The All Progressives Congress has called for an investigation into allegations that some officials have diverted rice donated by the Federal Government to Kano State.

The party also wants urgent prosecution for anyone found guilty in the independent probe.

The APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, expressed his concern over repeated accusations of palliative diversion by officials in the NNPP-led Kano State Government. “We are worried about the continuous reports of palliative diversion. If no action is taken, it may seem like we are supporting these unpatriotic acts,” Abbas warned.

He highlighted several issues, including the discovery of hundreds of bags of rice marked “Federal Government Food Security Programme” at a private school owned by Shehu Sagagi, the Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government. Abbas also mentioned the arrest of Tasiu Al’amin-Roba, who is allegedly connected to the Secretary to the State Government, for diverting state palliatives.

The APC chairman further accused the state government of rebranding and repackaging palliatives with the Governor’s picture and the NNPP logo, then selling them to party members. “The state government is falsely taking credit for federal interventions like fertilizer and seedlings given to farmers,” Abbas said. “This is an attempt to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to support the people.”

In response, Chief of Staff Shehu Sagagi denied the allegations. “The rice found at my school was either purchased with my funds or donated by generous individuals,” Sagagi stated. “I have a long-standing commitment to feeding children at my Islamic school, which began before I became Chief of Staff.”

Sagagi emphasized that he has not diverted any palliatives meant for the people. “My actions are driven by a sense of social responsibility,” he said. “I am ready to fully cooperate with any investigation to clear my name and show my commitment to transparency and accountability.”