Sahara Reporters has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that, In a bold and controversial move, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has directed all 44 local government areas (LGAs) to collectively contribute a staggering N670 million for the acquisition and refurbishment of six high-end vehicles for the Kano Emirate Council, under the leadership of the reinstated Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.
The directive, conveyed in an official letter signed by Abubakar S. Dabo, Director of Local Government Inspection, mandates each LGA to remit N15,227,272.72 from their allocations through the State/Local Government Joint Account. The funds are to be paid to Sottom Synergy Resources Ltd, the firm contracted for the procurement and restoration of the vehicles.
The vehicle breakdown reveals a taste for both vintage royalty and modern luxury. Two iconic classics—the 1953 Fleetwood Cadillac Limousine and the Diameter 05 420 1969 model—will each undergo full restoration at the cost of N25 million apiece.
Additionally, four brand-new vehicles will be supplied, including:
A 2024 Toyota Hilux pick-up — N98 million
A 2024 Toyota Hiace Bus — N98 million
A top-of-the-line Toyota Land Cruiser VXR 2024 — N268 million
A Toyota Prado 2024 model — N156 million
The letter emphasizes compliance, stating: “Accordingly, you are strongly directed to ensure all due procedures are strictly adhered with, please.”
While government sources describe the purchase as a move to “preserve the cultural dignity and operational efficiency” of the revered Emirate institution, critics argue that the decision raises serious questions about fiscal priorities amid widespread economic hardship in the state.
The development is likely to trigger intense public scrutiny and debate, particularly given the current pressure on state resources and the urgent need for investments in basic services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Should local governments be made to shoulder the burden of royal luxury at a time when many of their constituents face daily survival challenges? The coming days will tell how this political gamble plays out in the court of public opinion.
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