The Secretary to the Kano State Government, Baffa Bichi, has shed more light on the reasons behind the demolition of the government house roundabout monument by the administration of Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf. The roundabout, built by the previous administration to commemorate Kano’s Golden Jubilee, had faced widespread criticism following its demolition.
Responding to the backlash, Governor Kabir-Yusuf’s Chief Press Secretary, Sanusi Dawakin Tofa, had stated that the structure was substandard and could collapse within a year. However, in a recent interview with Freedom Radio Kano, Bichi revealed additional factors that contributed to the demolition.
Bichi asserted that the roundabout also displayed a large Christian cross, which he claimed was contrary to Islamic doctrine. He further explained that the structure obstructed drivers’ views, impeding their access to other routes connected through the roundabout.
“The roundabout is obstructing the view of motorists, and secondly, if you use a drone camera, you will see that the roundabout has a large design of a cross on top of it,” Bichi stated. “Over 9.99 or 100 percent of Kano indigenes are Muslims. So you can’t have a structure with a large inscription of the cross on it. It’s against Islamic values.”
The SSG added that Islamic clerics had advised them to destroy any object displaying the sign of the cross, regardless of its size. He also mentioned that various other structures within the state had similar designs, including the Muhammadu Buhari underpass in Hotoro. Bichi revealed that plans were underway to remove these symbols from the bridge.
Discussing the ongoing demolitions across different parts of Kano State, Bichi argued that these structures were acquired illegally by officials of the previous administration. He emphasized that compensation would only be provided to individuals with genuine proof of ownership.
“Anyone who defends the encroachment of public institutions like hospitals, schools, and Eid grounds is sick and needs medical attention,” Bichi asserted. “If you encroached on government land and the government reclaimed it, there is no way you could claim any compensation.”
He further highlighted that all the demolished structures were unlawfully acquired and distributed among officials of the previous administration. Bichi urged those seeking compensation to approach the individuals who sold the properties, as the funds were never remitted to the government account.
The SSG also announced the administration’s commitment to recovering government assets and properties that were sold outside the state.
With these revelations, the Kano State Government aims to address the controversy surrounding the demolition of the government house roundabout monument. As the discussions continue, the administration remains focused on its commitment to infrastructural development for the benefit of the masses.
