba, allegedly working for the Secretary to the State Government, for diverting the state’s palliative.

FG stops N40,000 bag of rice’s sale to workers

Abbas also criticised the Kano State Government for claiming credit for the federal government interventions, such as the recent distribution of fertilizer, seedlings, and other inputs to farmers.

He described the actions of the NNPP-led government as a deliberate attempt to undermine the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in supporting the people.

Reacting to the allegations in Kano on Saturday, August 10, 2024, the Chief of Staff, Shehu Sagagi, denied the allegations of diverting the federal government’s branded rice meant for the people of Kano State.

Sagagi said: “The rice found in my Islamic school was either purchased with my personal funds or donated by generous individuals.

“I have a long-standing commitment to feeding children in my Islamic school, a practice I began before assuming the role of Chief of Staff.”

Sagagi stated that he had never diverted any palliatives meant for the people of the state for his personal use.

He added: “My actions are driven by a sense of social responsibility and a desire to support the community.

“I assure the public that my integrity and commitment to serving the people of Kano State remain unwavering.

“I am willing to cooperate fully with any investigation to clear my name and demonstrate my dedication to transparency and accountability.”

The Star