Kano govt speaks on government house round about demolition, to build new one

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Following the outpouring criticism that followed the demolition of the monumental Kano State Government House roundabout, the state government said it is done in the interest of the public.
The demolition was scathingly criticized by the residents, including supporters of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP and Kwankwasiyya movement.
In a swift reaction, the state government, in a statement by Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Kano state, Abba Yusuf said it consulted professional engineers before taking the decision.
In the statement, the government explained that the engineers had ascertained to the fact that the roundabout construction was substandard and has the tendency to collapse between 2023 and 2024.
It added that ;”this is because it is done with used foam work and too much sandy materials instead of normal cement concrete.
“Also, the structure is too tall to be placed in front of the government house as it defaces its main gate which blocks the view for security surveillance.
“Additionally, it poses traffic challenges around the area because of its size, blocking the view of drivers accessing all routes linked through the roundabout,” the government said.
The statement however stated that the government would immediately rebuild what it called a befitting roundabout at the spot of the demolished one to ensure visibility of the government house entrance and safety of motorists.