The Kano State Executive Council has approved ₦99,928,541.63 for the reconstruction and renovation of the “defective fence” and surroundings of the Nassarawa mini Palace, currently housing the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced this on his official Facebook page following the council’s 15th meeting on Saturday.
Grassroots Parrot had reported, the state government ordered the eviction of deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero from the Nassarawa mini palace, claiming the property belongs to the state and is due for renovation.
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However, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, refused to enforce the eviction order, citing the need to await a court ruling.
A case regarding the eviction has been filed at the State High Court, with a hearing set for Monday, June 24, 2024. Meanwhile, security has been increased around the Nassarawa palace.
In addition to the palace renovation, the Executive Council also approved several other key projects, which include:
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Sickle-Cell Care Unit: Renovation and upgrade of the D-Ward at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, for establishing a Sickle-Cell Care Unit, costing ₦81,621,546.76.
Post-Midwifery Institute: Construction of the institute in Gezawa local government area at a cost of ₦770,858,450.39.
College of Nursing and Midwifery: Completion of the construction in Madobi local government area for ₦57,066,422.52.
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Excess Workload Allowances: Payment of ₦447,621,640.79 for excess workload allowances for lecturers at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil (ADUST) and Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK).
These approvals come in the wake of a two-week warning strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in May 2024. The strike was to draw attention to issues such as the non-reinstatement of the Governing Council, non-payment of outstanding entitlements, and gross under-funding of the universities.