Shekarau Denies Collecting KickBacks As Kano Gorvernor

Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau recently affirmed that during his eight-year tenure as governor, he did not interfere with local government allocations. He made this statement during a press conference in Abuja, held in anticipation of the 70th anniversary of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), set to begin on October 12, 2024.

Shekarau credited the MSSN for profoundly shaping his life, both spiritually and otherwise. He also addressed allegations of corruption, firmly stating that he never accepted kickbacks from contractors throughout his two terms as governor. Shekarau recounted that when he entered politics, it was not by choice but through persuasion, and he had less than ₦100,000 in his account.

He challenged any contractor who had worked with him over the past 44 years to come forward if he had ever solicited a percentage of their earnings or accepted any form of payment. Furthermore, he emphasized that no commissioner or local government chairman had ever given him any money from government allocations during his tenure.

In a broader context, Shekarau’s remarks contrast with allegations faced by his successor, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, the current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In 2018, a video surfaced showing Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollars from contractors. Subsequently, the Kano State Government charged Ganduje with eight counts, accusing him of accepting $200,000 from a contractor and $210,000 in kickbacks related to the remodeling of Kantin Kwari textile market.

As the chairman of the MSSN’s 70th anniversary organizing committee, Shekarau announced plans to introduce new programs aimed at fostering unity and encouraging members to engage in politics and governance, highlighting the organization's role in nurturing responsible leadership.