Former Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, has made a bold statement about his tenure, asserting that he never accepted bribes from contractors or misappropriated local government funds during his eight years as governor. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Shekarau reflected on his 44 years of public service, emphasizing his commitment to integrity and transparency.
“I may not be the only one, but you may be very sure I’m one of very few governors that, for eight years, never touched local government money,” Shekarau declared. He further highlighted that he never negotiated with any contractor for personal gain, a claim he is proud of. “I am proud to say that I have never taken any money from any contractor. They are all there; they know. The only thing I own today is my house where I live in Kano. I still live in a rented house in Abuja,” he said.
Shekarau’s remarks were made during the unveiling of activities marking the 70th Anniversary of the Muslim Student’s Society of Nigeria (MSSN), an organization he has been closely associated with throughout his career. As the Deputy Chairman of the MSSN Board of Trustees, Shekarau praised the society for its role in shaping his moral compass, attributing his principles to the moral training he received from the MSSN.
The former governor also outlined the MSSN’s ongoing efforts to empower the Muslim community across Nigeria, particularly in education, economics, spirituality, and politics. He noted that the organization has grown significantly, with 37,000 branches nationwide, and aims to introduce new programs to foster unity and encourage political participation among its members.
Despite the organization's achievements, Shekarau acknowledged that the MSSN has faced challenges, particularly in securing a national headquarters, which they only recently established after 60 years of existence.
Shekarau's statements underscore his commitment to transparency and ethical governance, as well as his ongoing dedication to the MSSN's mission of strengthening the Muslim community in Nigeria.
