Newly Sworn-in Governor of Kano state, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has explained why he embarked on the demolition of buildings few days into his assumption of office.
Governor Yusuf who defeated the ruling APC in the state to emerge governor on the platform of the NNPP in March, said the buildings were illegal structures erected on government lands reportedly allocated by the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Ganduje.
In a tweet shortly after the demolition began, the governor said that, the demolition of properties on government lands is his first step to restore sanity in Kano State.
He wrote, “In the early hours of Saturday, we witnessed the implementation of the first step in our pursuit to restore sanity to the Kano State Urban Development Masterplan.
“With the demolition of the illegal structure at the Race Course playground, we have set in motion to reclaim all encroached land on the identified public places that were used to erect illegal structures by private individuals or groups.
“I have also directed the demolition of all the illegally erected structures in schools, mosques, play-grounds, graveyards, markets and hospitals, to ensure strict adherence on the urban planning, beautification and safety of people.
“We call on the residents of Kano to exercise patience as our administration is committed to ensuring a prosperous Kano. – AKY”
Governor Yusuf who personally supervised the demolition exercise, was accompanied by the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Gumel.
The exercise which started in the early hours of Saturday, 3rd June, saw the demolition of a three-story building which contained 90 shops, located at the Race Course playground, GRA, Kano.
