Kano LGAs to Contribute N670m for Emir Sanusi’s Cars
The Kano State government has directed each of the local government areas to contribute N15.2 million—totalling N670 million—for the refurbishment and purchase of new vehicles for Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. The directive which was first made public through a leaked memo has been generating reactions across the state, Daily Trust reports.
Speaking on the matter yesterday, the state government through its Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, defended the directive, insisting it was a routine administrative exercise with clear precedent.
The official correspondence, dated March 25, instructed the 44 local government councils in the state to provide funds for the Kano Emirate Council.
The document, which went viral, stated that the contributions would be deducted directly from the State/Local Government Joint Account and paid to Sottom Synergy Resources Ltd, a private company contracted to supply the vehicles and refurbish older ones.
The contract includes the supply of four new vehicles and the refurbishment of two vintage models. The memo, titled Conveyance of Approval for the Release of Funds, was signed by Abubakar S. Dabo, Director of Local Government Inspection, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.
“I am directed to convey government’s approval for the release of the aggregate sum of N15,227,272.72 per LGA… to repair 2 No. vehicles and supply 4 No. vehicles to the Kano Emirate Council through Sottom Synergy Resources Ltd,” the letter stated.
According to the breakdown, the N670 million allocation covers the restoration of a 1969 Rolls Royce (DH 420) at N25 million, a 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine also at N25 million, and the purchase of four new vehicles: a Toyota Land Cruiser VXR (2024 model) for N268 million, a Toyota Prado (2024) for N156 million, a Toyota Hilux (2024) for N98 million, and a Toyota Hiace Bus (2024) also for N98 million.
The memo also instructed all LGA chairpersons to ensure due process in the implementation of the project.
Criticism over spending priorities
The directive has ignited public outrage, particularly on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s priorities amid deteriorating infrastructure and social services at the local government level.
An X (formerly Twitter) user, @UncleAnass, wrote: “The problem with this purchase of N670 million cars for Kano Emirate Council is NOT just the outrageous amount, but the fact that local governments are forced to make contributions.
“Let Gov Abba use state resources to buy the cars for the emirate if he thinks that’s a priority. But asking each local government to contribute N15 million for that purpose is unjustifiable.
“These local governments are suffering from dilapidated hospitals and schools, lack of potable water supply, and inadequate infrastructure, yet we tap from their hard-earned resources to fund our lavish lifestyle.”
His concerns were echoed by many others who criticised the move after Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a media aide to ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, posted a photo of the memo with the caption: “Each of the 44 Local Govts in Kano will cough out N15.2Mil totalling N670Mil to Kano Emirate Council under the leadership of the masses emir SLS, for the repair and purchase of vehicles for his High Highness, by the Kano State Govt. Gwamnatin talakawa indeed!”
Kano govt defends move, says Shekarau, Ganduje did same
In response to the criticism, Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, defended the directive, saying, “This is a routine exercise—there’s nothing new about it. It happens from time to time in every government. So, what’s the big deal?” Waiya told Daily Trust.
“Yes, the emirate operates under the government, and it is the government that provides all necessary support for its administration, funded through local government resources. This isn’t unprecedented.
“For example, during Shekarau’s administration, about 54 vehicles were purchased for all district heads. Similarly, under Ganduje’s administration, vehicles were bought for newly created emirates. So again, what’s the issue?”
He argued that emirate councils have no independent sources of revenue and rely entirely on government support.
“These vehicles are intended strictly for administrative functions. They’re not for personal use by the Emir. They belong to the Emirate Council, and by extension, the state government.”
Waiya also cited a policy introduced under the Abacha regime mandating that 3% of local government revenue be allocated for traditional institutions—a provision, he said, Kano has continued to honour.
On whether the timing was appropriate given the economic climate, Waiya said: “It’s not insensitive in any way. Most of the vehicles used by the Emir are old, and that’s why a significant part of the budget is for refurbishment. The government has tried to judiciously spend the money.”
He added that the administration recently paid severance allowances to former councillors, asking rhetorically: “Is that also reckless spending?”
Like Kebbi, like Kano?
The development has drawn comparisons with a similar controversy in Kebbi State, where Governor Nasir Idris faced public backlash in October 2024, for gifting brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs to the state’s four first-class emirs.
Civil society groups and residents criticised the gesture as tone-deaf amid economic hardship and widespread poverty. Further outrage followed revelations that similar luxury vehicles had been distributed to lawmakers, commissioners and other senior officials using public funds.
Critics argued that, while the intent may have been to honour traditional rulers, the timing and scale of the gesture were inappropriate. They also questioned why state resources were not used more prudently or redirected to pressing public needs.
It’s a breach of the rule of law – Dr Hayatu
Dr Aminu Hayatu, a senior lecturer in political science at Bayero University, Kano, argued that the directive could constitute a breach of the rule of law.
“This is not just about public perception—it’s a legal issue. If governors are not permitted to access local government funds unilaterally, then this directive undermines constitutional provisions,” he said.
Dr Hayatu pointed to the recent Supreme Court judgment reaffirming financial autonomy for local governments, warning that bypassing proper procedures erodes democratic governance and sets a dangerous precedent.
“If local governments had been allowed to deliberate and voluntarily approve such contributions through properly constituted councils that would have upheld due process. But this looks more like compulsion than consensus,” he said.
He added that such interference contributes to local government underperformance, as councils can claim inadequate funding as justification for poor service delivery.
“Ultimately, the practice of overriding local authorities weakens Nigeria’s federal structure. If unchecked, it could embolden other state governments to follow suit, further eroding institutional integrity,” he added.
It’s a height of insensitivity – Ganduje’s aide
Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a media aide to Ganduje, described the government’s decision as “the height of insensitivity and hypocrisy.”
Speaking to Daily Trust, Yakasai, who also served as Director-General of Media and Communications during Ganduje’s tenure, criticised the government for what he called misplaced priorities.
“When Ganduje created new emirates and bought vehicles, they criticised it. Now they’re doing the same—and worse—under the guise of administrative necessity.
“The state is experiencing its worst water crisis in history, yet this government chooses to buy new cars for the Emir. It’s not an emergency. The vehicles in use are still functional,” he said.
Yakasai also questioned why the funding came from local governments rather than the state government or the Emirate Council itself.
“The Emir, who brands himself as pro-masses, should have requested that the money be redirected to providing water and basic amenities for the people. That would align with his public image,” he added.
Directive ill-timed and counterproductive – Prof Fage
Renowned political analyst, Professor Kamilu Sani Fage, also criticised the move, calling it ill-timed and a blow to efforts to promote local government autonomy.
“You cannot say this is a people-oriented priority. The government should have focused on initiatives that directly impact citizens, especially during such economic hardship,” he said.
Fage, a former vice president of the Nigerian Political Science Association, added that, “the timing is problematic. The Supreme Court has recently reaffirmed local government autonomy, and this directive undermines that principle. It’s a distraction and creates unnecessary tension.”
Source: Daily TrustDaily Trust
