SANUSI: As Emir, I spent N4bn, not N6bn in 3yrs

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II says that he has spent N4billion and not N6billion since he became emir three years ago.

The state Emirate Council stated this during a press conference in Kano on Monday through a senior council official in charge of finance, who is also the Walin Kano, Bashir Wali.

Debunking an online report that the emir had spent N6billion between June 8 2015 to April 11 2017, the Walin Kano explained that the council during the period in question spent N4,314,476,542.94 and not N6billion as alleged.

On the allegation of the emir inheriting N4billionn on ascending the throne, Wali said that Sanusi only inherited N1,893,378,927.38, explaining that prior to the emir’s ascension to the throne, the Emirate Council had N2,875,163,431.17 in its funds which were deposited in different banks as fixed deposits.

Explaining further, he said that out of the said amount, the council withdrew N981, 784,503.79 for the payment of the late Ado Bayero Royal City project and left a balance of N1, 893,378,927.38 with the respective banks.

According him, the council made other expenditures like the payment of N152, 627,723.00 for the procurement of furniture for the palace because upon Bayero’s demise, his entire property, including his furniture, were removed and distributed to his heirs in accordance with Islamic injunction.

The sum of N108million was also paid to the heirs of the late emir by the Emirate Council in respect of his personal cars inherited by the incumbent Emir of Kano, he explained, adding that another N15, 458,660.00 was spent on the renovation of the Fadacin Dare wing of the emir’s palace.

Other expenses made by the council was N9, 071,000.00 for the charter of flight twice for the emir, N37,054,192,06 paid to Airtel because the emir was identified with only one local mobile phone, which he utilises within and outside the country; adding that the majority of all the charges were for roaming.

The total grants the Emirate Council received from Kano State government between July 30, 2014 and March 1, 2017 amounted to N1, 727,938,660.42.

He said, “For the records, the Council operates a budget as approved every year by the Council, and no expenditure is ever made outside the budgetary provision.”

On emir’s alleged purchase of two Rolls Royce cars, Walin Kano said that the cars were purchased by friends of the emir and not by the Emirate Council.

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