The Federal Government has approved N5 billion as intervention fund for traders affected by the fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano, while state governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress have donated an additional N3 billion, bringing total relief to N8 billion.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the donations on Monday when he led a delegation to condole with traders at the market on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. He sympathised with the affected traders and prayed against future occurrences of fire disasters.
During the visit, Senator Shettima also formally received Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and his supporters into the APC fold on behalf of the President. The reception took place at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President reiterated President Tinubu’s assurance that the governor’s place in the governing party was second to none. “Your Excellency, we have watched the transformation that Kano has undergone under your leadership. We have seen a commitment to people-centred governance and a respect for the mandate of history. Today, we are proud to welcome you aboard the All Progressives Congress train,” Shettima stated.
He described Kano as “an eloquent expression of Nigeria’s cosmopolitan soul” and acknowledged the state’s contributions to commerce, scholarship, politics, culture, and industry.
On behalf of the Federal Government, the VP assured that the centre would work collaboratively with the state “to ensure that support is extended to all those affected and that recovery efforts are swift and effective.”
Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, noted that with the governor’s defection, Kano was now in the mainstream of Nigerian politics and would benefit more from the national government. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the move as “very important and strategic” for the party.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, praised the infrastructural development under Governor Yusuf and handed over the symbolic APC flag to the governor and some federal legislators who also decamped to the APC.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, described Governor Yusuf as an original APC member who “only went on sabbatical and has returned home.”
Responding, Governor Yusuf said his official entry into the APC was a defining moment for the state. He explained that he decided to join the APC family to deliver results for the people of Kano, adding that his former party, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), was not providing the cohesion and stability required for the state’s development. “Kano is too large and too important to be disconnected from the government at the centre,” he stated, pledging his support and loyalty to President Tinubu.
Former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, noted that the defection has increased the numerical strength of the APC in Kano State and consolidated the party’s position in the state.
