The Kano State’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, has threatened to sue the online newspaper 247ureports.com and its publisher for publishing a story he claims is false and damaging.
The article in question alleged a fallout between Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf due to delays in the payment of a N500 million rice contract intended for palliatives.
The controversial report, titled “Trouble Inside Kano Government As Kwankwaso Falls Out With Governor,” suggested that Kwankwaso, the son of Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, had publicly criticised Governor Yusuf and his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Shagagi, over the delayed payment.
It also claimed that Kwankwaso had failed to deliver on a second N500 million rice contract after receiving the initial payment, which purportedly led to tensions with the governor.
In a strong rebuttal, Kwankwaso labeled the report as “completely baseless and a mere figment of the imagination” of the newspaper’s publishers.
He denounced the story as a distraction from the government’s achievements and progress.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Kwankwaso demanded an immediate retraction of the article and a public apology from 247ureports.com.
He warned that failure to comply would compel him to seek legal recourse.
The statement reads: “Dear friends and fellow citizens.
“I read with dismay a recent report published by 247ureports alleging unrest within the Kano government. I want to take this opportunity to inform the public that this report is completely baseless and a mere figment of the imagination of its publishers.
“It is clear that these claims are intended to distract us from the important work we are doing under the capable leadership of our Governor, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“Our government is fully committed to improving the lives of the good people of Kano State. We are focused on implementing positive policies and initiatives that will benefit our State.
“Let me assure you that no amount of propaganda from those who wish to undermine our progress will deter us from our goals.
“I urge the publishers of 247ureports to retract their misleading story and issue a public apology to the government and the people of Kano State.
“Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to consider legal action to protect our integrity and the truth.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in our government.”
