Ex-Kano commissioners accuse state govt of intimidation following vehicle seizure 

Some former commissioners who resigned following Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC have accused the administration of intimidation, violation of their rights, and unlawful seizure of personal property after their resignation from office.

In a press release signed by Air Vice-Marshal Ibrahim Umar (retd), speaking on behalf of the affected officials, it was stated that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government had formally requested the return of vehicles assigned to them while in office.

However, the former commissioners argued that their response drew attention to legal provisions they believe support their position.

According to the statement, they “responded, drawing the attention of the Office on the provision of Revised 2023 Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission Act which justified the provision of related vehicles and other [benefits] to such category of political and public office holders.”

The former commissioners added that they had approached the court to seek legal interpretation on the matter, describing their action as necessary “to ensure that rule of law is fully complied by all and sundry including those in authorities.”

They alleged that their decision to seek judicial intervention triggered what they described as aggressive actions by government operatives.

The statement claimed that the government “went berserk trespassing our homes and intimidating our families evacuating other personal vehicles belonging to our spouses while away from homes.”

The ex-officials further alleged that their “personal liberty and sanctity of our family members were grossly violated and disrespected,” describing the government’s actions as an attempt to embarrass and undermine the integrity of public officers who have diligently served the state and its people.

They also noted that the vehicles at the centre of the dispute were only recently assigned to them, stating that “these vehicles were only provided to the beneficiaries four months ago prior to which they were utilising their personal vehicles in all official engagements to ensure the success of the regime for more than two years.”

The former commissioners said they would continue to seek redress through the courts and urged their supporters to remain calm.
“As law abiding citizens, we would continue to uphold the principles of rule of law and urged all our supporters to remain calm during this negative propaganda until judicial interpretation is secured,” the statement emphasised.

Ex-Kano commissioners accuse state govt of intimidation following vehicle seizure