Governance: Centre rates Kano as poorest performing state in Nigeria

***faults lack of direction, programs for common citizens

Kano State has been ranked as the poorest-performing state in the country since the advent of the new administration in May 2023.

The Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR) made this known in its quarterly report on governance across the 18 states with new governors.

In the report made public at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the Centre said its assessment was based on the transparency, accountability, quality of appointees and impact of policies on citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the Centre, Amb. Adebayo Lion Ogorry said Kano ranks bottom for good government, noting that the current administration has instead focused on political structures to the detriment of the people.

“Kano is one of the States whose Governor has gotten it wrong on several fronts,” the report said.

“From available statistics, the State is enmeshed in a series of political activities that have affected governance considerably.

“From interviews conducted with stakeholders in the state, it was gathered that the State Governor is bereft of ideas on tackling the State’s socio-economic issues.

“It was also gathered that his choice of political appointees was hinged on political considerations and not based on experience and capacity.

“There was also evidence of gross abuse of office evident in political persecution of perceived political opponents through irrational decisions that have boomeranged and affected the progress of the state.

“Available reports also indicated an astronomical lack of transparency and accountability in utilising State resources.

“The State Governor was observed to have neglected governance in pursuit of political vendetta. The Governor of Kano State has allowed governance in the State to take a worrisome turn, thereby affecting sustainable growth and development substantially.

“From available reports, he appears to be a misfit who cannot think critically towards addressing the socio-economic issues in the state.”

The Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, therefore, said the governor has been abysmal and his leadership style so far brought governance to its knees.

It advised the governor to design a developmental blueprint to address the various issues in the state.