Doguwa Fires Back at Ex-Information Commissioner Over Budget Performance Claims

Kano State Commissioner for Water Resources, Umar Haruna Doguwa, has dismissed recent comments by former Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, alleging poor performance of the state’s 2025 budget.

Doguwa spoke during an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Kano, where he described Garba’s remarks as “baseless” and motivated by political frustration.

Garba had claimed that the 2025 budget implementation under the current administration was below expectations. But Doguwa said the former commissioner lacked credibility, alleging that his comments were driven by his “loss of relevance” within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Doguwa, Kano residents can attest to improvements recorded under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, including street lighting, security, education outcomes, road rehabilitation and construction, and other infrastructural projects.

He argued that these developments were absent during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, under whom Garba served as commissioner.

“For anyone to say Kano has performed poorly, people will judge him. They know what is going on,” Doguwa said.

Responding to Garba’s claim that the Ministry of Water Resources received over ₦21 billion in the budget, Doguwa said the ministry inherited decayed facilities, including 11 semi-urban water stations that were non-functional when the current administration assumed office.

He noted that the ministry had since revived several water stations, purchased new pumps and chemicals, and recently awarded the contract for the Rano Water Treatment Plant.

Doguwa also acknowledged that some communities still experience water shortages but blamed the challenge on Kano’s rapidly growing population, insisting that the state has recorded “over 100% improvement” compared to what the present administration met.

The commissioner further accused Garba of failing in his duties during the previous administration, alleging that equipment at the First World Tower was sold off without public disclosure when Garba was in charge of information dissemination.

Describing Garba’s recent statements as “empty noise,” Doguwa said Kano residents had repeatedly rejected the former ruling party in the 2019 and 2023 elections.

“We are not bothered. They have nothing to offer Kano people, and that is why they were rejected,” he added.

Doguwa concluded that the current administration remains focused on delivering service despite political criticisms.