The Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, has attributed his recent action of returning N100 million excess funds to the state government to the “exemplary leadership” of Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf.
Addressing journalists in Kano on Friday, the commissioner stated that his decision was inspired by the governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability. According to him, effective leadership should set a precedent for others to follow.
“In an ideal governance setting, the leader is a pace setter for others to follow. We have seen the governor’s body language, and as such, we fall in. That is what exactly happened. It is the wish of the governor that everybody should be as transparent as possible,” he said.
Alhaji Othman disclosed that he did not anticipate the governor making the refund public but believes the decision was aimed at fostering integrity among public officials.
“I never expected the governor to go public with it, but I believe the reason behind his announcement is indeed genuine,” he added.
The governor revealed the act during the flag-off ceremony for free uniform distribution, commending the commissioner’s honesty as a model for future generations.
As the head of the committee responsible for producing and distributing 798,000 uniforms for primary one pupils across Kano State, Alhaji Othman said Governor Yusuf had entrusted him with the N2 billion project, urging the team to execute it with diligence and accountability.
“The governor is a transparent leader, and therefore we should be transparent as well. He entrusted us with this project and advised us to ensure we delivered it efficiently,” the commissioner noted.
A retired customs officer, Alhaji Othman became the subject of public praise after the governor disclosed his action during the uniform distribution ceremony.
