4th June, 2023
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano residents woke up on Sunday morning to witness the demolition of buildings in Daula Hotel and Hajj Camp premises.
The exercise was in continuation of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf resolve to demolish buildings constructed within and around government-owned landed properties by the immediate-past administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Before he was sworn-in, Yusuf had repeatedly threatened to demolish structures built in and around government landed property.
Our Correspondent reports that the demolition exercise, always done in the night, is generating public outcry, as most of the buildings being demolished, were constructed under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The demolition of the multi-million Naira buildings in Daula Hotel and Hajj Camp were coming barely 24 hours Governor Yusuf demolished a plaza consisting of over 90 shops on Race Course Road, Nasarawa GRA.
Before demolishing Hajj Camp buildings Saturday night, Yusuf, who visited the area on Friday had ordered developers to stop further construction.
On Saturday, Yusuf, through his Chief Press Secretary, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, justified his action and vowed to reclaim public assets, “for public good.”
Dawakin Tofa stated that: “In line with his policy thrust, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has directed the immediate demolition of Illegal structures erected within some identified public places.
“You may recall that the governor in his campaign promises, assured commitment to restoring the glory of the state through reclaiming all encroached public land that were used to erect illegal structures by private individuals or groups.
“Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf said the structures erected in schools, mosque, play grounds, graveyards, markets and hospitals are to be demolished to ensure strict adherence on the urban planning, beautification and safety of people.
“These places are meant for public utilization, it is therefore, disheartening to witness the incessant destruction and conversion of public places that are used to render social services by unpatriotic citizens. We shall bring an end to land grabbing and indiscriminate erection of illegal structures in the state.
“In the early hours of Saturday, the directive has been implemented at Race Course playground as all Illegal structures were demolished to reclaim the encroached land.
“We call on the residents of Kano to excise patience as the present administration is committed to ensuring a prosperous Kano.”